EXHIBIT GUIDELINES
JURIED EXHIBITS
Every month new exhibits are installed, consisting of works by student, emerging and professional artists. Through an independent jurying process, artists are recognized for their achievements with monetary prize awards, including the Jean Wagner Troemel Best of Show, the Alice Alger Most Creative Award, and artistic excellence awards. Other awards presented at select exhibits include the Ted Karam Memorial for Best Sculpture; the Carl Steinsieck Memorial for Best Figure Drawing; the Emmett Fritz Memorial for Excellence in Painting. Winners are announced at the Opening Receptions during First Friday Art Walk.
Online Entries for exhibits open about 2 weeks prior to show opening date. They do not guarantee acceptance into shows. If you do not get the call for art emails already, click here to → join our mailing list!
NONREFUNDABLE ENTRY FEES (PER PIECE) Special fees may apply for designated exhibits. All fees are nonrefundable.
STAAA Members $15 | Non-Members $35
Student Members w/ID $7 | Student Non-Members w/ID $25
ARTWORK EXHIBIT GUIDELINES
ARTWORK STANDARDS – Artists may submit original fine art and fine crafts (2D & 3D) produced solely by the artist within the past three years that have not been previously exhibited at STAAA. Failure to comply with the artwork standards may result in disqualification from the exhibit and/or awards. Compliance does not guarantee acceptance of artwork into exhibits. Some exhibits may be more specific requirements for artwork, the following are general rules & guidelines. Always refer to the exhibit-specific rules when entering work.
2D ARTWORK – Maximum size (including the frame) varies from show-to-show. Refer to the call for art for max sizes. (60 inches on any size is the largest we will ever allow) • Must be dry, framed or with a minimum 1.5 inch gallery wrapped finished edges • ALL 2D artwork must be ready to hang with secured wire on the back–NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS • NO frosted acrylic or non-glare glass. Plexiglass and Art Glass are OK • Photography & Digital Art must be framed under glass or plexi. Photographs printed on canvas MUST BE FRAMED.
3D ARTWORK – Maximum size is 60in x 36in unless stated otherwise • All 3D artwork must fit on one of our gallery pedestals or be free-standing • Special installations must be approved by STAAA and handled by the artist.
INELIGIBLE ARTWORK –
- 2D Artwork that is not secure in its frame (if framed) or unsteady 3D work.
- Artwork that has been exhibited in any STAAA show where awards were given out.
- Giclees or reproductions (except for original printmaking and photography).
- Artwork larger than the maximum size (including the frame) specified in the exhibit’s guidelines.
- Kits or mass-produced items.
- Novelty items.
- Plagiarism: if your piece is a recreation of someone else’s image or work of art, enter something else.
ARTWORK DELIVERY & PICKUP – Artists must complete an entry form (online) and pay the NON-REFUNDABLE entry fee for each submitted piece. If you encounter an issue with the online entry form, please send an email to info@staaa.org or contact the office during gallery hours Monday-Friday (904) 824-2310. Artwork must be hand-delivered or shipped in compliance with the designated receiving dates and times. Shipped art will incur a $25 handling fee per box. Works juried out of an exhibit must be retrieved upon notification (usually via phone call). All accepted entries must remain on display for the duration of the exhibit and promptly removed at the conclusion. It is the artist’s responsibility to make sure their work is dropped off and picked up on time. STORAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE. ARTWORK LEFT AFTER 60 DAYS IS CONSIDERED AN UNRESTRICTED DONATION TO THE ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION.
JUDGING & AWARDS – Exhibits, unless noted otherwise, are always judged for acceptance and awards. Not all submitted works may be chosen for inclusion into exhibits. Thoughtful consideration is given to the judging process. Cash prizes and vouchers are awarded for outstanding artistic achievement. Judges’ decisions are final. STAAA determines which awards are presented at each exhibit.
The St. Augustine Art Association, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to not accept any work that does not meet our standards of inclusion, or that we deem inappropriate, excessively violent or pornographic.
UNDERSTANDING THE JURYING PROCESS – Juried exhibitions are curated events in which an independent juror selects artworks based on a combination of artistic merit, technical skill, originality, composition, and overall impact. Each juror brings a unique perspective, and different jurors may make different selections for the same body of work. The decision to exclude certain pieces does not reflect negatively on the artist’s talent or previous accomplishments but is simply part of the curatorial process.
We recognize that being juried out of an exhibition can be disappointing. However, each judge looks for something different, and a piece that was not selected for one show might be chosen in another. Due to the quick turnaround of our exhibits, there is not time for judges to offer critiques on each individual piece of art submitted. We do not always list upcoming judges, but we encourage artists to find their own style and niche, not to create something based on what they think a judge might like.
JUDGING CRITERIA – The selection process considers many factors, including but not limited to:
- Technical Skill – Mastery of the chosen medium and execution of artistic techniques.
- Composition & Design – Strength of layout, balance, and visual impact.
- Originality & Creativity – Unique approach, fresh perspective, and artistic voice.
- Concept & Emotional Impact – The power of the piece to move, challenge, or inspire viewers.
- Cohesion & Theme (if applicable) – How well the artwork aligns with the exhibition’s theme or overall aesthetic.
- Exhibition Balance – Creating a diverse, engaging, and well-curated show with a variety of styles, mediums, and subjects.
RIGHTS & LIABILITY – The St. Augustine Art Association is not liable for loss, theft or damage to artwork in its possession. Artists may wish to insure their artwork. All efforts are made to treat artwork with care and security. STAAA retains the right to use images of artwork that is or has been displayed in and through the gallery (including online) and of artists for promotions.
SALES – STAAA will process sales of all artwork on display in and through the gallery (including online exhibits). A 30% fee will be assessed for STAAA members and 50% for non-members. Different fees may be assessed for special exhibits. Price on Request (POR) is not allowed, and we discourage price negotiations. If sold artwork requires shipping, the buyer assumes all shipping costs.
ARTWORK RECEIVING & PICKUP DATES
Please see our Exhibit Calendar for specific receiving and pickup dates for each exhibit. They are usually 11:30 – 5:30 on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the First Friday of the month. If you are unable to make the designated dates and times, you can send an email to info@staaa.org.