Rules for Artists, Performers and Businesses.
Artist’s Rules (Kimberly Zamora 209.658.0661)
• Artist set up inside business, not on sidewalk, unless approved by the Art Hop Committee.
• Be sure 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) you exhibit during the Art Hop, and cannot hold the Art Hop or business owner liable for any damage or theft. Merced Art Hop is not responsible for any damage or theft to artwork.
• 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.
Bands/Performers Rules (Mike Steen 209.489.1989)
• Bands/Performers cannot set up on sidewalk, unless approved by the Art Hop Committee.
• If you are approved to set up on the sidewalk, make sure you leave room for people walking by.
• Bands/Performers cannot use a PA system or Amps (Art Hop or City of Merced or Merced PD will shut you down).
• Bands/Performers are to play acoustic or keep sound to a minimum (remember there are other bands performing)
• Bands/Performers are to stay in assigned area.
• No cursing or preaching.
• You are personally responsible for any equipment, and cannot hold the Art Hop liable for any damage or theft. Merced Art Hop is not responsible for any damage or theft to equipment.
• In preparation for and during the Art Hop, you are to be professional and courteous.
Business Rules (Kevin Hammon 209.658.2587)
• Artist sets up inside business, not on sidewalk, unless approved by the Art Hop Committee.
• 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 view and support local talented 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. Tons of Art, Rich in Culture, Live Music, Interactive Art Activities, Performers and lots more…..Free for Everyone!
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. Merced Art Hop is not responsible for any damage or theft to 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, children’s activities, watching the crowd or directing people, helping businesses, etc. We need volunteers before and after the event for different tasks.




