For Artists
Mar 25
Acceptance letters
Apr 10
Artist & Site matching complete
Artist contract & participation fee due
Apr 24
General meeting for artists
TBD
Emerging artists meeting
July, Aug, Sept
Preview months
Viscon Cellars
Jul 9
Aug 13
Sep 10
Preview Art Walk nights
Viscon Cellars
Sep 19 & 20
West Seattle Art Tour
10 AM - 5 PM
Oct
Post event survey due
Oct
General meeting tour wrap-up
Please read each section carefully. Partial entries will be autosaved.
Applications are due by February 28, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
2026 West Seattle Art Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Event Date
September 19-20, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm (Two Days)
Facebook Event
Click here
Sites
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Site Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
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Sites must host 3 artists minimum (1 host plus 2 artists), more are encouraged.
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Deadline for sites to secure artists: April 10, 2026
Artists
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Artist Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 ($25 fee)
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Acceptance Notification: March 25, 2026. Acceptances for artists who do not have a site secured will be offered contingent on matching with a host.
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Deadline for artists to secure host site: April 10, 2026
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What is the West Seattle Art Tour?
2026 will be the fifth annual West Seattle Art Tour, a self-guided tour of West Seattle sites showcasing a unique array of art created by exceptional West Seattle artists. This is a two-day event.
The West Seattle Art Tour offers visitors an opportunity to view and purchase work of professional artists who live and/or work in the flourishing West Seattle art community—and visitors and art patrons are a strong part of that community!
The West Seattle Art Tour began in 2022 as the West Seattle Art Hop. It is entirely volunteer run and all artists on The Tour are expected to actively contribute.
What happens at the Art Tour?
Held on the third Weekend in September, created and run by volunteer artists, West Seattle Art Tour is a fun event where visitors can:
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Meet and talk with artists and other art tourists
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Learn about different types of art
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Buy one-of-a-kind handmade works of art
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Be inspired by creative imaginings
Who runs the West Seattle Art Tour?
The Tour is run entirely by volunteers who are investing time, labor and passion to bring this event to life each year. In addition to artist-led committees, all tour artists are expected to participate in volunteer efforts ranging from placing yard signs and posters to helping with social media posts.
What if it is raining?
The West Seattle Art Tour is a rain or shine event. Artists are responsible for their own set ups and should plan accordingly for all varieties of Northwest weather. Host and guest artists work collaboratively to plan their set up, including having a plan for inclement weather.
Is there a West Seattle Art Tour Map?
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YES! The Tour has two maps: a printable pdf, and an online interactive map.
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The online tour map uses Google Maps, making it easy for guests to navigate the various locations.
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The Tour creates the maps, and artists and hosts will be responsible for reviewing their spot on the map and responding promptly with any changes.
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What kind of art is shown on The Tour?
A wide range of mediums are shown! For a complete list of mediums as well as more information, please review the artist criteria.
Do I need to live in West Seattle to participate?
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.
Artists must show at one of The Tour’s approved sites, and sites may only host accepted artists.
What if I don’t have a location to show my work?
The Tour offers a do-it-yourself matching list for artists and sites to connect. You will need to proactively reach out to prospective hosts. Our volunteer team will attempt to encourage matches, but the connection is ultimately the responsibility of the artist and site host.
Please click here to see the do-it-yourself tool for finding match-ups.
Is the West Seattle Art Tour a juried event?
Yes. A committee will be reviewing each submission to The Tour to ensure artist criteria is met.
Artist applications will be reviewed for:
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Complete application
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Artist meets geographic criteria
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Work fits within accepted mediums
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Work meets quality criteria for artistic vision, mastery of technique, originality and professionalism.
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Artists who do not have a site may be offered a contingent acceptance and are responsible for matching with a site.
How do I know if I/my art qualify?
Please review the artist criteria.
How do I sign up?
Artists can apply here
You’ll want to have the following at hand:
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A host site (or you have added yourself to the matching tool)
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Artist statement and Bio. Help is here
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Your website and social media profile links
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5 quality images of your work plus one image of your booth or studio, with files labeled with your name. Image prep info is here
What are the fees to participate?
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There is a non-refundable $25 application fee.
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Artists accepted to the event will have a participation fee of $150, with a discounted fee of $100 for emerging artists.
Is there an emerging artist program?
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 art form 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.
There are multiple artists applying at my studio. Is there a discounted fee?
No. Having multiple artists at each site is an expectation for this event. Unless invited to participate as an emerging artist, all artists pay the same fee.
How will I find out if I am accepted to the Tour?
Acceptances or rejections will be sent by email by the end of March.
Can I be featured on the West Seattle Art Tour social media?
All participating artists will be featured on The Tour’s social media.
Artists are expected to actively participate in social media promotion, including sharing their artist feature!
Do I need insurance for the two-day event?
The tour assumes no responsibility for incidents during the two-day event. Artists may obtain insurance at their discretion; several companies offer coverage for weekend art events.
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How do I apply to be a host site?
The host site application is now included in the artist application. Check the box "I'd like to apply as a site host" and answer the subsequent questions about yor site.
How do I host a stop on The Tour?
Artists are invited to apply to be a host site, whether at their studio, home, or other art-connected location. We review each site to ensure locations are safe and appropriate. Hosts will be notified of acceptance. Host site criteria include safety and relative accessibility, parking access, and commitment to ensuring a high-quality presentation on the day of the tour. Host artists are also expected to jury in as artists and should complete the artist application at the same time.
Hosts are responsible for filling their site with the minimum number of artists. The Tour team is available to help you match with artists who are seeking a site but cannot guarantee matches. Check out our self-matching tool for more information.
What if my business wants to host a stop?
Hosts locations must put the focus on artists, such as the places they live, work or create.
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Businesses that demonstrate an ongoing, strong engagement in West Seattle’s art community and meet the host site guidelines may be considered.
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Businesses that do not have an art focus should consider participating in West Seattle’s Art Walk, which is a wonderful way to support the West Seattle Arts Community while also bringing the community into your space. Learn more here: https://wsartwalk.org/onboarding
I am a site host. Do all of my artists need to apply?
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Yes, each artist needs to apply, and if accepted, pay their own fee.
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Unregistered artists are not allowed to participate in the tour.
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Sites with unregistered artists showing during the tour will risk not being able to participate in future years.
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As a host, we ask that you help make sure your guest artists complete applications and payment in a timely manner.
How many artists do I need to have at my site?
The Art Tour requires a minimum of 3 Artists at each site (including you as the host) and a maximum of no more than 5 total artists.
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How is the West Seattle Art Tour publicized?
In addition to a lively and active social media campaign, The Tour is publicized through press releases, calendar announcements, posters and brochures. This year, posters are being distributed in early July. Full color yard signs and other signage are also a part of our marketing.
Please note that artists are expected to actively participate in marketing the event through social media, newsletters, and other avenues. A social media toolkit will be provided to help artists actively get the word out. Artists who participate in marketing will be prioritized in future years’ acceptances.
What if I need to cancel?
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Where possible, we will update the map and other materials.
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The registration fee is non-refundable.
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How can I get involved as a volunteer?
Please reach out to us at info@westseattlearttour.org
Any other questions?
If your question was not answered in this FAQ, contact us at info@westseattlearttour.org
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