Fall Art by the Lake Exhibition

Each November, the Whatcom Art Guild presents a two-day arts and crafts show and sale. Art by the Lake is held in the Bloedel-Donovan Community Building on Lake Whatcom. The public is invited Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

Approximately 50 Guild members will display artwork in a variety of categories: paintings in oil, acrylic, and water media; drawings in pencil, pen & ink, and sumi; mixed media or collage; photography; and three-dimensional artwork, such as ceramics, crafts, jewelry, and sculpture.

Art fans can enjoy refreshments, art demonstrations and live music as they browse and shop.

Admission is free. Map and Driving Directions

Rules for the Fall Art by the Lake Exhibition

Deadlines
All entries must be submitted by the deadlines established by the Show Chair. Deadlines and other show information is listed in newsletters prior to the shows.
Five Types of Entries
  1. Formal/Judged: 3 pieces of artwork (items need not be for sale, but sales are encouraged)
  2. Informal: up to 40 items with an image size smaller than 9 x 12 inches, shrink-wrapped items, cards)
  3. Arts & crafts items that may be displayed in the Guild's Booth
  4. Items priced under $10 and suitable for children for the Children's Table
  5. Hand-made ornaments (for sale) to be hung on trees
Ready for Display
Paintings MUST be dry, suitably framed and ready for hanging. Note: Matting and/or framing your artwork in a professional manner will greatly enhance your artwork and possibly increase your chances of an award and/or better yet, the sale of your artwork.
Suitable Framing and Ready for Hanging guidelines:
  • Picture must be fastened securely in the frame/glass without moving.
  • Suggestion: large pieces might be protected with Plexiglas rather than glass.
  • Picture wire must be used for all pictures in the formal area: NO SAW TOOTH HANGERS ALLOWED.
  • Attach picture wire to frames using screw eyes for wood frames and manufacturer supplied clips for metal frames.
  • Wire should be strung so that it is taut, and at least 2 inches below top of frame.
  • Attach the hanging wires about 1/3 of the height from the top of the frame.
Recent Artwork Only
Artwork must have been completed within the last two years. A particular artwork may be exhibited at only ONE Ski-to-Sea Exhibition.
Formal Artworks Must be Originals
All work in the Formal/Judged area of the Ski-to-Sea Exhibition must be original (designed and executed by the artist, not copied from another artist’s painting or copyrighted photograph).
Rule About Copies
Mini, hand-made copies of originals with attribution to the artists may be displayed in the Informal sections of the show.
Back-Up Tagging System
Backs of all entries must be properly identified with the artist's name, WAG ID number, title, medium and price. This is a back-up system in addition to your tag, in case the tag falls off. (Members can use second tag.)
Guild Prerogative
The Whatcom Art Guild reserves the right to accept or reject any entry.
Left Behind Work Becomes Guild Property
It is each artist’s responsibility to deliver and pick up artwork at the time specified, or the work becomes the property of the Guild.
Commission
A commission of 20% will be collected by the Guild for each object sold as a result of a Guild sponsored event or invitational event. This includes any orders or commission work taken at the event to be delivered at a later time. Artists are to show respect for this guideline.
Only Sold Works May be Removed
Artwork once entered and displayed may not be removed without permission of the Show Chair, unless they are sold. Sold works may be taken down and given to the purchaser immediately.
Replacement of Sold Artwork
Should an artwork be sold, the artist or the show chair has the option to replace the work with another of similar size and quality as soon as possible in both formal and informal areas.
Keeping Closing Time Professional
Under no circumstance may a work be taken down even a minute before closing time: It is just not professional.
Fall Show: Exhibiting artists must:
  • be members of the Guild;
  • be an active member of a Guild committee; and
  • volunteer for at least one work shift, or demo (60 min.), or whatever is needed before, during or after the show. If a member has not signed-up to help with the show and then attempts to enter, then at the Receiving Desk that member must sign-up for whatever duties are still available. If a member signs-up to help with the show, but then does not follow through (without valid reason), then their commission shall be raised to 40%, and/or they will not be allowed to exhibit in the following show.
  • In extreme circumstances, the Board will consider exceptions case by case.
Pricing
Do not add sales tax to your price. Tax will be added at the sales desk.
Booths
All booths must be professionally staffed. Booths may be shared by two or more artists.
Demonstrations
Artist demonstrations will occur during the shows in a designated area. Artists can sign-up to give demos (about 60 minutes in length).
Tagging items for sale
Each and every item in all WAG sponsored events MUST be tagged in the manner below. It is VERY important to follow this exactly in order to ensure that each artist is correctly paid for any sales. A supply of tags will be supplied prior to each show. It would be a good idea to write your name on the tag (back or front).
WAG ID TJ1 ID - is found on the address label of your newsletter
Item # 12 Item # - whatever code you wish to use for inventory
Price 45.00 Price - do not use dollar signs and do not include tax
Fall Show Set-Up (Friday Evening)
  • 4pm Meet at storage facility (Meridian and Pole Road) to load truck
  • 5pm All show personnel arrive at show location and start working: marking floor and setting up tables and standards, setting up Sales and Receiving Desks, kitchen organization, etc.
  • 5:45pm Hanging Committee must be ready
  • 7pm Booth set-up
  • 2:30 - 4 Judging Period
  • 5:30 All Reception personnel must arrive and prepare for Reception
  • 6 PM Reception
Hours of Fall Show
  • Saturday 9 - 6;
  • Sunday 9 - 6.