2026 West Seattle Art Tour Artist Criteria
As the West Seattle Art Tour evolves, our goal is to present a wide range of top-class art from the West Seattle community.
We ask that you take time to review your work and presentation to ensure they meet the criteria below.
In order to maintain quality, a committee of volunteer artists will be reviewing each submission to the Tour to ensure artists meet key criteria.
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Work demonstrates artistic vision, mastery of technique, originality and professionalism
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High-quality images labeled with artist name
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Has website and social media accounts (optional but preferred if you have them)
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Work fits within accepted mediums
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Application is completed properly
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Artist meets geographic criteria
For Artists
Artistic Vision
Do you, as an artist, have a clear subject matter or style? Is there a vision or story told in the presented work? Is the body of work cohesive?
Mastery of Technique
Does the work present high-quality craftsmanship, mastery and skill? Are materials used in a skillful way?
Originality
Does your work show something new, unusual or of specific note? Is your technique new or developed in practice? Are you using a traditional technique in an innovative way? Is your work contributing to the advancement of its field? Is there another quality in your work that captures the eye and imagination of art lovers?
Professionalism / Viability
Are you prepared to display and market your work in a way that highlights the artistic vision and quality of your work, and adds to the professional feel of the overall Tour?
Are you prepared to promote your own work, including:
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Submitting high-quality photos of your work with your application
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Clearly written, concise artist statement and bio
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The jury will look at your five images and your artist statement to ensure they support each other
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Website and public social media that allows people to learn more about your work
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This year, we will have room for a limited number of emerging artists. An emerging artist is defined as an artist starting out in their career who:
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Has mastered the basic techniques in their medium and is working to launch a professional career in the arts
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Demonstrates professional growth and is still building their reputation in the field
Emerging artists will receive a discounted participation fee as well as support from veteran artists. Be sure to indicate you are applying in this category on your application.
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Ceramics
Functional, decorative and sculptural work in clay and porcelain.
Fiber & Textiles
Wearable and non-wearable works using fiber as the primary medium. Works utilizing factory made and/or upcycled components must be substantially modified.
Glass
Work utilizing glass as the primary medium.
Illustration/Digital Art
Original work executed by the artist using digital devices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated art is not accepted.
Jewelry
Original jewelry designed by and hand-crafted by the artist.
Leather
Original, functional, decorative and sculptural work in leather.
Metal
Original, functional, decorative and sculptural work in metal.
Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media
Two-dimensional works created by applying wet or dry color to paper, canvas, or other surfaces. Includes collage, colored pencil, encaustic, and mixed media work.
Paper Arts (except Printmaking)
Two-dimensional works created by applying wet or dry color to paper, canvas, or other surfaces. Includes collage, colored pencil, encaustic, and mixed media work.
Photography
Traditional film or digital photography.
Printmaking
Works created using one or more print-making techniques such as etching, woodblock, monoprint, silkscreen.
Sculpture
Three-dimensionally sculptural works in any medium.
Wood
Functional, decorative and sculptural work in wood, hand and/or machine-tooled.
The focus of the West Seattle Art Tour is on West Seattle and White Center
Tour sites are limited to West Seattle and White Center. The boundaries are the Duwamish River to the east, Seattle city limits (including White Center) on the south.
Artists who do not meet the criteria may describe ongoing, active participation in the West Seattle art community to be considered.
2026 West Seattle Art Tour Host Site Criteria
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Your site must be in West Seattle.
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You are an artist who is applying to participate in The Tour.
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You have adequate space and access to host 3–5 artists total (including yourself) at your home, studio, gallery, garden, driveway, or similar venue, and are willing to coordinate with artists to fill your site.
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You must be available to stay on-site for the duration of the (2-day) event and for guest artists to load in/out.
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Your site must offer adequate nearby parking.
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Safe access is required. If your site is difficult to reach, measures must be in place to assist visitors with disabilities (for example, if you are atop a steep hill, we ask that there be a drop-off point available that disabled or elderly visitors can easily reach by car).
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Host responsibilities include identifying artists for your site (matching help available), coordinating plans for your site including: set up, inclement weather plans, overnight security if needed, and logistics around picking up and returning (the event provided) signage for your site.
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Each site host is responsible for liability coverage and safety at their location during the two-day event.