show information for professional artists
Applications
for our 2025 shows are
NOW CLOSED.
Summer Show: June 6 - 8
Fall Show: September 19 - 21
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Demystifying Jurying:
How to Improve Your Acceptance Rates
Watch Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show director Chris Buonomo, board chair Sharon Strine, and vice chair Sarah Pollock as they discuss show applications and strategies for success. They'll cover everything you need to know to prepare your best application for the June and September Rittenhouse shows,
and other top-tier art shows.
We are proud of our top ranking in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Our June and September shows were also ranked #1 and #4 respectively in Art Fair SourceBook's Top 100 Fine Art Shows for 2019.
These rankings, based on sales, are compiled each year from the feedback cards sent in by show artists. We'd like to thank all of the excellent professional and student artists who make our shows some of the best in the country.
FAQ's professional artists
EARLY SET UP ON THURSDAY
Members of our Board of Directors and Staff will be on site to help coordinate our efforts. In addition, we will have our security team, a uniformed police officer, and a team of volunteers in place. Patience and cooperation will be key to a smooth set up.
To create a more pleasant and smooth experiece, we have staggered set up times. You will receive a chart showing your space number, set up time, and a map of the location where you are required to park to unload your vehicle. It must be stressed that you should not arrive earlier than your scheduled time.
You will have 1hr and 45 minutes to unload and dolly your display and work to your space.
You will be required to move your vehicle before the next group of artists arrive.
If you cannot arrive at the scheduled time, you will have to wait until after 6:30pm or Friday morning. *Exception below
* EXCEPTION
For artists in spaces on 18th Street and across from the Rittenhouse Hotel on West Rittenhouse
IMPORTANT: Artists assigned to these spaces must set up on Thursday at your scheduled time. You will not be permitted to unload and set up on Friday morning.
Park in your assigned location. Color coded unloading zones will be clearly marked.
You will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to unload and dolly your display and work to your space.
You will be required to move your vehicle before the next group of artists arrives.
PARKING PERMIT REQUIRED for Set up and Breakdown. Once you arrive at your scheduled time, a RSFAA Street Coordinator will give up a SET UP parking pass. A Parking Permit will also be required for BREAKDOWN.
BREAKDOWN Artists who break down displays or depart before closing time on any day of the show without receiving permission from the Director will not be allowed to return the following day or to future shows. Bringing your vehicle to the curb before the end of the show is considered breaking down early. If you have extenuating circumstances, please make the Managing Director, Chris Buonomo (direct cell 215-669-7928), aware of your situation.
LOAD IN . LOAD OUT are done by parking near your booth, next to the curb of the perimeter sidewalk at your scheduled time. No vehicles are permitted inside the Square at any time. Artists who are assigned spaces at the corners of the park are required to pull up on the sidewalk for safety reasons. All others are forbidden to do so. Unload and remove your vehicle prior to setting up your display.
Being allowed to park on the street to unload and load is a courtesy given by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Curbside street parking is available only during the following times:
1) For Early Set Up during your scheduled time on Thursday.
2) From 7:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
3) For breakdown on Sunday . If you’d like to remove your work from your booth each night, you may not pull your vehicle up to the curb until closing time each day.
ART
This is an ORIGINALS ONLY fine art show. Only original art created by the artist may be displayed and all work must be for sale. All work must be the same quality and in the same medium as the work accepted by the jury. No functional work, offset reproductions, giclees (even if embellished), prints, posters, postcards, t-shirts, books or personal merchandise of any kind may be displayed, promoted, or sold at this event.
Artists who misrepresent their work or break these rules will be dismissed from the show and forfeit all fees.
No work may be priced below $150. No commission is paid to the RSFAA.
BOOTH
All spaces are on a concrete sidewalk which surrounds the perimeter of the park, with each booth space measuring no less than 10’ x 10’. Most spaces share an additional 5’ space, located between every other space. This 5’ space is to be shared by you and your neighbor. DO NOT split this 5’ space. You should be set up right next to one of your neighbors. Some end booths may not have this extra 5’.
All booths and displays must be secured in place by weights, a minimum of 40 lbs per leg. Expect medium to strong winds. A member of the RSFAA will conduct weight checks. A WORD OF EXPERIENTIAL ADVICE: If you choose to use Kettlebells for your weights, please make sure they are inside booth overnight. They are easy and desirable to take.
All booths must be against the fence, facing the street, except booths in the corners of the park.
All tents, canopies, display panels, etc. must be free standing. Nothing can be tied off to the fences, trees, posts, etc. around the Square and no stakes can be put in the ground. All tents or canopies must be white.
Displays must be professional in appearance, and consistent with application shots. Keep all extra boxes, supplies, extra work, etc. out of sight. Items or boxes can NOT be stored inside the park over the perimeter fence.
Electricity is not provided. NO GAS GENERATORS are allowed. Only battery power packs for electricity are allowed.
Exhibitors may not display ribbons, awards or prizes received at previous shows.
All artists are responsible for picking up trash around their display area.
The stone squares surrounding the trees need to be kept clear throughout the show.
SECURITY
RSFAA has contracted off-duty police officers to provide security around the clock during the show. There will be 5 officers patrolling the park in addition to the regular on-duty officers assigned to the area throughout the duration of the show. Display panels and canopies may remain up overnight. It is advisable that you remove your artwork from your booth each night to eliminate the risk of damage or theft. In all cases, exhibitors will be responsible for their own space and property. Leaving anything in your space is done at the artist’s discretion. RSFAA claims no responsibility. Security should be considered a deterrent but provides no guarantee against damages, theft, or vandalism. You are responsible for obtaining your own insurance if desired.
HOTELS
If the board has worked out any special rates, these will be emailed to you directly. Hotels in the area around the Square are going to be fairly expensive by comparison to motels outside the city. Check out Priceline.com, Orbitz.com, Expedia.com, Kayak.com, Trivago.com, Hotels.com. You may also look for rooms in Essington, south of the city, off Route 95, just past the airport (15 minute drive). For the purpose of searching for a room near the Square use this location: 18th & Walnut Streets.
PARKING
meterUP If you want to utilize metered parking. Download the app prior to arrival.
Please Remember! This is a big city. If you have a large van, trailer or RV, you may have some difficulty finding a lot. They are out there, but after you find one, you may have to walk several blocks back to the Square.
FOOD DISCOUNTS are ONLY good for exhibiting artists throughout the duration of the show.
PLEASE SHOW YOUR ARTIST BADGE to receive discounts.
1. SMILE CAFÉ*: https://www. smilecafepa.com
Fellow artist Ken Tutjamnong (space #92) and owner of Smile Café, will provide exhibiting artists a 20% discount.
* You can look at the menu online https://www. smilecafepa.com
You'll need to order over the phone 215-564-2502 to get the 20% discount
No lunch on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
- FOR LUNCH: call between 11:30am to 2pm. They will deliver to your booth or feel free to pickup
- FOR DINNER: call between 5pm and 8:30pm. They can deliver to your hotel if it is within 1.5 miles from the location of the restaurant, or feel free to pickup.
* $15 minimum for delivery.
105 S 22nd St, Philadelphia . 215-564-2502
2. METROPOLITAN BAKERY https://metropolitanbakery.com/pages/locations
is offering exhibiting artists a 10% discount for all items ONLY at this location :
262 South 19th St, Philadelphia . 215-545-6655
3. HIP CITY VEG: https://hipcityveg.com
is offering exhibiting artists a 10% discount 127 South 18th Street, Philadelphia . 215-278-7605
4. Bar Bombón: https://barbombon.com
is offering exhibiting artists a 10% discount
133 S 18th Street, Philadelphia . 267-606-6612
5. *MACHI SUSHI BAR https://www.machisushibarpa.com
is offering exhibiting artists a 15% discount. * You can look at the menu online https://ordermachisushi.com
but you need to order over the phone 215-545-2388
and show your badge when you pick up or dine-in at the restaurant to get the discount.
209 S 20th Street, Philadelphia . 215-545-2388
6. BAKESHOP ON TWENTIETH https://bakeshopon20th.com
is offering exhibiting artists a 10% discount for all items ONLY at this location:
269 South 20th Street, Phladelphia . 215-644-9714
7. DEVIL'S ALLEY BAR AND GRILL https://www.devilsalleybarandgrill.com
is offering exhibiting artists a 15% discount. Please show badge.
1907 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia . 215-751-0707
8. WILDER RESTAURAUNT https://www.wilderphilly.com
is offering exhibiting artists a 15% discount when they dine-in.
2009 Samsom St. Philadelphia . 215-309-2149
9. D'ANGELO'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO https://dangeloristorante.com
is offering exhibiting artists a complimentary dessert with an entree purchase when they dine-in.
256 S. 20th St. Philadelphia 215-546-3935
RESTROOM FACILITIES Artists may use facilities at the Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square, at the SW corner of the park)
OTHER CONVENIENCES
Jefferson Urgent Care 8am to 8pm 7 days a week
2021 Chestnut Street
267-443-2022
TD Bank ATM 18th & Walnut Strrets
Rittenhouse Hardware - 20th & Pine Streets
CVS - 19th & Chestnut Streets
Target - 19th & Chestnut Streets
Rittenhouse Small Grocery Market - 18th & Spruce Streets
Trader Joes Grocery Store - 21st & Market Streets
Giant Grocery Store - 23rd & Arch Streets
Fed Ex - 21st & Market Streets
UPS- 21st & Walnut Streets
Post Office - 2025 Chestnut Street
Here you will find marketing tools that reflect our branding.
These branded images have been created to ensure consistency in our marketing efforts.
Please use them as you communicate with your collectors.
RITTENHOUSE SQUARE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION CODE OF CONDUCT
The Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Association is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment. We ask all Show participants to embrace our values of equity and equality and conduct themselves at this Show consistent with those values. At every Show, there is a designee as the first point of contact for any who thinks they have experienced discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behavior.
View a complete copy of the RSFAA Discrimination and Harassment Policy
All exhibiting artists are responsible for City and State taxes.
In early 2023, the City of Philadelphia moved to a new online tax filing system. The following is the most up-to-date guidance we have:
PHILADELPHIA TAXES If you do not already have a City of Philadelphia tax identification number visit https://tax-services.phila.gov and choose “New Taxpayers” to register.
As of Tax Year 2022, Trade Show Vendors in Philadelphia must file both Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) and Net Profits Tax (NPT) returns. These returns are due April 15 of each year for business activity from the previous calendar year. To file, visit the City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue Website (link to: https://tax-services.phila.gov/). You will need to register for a username and password to use their online filing system. Here are instructions for the most recent tax year, 2022: https://www.phila.gov/media/20230111093937/BIRT-NPT-filing-instructions-general-information-2022.pdf
The BIRT-EZ must be filed and paid by April 15 of each year, for business activity from the previous calendar year. To file visit the City of Philadelphia Departmernt of Revenue Website and then use your web browser to "Find a Page" the terms "Trade Show" to locate the information you need.
PENNSYLVANIA SALES TAXES
You will also need to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for information about your Pennsylvania (6%) and Philadelphia (2%) sales tax responsibilities.
Prior to making taxable sales, rentals or leases, one must apply for a license with the PA Department of Revenue.
Registration for Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy can be completed by registering online using the PA Open for Business website at https://business.pa.gov/register
If you are participationg in these additional ways to connect with your art buyers,
here are links to the mandatory training videos and a downloable powerpoint presentation that is covered in the video.
Facebook Live Demo & IGTV Interview Training Videos
are from our June 2021 Virtual Edition Show, but continue to be relevant for any artist doing an FB Demo or IGTV Interview.
The info on these two videos is the same.
Different questions are addressed at the end of each video.
RSFAS Artist Resource YouTube Channel check out all the offerings.
RSFAS Instagram Page to review prior RSFAS Live Events.
Tips & Tricks for Creating a Compelling Video Presentation
Audio, Lighting, Eye Contact, PRACTICE! by David Oleski