Created in 1980, the Arts Council’s Fine Arts Festival provides incentive for artists to improve their technique and a place to showcase and sell their artwork. The festival has since grown into a major art exhibit featuring artists from all over the country. The art is also judged in seven categories and over $2,800 in cash prizes and ribbons are awarded. The guidelines for the 2025 Fine Arts Festival can be downloaded by clicking the red button below.
~ 2025 FINE ARTS FESTIVAL GUIDELINES COMING SOON ~
(Guidelines are subject to change)
Click Here to download the 2025 Fine Arts Festival Brochure
EXHIBITION DATES: July 23-August 27, 2025
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 8-12 (10a-4p).
ENTRY FEES (non-refundable):
Arts Council Members = $20 per entry
Non-members = $30 per entry
ELIGIBILITY: Any artist (16+ years old) is eligible to enter.
CATEGORIES & DEFINITIONS:
- DRAWING – 2-dimensional work created by forming lines on a surface using drawing instruments, such as pencils, chalk, charcoal, pen & ink, colored pencils, crayons, inked brushes, erasers, markers, & styluses. Pastels are accepted in this category.
- OIL – 2-dimensional work created by applying oil paints onto a solid surface—usually a canvas—using tools, such as brushes, sponges & knives.
- ACRYLIC – 2-dimensional work created by applying acrylic paints onto a solid surface—usually a canvas—using tools, such as brushes, sponges & knives.
- WATERCOLOR – 2-dimensional work created by applying watercolor paints or other transparent water media onto a solid surface—usually paper.
- PHOTOGRAPHY – 2-dimensional work that includes film & digital photography that has not been manipulated to achieve results beyond what could be produced in a traditional dark room. Hand-colored photography & emulsion transfers are accepted in this category.
- 3-DIMENSIONAL – Work that possesses all the dimensions of height, width & depth & is intended to be viewed from multiple angles. Sculpture, pottery, ceramics, reliefs, jewelry, & wood carvings are accepted in this category.
- MIXED MEDIA / ALL OTHER MEDIUMS – 2-dimensional work that includes, but not limited to, mixed media, collages, fiber art, printmaking, alcohol ink, & digital art (an original digital painting, a digital graphic or illustration, or a photo image that has been manipulated beyond enhancement or applying effect to a photograph.)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Artists may submit up to two (2) entries that are completely original by the artist; created after January 1, 2023; & not exhibited in our galleries or entered in previous ACMC Fine Arts Festivals. 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 (saw tooth hangers or clip frames not accepted). 3-D art may be entered with stand, if needed. Art requiring special installation will not be accepted & 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 location.
JUDGE: Blake Kennedy, Clay Studio Manager, NC State University Crafts Center, Raleigh, NC
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 & her years of service to ACMC & the Fine Arts Festival, this award is voted on by all exhibit attendees. The winner receives $200 & ribbon. The last day to vote is August 20.
PURCHASE AWARDS: Businesses & individuals can support the festival artists by committing to purchase art at a special preview on July 22. 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 starting July 23, but will not be made public until the awards ceremony on Fri., August 1. Hosted by ACMC’s Board, artists & guests are invited to an Opening Reception on August 1 (6-8p) at Arts Council Galleries.
ART SALES & PRICING: ACMC prefers all entries 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: The last day of the exhibit is August 27. Removal dates are Thu. & Fri., August 28 & 29. The Arts Council will be closed Aug. 30-Sep. 1 for Labor Day weekend.
LIABILITY: All reasonable care will be given in the handling & display of the art. All artwork entered is covered by insurance from time of delivery until 5pm on August 27, 2025. ACMC’s 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 reject or remove any art during the exhibit. Guidelines are subject to change without notice. Entry of art constitutes agreement with conditions described herein.
Please thank last year’s sponsors:
Artists League of the Sandhills
Cele Bryant
Charles Schwab
Debra Rhodes Fine Art Services
Eye Candy Art Gallery & Framing
Fore Properties
Gulley’s Garden Center/Doris & Pete Gulley
Michael Lamb Interiors
Jeanne Paine
Robbins May & Rich LLP
Rollin & Frank Shaw
Sandy Tremblay & Paul Hammock
Past Fine Arts Festival winners:
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007