53rd Annual Members Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show (all applicants)

Description

53rd Annual Members Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
All Applicants:This call is open to all RAL Member Artists. Membership must be current from the time of this registration through the dates of the event. For membership information, new or renewal click here.
Deadline for Submission: March 2, 2026 (4pm).Notification to Artists: Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
EVENT DETAILS:
When: August 1-2 and 8-9, 2026
Where: The Rehoboth Art League Campus
Times: Saturdays: 10:00am-5:00pm, and Sundays: 10:00am-4:00pm
Rain or Shine!
Registration Fee: $25.00 (Registration fee is non-refundable).

Located in the Delaware Beach resort area, the Rehoboth Art League’s (RAL) two-weekend Annual Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show draws local discerning collectors as well as those from the Baltimore-Washington, Philadelphia, and New York City areas. The historic campus of over 3.5 acres draws over eight thousand patrons for the event. Many are returning patrons eager to see their favorite artist’s new works. Adult attendees pay a $5 entry fee which is valid for both days of a single weekend. The event is free for children 12 and under. Advertisements are placed in regional magazines, newspapers, and on radio. Direct mail, social media, Chambers of Commerce, and Tourism event calendars feature the show as a signature event in the Coastal Delaware region. Our 2024 Outdoor Show made Sunshine Artist Magazine's Top 200 Best Shows in America list for art and design coming in at #68. The Art League is within walking distance of the beach and downtown Rehoboth. Artist booths are set up throughout the unique wooded property creating a welcoming atmosphere for art patrons to view the best in fine art and fine crafts.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Artist submission deadline (online): March 2, 2026 (4pm)
Acceptance notification (by email): April 1, 2026
Booth fee due: May 1, 2026
1st Weekend dates: August 1-2 (Set-up: July 30-31, 10am-4pm; Breakdown: August 2, 4-6pm; August 3, 10am-4pm)2nd Weekend dates: August 8-9 (Set-up: August 6-7, 10am-4pm; Breakdown: August 9, 4-6pm; August 10, 10am-4pm)PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY AS RULES AND PROCEDURES HAVE CHANGED:

ALL ARTISTS, both new and returning, must submit an application and go through the jury process each year. RAL MEMBERSHIP MUST BE CURRENT to apply.

ACCEPTABLE WORK: Only ORIGINAL fine art and fine crafts are eligible. All art must be 100% created by the artist. Machine-made or work reproduced by anyone other than the artist is not permitted. All work must be for sale. All work displayed must be of the same or better quality than the work submitted for the jury process.

JURY AND SUBMISSION PROCESS: All applications must consist of a total of FIVE (5) images: four (4) of your work, and one (1) of your booth display. Artists who wish to exhibit more than one medium must submit separate applications for each medium and pay the $25 application fee per application under their User ID/Registration for this call. Decisions of the jury are based on the quality, uniqueness, consistency, and professionalism of the artwork and booth display. Your booth image will affect your jury score. DO NOT submit booth images with any identifiable sign or photo of the artist or artist information. (This is a blind jury and points will be deducted for failing to follow this direction). Acceptance is based on jury score, regardless of category. The blind jury process is done online. Submissions are sorted and viewed in random order. All jury decisions are confidential and final. Artists may only exhibit artwork in the medium for which they have applied and are accepted.
Collaborating Artists:“Collaborating artists” is defined as two(2) artists that work together to create any one piece of art. If two artists collaborate, it is regarded as one joint entry. If accepted, all work exhibited must be collaborative. Both artists are required to be present at the show. Both artists will be listed together in the event program and promotional materials.DISPLAY BOOTH:Artists are allotted an 11’ x 11’ booth space to accommodate a 10' x 10' tent. If an artist’s display extends beyond the allotted 11 x 11’ booth space they will be billed for an additional booth space ($450) per weekend. This includes side panels, tables, and print bins. All tents must be WHITE. Booth spaces are located throughout the Rehoboth Art League’s historic wooded property. Uneven campus topography makes it imperative for artists to bring items with which to level their booth tents and display furniture. Artists may not make changes to the landscape, including trimming or cutting branches. Tall tents may be obstructed by foliage. All tents must be WELL anchored and secured in place with weights. Be prepared for weather. The show is Rain or Shine. Only small awnings that are 28” or less deep (sticking out from the tent) are allowed. Any awning that infringes on neighboring booth space, is seen to pose a hazard, or that is deemed inappropriate for any reason by RAL staff must be taken down immediately without objection. All awnings must be taken down/stowed outside of event hours.

BRANDING / SIGNAGE:Signage on the outside of the artist's tent (i.e., the artist's name, logo, or name of business) is ONLY PERMITTED IN BLACK AND WHITE. Free-standing signage such as banners, yard signs, or any type of signage that attaches to the outside of the tent is not permitted. Banners and signage on the inside of the tent is allowed; however RAL reserves the right to ask any artist to take down signage of any kind that does not reflect the aesthetic of the display booth image submitted.
ARTIST BOOTH ASSIGNMENT:RAL does NOT guarantee any booth placements. However, requests for specific accommodations will be taken under consideration. Booth assignments are provided to artists at Artist Check-in. There will be NO BOOTH CHANGES once assigned. If space is available, artists may request a double booth space. To request a double booth space email sara@rehobothartleague.org or call (302)227-8408 ext. 205 at the time of jury notification. Double booth spaces are limited and will be given first come, first served. Artists participating in both weekends will be assigned first.
FEES AND PAYMENTS:
Application Fee: Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) non-refundable application fee must be paid to begin your application submission.
Booth Fee (if accepted): $450 for one weekend / $800 for both weekends. Payment is due May 1, 2026.
Fee Refunds: No refunds will be given after May 15, 2026. Refunds  given prior to this date are minus a twenty-five dollar ($25) administrative return fee.
SET UP & BREAKDOWN:Artist set-up is the Thursday and Friday before the show weekend strictly from 10am to 4pm. Artists who plan to set up on Friday only must plan accordingly to complete their set up and vacate the property by 4pm. Artists are not allowed onto the RAL campus on event mornings until 8:30am and must remove their vehicles to their assigned parking spaces no later than 9:30am. Artists showing both weekends may keep their tent and display materials up between weekends. Artists are not to hang around their tents on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between show weekends with the exception of first weekend-only artists breaking down on Monday. Artist breakdown on show Sundays is from 4:00 to 6:30pm and the following Monday from 10am to 4pm. Artists MUST COMPLETELY BREAK DOWN AND BE PACKED UP BEFORE RETRIEVING VEHICLES to load up. For safety concerns artists are NOT TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES ONTO THE RAL CAMPUS UNTIL RAL staff has signaled they can enter the property at the end of each show day.
PARKING:The Town of Henlopen Acres in which the Rehoboth Art League is located is a small residential community with very limited parking. In cooperation with Town residents we provide parking for our participating artists during show hours in order to guarantee artists parking and to maximize available parking for show patrons. Parking assignments are given at artist check-in.
ARTIST AMMENITES:An artist “Comfort Station” is available in the RAL Children's Studio, which offers free water, air conditioning, and a restroom for participating artists. Complimentary breakfast items and coffee are provided to artists each show morning from 8:30 to 10:00am in the Artists’ Comfort Station. An artists' reception is held each Saturday of show weekends from 5 to 6:30pm.
ART SALES:
Artists are responsible for processing their own sales transactions. The Rehoboth Art League does not provide sales books or wrapping materials for artist sales. RAL provides access to Wi-Fi for participating artists.

SHOW POLICIES:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 
Below are rules and regulations of the 2026 Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show:

RAL expects a level of professionalism from artists that participate in the Outdoor Show. Any artist who berates the RAL staff, volunteers, or other artists or who uses offensive and vulgar language will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave the grounds immediately and you WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the Outdoor Show again.
Artists MUST be present on all days of the Show from the opening to the closing. No commercial dealers, agents, friends, or relatives are permitted to represent the artist. RAL reserves the right to close or remove any booth in which the artist is not present. Only one exhibitor is allowed per space.
The show is held rain or shine. You are responsible for your booth and its contents. Be prepared to protect your artwork and display in the event of bad weather. Make sure your booth is well secured.
The Rehoboth Art League is not responsible for damage to artwork or display materials due to weather or unrelated incidents. Artists store art and materials at their own risk.
No smoking/vaping is permitted on the Art League campus, parking lot, or in any buildings/structures.
Applicants must be current members in good standing with the Rehoboth Art League.
Works must be original and conceived, designed, and executed by the exhibitor. No commercially produced or kit items are permitted.
All prints and reproductions must be identified as such and be limited (numbered and signed) with an emphasis on original work.
Photography reproduced on commercial and functional items such as tote bags, mugs, pillows, and clothing is strictly prohibited. Only 2D photography is allowed.
Artists misrepresenting themselves from what they submitted will be asked to break down their tent and leave immediately.
Booth areas must be free of clutter and garbage on all sides of the tent and artwork must be displayed in a professional manner.
Artists are encouraged to set up in advance of the show weekend. ARTISTS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE RAL GROUNDS PRIOR TO 8:30AM ON THE SATURDAY OR SUNDAY OF THE SHOW WEEKEND. IN FACT, THIS IS SO IMPORTANT THAT ANY ARTIST VIOLATING THIS RULE WILL BE DOCUMENTED AND WILL RESULT IN BEING BANNED FROM ALL FUTURE SHOWS.
ALL VEHICLES MUST BE MOVED OFF RAL PROPERTY BY 9:30AM ON EACH SHOW DAY.
Parking guidelines are strictly adhered to in the town of Henlopen Acres. Artists are provided with a parking permit and MUST park in their designated space or risk towing or fines.
Due to limited space and maneuverability, artists MUST unload trailers/vehicles then remove their vehicles before setting up and completely tear down before retrieving vehicles at the end of the Show.
Displays must be professional in appearance.
Artists are responsible for picking up trash around their display area.
Boxes, supplies, extra artwork, etc. must be put away and kept out of sight.
Exhibitors may not display ribbons, awards, or prizes received at previous shows.
Artists who misrepresent their work will be dismissed from the show and forfeit all fees.
Artists may not sleep in their tents overnight.

Any breach of the above policies forfeits all rights of the artist and will result in immediate removal from the show without a refund and/or possible exclusion from future shows.
SAFETY:
The Rehoboth Art League follows local and CDC COVID guidelines for operating. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers during the August Outdoor Show. Please come prepared with plenty of cold water, ice in a cooler, and take breaks in the shade to avoid overexposure to the summer heat when setting up, during the show, and for breakdown.
APPLICATION / SUBMISSIONS:

This call is set up so that you first register and pay the $25 fee prior to uploading your images for submission. Your application must consist of five (5) images: four (4) images of your work, and one (1) image of your booth and display showing the overall continuity and professional presentation of your work. This MUST be an outdoor setup containing work consistent with the work you are submitting for consideration. All artwork must be created within the past two (2) years.
Only the first image you upload for your application will require any data (category/medium and application title). After uploading your first image, select "ADD ATTACHMENT" to upload the remainder of the required images. Do not submit a separate application for each image. If any images are missing your application will not be considered.
PLEASE NOTE you must submit a separate application for each category/medium you will be applying for. You can do this using your User ID/Registration for this call. Each application requires the five (5) images and separate application fee.
Images submitted must be less than 4 MB (each) in size. All images must be of high quality to best represent your work as images are used by RAL for promotional purposes. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. You may re-enter the call until the deadline to delete, change, and/or edit your submissions. Check out this instructional video to resize larger images using both Mac and Windows operating systems.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
DO NOT submit booth images with any identifiable sign or photo of the artist or artist information. (This is a blind jury and points will be deducted for failing to follow this direction).DO NOT submit a virtual (3D rendered) booth image. Virtual booth images will not be accepted and your application will not be considered. Failure to comply will be considered a sufficient reason for disqualification.Poor-quality images will affect the jurors' scores.
WAITLIST:
A waitlist will be developed based on jury scores. Artists placed on the waitlist will be notified as cancellations are received. Should you be placed on the waitlist, you will be given the opportunity to accept or decline the invitation to exhibit if or when an opening arises.

Contact Nick Serratore, Exhibitions Director at nick@rehobothartleague.org or 302-227-8408 ext. 104 with any submission-related questions or issues.

BY SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION, YOU AGREE TO THE ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RAL will monitor compliance with these rules during the show. Any artists not complying may be asked to leave the show with no refund. Artists understand it is the discretion of the RAL to modify show policies at any time.