Questions & Answers
“I do about 18 shows a year. None of them compare to the effort and organization that is apparent from your hard work all year!”
Q. I want to apply in two categories. What should I do?
A. You may apply in two categories, but you may only exhibit in one. You should submit two applications with four images each and two $40 administration fees (both will be non-refundable). If you are accepted in both categories, you will have to choose which category you would like to exhibit prior to the show. Applications should be for separate bodies of work. An artist may not submit multiple applications in one category.
Q. I don’t have a booth image. What should I do?
A. You must submit a booth image. You may set up your work in any space (e.g., your back yard, garage or living room) using the approximate booth dimensions of 10 feet by 10 feet and photograph it. The booth image allows the jurors to see the scale of the work and a representation of the body of work.
Q. I don’t have a tent. What should I do?
A. A tent is not mandatory. Many artists, whose work may be exposed to weather, exhibit work without a tent. If your work can not be exposed, you may contact a local tent rental company.
Q. I have a tent but I don't have weights. What should I do?
A. You must get weights. The Festival does not insure artists or their work. Weather conditions vary greatly from year to year. The Festival committee works diligently to plan the site to avoid problems, but we can not control rain or wind.
“Prestigious reputation, convenient parking and accommodations, lots of community support, and high quality exhibitors!”
Q. Can I sell shrink-wrapped cards and stationery with images of displayed originals?
A. Only if they are original one-of-a-kind pieces created solely by the artist.
Q. I want to be a food vendor. What should I do?
A. Send a self addressed stamped enveloped to the “Food Committee” at the GFA P.O. box listed in the Contact Us section (top right of your screen.)
Q. I am a previous award winner. Do I need to submit the $40 Fee?
A. Yes! We can only insure your participation if you submit an application. You will still be exempt from the selection jury process.
Q. If I call the GFA Hotline to see if I have been accepted, will someone return my call?
A. No. All notification is via Zapplication.
Q. If I am on the alternate list, when will I know if I am in?
A. The pre-jurors determine the list of alternates. As accepted artists cancel, the festival co-chairs are responsible for determining which alternates are asked to move up. Many factors are involved in this decision, including the category of the canceling artist, date of cancellation and travel time. Alternates may be accepted as late as one week before the festival. Alternates will be notified upon acceptance.
Q. If I received a rejection notice, can I still be placed on a waiting list?
A. No, you are only on the waiting list only if you have been notified you are an alternate.
Q. I want to request a booth space. What should I do?
A. A mailing will be sent to all accepted artists in January. This packet will include a tentative site plan and booth request form. This is the ONLY way to request a booth. No other requests will be honored. If you know you will not be at your application address during January, call the GFA hotline to make alternate arrangements.
Q. Where can I eat/stay while in Tampa?
A. An Artist Information Packet will be sent to all accepted artists in January. This packet will include maps of the area as well as hotel and restaurant listings. Also, see maps and lists in this Web Site.
Q. If I call the GFA Hotline to find out my booth number before the show, will someone return my call?
A. No, the booth numbers are given at during Artist check-in at the Festival beginning at 7:00pm on Friday evening. In order to receive a booth number, accepted artists must return the official booth request form sent in the Artist Information Packet.
Q. After receiving an acceptance notice, I responded to the Festival Committee within the time period allotted that I would attend. Now I must cancel. Will my booth fee be refunded?
A. No.
Q. Are artists responsible for collecting and paying sales tax on art sales?
A. Yes. For complete information, call the Florida Department of Revenue in Tampa 813-744-6325 or visit myflorida.com/dor.
Q. When can we start to set up?
A. The streets will begin closing at approximately 7 p.m. Friday evening. Artists may pick up their packets (which include booth number assignments) at Artist Check-In at 7 p.m. Friday evening and start to set-up. Don't forget the Artist Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.!
