• Only artist members may apply for the retail gallery. This requirement is exempt for specially curated exhibits only. To learn more about Artist Memberships click here.

• All artists must live in the Western North Carolina Mountain Region, which includes the following North Carolina counties highlighted on the map at the bottom of this page

• Artists will exhibit work in the retail section of the gallery for two years. Then, the artist will fall off or re-apply.  

• $20 non-refundable application fee applies

• A selection committee composed of professionals outside of HCAC artist members, staff, and/or members of the board vote and select artists.

Applications are reviewed by an independent Selection Committee made up of arts professionals outside of the Haywood County Arts Council organization.

Each application is evaluated using the following criteria:

• Creativity, originality, and excellence in design

• Overall craftsmanship and quality

• Marketability and sales potential

• Appropriate pricing compared to similar work

• Original work created by the artist

• Long-term durability and structural integrity

• Adds diversity to the gallery's offerings

• Expands and strengthens the gallery's audience

HCAC manages all retail sales.

• HCAC collects and remits sales tax.

• Artists receive 70% of each sale.

• HCAC retains a 30% commission to support gallery operations.

• Commission checks are mailed by the end of the month following the sale.

• Volunteer at least 20 gallery shifts annually

Gallery Volunteer Requirement

Retail artists volunteer at least 20 shifts each year. These shifts help keep the gallery open seven days a week, provide excellent customer service, and create a welcoming experience for visitors while fostering a strong community among our artists.

• Maintain adequate inventory

• Restock work when requested

• Follow all inventory procedures

• Provide displays when requested

• Submit a W-9 before receiving commission payments

HCAC reserves the right to decline any artwork that does not meet gallery standards.

Artwork must:

• Be appropriate for visitors of all ages

• Be original and handmade by the artist

• Be created within the past five years

• Demonstrate excellent craftsmanship

• Be structurally sound

• Be ready for display

Two-Dimensional Artwork

Wall-hung artwork must:

• Have professional-quality framing and finishing

• Include secure hanging wire or hardware

• Have clean mats and backing

• Have finished canvas edges if unframed

Three-Dimensional Artwork

Jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and similar work must:

• Stand securely on its own

• Include protective packaging when appropriate

• Be display-ready upon delivery

Prints

Accepted:

• Hand-pulled prints

• Digital prints

• Embellished prints

• Giclée prints (Retail Gallery only)

Not Accepted:

• Inkjet prints

• Edition prints

All prints must include:

• Protective backing board

• Plastic sleeve

Greeting Cards

Cards must:

• Reproduce the artist's original artwork

• Be packaged in protective plastic sleeves

Hand-applied embellishments using commercially produced base materials are acceptable.

Commercially printed merchandise is not permitted in the Retail Gallery or exhibitions.

Exceptions include:

• Books created from original artwork

• Fine art prints

• Greeting cards featuring original artwork

If an accepted artist wishes to sell work in a new medium or product category that was not originally juried, a sample must be submitted for review.

The Gallery Committee will determine whether the new work may be added to the artist's inventory.

While HCAC staff and volunteers handle artwork with great care, artists are ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety and preservation of their own work. Proper packaging is strongly encouraged during transport and delivery.

The Haywood County Arts Council values artwork created through the artist's own creative process.

Artwork should not be created using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), either in its final appearance or during the creation process.

As technology continues to evolve, HCAC will continue reviewing these guidelines and encourage thoughtful conversations about AI and the arts.

For any questions, email Artist@HaywoodArts.organd Lauren will assist you.