Our mission is to showcase downtown Merced and the art and artists that are part of our community and culture in every sound and sight.
Rules for Artists, Performers and Businesses.
Artist’s Rules
Artist set up inside business, not on sidewalk.
Be sure that the sample you provide is original work by you and similar in content to the other pieces that you will exhibit at the Art Hop.
You must present different artwork at each Art Hop in which you participate.
After the match with a business is made, all arrangements thereafter are made between you and the business. When and how you deliver and exhibit your work is up to you and the business owner.
Set up your display at the business at a time mutually agreed upon by the business owner and you, that is in line with your vision while being neither a fire hazard nor an excessive burden to the store’s design, also you must get permission with business owner on what types of material you will use (nails, adhesive, etc) to display artwork.
You and the business owner may opt to set up early and leave the display up as long as desired.
You can only show up to four pieces of artwork, unless approved by business owner.
If you don’t get chosen by a business owner, we may be able to provide you a location.
If you choose to sell your artwork, you must abide by laws that apply to sales.
You are personally responsible for any artwork, supplies, equipment (easels, tables, etc) that you exhibit during the Art Hop, and cannot hold the business owner liable for any damage or theft.
You must be present the day of the event to answer questions, watch artwork, etc, if you are schedule to participate and are unable to make it, please notify the business or Kimberly 209.658.0661, 3 days before the event.
In preparation for and during the Art Hop, you are to be professional and courteous.
Performers Rules
Performers set up on sidewalk or inside business.
If you set up on the sidewalk, make sure you leave room for people walking by.
Performers can not use a PA system or Amps (City of Merced or Merced PD can shut you down).
Performers are to play acoustic or keep sound to a minimum (remember they are other bands performing)
Performers are to stay in assigned area.
No cursing or preaching.
You are personally responsible for any equipment.
In preparation for and during the Art Hop, you are to be professional and courteous.
Business Rules
Artist sets up inside business, not on sidewalk.
Make your space as accessible as is reasonable for artists to exhibit their work.
Be in regular contact with the artist to make arrangements for the work to be installed.
Promote the event like it’s your own because, after all, it is your event!
Appreciate the varied levels of artistic talent, and support amateur and professional artists equally.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is an Art Hop?
The Merced Art Hop is a chance for the community to meet in downtown Merced to support our local businesses and artists, and to celebrate the vast interpretations of what art is. It’s easy. Come downtown (plenty of street, surface and parcade parking), pick up a map at the Information table in Bob Hart Square, start walking. Visit all or some of the businesses who are hosting artists for the night. The rest is up to you—meet local artists and business owners, ask how they got started, what inspires them, learn more about their products and artwork, maybe even buy something or just window shop.
How did the Merced Art Hop start?
Kevin at Binary Systems Computer and Kimberly at Tallulah Brigitta had a vision to organize Merced’s 1st Art Hop. Kimberly herself an artist, their motivation was two-fold: to promote economic growth in the downtown neighborhood and to support local artists who have few opportunities to exhibit their work. Meanwhile, with encouragement from the Merced Redevelopment Agency, Staci from the Arts Council and Tami of Diva Accessories were envisioning the same thing for the same reasons. With a little strategy and a lot of serendipity, the four met in August 2008 and never said “we can’t.” Soon Luis and Irene De La Cruz Authors and Owners of “Between Friends / Entres Amigos” a local Newspaper, was in full support, bolstering confidence and pushing our promotions efforts even further.
The only trouble was, art hops require art galleries, and Merced doesn’t have many of those—not much “hop” to that. So, Kevin and Kimberly went door-to-door asking businesses to stay open late for one night and pretend to be a gallery. To the committee’s delight, the response was overwhelming! The rest is history.
What do I write for my biography?
The biography is about you, years creating art, art school or college attended; any galleries/museums you’ve participated, etc. Please keep your biography brief.
What is an artist statement?
The artist statement is about your artwork, what type of mediums, colors, inspiration, and style you use.
How many pieces can I enter?
Artists can show up to four pieces of artwork, unless approved by business owner.
How big can my piece be?
Artist’s pieces can be up to 6 ft x 6 ft no bigger, pieces have to fit through a door. If you get picked by a business owner you need to get an approval. When you fill out the application write the dimension, very important. If pieces are bigger let us know in advance and we can place you outside.
Do I need to bring an easel?
Artists have to bring own easel or props (table) to display artwork.
What kind of art can I exhibit?
Any type of art but in good taste, remember a business owner is choosing the artwork.
Does my artwork have to be framed?
That’s up to the artists, remember this is a chance to show your work and presentation is very important.
Do I have to have a theme or series of the same artwork?
No theme or series, remember: if you enter a painting with flowers and a floral business chooses you they’re probably expecting the artwork to be flowers. If you artwork has different subject matters or different mediums write it on the application.
How much does it cost?
Free!
Is my artwork insured?
The artwork is not insured, artists must be present the day of the event to watch artwork.
Who can participate?
The Art Hop is opened to all artists.
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers are responsible for making signs, passing out flyers, recruiting artists, musicians and volunteers, calling artists, setting up installations, watching the crowd or directing people, helping businesses, etc. We need volunteers before and after the event for different tasks.
