NCA is invited to participate in the 2026 California State Fair giving Fine Art demonstrations in the Fine Art exhibit hall, Expo Center, Building 7. The program strives to offer State Fair visitors a variety of interesting and engaging demonstrations throughout the 17 days of the Fair. As part of our partnership, artists of NCA can sign up to demonstrate at no cost. Please review all of the information before signing up for a demonstrator shift. The registration link is at the bottom of this page.
DATES, TIMES: July 17 – August 2, 2026 (4 hour shift) Artists must be able to stay for the full time, per the policy of Cal Expo. Please arrive 10 minutes early for your shift.
LOCATION: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. Expo Center, Building 1-8 Building 7 – California Fine Arts & Photography. State Fair passes can be picked up at Sac Arts the day prior to your shift.
DESCRIPTION: All demonstration space is indoors, air-conditioned, strategically placed in the center of the statewide exhibit of featured competition winners. Dimensions vary per booth. Included with participation: wall space for display, electrical outlet, 8 ft. counter space, admission, and parking as deemed appropriate.
SALES: Sales are NOT allowed. You can advertise your website and upcoming exhibits. However, artists cannot sell art on the premises.
DEMONSTRATION SUPPLIES: Bring any demonstration supplies needed, materials for live demos, and business cards. Please only bring what you can carry in one trip. Demonstrating Artisans are responsible for the safe storage and, when needed, disposal of all tools, equipment, supplies and materials necessary for producing their artwork. Solvents, fixatives, and other materials deemed toxic or harmful may not be disposed of on Fair premises. The restroom sinks cannot be used for disposal of toxic or hazardous materials (including acrylic paint, oil paint and solvents used with oil paints). The Fire Marshal does not allow open flames (including craft torches, lighters, candles, etc.), hot plates, or heaters. Demonstrators may bring their own extension cord and we will provide the power outlet.
THE SPACE: The demonstration space in Expo Center Building 7 will include a display for NCA. The space will have at least one electrical outlet (110v) and three chairs. Demonstration Artisans are asked to provide all equipment needed for your demonstration, as well as all tools, materials and supplies required to create their artwork.
ADMISSION CREDENTIALS: State Fair tickets and parking passes cannot be exchanged or shared. Any attempt to sell, exchange, barter, or give away any credentials issued by Cal Expo is prohibited. Anyone found doing so will be required to pay for all credentials that were issued to them and may be subject to further actions including any legal remedies or actions available to Cal Expo. State Fair passes can be picked up at Sac Arts the day prior to your shift.
FOOD AND DRINK: You may NOT eat or drink in the demonstration area. Closed water bottles are allowed. If you are in need of a food and drink break, please let the other volunteers know, take a break, and come back when you are refreshed. Try to ensure that someone is there watching your booth at all times. However, if you must leave the demonstration area unattended, please put your tools and materials out of sight and out of reach to keep the curious and the mischievous from being attracted to them.
INSURANCE & SECURITY: NCA and The California Exposition & State Fair are not responsible for loss or damage to your property. It is not recommended that you leave your booth unattended at any time during operating hours. You should also cover all valuable items when leaving the building after closing. Roving security guards will be on duty. Valuable items that are easily portable (such as electronics or equipment) should be removed from booths and properly secured and concealed after closing.
MEGAN’S LAW FORMS: These are required of all people who interact with the public at the Fair. Include all people who will be in the booth. All artists will be required to submit this form after registering.
Click the link below to sign up for a demonstrator or volunteer shift. By signing up, you agree to the terms above and will show up for and stay for the full shift. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from future events.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054EA8AC2CAAFA7-63459827-ncastate#/
Contact Sally Durante at 916-202-6367 for any questions.
