The Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) created the Fine Arts Festival (FAF) in 1980 to provide incentive for local artists to improve their technique and a place to showcase and sell their artwork. Since then, the festival has grown into a major art exhibit featuring artwork by artists from all over the country. The artwork is also judged in seven categories and over $2,800 in cash prizes and ribbons are awarded. The guidelines for the 2025 Fine Arts Festival will be finalized in April, but will be similar to the guidelines below.
~ 2025 FINE ARTS FESTIVAL GUIDELINES COMING SOON ~
(Guidelines are subject to change)
Click Here to download the 2024 Fine Arts Festival Brochure
EXHIBITION DATES: July 23-August 27, 2025
LOCATION: Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House, 482 East Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines, North Carolina.
DELIVERY DATES: Due to storage limits, art can only be accepted July 8-12 (10a-4p).
ENTRY FEES (non-refundable):
Arts Council Members = $20 per entry
Non-members = $30 per entry
ELIGIBILITY & CATEGORIES: Any artist (16+ years old) may enter in the following categories:
Oil; Acrylic; Watercolor; 3-Dimensional; Drawing; Photography; Mixed Media (includes fiber art, printmaking, alcohol ink)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Artists may submit up to two (2) entries that are completely original by the artist; created after January 1, 2023; & not previously entered in ACMC’s Fine Arts Festival or exhibited at Campbell House. Art may not exceed 60” (including frame) in any dimension or weigh more than 75 lbs. 2-D art must be completely dry, prepared to hang by one nail with wire (saw tooth hangers or clip frames not accepted). 3-D art may be entered with stand, if needed. Art requiring special installation will not be accepted. Art must be stable enough to be handled. Artificial Intelligence (AI) art is not allowed. ACMC has final ruling on what is considered suitable for public display & on art installation & location.
JUDGE: The judge this year will be Blake Kennedy, clay studio manager at NC State University Crafts Center in Raleigh, NC.
AWARDS (awarded at judge’s discretion):
$500 – Sara Wilson Hodgkins Best in Show
$125 – 1st Place in each category
$100 – 2nd Place in each category
$ 75 – 3rd Place in each category
Ribbons for all Honorable Mention
LEE BARRETT PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD:
Given in memory of Cecelie “Lee” Barrett’s 21 years of service to ACMC and the Fine Arts Festival, this award is voted on by all exhibit attendees. The winner receives $200 & ribbon. The last day to vote is August 20.
PURCHASE AWARDS: Businesses & individuals can support the festival artists by committing to purchase art at a special preview on July 22. In addition to selling their art, the artists receive a ribbon. Please contact us if you would like to provide a Purchase Award.
AWARDS CEREMONY: Winners will be notified by July 23 via phone or email. Winners will not be made public until the awards ceremony on Fri., August 1. Hosted by ACMC’s Board, artists & guests are invited to an Opening Reception on August 1 (6-8p) at Arts Council Galleries.
ART SALES & PRICING: ACMC asks all entries to be for sale. A $15 fee will be charged per entry not for sale. To help with pricing, art under $700 has a better chance of selling. Prices may not change after the festival begins. ACMC’s commission is 35% on all sales.
ART REMOVAL: The last day of the exhibit is Wed., August 27. Removal dates are Thu. & Fri., August 28 & 29. The Arts Council will be closed for Labor Day weekend.
LIABILITY: All reasonable care will be given in the handling & display of the art. All art exhibited is insured from time of delivery until 5pm on August 29, 2025. ACMC staff, sponsors, & volunteers assume no responsibility for loss of or damage to art.
OTHER CONDITIONS: The artist grants ACMC permission to photograph & reproduce any art for publicity & educational purposes. ACMC reserves the right to refuse, remove, or reject any art. Guidelines are subject to change at any time. Entry of art constitutes agreement with conditions described herein.
Please thank our Fine Arts Festival sponsors:
Artists League of the Sandhills
Cele Bryant
Charles Schwab
Debra Rhodes Fine Art Services
Eye Candy Art Gallery & Framing
Fore Properties
Gulley’s Garden Center/Doris & Pete Gulley
Michael Lamb Interiors
Jeanne Paine
Robbins May & Rich LLP
Rollin & Frank Shaw
Sandy Tremblay & Paul Hammock
Past Fine Arts Festival winners:
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009