The 2025 M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival will take place on September 6 and 7, bringing a vibrant celebration of art to the Rochester community. As the Memorial Art Gallery’s (MAG) largest annual fundraiser and one of the region’s premier arts showcases, this two-day juried event is a must-attend occasion. Artists from across the country are invited to apply for participation and be part of this highly-anticipated festival.
For over 60 years, the Clothesline Art Festival has brought together over 300 artists and thousands of visitors on the grounds of MAG to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. Attendees can explore and purchase original works, enjoy live entertainment, sample delicious offerings from local food trucks, participate in free family art activities, and visit the museum. In addition to outdoor spaces, this year, artists have the option to show their work inside the museum.
Of note this year is the inaugural Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence. Generously sponsored by Joy Gallery and Studio and local arts supporter Richard A. Glaser, the award is open to artists and makers working in all media residing in Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western/Central New York regions. For over five decades, Luvon Sheppard has nurtured the talent of young artists. He played an important role in MAG’s history, conceiving of the Allofus workshop, the museum’s satellite community center that operated from 1972 to the late 70s. Today, Sheppard teaches at the College of Art and Design at RIT and supports local artists at Joy Gallery and Studio. The $5,000 Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence honors the artist’s legacy on the creative community in Rochester and beyond.
More information about the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival can be found here: https://mag.rochester.edu/clothesline/.
Key Details for Artists:
Application Period: Opened on January 15, 2025.
Eligibility: All submitted work must be original, one-of-a-kind, or limited-edition creations conceived and designed solely by the artist. Vision, imagination, and originality are paramount.
Restrictions: Commercial kits, patterns, stencils, molds, mass-produced items, personal care items, edible goods, candles, plants, flowers, and beaded jewelry made solely from commercially produced beads are not permitted. Reproductions of an artist’s own work may not exceed 30% of the booth display.
Artists will be evaluated by a panel of jurors based on MAG’s eligibility criteria. While individual feedback is not provided, the festival’s high standards ensure an exceptional showcase of talent and craftsmanship.
Awards: In addition to the Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence, three participating artists will receive a $300 cash prize in recognition for extraordinary quality, craftsmanship, creativity, and outstanding presentation. Additionally, one first-time exhibitor will be awarded $100 based on the same criteria. Winners will be announced at the festival.
Contact Information: For questions about artist spaces, eligibility, or the application process, please contact clothesline@mag.rochester.edu or 585.276.8949.