1) What’s the deadline for submissions?

Deadline for submissions: Monday, September 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Please plan ahead; we will be unable to accept submissions with later timestamps. Please refer to the call for artists for other important dates.
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(2) How are you defining “in recovery?”

Overall, our goal is to celebrate the growth, transformation, and healing that comes from a recovery experience / journey. We will accept submissions from anyone who self-identifies as being “in recovery.”​

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(3) I am private about my recovery status. Can I submit my artwork anonymously and/or remain anonymous if my piece is selected for the show?

Your name, email address, and phone number are required for submission. We will respect your privacy, and will not disclose this information. Prior to the show, accepted artists will be asked for explicit permission to include their name and city/town on the wall tag accompanying each piece. Artists may choose to remain anonymous on these tags.

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(4) Do submissions have to depict recovery themes or be related to recovery in some way?

We welcome artwork representing a variety of themes and topics. However, as this event is a celebration of recovery, preference will be given to pieces resonating with related ideas, e.g., transformation, growth, self-discovery, healing, hope, resilience, change, new life, joy. The submission form contains an optional item for a brief description of each piece.

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(5) I have a really unique piece, large piece, oddly shaped piece, or piece that doesn’t lend itself to framing or typical display options. What should I do?

The submission form will ask about the approximate size of each piece along with any special display accommodations. Please notify us about these issues or potential issues at the time of submission so that we can work with you to plan ahead and best showcase your piece, if selected.​

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(6) How many pieces will be selected for the show? How many pieces can I submit? Can I submit
something for the gallery exhibition AND the expressive writing/literary session?

We have expanded to 2 gallery spaces this year to allow for even more art! Depending on the type, size, and volume of submissions, we expect to select 50-75 pieces for the gallery showings, plus submissions for the expressive writing/literary session. Each artist may submit a total of 3 pieces for consideration; this includes mixing and matching of gallery submission(s) and expressive writing/literary submission(s). It is possible for more than one piece per artist to be selected.​

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(7) Do I have to submit a photo of my piece?

Yes, for 2D and 3D artwork, we will be unable to consider submissions that do not have a photo. Up to 2 photos must accompany each submission. Please see submission form for special instructions re: labeling photos.​

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(8) Do I have to mark my artwork as “for sale?” And how exactly will sales work?

On the submission form, artists will designate whether the piece will be for sale. This will be indicated on the wall tag accompanying each piece. Pieces that are for sale will have a QR code linking to the electronic point-of-sale system. Individuals interested in purchasing a piece will do so through this system, and the piece will then be marked with a sticker indicating that it has been sold. Sold pieces will remain on display for the duration of The Fresh A.I.R. Festival, and purchasers will pick up their piece during designated hours the week of September 29, 2025. Within 1 week of the show closing, artists will receive a check/electronic payment from Teetotal Initiative for 100% of the sale price; no commissions/fees will be extracted.

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(9) Are there any submission or participation fees for artists?

No, due to generous grant support from the Staunton Farm Foundation and our other sponsors, there are no submission/hanging fees or other costs associated with submission or participation in The Fresh A.I.R. Festival.

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(10) Do I have to provide a brief artist bio/artist statement or social media handles for the submission process?

No, we do not ask for this information at the time of submission. At a later date, we will ask accepted artists to provide these items for inclusion on the wall tags accompanying each 2D/3D piece, and for the expressive writing/literary presentation schedule. At that time, we will also provide instructions and tips on creating a brief artist statement/bio, if you do not have one.

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(11) I don’t live in the Pittsburgh region. Can I still submit my artwork and if accepted, just mail
my artwork to you and have you mail it back after the show? Can I still submit my poetry or other
writing and have someone else read it?

Regardless of where you live, please submit your artwork/writing if you are able to agree to the following parameters: 

 

Artists will be expected to drop off and pick up their accepted 2D/3D art pieces at Atithi Studios in Sharpsburg, PA. Accepted artists will receive additional information about the designated hours for art drop-off the week of September 22, 2025 and pick-up of any unsold/not-for-sale artwork the week of September 29, 2025. Multiple time slots will be available.

 

Unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to receive or pack/ship artwork via USPS mail, FedEx, UPS, etc.

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We strongly encourage individuals with accepted writing/literary pieces to attend the live session and “give voice” to their work. If you require special accommodations or have a unique situation, please reach out to Lauren Broyles, Director of Creative Arts Programming, at Lauren@teetotal.org to discuss your situation.

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(12) When and how can I expect to hear if my piece(s) was accepted?

Selected artists will be notified about accepted pieces via email no later than Monday, September 8, 2025.

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(13) Is The Fresh A.I.R. Festival free and open to the public?

Yes, thanks to the above grant funding and our community partners, all 3 days of the event are free and open to the public. There are no additional charges for food, zero-proof cocktails, or the music. Bring your friends and family!

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(14) Are volunteer opportunities available for individuals or groups?

Yes! We welcome volunteers for event set up, greeting visitors during gallery hours, assisting with crafting sessions, and helping with art drop-off and pick-up. Stay tuned for more information, or reach out now to Lauren Broyles, Director of Creative Arts Programming, at Lauren@teetotal.org

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(15) Are event sponsorships available for the Fresh A.I.R. (Art in Recovery Festival)?

Yes! We welcome financial and in-kind support, and have a variety of sponsorship levels and features. Please reach out to Lauren Broyles, Director of Creative Arts Programming, at Lauren@teetotal.org