One of the things which makes the Portola Valley Arts Fest unique is that it is first and foremost a celebration of community and our creative connections. Although we have a large percentage of world-class artists, we also have many amateurs who participate. Talented artists who don’t have the inclination to sell their work in a booth have the option of joining our group show.

Applications for the Group Exhibition are now open!  

What is the Group Exhibition?

The group exhibition is an opportunity for community members to exhibit at the arts fest. Depending on demand, size, etc., one or two works by each artist will be shown.

When is the Group Exhibition?

The group exhibition will be held during the PV Arts Fest on September 14, 2024, from 10am to 5pm.

Where will it be held?

The group exhibition will be held in the Peabody Hall of Ladera Community Church. The church has generously offered their space for our use and are a wonderfully supportive, creative community in their own right, but this Arts Fest and Group Exhibition have no official affiliation with the church and are non-denominational events.

Does it cost money to participate?

No.

Who can participate?

The show is for community members:

• First, members of the Portola Valley creative circle (the organizing body of the Arts Fest)

• Next, anybody with a Portola Valley address (residential or otherwise) who is of high school age or older

• Finally, artists from neighboring towns

What kind of art will be accepted?

In past years, we've had photography, painting, prints, textiles, ceramics, mixed media works, assemblage, jewelry, and more.  Artwork needs to be family friendly and fit in the space. The artist will need to be officially registered for the exhibition (see next section for info).  Please note that the Arts Fest organizers reserve the right not to accept any work they deem not family friendly or not fitting the exhibition in any way.

How do I sign up for the group exhibition?

You will need to fill out an application form and sign a waiver. Applications will be accepted in the order they are received. Applications will be open from June 15 through July 31.

A LINK TO THE APPLICATION IS NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEB PAGE. 

When, where and how do I drop off my work?

The intake for all artworks will be on Thursday September 12 from 2– 6PM at Peabody Hall of the Ladera Community Church. Your artwork should have a removable label attached to the work with your name and the artwork title. 

How will my artwork be displayed?

2-D and other artworks will be displayed either on walls or on tables. All 2-D artworks must be wired for hanging. If you have a table-top easel, please bring it when you drop off your artwork, labeled with your name. 

Are pieces in the group exhibition for sale?

That is up to the individual artist. If you offer the pieces for sale or for charity, that financial transaction is fully your responsibility. You will need to work out the details of the sale and transfer between you and the buyer. Artworks in the group show will remain on display until the end of the show. Then, once you have picked up your artwork, you will be responsible for getting it to your buyer. 

You may be interested in this information about money matters.

Staffing the Group Exhibition

It's important that an artist participant be present at all times at the Group Exhibition. I will send out a sign-up sheet in August. (Artists who also have a booth will not be expected to gallery sit.)

How do I get my art back?

Since Ladera Community Church has many activities which take place in Peabody Hall, we will need to take down the show immediately. Your artwork must be picked up between 5pm and 6pm on the day of the show.  

Obligations and Liability

Artworks will be handled with utmost care. However, artists are solely responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance on their artwork at all times. Neither the Portola Valley Creative Circle (PVCC) nor the Ladera Community Church, nor any organization, gallery, agent, employee, contractor, PVCC member, nor volunteer is responsible for loss or damage to any artwork submitted, nor for any loss or damage that may occur during transit.

🔵 APPLICATION FOR THE GROUP EXHIBITION 🔵

Your application will be considered complete once we have received the following 2 items: 

Thank you for applying to the Group Exhibition!  I'll be in touch with all applicants in early August.

We want your work to look good!

The application deadline is July 31. We need the time post-deadline to prepare the show. The images you submit with your application are sized and arranged to determine which pieces best complement each other in size, style, color, etc. It takes time to fit this puzzle together, but enables us to hang the exhibition as effectively as possible.

Please be sure there is a good way to display your piece. The pictures above give some ideas, but be creative, and be sure any display supports are strong before you drop off your work.