PAG Holiday Show 2026
Every year the Portsmouth Arts Guild hosts a Holiday Show to celebrate the season. It’s a wonderful time for all of our members to gather together and possibly do a bit of holiday shopping. Last year’s Holiday Show was our version of a “Little Picture Show”. It was such a success we are repeating this theme. The subject matter for your submissions is open, but the requirements for size, maximum price, and number of submissions are different for this exhibit. Please be sure to carefully review exhibit requirements and guidelines below before submitting your artwork. We look forward to seeing you at the opening reception and celebrating “the most wonderful time of the year”!
All entries are accepted. We are an all inclusive art community. We accept and display all submissions that meet our guidelines and requirements. This Holiday Show will also allow entered artists to optionally replace sold pieces for free. All artists will be notified upon selling their artwork and given instructions on how to replace sold artwork with new pieces.
Important Dates
Online Submission
Saturday, 10/10 – midnight 11/16
In Person Delivery
TUESDAY, 11/17, 2-7pm
Opening Reception
SATURDAY, 11/21, 12-4pm
In Person Pickup
TBA
Entry Requirements
Submission of Entries
- All entries must FIRST be submitted ONLINE through Smarter Entry prior to the deadline above.
- Each artist may enter up to 3 pieces of work.
- Each piece cannot have a sale price greater than $250
- All entries must be for sale.
- All entries will remain on display (unless sold) until the show closing date.
- All work submitted must be original works created solely by the exhibiting artist.
- All entries accepted.
Entry Fees
- Member’s Entry Fee is $20.00 for the first entry and $5.00 for the second and third entry. To receive this entry fee apply Promo Code PAGMEM when submitting work in Smarter Entry. Lifetime members use the code PAGLTM.
- Non-members – $25 for the first entry and $7.50 for the second and third entry.
- Entry Fees are paid online through the Smarter Entry link below.
- Payment for entries is entered FIRST in Smarter Entry, followed by uploading the photographs of your piece(s).
- Replacement pieces will not be charged an entry fee. Artists will be notified and given entry instructions when they are eligible for a replacement piece.
Entry Requirements
- Size Limit: Artwork may not exceed 13×16 or 16×13. This limitation includes the frame.
- Weight Limits:
- 2D work: Maximum 10 pounds
- 3D work: Maximum 20 pounds
- Wet paint will not be accepted
- The Holiday Show will allow work previously shown at PAG as long as all other requirements are met.
- Gallery sales commission is 25% for each work sold.
- PAG reserves the right to refuse any submission that does not meet requirements.
- If you have a special circumstance, we’re happy to discuss it-please contact the Hanging Committee in advance for approval.
Framing Requirements
- Hanging Hardware (2D Work):
All wall-hung artwork MUST be securely wired with D-rings. - Please note that sawtooth hangers, clip frames, self adhesive hanging tabs and other hardware are not suitable for our hanging system.
- Work must be labeled on the back with artist name, phone #, and title of work. It is helpful to include a phone number but not mandatory.
- Framed works on paper must be under glass or acrylic glazing
- Works on stretcher bars must be properly stretched and wired for hanging
- Framing is optional for gallery wrapped or cradled panel
- Our Hanging Committee carefully installs each exhibition and reserves the right to decline work that is not properly prepared or does not meet these guidelines.
These requirements help us protect your artwork, support our volunteers, and create a cohesive and professional exhibition for everyone to enjoy. We truly appreciate your care and cooperation.
Digital Image Requirements
- Your submission’s digital image must be correctly oriented when submitted (vertical or horizontal). If it is not oriented correctly, it will not be posted on the gallery. PAG is not responsible for correcting your image.
- Show only the image, no frame, mat or border. No people in the image and no watermark on the image. Image must be cropped to show painting only. If it is not cropped correctly, it will not be posted on the gallery. PAG is not responsible for correcting your image.
- No digital enhancement is allowed. No AI.
Presentation: Professional presentation of your work is crucial to the success of this exhibit. Please prepare all work for installation.
Please Note:
Artworks are not insured by PAG. Artists should maintain their own insurance while work is on Guild premises. Although we take the utmost care of all works submitted, PAG is not responsible for any damage incurred after drop-off.
All packing material must be taken away by the artist upon drop off.
PAG retains the right to reproduce images of your work for publicity for the exhibition. By providing photographs of your art for this exhibit you grant the Portsmouth Arts Guild permission to use them for social media, promotions, newspapers and other media.
PAG reserves the right to reject any submission deemed inapproprite for the exhibit, or that does not meet acceptable community standards as determined by the Guild, even if otherwise having artistic merit.
*Your entry in this exhibition constitutes agreement with the above terms.
—
New to Smarter Entry?
Portsmouth Arts Guild is now using online exhibition software Smarter Entry. You can read detailed entry instructions here.
Questions? Please contact gallery@portsmoutharts.org