Holiday Boutique '23
This year's theme draws from all types of holiday markets from around the globe that celebrate festivities during the month of December.  Imagine standing in the middle of one with all the lights and holiday trimmings. The smell of sweets, crisp air or not, candy, and the laughter of people as they shop for decor and gifts. Our market will focus on handmade one of a kind unique gifts and decor for the home. Come join us on Friday December 1st as we invite you to shop with us and share in some cheer as you shop the many vendors, we will have on hand for whichever festive season you may celebrate.

Exhibition Dates:  Nov. 17-Dec. 24

​10/19            Application Deadline (Enter online before midnight)                      
11/3             Notifications: NEW! Check for "Accepted Submissions" button at the top of this page on Friday 11/3.
11/14            Drop off on Tuesday from 11 am-4 pm                           
11/17            Open to the public on Friday from 10 am-5 pm 
​12/1              Reception Friday, 6-8 pm
12/24           Gallery will close at 3pm.
1/2                Pickup all art and merchandise from Virginia Beach Art Center 11am - 4pm.

​Direct questions and concerns to Exhibition Coordinator Jorge A. Saenz - Email: exhibitions@artcentervb.org

Special Rules (please read through): 
Instead of the normal limit of three entries, artists may submit up to 9 different "types" of original fine art and fine craft items designed for gift-giving.  Each "Type," i.e., ornaments, may have multiple items that are similar, to be sold individually or in sets.  
For example: Goat's Milk Soap:  Handmade soap with goat's milk, oat milk and natural fragrances. $12/bar, I have 20 bars in a variety of scents.
Entries must be original fine art or crafts, no kits. Entries must also be fresh and new to the boutique, items sold previously must somehow be altered or enhanced for this year's Christmas Market, please do not submit items or art from previous years, we keep photos of what has been shown in the gallery before.
Photographing your work: Below are nine boxes to fill out your information and photographs of your art/merchandise collection. If you have 3 different types of ornaments just photograph one of each and give us quantities in the information portion of your submissions. The same goes for same items that you are selling, no need to photograph every single one unless they are completely different and then photograph as a group if you have more items. Crop your photos and take the best photos possible so the jurors can see your artwork. 

For 2D Artwork, no more than 3 entries may be submitted unless they are smaller than 11 x 14 or can be displayed on shelves, hooks, tables, etc.   

For 3D Artwork larger than 12"cubed, no more than 3 entries may be submitted.

When notified, you'll be guided on how many of each item to bring at a time.  Artists will be able to replenish their stock throughout the duration of the Boutique.

If not all of your items are accepted at the beginning, you may be asked to bring them in later in the month. Thank you for understanding that this is not necessarily a reflection on your work. It's more about the plans for how the boutique will be coordinated. Specific dates with replenishments will be given once items are accepted.

​Eligibility: 
Open to Local/Regional Artists (must be able to drop off work in person)  

Entry Fee:  

• $25 for Artists Gallery Members and VBAC Annual Supporters
• $30 for non-supporters
• There is a jury process and not all pieces may be accepted.
• Entry fee is non-refundable.

To Submit: 

• Fill out the entry form on this page by midnight, October 19th.
• You will need to upload photos of your artworks. File name of photo should have your last name & title. Images can be of individual pieces or a cluster of items that are alike, i.e., jewelry, notecard packs, ornaments, etc.  
• Submit a description about each piece, including materials or process that makes it unique.  Descriptions are for jurying purposes and will not be posted with the artwork.
• Pay entry fee by check (payable to VB Art Center) or PayPal/CC using button on the confirmation page.

​
​​Commission:   
30% of sales retained by The Artists Gallery for Invitational Artists
25% of sales retained by The Artists Gallery for Artists Gallery Artists

Liability and Permission:
By submitting your art, you understand and agree that the Virginia Beach Art Center and The Artists Gallery are not responsible and cannot be held liable for any damages to artworks during and after this exhibition.  You give us permission to use images of your artwork for marketing purposes.

Drop Off Art:
Drop-off is Tuesday November 14, 10 am- 4 pm.  No works will be accepted after Tuesday at 4 pm. If you cannot drop off on Tuesday, please arrange for an EARLY drop off the Sunday before by contacting the Exhibition Coordinator Jorge A. Saenz- Email: exhibitions@artcentervb.org

Posters and postcards/handouts will be available at drop off.
 
PICK UP:
All remaining art must be picked up on Tuesday January 2, 2024, between 11 am-4 pm.  

GENERAL RULES​

• There is a jury process; not all pieces may be accepted.
• VB-AC is a community gallery.  All artworks should be suitable for viewers of all ages.
• Artworks, mats and frames must be in good and clean condition.
• Works must be identified with a label- title, medium, price, artist name and phone number.
• Presentation must be professional and not detract from the artwork.  
• Gallery wrapped canvases that are 1" or wider must be painted on the sides with either the painting wrapping around or with a complimentary color. No visible staples on the sides of the canvas. 
• NEW! Paintings on 3/4" canvas or smaller MUST HAVE A FRAME.
• WIRE INSTRUCTIONS: All two-dimensional works must have a tight hanging wire, near the top 1/3 to 1/4" of the top of the frame.  Wire must be attached to the frame and not the backing/canvas. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS!   -NO EXCEPTIONS-
• Merchandise for the Holiday Market Boutique needs to be well presented and 3D items need to be able to stand on shelving and cubes. Holiday cards should be tied if all one kind or wrapped individually if you are presenting different styles. We welcome all kinds of pottery jewelry, or other items that will be a great gift giving idea. Merchandise does not have to have a Holiday theme but be new and innovative. Ornaments must come ready to hang, no personal items such as ornament trees, boxes or risers are accepted. The gallery has its own fixturing. Please no business cards or statements, we call out the artist's name and product information with our own tags. PRICE ACCORDINGLY, customers are looking to stretch their wallets and buy several items that are unique. 
  
• Artist will be notified of a sale so they can replenish their items.
• Works requiring special installation must be cleared in advance by contacting Exhibition Coordinator Jorge A. Saenz - Email: exhibitions@artcentervb.org​