Art Festival Setup for Beginners

Recently, I have applied to several outdoor art shows and art festivals. I learned that a photo of my art booth would be needed for me to apply.
Since it has been years since I have done a festival, I don’t have a current photo. So, what I ended up doing was set up an art tent in my back yard for a photo.

I hate to admit it. I have spent way to many hours bouncing from website to website, looking for all the things I need.

If only I had a full list of everything. Located in one place along with links to the store.

I wanted to share with you what I have learned so far. Hopefully I can help make your first set up a little less stressful.

Below I have shared some tips and a supply list for your first Art Festival.

Tips

I recommend using a white backdrop and white accessories for your application photo. The white background will help your art really pop.

I have compiled for you my list of supplies I used for my art tent. I have also included the Amazon links for easy shopping.

I hope this helps saving you time as you prepare for your art first show.

Tent Supply List for Art Show

10′ x 10′ Pop Up Tent

White Mesh Tarp

I highly recommend this tarp for the sides of your tent! It is a fine mesh that the wind can easily go through. For the photo above, I used the sunscreen that came with the tent. This became a big mistake! It became huge sail that we fought with during the entire photo shoot.

Canopy Lights

Outdoor Canopy Lights for 10′ x 10′ Pop Up Tents

White Grids with Feet

For the photo, I chose to hang them from the tent with zipties. For the show, I will be using the legs on the grids to add a display wall inside the tent.

Director’s Chair

Extra tall, foldable directors chair.

White Ball Bungee Cords

I LOVE THESE! You will want to buy at least two different sizes. I used the white bungee cords to hold the mesh tarp. If you choose to go with the tarp, I would suggest 1 bag per tarp.

Outdoor Waterproof Rug

I love this grass outdoor rug. I found it for under $30! I think I may end up getting a larger size rug before the show.

Heavy Duty White Rectangle Tablecloth

90″ x 156″ rectangle table cloth

1.2″ White Metal Pinch Pleat Hooks

These worked great for hanging the paintings on the mesh tarp. I used 2-3 hooks per painting.
Remember to make sure you have your tarp bungeed to the frame very tight. If the tarp is not tight enough, your painting will tilt towards the floor.

Tent Pole Sand Bags

These sandbags are a great alternative to bringing weights.The height of these bag and the way they strap to the legs, creates a much stronger base.
For the photo about, I didn’t use the sandbags since it would only be up for a few hours.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.