Arts Council of the Valley invites all area artists to attend an ArtFields information session Friday, Oct 3, to learn about a Southeastern visual art competition that awards more than $100,000 in prize money. The FREE session is scheduled for 2 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm) at Court Square Theater (41-F Court Square). No registration is required! ArtFields representatives will share details on how to apply for the competition, along with tips to strengthen submissions. The ArtFields festival (April 10-May 2, 2026) is an annual celebration of art and community in Lake City, SC.
ABOUT ARTFIELDS:
The ArtFields competition anchors an annual festival where nearly 400 artworks are on display in nontraditional venues, plus live entertainment, specialty contests, student field trips, and more.
Selected artworks will be exhibited in one of the Southeast’s largest and most prestigious art events, and be in the running for more than $100,000 in cash prizes. Hundreds of works are exhibited throughout Lake City’s downtown in galleries, warehouses, restaurants, shops, and other venues. Thousands of people attend the festival each year, including art curators, collectors, critics, and news media. The event offers a special way for art to be displayed outside of the traditional white walls of a gallery or museum and encourages the public to have impactful art experiences everywhere they turn - from grabbing a cup of coffee to getting a haircut.
ArtFields began in 2013 with a mission of elevating the profile of artists who live and work in the Southeastern United States. The event was designed to incorporate the whole town of Lake City into celebrating art and the stories artists have to tell.
Participating artists must reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia for at least six months and be over 18 years of age.
The submission deadline is 11:59 pm November 1, 2025. A simple submission tool, ArtBooth, allows artists to upload their artwork photo, artist statement, and bio. The submission fee is $25.
Also check out other Arts events in Harrisonburg, Contests in Harrisonburg, Festivals in Harrisonburg.