🎨 Welcome to the 40th Annual Ipswich Art Show & Sale
Dates: October 2-4, 2026
Location: Ipswich Town Hall Gym, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA
Hosted by: Ipswich Cultural Council (ICC)
Purpose: The Ipswich Art Show and Sale showcases local artists and raises funds for the Ipswich Cultural Council, which in turn funds Ipswich community arts, humanities, and science grants. The Ipswich Cultural Council is a local, appointed council that works in concert with Mass Cultural Council to create cultural opportunities for the people of Ipswich.
www.ipswichculturalcouncil.org
🖼️ Artist Participation
Eligibility: Artists aged 17+ who live in Ipswich or work for the Town of Ipswich. Artists are encouraged to enter artwork in different mediums: photography, textiles, video, ceramics and sculpture, as well as paintings and drawings.
Artwork Submission Limits:
- Up to 2 wall-hung pieces (at least one must be for sale).
- Up to 3 unframed bin art pieces (must be in protective sleeves).
All works must be original and not previously exhibited at the Annual Art Show.
Entry Fee: $10 per wall-hung piece; no fee for bin art.
Sales Commission: 80% to artist, 20% to ICC.
🏆 Awards
Cash prizes awarded in various categories, including:
Best in Show: Announced during the Opening Reception.
People’s Choice Award: Announced in the Ipswich Local News post-event.
🗓️ Key Dates
Registration Deadline: Sept 23rd (no late entries).
Artwork Drop-Off: October 1, 5:00–7:00 PM at Town Hall Gym.
Opening Reception: October 2, 6:00–9:00 PM.
Exhibit Hours:
October 3, 12:00–5:00 PM.
October 4, 12:00–4:00 PM.
Artwork Pick-Up: October 4, 4:00–5:30PM
🛍️ Vendor Tables
Availability: For participating artists only.
Fees: $35 for two days or $20 for one day.
Sales: Vendors handle their own sales; ICC does not take a commission.
Reservation: Contact Mike McGrath at 978-356-7972 or email ditherson7@gmail.com.
🙋 Volunteer Opportunities
Tasks Include:
Moving display panels (Sept 29-30).
Setting up decorations (Oct 1-2).
Monitoring gallery and assisting with sales during show hours.
Taking down the show and storing panels (October 4, 4:00–5:30 PM).
Sign-Up: During artwork drop-off or by emailing ipswichculturalcouncil@gmail.com
📋 Submission Instructions
- Select Artwork: Ensure originality and adherence to submission limits (see above)
- Register: Complete this registration form or pick up a hard copy at Ipswich Photo/Zenobia (38 Essex Road) or Ipswich Town Library (25 North Main Street). Submit by Sept 23.
- Prepare Artwork: Frames must be secure with appropriate hanging hardware (screw eyes or D-rings with picture wire).
- Label Artwork: Attach labels with artist name, medium, title, and price to the front of each piece.
- Sign Liability Waiver: Bring the signed waiver to the artwork drop-off.
- Pay Entry Fees: Due at artwork drop-off; cash or checks payable to ICC.
- Drop Off Artwork: Sept 30, 5:00–7:00 PM at Town Hall Gym.
- Come to the reception! October 2, 6:00-9:00 PM.
- Pick Up Artwork: October 4, 4:00–5:30 PM.
For further information or questions, please contact:
Mike McGrath: 978-356-7972
Email: ditherson7@gmail.com
We look forward to your participation in this vibrant community event!