Call for Artists: Pelham Art Festival 2027 – Celebrating 40 Years

Images (left to right): 2026 PAF artists, Music & Mindfulness by Cathy Peters, Foothills by Bob Bora, Bonnie and Clyde by Tamara Kwapich.

Pelham Art Festival 40th Annual Art Show & Sale

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2027, 11:55pm ET ($30 non-refundable fee). Late submission deadline February 10, 2027 ($60 non-refundable fee).
In-Person Festival: May 7–9, 2027 at Meridian Community Centre, Fonthill, Ontario
Online Festival: May 1–31, 2027 at pelhamartfestival.com

2027 marks a special milestone for the Pelham Art Festival as we celebrate our 40th anniversary! We’re planning a grand celebration of four decades of art, creativity, and community, and we invite artists to be part of this memorable year.

Join us Mother’s Day weekend, May 7–9, 2027, as we celebrate the artists and creative spirit that have been at the heart of the festival for 40 years.

Eligibility & Mediums

We welcome artists and artisans working in all media, including painting, photography, sculpture, glass, wood, textiles, jewellery, and more.

• Accepted artists may exhibit in-person, online, or both.
• Artists accepted for the in-person show are automatically included in the online exhibition at no extra cost.

Artwork Guidelines

• At least 80% of exhibited work must be original; up to 20% may be reproductions, such as giclée prints.
• Photographers may offer limited-edition prints.
• All work must be created by the artist. Machine-made, mass-produced, or AI-Generated artwork will be disqualified.
• Submitted artwork for jurying should have been created within the past 3-4 years.

Images (left to right): Fancy Fragrances by Shelley Prior, artist demonstration.

New for the 40th Anniversary

To mark our 40th anniversary, we’re introducing enhancements designed to improve the festival experience for our artists:

• Streamlined Sunday checkout
• Artist handbook with enhanced artist support
• Snack boxes for purchase delivered to your booth
• Expanded artist awards and recognition
• More special touches to celebrate 40 years of the Pelham Art Festival

2027 Theme: Memories

Each year, the festival highlights a special theme. Our 2027 theme, Memories, invites artists to explore the people, places, moments, and experiences that stay with us. From childhood memories and family traditions, to favourite places and defining moments, we invite artists to bring their memories to life through their own unique style, medium, and creative interpretation.

Festival Hours

Friday, May 7: Opening Night Gala | 6:30–9:30pm
Saturday, May 8: Art Show & Sale | 10am–5pm
Sunday, May 9: Art Show & Sale | 10am–4pm

Images (left to right): Eagle by Jessica Somers, Ash Burl Bowl Set by Don Svob, Point Abino, After the Storm by Joachim Gmoser.

Why Exhibit at the Pelham Art Festival?

As one of Ontario’s premier spring art festivals, the Pelham Art Festival offers artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work, connect with collectors, and reach an enthusiastic audience of art lovers.

• Direct sales and opportunities to connect with visitors and fellow artists
• Promotion through the festival’s advertising and social media campaigns
• Year-round online exposure, with artist galleries remaining live until April 2028
• Opportunities for recognition through juried awards

The Pelham Art Festival is a juried event committed to showcasing quality, originality, and artistic excellence. Awards are selected by a panel of judges recognizing outstanding work across a variety of media.

How to Apply

Visit pelhamartfestival.com/call-for-artists for application details and to submit your work. For additional information, please review our Artist FAQs at pelhamartfestival.com/faq.

Regular Submission Deadline: January 31, 2027, 11:55pm ET ($30 non-refundable fee)

Late Submission Deadline: February 10, 2027 ($60 non-refundable fee)

Important: Applications and payments are accepted only through the official Pelham Art Festival website, pelhamartfestival.com.

Questions? Contact artists@pelhamartfestival.com.

Photographer Adrienne Zoe.

About the Festival

Now in its 40th year, the Pelham Art Festival is a not-for-profit event recognized as one of Ontario’s premier spring art festivals. We host nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and welcome thousands of visitors each year, with annual art sales exceeding $58,000. Proceeds support the Lincoln Pelham Public Libraries, provide annual scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary studies in the arts, and fund local community arts projects.

Pelham Art Festival
www.pelhamartfestival.com
Email: artists@pelhamartfestival.com or info@pelhamartfestival.com

Facebook @pelhamartfestival
Instagram @pelhamartfestival

Accessibility: Meridian Community Centre is fully accessible. For more information, visit here.