Artist Criteria + Registration

Participating artists will have the opportunity to submit art pieces that can be for sale during the month-long gallery exhibit.

Artist registration closes Sun. May 31 @ 11:59pm PST.Any artists who still want to participate (or sign up after the registration deadline) can still join the other special events. You can learn about them below in the green Money Makers section of this page.

  • Final deadline for art drop off is Tue. June 30, 2026.

  • Max 4 pieces per artist, any combination

    • MUST use nail supplies or feature nail motifs or imagery in all submissions

  • This year’s theme for submissions is:

    Nail Art is Resistance

    • Since art is always political and at the forefront of change, I want our art to be the protest against the current oppressive conditions we all are facing.

    • Feel free to create a story around piece(s) that gets told through the art, including pride in your heritage, your community, and your family. Other subject matter for submissions can even include your thoughts/critiques on government systems/agencies/officials, etc. Just remember to use nail supplies in your pieces and/or use nail imagery/motifs. 

    • When pieces are submitted, all artists will be required to complete a submission info card for each piece

Please make sure to read the Artist FAQs for more details.

There are 4 categories to submit art for:

  • Original Custom Nail Set: 10 nails per set, no restrictions for nail art besides staying within the theme. Will be sold as a press-on nail kit, but only nail tips will be on display. MUST be submitted in a closed shadow box.

    • Artists can get creative with their displays for the tips inside their shadowboxes, including the type of box used.

  • Framed Nail Art Photography: Submit up to 4 photographs of your favorite sets and artists can choose their own frames and mount them on their own before drop off or they can just be sent over electronically and we will mount them for you

  • Wall treatment: Framed art, or art on canvas or wood panel using nail supplies and paints, oils, or mixed media but portraying nail-related themes through a cultural lens

    • Possible ideas (get creative!): mounted collection of nail tips on phone cases / nail photos compiled into a collage and printed on canvas

  • Installation: maximum of 5’ high, max 60lbs., must use nail supplies within design/construction in addition to any other materials, must portray nail-related themes through a cultural lens

    • Possible ideas (get creative!): 3D printed hand with nails painted on / a plant pot with nail emojis painted on it / a bracelet or necklace made with dangling, embellished nail tips

REGISTRATION

• MONEY MAKERS •

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• MONEY MAKERS • $$

  • All art submitted for the exhibit will be for sale.

    When artists submit their work(s), they have to complete an artwork info card which will also be include your pricing.

  • The winner of the Nipped Nail Art Competition wins a $100 cash prize, awarded immediately at the end of the event.

    Register to compete here.

  • Each artist will get custom affiliate discount codes to share for both ticketed events, and will receive a kickback each time their code is used.