Summerfair Cincinnati presents
The Golden Ticket
2025 Juried Art Exhibition
Nov 14 – Dec 12, 2025
Opening Reception & Awards
November 14, 6 – 8 pm
Gallery Hours
Mon/Wed/Fri: 10 am – 5 pm
Tue/Thu: 10 am – 8 pm
Sat: 10 am – 12 pm
CCAC’s annual Golden Ticket Juried Art exhibition, presented by Summerfair Cincinnati, showcases diverse, talented artists living or working within a 50-mile radius of the Clifton Cultural Arts Center. Over $1,500 in prizes will be awarded for Best in Show (for whom CCAC will also host a solo exhibition), second and third place, and honorable mention.
Golden Ticket 2025 FAQ
general
A: The exhibition was originally named The Golden Ticket as a nod to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory — when CCAC was housed in our original location, we raised funds to install a “great glass elevator” in the building, just like in the story. While the elevator is no longer with us, the spirit of the name remains. The Golden Ticket is still your golden opportunity to share your artwork and talent with CCAC’s broad and enthusiastic audience.
A: Artists 18+ living or working within the Greater Cincinnati region. (Up to 50 miles from CCAC as the crow flies.)
A: All fine art media welcome — including sound, performance, installation, and works that defy classification.
A: Up to 5 pieces. Bring your strongest work!
A: Nope! Sales are welcome but not required.
A: $35 for the first submission and $10 each for up to 4 additional. This helps cover the awards, reception, and installation support. (We promise it’s not going toward glitter.) We offer an early bird discount to artists who submit before August 31, which takes $10 off of the total submission cost.
A: Great questions! All submissions should be in by 11:59 pm on September 29.
A: Just shoot an e-mail to ccacgoldenticket@gmail.com CCAC wants to make sure every artist has the opportunity to have their work seen and their voice heard.
A: CCAC awards over $1,500 in prizes: $100 for Peoples’ Choice, $100 for 1-2 Honorable mentions, $200 for 3rd place, and $300 for 2nd place. The artist selected as Best-in-Show will receive $800 as well as one person show during the following exhibition season.
A: The Golden Ticket prizes creativity, experimentation, and risk. We also emphasize transparency in the jury process, community engagement, and a damn good opening party.
A: CCAC’s annual Golden Ticket exhibit provides the opportunity to have your work seen both by the illustrious jurors (arts professionals at the top of their fields) and by thousands of audience members, both at and outside of the opening reception. CCAC has built a community that knows how (and why!) to look at art.
Installation & Logistics
A: Yes! Each image should be a JPEG file, sized for clear viewing on a standard computer monitor. Please ensure the shortest side of your image is at least 1200 pixels. File names must follow this format: FirstInitialLastInitial_Title.jpg, for example: HB_TheLonelyTree.jpg
Make sure your images are in focus, well-lit, and accurately represent your work – we want to see it at its best!
A: CCAC will help to photograph your artwork, by appointment. Please contact us in advance atccacgoldenticket@gmail.com no later than September 12 to schedule your appointment.
A: Notifications will go out via email in Mid-October.
A: You’ll receive detailed drop-off instructions and installation dates. Our team is here to support you through the process!
A: Include these notes in your application! We’ll do our best to accommodate, and we’ll follow up with any questions.
A: All 2D work should be ready to hang. That doesn’t necessarily mean framed — but it does mean presentable and secure.
A: Besides our bespoke gallery spaces, our 18,000 sq. ft building is filled with nooks and crannies to house your wildest dreams. We imagine site specific proposals for our roof top, for our stairwells, in our meeting rooms, and more! What about our (entirely) gender neutral restrooms? The elevators?
A: For work that requires specialized installation, we welcome artists to be part of the process.
Events & Community
A: That depends on you! We’d love to give the floor to any participating artist interesting in sharing a bit about their work and process. Details TBD!
A: Yes. And a golden-themed cocktail, too.
A: Yes. Please let us know how we can support you. Our building is fully accessible and we are happy to make accommodations.
Odds & Ends
A: drumroll please This year’s jurors are: Christina Vassalo (Alice & Harris Weston Executive Director at the Contemporary Arts Center,) Michael Hurst (Area Director of Museum Operations at 21c Museum Hotel,) and Ena Nearon (Arts advocate, curator, and owner of Ten Talents Network.) Past jurors include: Aaron Betsky, Steven Matijcio, Raphaela Platow, Sara Vance Waddell, Dennis Harrington, Cameron Kitchin, Anissa Lewis, and Tracy Featherstone.
A: CCAC takes a 25% consignment fee to support our exhibitions program. We’ll coordinate pickup with the buyer and cut you a check.
A: Be yourself. Submit what you’re proud of. Don’t overthink it. (Also, label your files clearly and make sure your images are in focus.)
A: Metaphorically, yes. Literally… also yes? In addition to juried awards, the Golden Ticket exhibition features a peoples’ choice award with additional cash prize, and the ballots for this award are none other than Golden Tickets!
