Question 1

As a student, how do I qualify to show my work?

Accepted Answer

1. You must be a CURRENT FULL-TIME ART STUDENT.

2. You then fill out our Online Application, through Zapplication, that enters you into our jury process. There are certain times of the year that this application is "open". You will see an application button on the student page when available.
 
3. Once accepted, students are welcome to share a booth, but both must pass the jury process and each will be required to pay the $100 participation fee.

Question 2

I still have questions. How can I learn more about the show?

Accepted Answer

We had a special Q&A for Student Artists in 2022 on Instagram Live

CLICK for REPLAY -  Mixed Media artist Sandra Sedmak Engel led the discussion and answered questions.

Question 3

June & September 2026 Show Dates and Hours

Accepted Answer

June Show DATES & HOURS
Friday, June 5, 2026   11am - 6pm
Saturday, June 6, 2026    11am - 6pm
Sunday, June 7, 2026    11am - 5pm

September Show DATES & HOURS
Friday, September 18, 2026      11am-6pm
Saturday, September 19, 2026     11am-6pm
Sunday, September 20, 2026     11am-5pm

Question 4

Show Information

Accepted Answer

In order to lessen paper waste, the Artist Information Packet is provided online.If you need a printed copy we will have them available at the information tent.for Student Artistshttps://www.rittenhousesquareart.comWelcome to the Annual Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show.  Congratulations from the RSFAS Board! We hope you have a fantastic show.Michael Ballezzi,  Student Coordinatorwill be available in the center of the Square on set-up and show days to answer questions about the student area.PARKING PERMIT REQUIRED:  Come to the center of the square to pick up your SET UP permit from the Managing Director. BREAK DOWN procedure will be explained to you at the show.LOADING & UNLOADING:  Loading and unloading are done by parking next to the curb of the perimeter sidewalk, which goes around the Square.  No vehicles are permitted inside the Square at any time.  You may pull up to unload no earlier than 6:30pm on Thursday, or 7:30 am on Friday. Unload and remove your vehicle prior to setting up your display. Be prepared to carry / dolly in your set up, as student booths are in the center of the Square.  You MUST be set up and open by 10:45am each day. You must be present to sell your work. Artist representatives are not permitted.Being allowed to park on the street to unload and load is a courtesy given by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. 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. BREAKDOWN:  Begins at 5pm on SundayBreak down your booth before pulling your car up for loading.Leave the space in the same condition as when you arrived. Trash cans are available for any leftover materials, zip ties, etc. No artist vehicles may pull up to the park perimeter before close of the show. THIS IS STRICTLY ENFORCED. If you have someone helping you break down, they will not be permitted to pull up to the sidewalk until 5pm Sunday.BOOTH SPACE DESCRIPTION:   All booth spaces are on a concrete sidewalk within the center of the park, with each booth space measuring no less than 10’ x 10’.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 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.All artists are responsible for picking up trash around their display area.  SECURITY:   RSFAA has contracted off-duty police officers to provide security 24/7 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.ARTWORK:   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 $50. No commission is paid to the RSFAA.DISPLAY:  All displays should be neat and professional in appearance. The space around and behind the booth should be neatly organized for display or storage. Your conduct during the event should reflect the professional nature of the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show. All students are encouraged to visit the exhibitors surrounding the park to understand how to create a strong representation of yourself and your work for the event.BOOTH ETIQUETTE:  Smoking is not permitted within any city parks, and consumption of drugs or alcohol during the event is forbidden by the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, and will result in being barred from future events.

Question 5

Artist Resource Kit

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Event Map

Accepted Answer

Student artists fill the center of the square. There will be someone there to help you find your space on set up day.

Question 7

Student Award Ceremony

Accepted Answer

STUDENT AWARD CEREMONY:   The student award will be presented in the center of the park at 10:30 AM on Saturday.

Question 8

Food Discounts .  Restrooms . Other Conveniences

Accepted Answer

FOOD DISCOUNTS are ONLY good for exhibiting artists throughout the duration of the show.

PLEASE SHOW 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

Question 9

Parking during the Show

Accepted Answer

ParkMe.com
Parkwhiz
Best Parking
meterUP If you want to utilize metered parking. Download the app prior to arrival.

Question 10

Can I Leave My Booth Up Overnight?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most artists leave their tents overnight and zip them up. We provide overnight guards on the four corners on the square and one in the middle with the student tents. However, the show is not liable for any lost, broken, or stolen items left over night. Your work left in your space is at your own risk.

Question 11

What Happens If It Rains?

Accepted Answer

The Rittenhouse show is a rain or shine show, meaning we show in the rain too. So, it is important that you bring a tent or tarp to protect your work. You can find an EZ-UP tent online for around 100/150 dollars, you could borrow one from your school or a teacher, or you can rent one from a tent rental agency.
 
Leaving early makes the show look bad and affects the artists around you, so please be courteous and stick out the weather with all of us. The penalty for leaving early in the rain or not showing up, is a 2-year suspension from the show. If the weather becomes severe, a decision will be made by the board of directors on whether or not to close the show. The information will be shared with you as soon as it becomes available.

Question 12

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Association Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Accepted Answer

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE FINE ART ASSOCIATION CODE OF CONDUCT
 
The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art 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 RSFAA Discrimination and Harassment Policy here. Thank you.

Question 13

What is my TAX obligation?

Accepted Answer

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

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 Tax, Public Transportation Assistance Fund Taxes and Fees and Vehicle Rental Tax can be completed by registering online using the PA Open for Business website at : www.pa100.state.pa.us or by completing a paper PA Enterprise Registration Form (PA-100).

Question 14

How Do I Get Accepted Into The Show?

Accepted Answer

Follow these Steps:
 
1. Fill out the Online Application. There are certain times of the year that this application is "open". You will see an application button on the student page when available.

2. Wait for an acceptance email.

TWO SHOWS SHOW HOURS

June 5-7, 2026
Sept 18-20, 2026

Fri & Sat 11-6
Sun 11-5

show information
for student artists

Meet Our
September 2026
Student Award Juror

Alison Mustokoff

September 2026 Student Award Presenter
Jane Golden

June2026 Student Award Winners

FAQ's student artists

As a student, how do I qualify to show my work?

I still have questions. How can I learn more about the show?

June & September 2026 Show Dates and Hours

Show Information

Artist Resource Kit

Event Map

Student Award Ceremony

Food Discounts . Restrooms . Other Conveniences

Parking during the Show

Can I Leave My Booth Up Overnight?

What Happens If It Rains?

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Association Discrimination and Harassment Policy

What is my TAX obligation?

How Do I Get Accepted Into The Show?

interact with us

Art is our life. Let it be
a part of yours.

show information for student artists

Meet Our September 2026 Student Award Juror

Alison Mustokoff

September 2026 Student Award Presenter Jane Golden

June2026 Student Award Winners

FAQ's student artists

As a student, how do I qualify to show my work?

I still have questions. How can I learn more about the show?

June & September 2026 Show Dates and Hours

Show Information

Artist Resource Kit

Event Map

Student Award Ceremony

Food Discounts . Restrooms . Other Conveniences

Parking during the Show

Can I Leave My Booth Up Overnight?

What Happens If It Rains?

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Association Discrimination and Harassment Policy

What is my TAX obligation?

How Do I Get Accepted Into The Show?

interact with us

Art is our life. Let it be a part of yours.

show information
for student artists

Meet Our
September 2026
Student Award Juror

September 2026 Student Award Presenter
Jane Golden

Art is our life. Let it be
a part of yours.