The Pearl Street Art Fest in Boulder, Colorado, presents a remarkable platform for artists seeking to showcase their craft amidst a dynamic outdoor art gallery. Sunshine Artist magazine recognized it as one of the top 100 Fine Art and design shows.
This prestigious event draws talented individuals from local and national spheres, offering them opportunities to connect with fellow creatives, compete for cash awards, and benefit from dedicated volunteer assistance.
Set against the backdrop of Boulder’s bustling tourist season, this fair is poised to attract a substantial audience of over 60,000 attendees, providing artists an invaluable chance to gain visibility and acclaim in a thriving artistic community.
DISCOVER MORE: Colorado Art Fairs and Festivals
Contact Information
| Website: | boulderdowntown.com |
| When: | Yearly in July |
| email: | events@boulderdowntown.com |
| Facebook: | downtownboulder |
| Instagram: | boulderartsculture |
About the Festival
Pearl Street Arts Fest is a highly anticipated and beloved event in the scenic location of Pearl Street Mall, downtown Boulder, Colorado. With its charming pedestrian streets, stunning mountain backdrop, and vibrant community, it’s no wonder why Pearl Street Arts Fest attracts such a large and diverse audience.
This festival has a history spanning over 40 years, establishing itself as a must-visit event for art enthusiasts. Its longevity and reputation have garnered significant press coverage, making it a well-known and respected regional art festival. Artists can showcase their talent to thousands of attendees, ranging from locals to tourists, who flock to the festival yearly.
The popularity of Pearl Street Arts Fest is undeniable, with over 60,000 attendees expected to explore the curated selection of fine arts and crafts. Artists can gain exposure, make sales, and connect with a vast and engaged audience. Moreover, the festival offers cash prizes, ample volunteer support, and various amenities to ensure a seamless experience for the artists.
Venue Information
Boulder, Colorado, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene, offers many attractions that make it a haven for artists, including picturesque landscapes like the Flatirons and Boulder Creek.
Situated in the heart of downtown Boulder, Colorado, the Pearl Street Arts Fest unfolds along the lively streets of Pearl Street Mall and 14th Street between Spruce and Lawry Lane. This outdoor gallery in the vibrant city center provides the perfect backdrop for artists to showcase diverse visual art forms.
The Pearl Street Arts Fest serves as a platform for 98 artists to exhibit their creations, which include furniture, jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and mixed media. Attendees not only have the opportunity to admire and purchase art but also to engage with artists directly.
Opportunity for Artists
Over 60,000 attendees are expected to visit the festival, and artists have the potential to reach a significant number of art enthusiasts and potential buyers. The festival’s reputation and extensive press coverage attract many visitors, ensuring high exposure for participating artists.
With a jury selection process, the event ensures quality and variety in the artwork on display. This enhances the overall experience for attendees and increases the sales potential for artists. Artists have reported significant sales during the festival, achieving substantial revenue and expanding their customer base.
Competition for booth spots at Pearl Street Arts Fest can be fierce. The festival receives many applications yearly, and only a limited number of artists are selected by the jury. However, this level of competition speaks to the festival’s desirability and prestige.
Being accepted to participate in the festival is a testament to the quality and appeal of an artist’s work, and securing a booth spot provides a prime opportunity for artists to present their creations to a receptive audience.
Pearl Street Arts Fest offers artists an exceptional platform to gain exposure, generate sales, and connect with art enthusiasts. The festival’s large visitor numbers, sales potential, and reputation as a premier art event make it an attractive opportunity for artists to showcase their talent and expand their artistic careers.
How to Participate
To apply for Pearl Street Arts Fest, artists must meet certain requirements and adhere to specific guidelines. All work displayed at the festival must be original and created by the applying artist.
Signed and numbered reproductions are allowed but should not exceed half of the total display space. Artists are expected to exhibit artwork intended for sale, ensuring a professional and market-oriented atmosphere.
The festival welcomes artists working in various mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, painting, sculpture, and more. Artists may submit up to three electronic images of their current artwork for the jury process.
Additionally, artists must provide an image of their booth display, which can determine the selection process. The festival uses a jury selection process to ensure high-quality art and a diverse representation of styles and mediums.
The Pearl Street Arts Fest application process is facilitated through Zapplication, an online platform for art event applications. Artists can submit their applications beginning in November, with acceptance and rejection notifications typically sent out by March. The festival’s website provides detailed information on the application timeline and guidelines, allowing artists to plan and prepare accordingly.
Fees and Costs
To apply for the festival, artists must pay a non-refundable jury fee of $45 (2024), covering the processing and review of their submissions. Artists must pay for a booth space to secure their event spot if selected.
The festival offers different options for booth spaces, each with its associated costs. Single booth spaces (10×10) are available at varying prices, depending on their location. For instance, booth spaces located on the pedestrian mall typically have a booth rental fee of $450, while those on 14th Street have a fee of $350. Double booth spaces (10×20) are available if artists require more display space.
Additionally, artists participating in the festival are responsible for obtaining necessary permits, such as a City of Boulder business license, a special event sales tax license, and a State of Colorado Special Event sales tax license. Artists must also provide insurance coverage to protect their artwork and display materials.
Parking and Setup Logistics
Setting up booths for Pearl Street Arts Fest is convenient for participating artists. The festival provides access and specific timing for booth setup to ensure smooth operations. Artists can access the festival area at 9:00 a.m. on the designated setup day.
For optimal participation, artists must have their booths ready by the specified time, which is 3:00 p.m. on Friday for the kick-off event and 9:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Parking availability is another consideration for artists attending the festival. Downtown Boulder offers various parking options, including six parking structures, five parking lots, and on-street metered spaces, totaling over 4,000 parking spots. It is worth noting that parking in the City of Boulder Garages is free on Saturdays and Sundays.
