Youth Artists

Your creativity. Our community. We’re here to support the next generation of talented artists.

Youth Artists

Are you a young artist ready to share your creativity? The Pelham Art Festival offers emerging artists ages 14-19 the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work, connect with art lovers, and gain valuable experience at a professional art show.

Interested? We invite you to apply. Deadline for applications is January 31, 2027. For more information, please contact Lori at [email protected]

Resources

Helpful links to help with your artist submission and booth

Jurors' Checklist
Juror’s
Checklist
2026 Juror's Checklist
Important
Submission Tips
2026 Juror's Checklist
2027
Theme
2026 Juror's Checklist
2026 Youth Artist Award winner Heidi Morris

Pelham Art Festival Show & Sale

A showcase of original artwork by Canadian artists and artisans that takes place every Mother’s Day Weekend at the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill.

FAQS

Youth artists ages 14–19 who live in Niagara and are currently enrolled in a provincially recognized secondary school program within the Niagara region.

  • Applications open November 1, 2026 and close January 31, 2027.
  • Late applications will be accepted (with late fee) until March 5, 2027.

  • $10 by January 31, 2027
  • $20 for late submissions (Feb 1–March 5)
  • Artists are also responsible for costs to make their artwork show-ready (e.g., framing).

You’ll need to log in and apply online and include:

  • Three (3) images of original artworks created in the last three years.
  • A 500-character artist bio/statement (written in the first person, no names included).
  • A 200-character description of your work.
  • Refer to our Tips for Submitting for Jurying for helpful information.

Painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital media, illustration, glasswork, textiles, jewelry, woodturning, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media. Not sure?  Contact Lori for more information at [email protected]

  1. Go to Apply Now – Artist’s Application and log in.
  2. Complete your profile (name, address, phone, email, bio, description). Skip banner image, profile photo, and social media until accepted.
  3. Upload your images in .jpeg or .png format, with titles, sizes, and mediums entered.
  4. Submit three artworks, your bio, description, and the non-refundable application fee. Read our tips for submission.

  • File types: .jpeg or .png
  • Size: between 600×600 px and 1024×1024 px, max 4MB
  • Cropped to show only the artwork (no frames, signatures, or watermarks; exceptions for 3D works or frames integral to the art)
  • Naming format: YourName_Title_Year (e.g., JaneSmith_SummerDay_2022)
  • Banner image: 1920×640 px
  • Profile photo: 750 px on longest side

Tips for a strong application

  • Submit high-quality, well-lit, in-focus photos of your work.
  • Present a consistent body of work (same style/medium).
  • Write a clear, concise artist statement in the first person, without including your name.
  • Be specific in your artwork descriptions about materials and techniques.

Get more useful information here.

  • All submissions will be juried to select exceptional artwork for a limited number of spaces available in a double booth at the Festival.
  • All jury decisions will be final. 
  • Artists must be able to present during the festival.

Yes. All accepted youth artists must share responsibility for staffing the group booth throughout the three-day Festival. If you cannot commit to booth duty, you should not apply.

  • Exhibit in-person in the dedicated youth artists’ booth
  • Online gallery and sales platform (active for one year)
  • Eligible for the Best Youth Artist Award, judged at the Festival
  • The chance to gain real art show experience and get public exposure.

The Festival collects a 15% commission on all sales, the same as for all artists. Proceeds support Lincoln Pelham Libraries, visual arts scholarships, and community arts initiatives.

Reach out to our Youth Artist coordinator Lori [email protected] or the artist liaison at [email protected] Use a clear subject line so your question is directed properly. Example:

  • PAF 2027 Photographing My Art – Your Name
  • PAF 2027 Gallery Setup – Your Name

What if I forget my password?

Go to the login page, click RESET PASSWORD, and follow the instructions. A temporary password will be sent to your email (check spam/junk). Once logged in, update your password under “Your Profile.”

Call For Artists

Deadline for submissions January 31, 2027

Festival proceeds benefit the Lincoln Pelham Library System and provide annual scholarships to graduating Pelham students who are pursuing post-secondary studies in fine arts. Students interested in applying for scholarships click here.
The Festival also supports various community arts projects. Artists donate back 15% of their sales to support this effort.

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