WELCOME!!!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to RMA Fest @ The Oval! Below is the Artist Application for our Inaugural event at the University of Montana's Oval. Your participation will celebrate this landmark, support the University, and enhance the arts scene in Missoula. We appreciate you and look forward to building lasting relationships. Thank you for being part of this historic event! See you soon!

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RMA @ The Oval - Artist Application

June 7, 2025 - June 8, 2025

If you already know your category, you can skip this part.

2-D Mixed Media: Works incorporating multiple physical materials, such as collage, papermaking, encaustic, ink, paint, pencil, watercolor, or photography, that are suitable for display on walls.
3-D Mixed Media: Artworks that combine various physical materials, including mosaic, papier mache, clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or other three-dimensional objects.
Ceramics: Unique clay pieces that have been shaped and fired, encompassing earthenware, porcelain, and raku.
Digital Art: Two-dimensional creations that the artist has manipulated using software like Drawing, Illustrator, or Paint.
Drawing & Printmaking: Original works created using tools like pen, pencil, charcoal, or pastels. Printmaking methods can include techniques such as etching, engraving, silkscreen, or lithography. All prints must be signed and numbered by the artist, and photocopies are not allowed.
Edibles: Packaged food items, which may include pastries, mixed nuts, or honey.
Fiber: Artwork made from fibers, encompassing basketry, batik, weaving, knitting, and quilting. Items should not include embellishments of manufactured materials.
Glass: Objects crafted from glass through methods like blowing, fusing, staining, casting, or molding. Embellishments of manufactured materials are not allowed.
Handcrafted: Items made by the artist using manufactured, recycled, or repurposed materials that have been transformed into a cohesive collection. A thorough description of these items is necessary.
Jewelry: Handcrafted pieces made from materials like metal, glass, stone, or clay. Jewelry must not contain more than 50% manufactured components, and commercial molds or casts are prohibited.
Metal: Both functional and non-sculptural works that use metal.
Painting: Art created using oils, acrylics, watercolors, or tempera, intended for wall display.
Photography: Prints or digital images created from the artist's original photos, either taken with a digital camera or developed from negatives.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional artworks made in any medium.
Wood & Furniture: Original woodworks that are built, turned, carved, or shaped. Items made from manufactured wood with embellishments are not accepted.

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PROHIBITED ITEMS:

- Commercial clothing
- Posters
- Manufactured toys
- Commercially manufactured or reproduced items (resale of any kind)
- Jewelry is made from more than 50% manufactured components
- Any item that employs the use of commercially available molds or patterns

Festival Information:

Location: University of Montana - The Oval (32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812)

Event Dates: June 7-8, 2025
Load In Dates: June 6, 2025 (ONLY -Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)  

Application deadline: May 05, 2025

AWARDS GIVEN:

The Jury will award Artist based on technical ability, originality of the art, and quality of the booth display. Judging and awards will be held on Saturday (June 7th, 2025) for Best of Show- Fine Arts; Best of Show- Crafts; 1st Place; 2nd Place; 3rd Place; Honorable Mention, and Best Booth.

Assigned Booth spaces are approximately 12’ deep and 11’ wide or greater, depending on the location. All artist tents must be weighted with a minimum of 40 pounds per leg with a white canopy. (See Tent Examples Below) 

EVENT POLICIES:

1. The Festival provides only space for exhibits. Exhibitors must supply and set up their own displays, using white top tents of EZ UP quality or better, weighted with 40 pounds per leg.
2. Exhibitors will receive their booth location and setup details before the Festival. Set up on Friday before the event, and please avoid contacting us for assignments; they’ll be provided during check-in.
3. After unloading, vehicles must be parked in designated areas before setting up booths. Clear signage will guide you on-site.
4. Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and for paying applicable taxes related to their activities.
5. The Festival will occur rain, smoke or shine. Refer to the refund policy for details.
6. The Festival reserves the right to cancel an exhibitor’s contract and may ask violators of the rules to leave.
7. RMA Fest and its representatives are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses. Exhibitors should secure their own insurance.
8. All displayed items must be original, handmade by the exhibitor. Reproductions must be labeled. Original works should make up at least 50% of the display, and all artwork must be for sale.
9. Artists can only exhibit in approved categories.
10. Artists must be present and selling for the entire Festival; no agents or salespeople may operate booths. A maximum of two people per booth is allowed.
11. Only individual artists or two-person collaborations can apply; group applications will be rejected.
12. Booth sharing among non-collaborating artists is not permitted.
13. Artists must be present; representatives cannot manage the booth.
14. Submitting a credit card application means you accept these terms, and any disputes will be governed by this agreement.

PARKING

On-street parking is available in the nearby area, along with paid options for festival attendees and artists. Many spots may be free on weekends, but please follow all posted signs. We are not liable for any tickets, tows, or issues related to your vehicle, trailer, camper, or personal items.

RAIN, SMOKE, OR SHINE

There will be no “rain date” and fees will not be refunded in the case of unforseen weather. RMA Fest will make a panel decision in the event of any circumstances that are deemed unsafe or neccessary for any closures.

REFUND POLICY

Artists have until April 5, 2025, to withdraw from the festival and obtain a refund of their booth fee, minus a $50 administrative fee.

After April 5,2025 or 90 days before the event, refunds will no longer be available. 

To request a refund, please submit your request in writing to CANCEL@RMAFESTIVALS.COM. Refunds will be processed by check only. Please allow up to 2 weeks for the process of your refund. 

Jury application fees are non-refundable.

Refunds will not be issued under our rain, shine or smoke policy nor due to any other forces of nature or acts of God, acts of government, acts of other official authority, or for any other reason. 

NO SHOW POLICY

Artists must check in by Friday at 8:00 PM to avoid being classified as a "no-show." Check-in will not be available after the designated load-in times (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM). No-show artists forfeit their assigned space to those on the waitlist and will not receive refunds. Please plan your arrival accordingly, especially if traveling from afar.

IDENTIFICATION:

All Participating Artists are required to present Identification during check-in. Please have your driver's license or another form of identification on hand. (Passport or government issued ID)

WAITLIST

A waitlist will be maintained. Selected waitlisted artists may be contacted when the Wait List is released one week prior to the event date.

STAKING 

Due to campus irrigation systems, staking is not permitted. Additionally, rugs or carpets are not allowed on the grass within your booth area. This is to prevent damage to the lawn from heavy foot traffic. While guests are welcome to bring blankets to sit on the lawn during the event, this is a temporary use and considered a separate circumstance.

ACCEPTED WEIGHTS:

RMA Fest mandates professional weights of 40-50 pounds on each tent leg. Please refer to the examples provided for guidance. If you have questions about your weights, feel free to email us.

Due to our well-maintained location, staking or tying tents to trees or lamp posts is prohibited unless otherwise specified by the directors. Participants must arrive with the required weights; those without weights will not be allowed to set up and will forfeit their participation fee.

 

 

 

NOT ACCEPTED WEIGHTS:

Grid panels only (no weights) Weights are still required.
Stabilizer bars only (no weights) Weights are still required.
Raw concrete blocks or bricks (This includes buckets filled with concrete)
Water containers (one-gallon water bottles)
Sand Bags (in plastic bags)

If you are in question, please submit a photo of your weights to: Tents and Weights Review. 

ALLOWED:

Tube weights min. 40 lbs. each tent leg.
Sand-bag weights min. 40 lbs. each tent leg. (Must be contained in cloth bags) - IE: Gravity Tubes
Concrete-filled buckets min. 40 lbs. each tent leg.
Stabilizer bars with sandbags. 40 lbs. each leg.
Weight plates or dumbells min. 40 lbs. each tent leg.

Open flames or any devices that produce fire or heat, including flammable liquids, gas, charcoal, propane, or electric heaters, are not allowed in or around your booth unless authorized by the Fire Department and RMA Staff. This also includes burn barrels, bonfires, and similar heating equipment.

LOAD-IN:

Due to the location at The University Oval, access will be by cart only. RMA Fest will provide several golf carts for assistance. Artists should promptly unload their artwork and materials after checking in. Assigned zones will be in place for loading.

If you don’t need assistance, it’s advisable to have a way to transport your items to your space. You can also carry in your items at your leisure, but only carts are allowed; no motorized vehicles are permitted on campus. Please respect the University's property and avoid parking or driving on curbs or grass.

Do not set up until all materials are unloaded to keep the area clear for everyone. Designated parking will be available upon check-in.

IMPORTANT: Each artist will receive a specific zone and time for loading in. Please adhere to these times, as arriving outside of them will slow the process. If you’re traveling from far away (e.g., out of state) and cannot make your assigned times, please notify RMA Fest at least 30 days before the event. This applies only to long-distance artists.

LOAD OUT:

Artists must keep their booth space clean during the Event and promptly remove all artwork and personal items at the end. Load-out instructions will be provided before load out. The booth area should be left tidy, including disposal of trash, zip ties, bottles, and other debris. Failure to comply may lead to delayed load-out and potential suspension from future events.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

• Water and snacks will be provided for artists on Saturday and Sunday.
• Booth Sitters/Volunteers may be available during event hours, upon request. We have limited staff/volunteers that will be helping with this, so please be patient.
• Designated Volunteers/Workers will be available during event hours regarding assistance, emergencies, questions, concerns, etc.
• Friday load-in ONLY
• 24 Hour onsite Security

USE OF ARTWORK:

Artists give the Organizer permission to use images of their artwork for promotional purposes related to the Event, including advertising, social media, and printed materials.

 

Load-In instructions will be sent via email prior to the event or upon check in.
Load-Out Instructions will be sent via email prior to load out.

AGREEMENT:

By submitting an online application or signing a written one, you agree to indemnify and defend Rocky Mountain Arts Festivals, LLC (dba RMA Festivals, RMA Fest) and its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents against any claims or liabilities related to injuries, deaths, or property damage occurring in connection with the Festival.

SALES TAX

In the state of Montana, there are no sales tax.