The Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) created the Fine Arts Festival (FAF) in 1980 to provide incentive for local artists to improve their technique and a place to showcase and sell their artwork. Since then, the festival has grown into a major art exhibit featuring artwork by artists from all over the country. The artwork is also judged in seven categories and over $2,800 in cash prizes and ribbons are awarded. The guidelines for the 2024 Fine Arts Festival will be finalized in April, but will be similar to the guidelines below.
~ 2023 FINE ARTS FESTIVAL GUIDELINES ~
(Guidelines are subject to change)
Click Here to download the Fine Arts Festival Brochure
EXHIBITION DATES: July 21-August 30, 2023
LOCATION: Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave. Southern Pines, NC
DELIVERY DATES: Due to storage limits, art can only be accepted July 5–8 (10a-4p).
ENTRY FEES (non-refundable): Arts Council Members = $20 per entry | Non-members = $30 per entry
ELIGIBILITY & CATEGORIES: Any artist (16+ years old) may enter art in the following categories: Oil | Acrylic | Drawing/Pastel | Watercolor | Photography | Mixed Media/Printmaking | 3-D
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Artists may submit up to two entries that are completely original by the artist; created after January 1, 2022; & not previously entered in ACMC’s Fine Arts Festival or exhibited at Campbell House. Art may not exceed 60” (including frame) in any dimension or weigh more than 75 lbs. 2-D art must be completely dry, prepared to hang by one nail with wire & eye hooks (saw tooth hangers or clip frames not accepted). 3-D art may be entered with stand, if needed. Art requiring special installation not accepted. Art must be stable enough to be handled. Artificial Intelligence (AI) art is not allowed. ACMC has final ruling on what is considered suitable for public display & on art installation & location.
JUDGE: Ophelia Staton is an abstract painter & public-school educator from Creedmoor, NC. Her paintings are in private & public collections across the U.S. & on display at the NC Museum of Art’s gift shop.
AWARDS (awarded at judge’s discretion):
$500 – Sara Wilson Hodgkins Best in Show
$125 – 1st Place in each category
$100 – 2nd Place in each category
$ 75 – 3rd Place in each category
Ribbons for all Honorable Mention
LEE BARRETT PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Given in memory of Cecelie “Lee” Barrett’s 21 years of service to ACMC and the Fine Arts Festival, this award is voted on by all exhibit attendees. The winner receives $200 & ribbon, which will be announced on August 24.
PURCHASE AWARDS: Businesses & individuals can support the festival artists by purchasing artwork at a special preview on July 20. In addition to selling their art, the artists receive a ribbon. Please contact us if you would like to provide a Purchase Award.
AWARDS CEREMONY: Winners will be notified by July 24 via phone or email. Winners will not be made public until the awards ceremony on August 4. Hosted by ACMC Board, artists & guests are invited to an Opening Reception on August 4 (6-8p) at the Arts Council Galleries.
ART SALES & PRICING: ACMC asks all entries to be for sale. A $15 fee will be charged per entry not for sale. To help with pricing, art under $700 has a better chance of selling. Prices may not change after the festival begins. ACMC’s commission is 35% on all sales
ART REMOVAL: Art must remain on exhibit through August 30. Dates for art removal are August 31, September 1, or by special arrangement.
LIABILITY: All reasonable care will be given in the handling and display of the art. All art exhibited is insured from time of delivery until 5pm on September 1, 2023. ACMC staff, sponsors, & volunteers assume no responsibility for loss of or damage to art.
OTHER CONDITIONS: The artist grants ACMC permission to photograph & reproduce any art for publicity & educational purposes. ACMC reserves the right to refuse, remove, or reject any art. Guidelines are subject to change at any time. Entry of art constitutes agreement with conditions described herein.
Please thank our Fine Arts Festival sponsors:
Artists League of the Sandhills
Adele Buytenhuys
Paula Caddell
Philip Bailey / Charles Schwab
Pinky Doyle / Re/Max of the Pines
Eye Candy Gallery
Fore Properties
Doris & Pete Gulley / Gulley’s Garden Center
Michael Lamb Interiors & Antiques
Robbins, May & Rich, LLP
Past Fine Arts Festival winners:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009