
Since 1966, Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival has celebrated and shared the arts with the community. Each year, more than 15,000 visitors flock to UA on Labor Day. Visitors immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music as part of the UA Performance Series, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art and fine craft work. Around 120 artists will be there who work in a variety of media including paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, sculptures and mixed media.
The Festival is made possible through the hard work of City Staff, a dedicated Coordinating Committee and a cadre of some 100 community volunteers. Interested in being a part of the Coordinating Committee? Reach out to Jodi Osborne, Arts Manager at [email protected].
2023 FESTIVAL DATE AND HOURS:
Monday, September 4 | 10 am–6 pm
FREE Admission
LOCATION:
Northam Park/Tremont Road
2850 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
This year’s event will be hosted adjacent to Northam Park in the Tremont Parking Lot and along Tremont Road. Thanks to the Upper Arlington Public Library, part of this year’s event will also take place in the atrium of the Tremont Library (no library services). The following will be located inside the library:
- Art Exhibit by Learning Never Ends
- Reading Garden Performance Stage
- Art Activities
- Restrooms
- Baby Changing and Nursing Station
- Sensory Room
- Air conditioned space to cool down
HOW TO GET TO THE FESTIVAL
Shuttles: Park at the Wellington School (3650 Reed Rd) and hop on a shuttle for an effortless ride to the Festival. Shuttles will be running about every 15 minutes from 9:30 am-6:30 pm.
Bike: Free bike valet service is offered for your convenience. The bike valet is located on the corner of Tremont Rd and Dorset Rd.
CoGo Bike Share: Don’t have a bike? Grab a bike at any of the CoGo Bike stations and ride to the Tremont Center station.
Ride Share: The best drop-off zones include the intersections of Tremont and Northam or Tremont and Ridgeview.
COTA Bus: Stop ID: 2853/3781 – Northwest Blvd & Northam Rd Bus Line 3 – Approximately 10 minute walk down Northam Rd.
Handicap/Accessible Parking: Spots will be reserved at the Tremont Center (parking lot across from Northam Park). Patrons can access the lot from Redding Rd.
Parking: Street parking available throughout the neighborhood.
Road Closures:
Tremont Rd between Farleigh Rd and Northam Rd

EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Over 120 artists be participating in this year’s event. These artists were selected through a formal jury process and travel from all over the country.
2023 LABOR DAY ARTS FESTIVAL JURORS
Thank you to this year’s jurors for their time and commitment in choosing the best artists for this year’s show!
Michael Bush
Michael Bush was born in 1975 in Gary, Indiana and now lives in Columbus, OH. Michael is a self-taught abstract artist. He has taken part in many juried shows in Columbus including the Ohio State Fair professional division, Art for Life, and the Columbus Bicentennial. Michael has served as the Artistic director for Union Bar and Food, where he curated bi-monthly art shows. Michael currently serves as the board president of the Franklinton Arts District. Michael is represented by Hayley Gallery in New Albany, Ohio and Sarah Gormley Galley in the Short North. Michael has two pieces in Schumacher Museum permanent collection (2019 and 2020).
Hayley Deeter
Hayley Deeter is the owner and director of Hayley Gallery in New Albany, Ohio. A native New Yorker, Deeter started her career as the youngest and only female Vice President for a Chicago direct marketing agency. Hayley received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her 25 years of service. Having met this achievement at the height of her career, she followed her one true passion, art, and opened Hayley Gallery in November 2007. Adding to her role of gallery owner, Deeter launched Deeter Design in 2014 to assist clients with incorporating art in their homes, adding color to their lives and re-designing interior spaces.
Rebecca Rea
Rebecca Rea is a multiple award winning ceramicist with over 25 years of experience. She founded Spinfire Studios in 2014 as she began to produce, sell and exhibit her works full-time. She has shown in countless fine art festivals and galleries regionally. Rebecca has also been a past juror for the UA Labor Day Arts Festival. She continues to develop her work in her home studio.
Thomas Yano
Sculptor and 2022 Best of Show Award Winner, Thomas Yano has been crafting and perfecting his metalsmithing skills since 1973. Thomas hand crafts each of his bronze, brass and copper sculptures. The theme of his works range from traditional to contemporary dynamic forms. Thomas has been exhibiting his work in fine art shows all over the country for over 25 years.
Judy Yesso
Judy Yesso is a resident of Upper Arlington and active member of the Labor Day Arts Festival Coordinating Committee. Past Chair and current member of the Cultural Arts Commission, Judy has led the Commission in creating a solid foundation for future work in developing and supporting the arts in Upper Arlington.
2023 LABOR DAY ARTS FESTIVAL JURORS
Thank you to this year’s jurors for their time and commitment in choosing the best artists for this year’s show!
ZAPPLICATION APPLICATION
Every year, over 250 artists apply to exhibit in the Labor Day Arts Festival through Zapplication. Applications typically open in mid-December with a deadline of mid-March. Four qualified jurors and a Cultural Arts Commissioner are selected to review and score all of the applications. The top scoring artists are invited to participate in the show in a variety of categories. See below for additional information:
- Jury Application fee: $30 (non-refundable)
- Images: Four images of individual artwork plus one booth image (without signs or identifying factors) – judging is based solely upon the quality of the work as illustrated in the submitted digital images.
- Images should be void of artist signature or any identifying marks; this will insure an anonymous and fair jury process.
- Jury images submitted should represent the artist’s original artwork and must be made by the exhibiting artist(s).
- COLLABORATING ARTISTS: Artists working in the same studio and using the studio name may request to exhibit in the same booth for one booth fee, with a maximum of three artists. Artists collaborating on the same work need not apply separately.
- Artists jurying more than one category of work may apply under the same name with a maximum of three mediums.
- Commercial studios involved in multiple or volume production should not apply to the show
JURORS & JURY INFORMATION
- Blind jury – images should not include signatures, identifying marks, name of the studio or face/identity of the artist.
- Jurors: Four experienced arts and industry professionals (paid) and one Cultural Arts Commissioner (unpaid).
- We try to have new jurors every year. Any repeat jurors will have at least one lapse year between shows.
- Juror’s biographies will be posted to our website at upperarlingtonoh.gov/LDAF.
- Monitor jury – Jurors will view images from their own computers at their own pace from February 27-March 13.
- Accepted artists will be the top/highest scores in their respective mediums.
- Any artist with applications accepted in multiple mediums must select one to be exhibited.
- The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival may limit the number of artists accepted in some categories in order to present a balanced show.
- Decisions of the jury panel are final and artist scores will not be released. A waitlist will be formed based on the scores and any vacancies will be filled from this list.
EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM
The Emerging Artist Program grew from the desire to be a more inclusive Festival and support artists looking to begin their art festival careers. This program is specifically for artists who have never exhibited their artwork in a juried arts festival.
Artists who have never exhibited their artwork in a juried arts festival before applied to exhibit in their own category and five artists were selected by jurors to participate in this year show. Learn more about this year’s Emerging Artists below and be sure to visit them during the event.
Megan Arce
Medium: Wood
Booth #: 92
Megan’s Website
Megan was born and raised in Ohio; graduated from Ohio State then had a 24 year career in sales. She is married, has two adult sons, a daughter-in-law and two dogs. Megan waded into woodworking with projects around the house then in 2020 she was given a hand-me-down lathe and fell in love with wood turning. Her goal is to celebrate the beauty of wood through her handmade creations. She finds the combination of different woods to be beautiful and each of her pieces is unique and made in USA. Megan is grateful to all her amazing friends who have handed down tools, equipment, cabinets and helped build her shop. She is also grateful for her family’s support and her husband’s willingness to live with the more than occasional mess and the lingering smell of Odie’s oil.
Dane Khy
Medium: Painting
Booth #: 93
Dane’s Website
Dane Khy lives in Columbus, Ohio where he works as a painter and muralist. Over the years, Dane’s creativity has taken many different paths. He started in the marketing industry as a graphic designer and animator while side-hustling as a video producer. In 2018 he began working as a freelance illustrator for national brands such as Apple, Chevy, and Peet’s Coffee. These opportunities eventually led him into the fine art and public art space. His murals and paintings are influenced by vibrant multicolored palettes, human behavior and our altruistic desire to connect with other species. Dane finds value and enjoyment creating in his community and for the city of Columbus. He opens up his studio door at Chromedge during Franklinton Fridays to welcome aspiring artists and share resources that have helped guide him on his journey as an artist.
Craig Murdick
Medium: Photography
Booth #: 91
Craig’s Website
Craig Murdick grew up in Columbus, Ohio right next door to Upper Arlington, moving to UA in 2001 with his family. He has always pursued creativity and making things which included a successful career in architecture. He has been a “maker” since childhood and feels fortunate to be able to continue his journey of artistic expression.
Starting with photography he strives to discover and celebrate the overlooked beauty, and hidden compositions around us in the built and natural environments. He amends the colors and textures to draw attention to the beauty in the ordinary, finding the art and composition, hiding in plain sight.
He looks forward to the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival as an exciting opportunity to share his passion of creativity with the public.
Brittany Cosgrove
Medium: Painting
Booth #90
Brittany’s Website
Brittany Cosgrove is a Columbus-based artist, muralist, teacher, and musician. Having begun her creative journey at an early age, Brittany’s passion for creating has driven her to explore a wide array of 2D and 3D media, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, and sewing. In addition to her artistic endeavors, music is also a significant part of her life. She has performed in various jazz bands, wind ensembles, and pit orchestras for operas and musicals. Brittany holds a Master’s in Music Performance from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from Otterbein University.
Over the past few years, Brittany has honed her skills in acrylic painting, propelling her from an artistic hobbyist to a professional artist. Her paintings often showcase musical instruments, plants, and animals, and feature vibrant colors and realistic details. Drawing inspiration from her musical background and love of nature, Brittany infuses her works with a sense of vitality and movement. Brittany enjoys teaching painting classes and private music lessons as well as live painting for local events.
Amanda McGee
Medium: Painting
Booth #89
Amanda’s Website
Amanda McGee grew up in Minnesota but has been a central Ohio resident for several decades, working as a freelance commercial artist designing products and licensing her artwork for the retail market. She has recently changed her focus to fine art and as an emerging artist she is creating joyful vibrant nostalgic acrylic paintings. Amanda loves to capture happy moments and memories that bring people joy. Her style is loose and representational, influenced by pop art with a vibrant color palette. She is inspired by her childhood and familiar objects from the past and celebrates those moments through nostalgic subject matter and bold colors. She is also influenced by her professional background as a surface pattern designer and infuses that experience into her artwork by creating background patterns in her paintings that reflect the era of the subject matter. Amanda is looking forward to showing her artwork and connecting with the Upper Arlington community and art collectors over shared experiences, stories and memories at the Labor Day Arts Festival! She hopes that her artwork makes you smile!
MEDIUM DEFINITIONS
Media categories are used as a tool for organizing artists’ images into logical, related groups for the jury’s review.
2D Mixed Media – Works that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production and is suitable for hanging.
3D Mixed Media – Works that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production and is a 3D object suitable for standing or hanging.
Ceramics – All original clay and porcelain. Machine-made, mass-produced work is not permitted. Embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.
Digital Art – Original work utilizing computer software solely to create, design and produce work. Work must be properly signed and numbered as a limited edition of no more than 250.
Drawing & Pastels – Works created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayons, etc. or from fluid media including inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
Fiber – All work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry and papermaking. No commercially machine-tooled, machine-screened patterns or miscellaneous forms of mass production are permitted, including manufactured seams.
Glass – Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or have been crafted by glass blowing, fusing, staining, molding, or casting. Works may be etched or engraved. No forms of mass production are permitted.
Jewelry – ALL jewelry, whether produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials. No commercial casts, molds or production studio work is allowed. Limited use of pre-made material such as beads* or small ornamental items is permitted.
*Beads must be made by the artist. There are only two exemptions to this rule:
- If the beads are not made by the artist, they must clearly play a subordinate role in the finished piece
- The requirement that beads must be made by the artist does not apply in the technique known as bead weaving; however, commercial bead weaving kits are not permitted.
Leather – Work where the primary material is leather including belts, handbags, wearables and sculptural work. All factory-produced items prohibited regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist.
Metal – Includes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry work crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Painting – The use of oils, acrylics, watercolors, and tempera suitable for hanging.
Photography and Digital Photography – The process of capturing images that begins with a camera, then printing the images, by chemical or digital means, onto a surface. This category includes traditional film photography and digital photography. All pieces must be signed, numbered and dated in limited editions of no more than 250.
Printmaking & Graphics – Printed works in which the artist hand-manipulated the plates, stones, or screens. Prints must be signed and numbered as a limited edition.
Sculpture – Three-dimensional original work created in any medium.
Wood – Original works that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved. Embellished manufactured wood items and mass-production are not permitted.
Emerging Artist Program – The Emerging Artist Program provides the opportunity for residents or students of Franklin County who have never exhibited in a juried arts festival to participate in the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival. Please refer to the “Emerging Artist Program”
General Guidelines
- All work must be the original, hand-produced work of the artists and representative of the work submitted to the festival jury.
- Artist agrees that all work submitted to the jury process and displayed and represented for sale has been designed and executed by the artist(s).
- No mass-production, manufactured work, or work produced from kits is permitted. No work by apprentices, studios or employees will be accepted. Commercial agents, dealers, or manufacturers are not eligible to apply. No “buy/sell” items or prepared food items will be accepted.
- Artist must be present during the entire event and available to speak with attendees. Artists will be asked to show ID upon check-in.
- Booths may not be moved from the assigned space before 6:15pm on Monday.
- Electrical service is not available. Generators are not permitted.
- Artists retain 100% of their sales and are responsible for the collection and reporting of all applicable sales taxes. Franklin County sales tax is 7.50% (www.tax.ohio.gov). Artists shall be responsible for obtaining any required licenses, permits or approvals under state laws applicable to his/her activity at the Festival and for paying any taxes, sales taxes, fees or other charges that may be applicable to any exhibitor’s activity at the Festival.
- Artists will abide by load-in/load-out procedures monitored by City staff and volunteers. Capability to drive up to booth space for load in/out will be during scheduled hours only on Sunday from 12pm-6pm and Monday morning from 7am-8:30am. Arrival outside of these scheduled times will require the artists to cart their artwork and supplies from outside the festival area.
Tent/Canopy Guidelines
- This event is held on pavement – 40 lb. weights are required on EACH corner of your tent. Additional weight is highly encouraged.
- All fabric canopies must be securely fastened to the frame.
- All tents must be flame resistant. Documentation is required (typically there is a tag inside your tent with this information)
- UA Fire Prevention will be onsite the morning of the event to inspect all tents.
- All displays must be kept inside your allotted space. No additional tables or displays are permitted in the right-of-way.
- Responsibility of compliance rests with the artist. Fire Prevention Office personnel can be reached at 614-583-5119 and will answer any questions concerning the above guidelines.
- Why we are strict with these guidelines
Reproduction Guidelines:
- Please see Medium Definitions for category-specific restrictions on 2D reproductions.
- All reproductions must be signed and numbered in editions of no more than 250.
- All reproductions whether framed or unframed, must be clearly and individually labeled “REPRODUCTION.” No other terms may be used.
- Framed reproductions may be displayed on one wall of the booth, not to exceed ten (10) linear feet. All unframed reproductions must be displayed in browse bins.
- Unframed reproductions may not be displayed in the same browse bin with original artworks.

The Art Activities Area this year will be located in the Tremont Parking Lot near Tremont Elementary and next to the Main Performance Stage. Bring your whole family and get creative with a variety of hands on activities. No previous art experience required! All activities are free.
OHIO CRAFT MUSEUM: Woven Bracelets and Bookmarks
UAHS AAPI ASSOCIATION: Chinese Calligraphy and Guzheng Performance
LEARNING NEVER ENDS: Keychains and Popsicle Stick Mural
DUBLIN AREA ART LEAGUE: Artist Exchange Cards and Collage Art facilitated by Donna Gleditsch
CARICATURE ARTIST
FACEPAINTING

MAIN PERFORMANCE STAGE
10:30-11:30 am – Whirlybirds
12-1 pm – Roots Society
1:30-2:30 pm – Topher James and Biscuit Brigade
3-4 pm – Andy Shaw Band
4:30–6 pm – The British Invasion
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES
A second performance stage will be located inside the atrium at the Tremont Library this year. Cool down while enjoying music from Musicologie and School of Rock students. No library services provided.
10-10:30 am – UAHS Marching Band
11:15 am–12:15 pm – SupaFun Band
1:15-2:15 pm – Musicologie
3:15-4:15 pm – School of Rock Columbus
Be sure to visit to following non-profit community groups located next to the Art Activities Area at this year’s event:

Taesty’s: Southern, American, Comfort Food
Explorers Club: Eclectic, Comfort Food, Latin American
Fancy Feeding You: American, Sandwiches, Salads
Guelaguetza Street Food: Mexican Street Food & Ice Cream
Big Bite: Burgers, American, Comfort Food
Schmidt’s Sausage Truck: German
Hibachi Run: Asian Fusion, Japanese
Broke Johnny: Breakfast, Brunch
Tortilla Street Food: Mexican Street Food
Cupzilla: Korean
Cheesy Truck: Grilled Cheese
Cousins Maine Lobster: Lobster
The Coffee Co: Coffee, Desserts, Shaved Ice
Little Ladies Soft Serve: Ice Cream
Holy Crepes: French, Comfort Food, Desserts
Chilljoy: Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Ice Cream
Drank Tank: Coffee and Tea
Giant Lemonade Cup: Refreshing Lemonade
Cosmic Kettle Corn: Kettle Corn and Lemonade
J Pops: Handcrafted Ice Pops

Be a part of the art in Upper Arlington and help make this year’s event possible! Earn community service hours (if needed), meet new friends and receive a fashionable Labor Day Arts Festival t-shirt. Various shifts available.
OPPORTUNITY | DESCRIPTION | SHIFTS AVAILABLE |
Artist Check-In | Help artists check in as they arrive to setup and direct them to their booth space. Give artists a warm welcome, hand them their packet, and run through a checklist of things they should know. | Sunday: 11:45 am–3 pm (4) 2:45-6 pm (4) Monday: 6:45–10 am (4) |
Artist Breakfast | Assist in setting up artist breakfast and greet artists and make them feel welcome before the start of Festival. Help tear down breakfast items before the start of the event. | Monday: 6:30–10 am (2) |
Artist Booth Sitter and General Volunteer | Check in on artists and give breaks as needed. No sale transactions will take place during booth sitting. Simply inform visitors that artist will be back shortly. These volunteers will also assist with a wide range of tasks including keeping the festival grounds clean, clearing and cleaning tables and anything else that might be needed throughout the event! | Monday: 10 am–2:15 pm (8) 2–6 pm (8) |
Festival Greeter & Art Pick-Up | When purchasing a large work of art, attendees can utilize this service to pick up their artwork after they are finished enjoying Festival. Staff members will deliver purchased artwork to a tent setup near Tremont Road where volunteers will monitor the artwork, check purchase tickets, and help customers load the artwork in their vehicles upon pickup. This tent will also serve as an information booth where volunteers will pass out maps, greet guests and answer questions. | Monday: 10 am–2:45 pm (2) 2:30-6:30 pm (2) |
Art Activities | Assist with Art Activities Area. Clean tables and restock art supplies. Engage with children and families to insure they have an experience of a lifetime creating one of a kind works of art! | Monday: 9:30 am-2:15 pm (5) 2-6:30 pm (5) |
Festival Setup and Teardown | Festival would not be possible without a strong setup and tear down crew! Help distribute and setup tables and chairs and distribute supplies. This opportunity does require lifting heavy objects and walking a lot. | Sunday: 4 pm-6 pm (set-up) (10) Monday: 7 am–10 am (set-up) (5) 5:45 pm–8 pm (teardown) (10) |
Festival Greeter | Greet and welcome festival goers, distribute maps and help answer questions at information booths. | Monday: 9:30 am–12:15 pm (2) 12 pm-3 pm (2) 2:45 pm-6 pm (2) |
The Labor Day Arts Festival would not be possible without a dynamic team of staff and volunteers. The Coordinating Committee begins work on planning Festival months in advance and put many hours into making sure the event runs smoothly. THANK YOU to the Coordinating Committee and volunteers for their generous donation of time and talents! For more information on volunteering for the Labor Day Arts Festival, please contact Jodi Osborne at [email protected] or (614)583-5312.