Blog

August 8 & 9

Shelby Township, Michigan

Application deadline: April 1

The Shelby Township Art Fair Committee is seeking artists, fine crafters, and Michigan Made Products vendors for its 32nd Annual Shelby Township Art Fair, held on the township's municipal grounds on Van Dyke Avenue, just south of 24 Mile Road.

This juried fair is limited to 100 artists and 30 Michigan based product selling businesses. With quality and variety in mind, art and fine crafts in clay, wood, painting, printing, drawing, fibers, metal, glass and other 2D and 3D mediums are being sought. A limited number of jewelers will be accepted.

All booths are outdoors on grass, measure approximately 15'x15', and many have shade trees.  Some double booths are available.

• The jury fee is $10
• booth fees are $140 for artists and $60 for the MI Made area.  
• Cash prizes are awarded to artists and fine crafters.
• friendly, helpful, organized staff
• easy load-in & load-out, Friday night set-up, 
• plenty of free daytime & overnight parking close to exhibit areas
• overnight grounds security, and complimentary coffee and donuts each morning help to create a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Advertising in local and regional publications, internet social media, television and radio announcements, e-mail blasts, flyers, banners and signs throughout the community, and more bring over 10,000 visitors to the event.

July 11 & 12

Naperville, Illinois

The Event features 100+ local and national artists exhibiting, selling and demonstrating their original works of art. Mediums include Painting, Drawing, Pastels, Fiber, Glass, Wood, Ceramics, Jewelry, Batik, Photography, Mixed Media, Metal, Sculpture, Print Making, Upscaled Recycled Art, Silk & Textiles.

November 20-22
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Benton Convention Center
Patron's Preview: Fri. 5:30pm-9pm
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm

Presented by Piedmont Craftsmen
125 exhibiting artists
Deadline: April 16   

Application Fee: $35; Booth Fee: starting $600

Piedmont Craftsmen is a Juried FineCraft Guild that has represented and supported Fine Craft Artists since 1963.  Artists jurying for Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair are applying for lifetime membership in a Guild with a year-round gallery in downtown Winston-Salem, and strong Exhibition and Education programs. 

Artists accepted to the show are evaluated by a standards committee for invitation as Exhibiting Members.

• Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair accepts exhibitors in all the major fine craft media, including clay, fiber, jewelry, metals, glass, mixed media (2-D and 3-D), fine printmaking, photography, and wood.
• The event is promoted to and attended by an audience that includes Charlotte and Raleigh as well as North Carolina's Piedmont Triad. Fair visitors also come from South Carolina and southern Virginia.
• Promotions include print advertising (newspaper and glossy monthlies), radio, direct mail, billboards, social media; television, national, statewide and regional news releases to print and broadcast media; valued at roughly $80,000.
• Artist Amenities: booth sitting, Saturday night craftsmen's social event, artist rates at several hotels, loading dock managers, 2 Preview Party guest passes.
  
  

Booth fee:  starts at $600 for a 10x10 booth, includes pipe and drape and electricity.  50% due with contract, balance by September 19. 

• Reported Exhibitor sales at the Fair over the past several years have averaged over $3,200.
• Piedmont Craftsmen has a large and loyal customer base for our annual Fair and our Year-Round Gallery in the heart of Winston-Salem's Downtown Arts District.
• The Gallery/Shop, which only sells work by juried exhibiting members, welcomed more than 17,000 visitors in 2013, and has averaged more than $200,000 in sales over the past four years.
• Piedmont Craftsmen has an active community education program, including long and short term artist residencies in the public schools, and partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and the Sawtooth School for Visual Art. 
  
  

Our Fair Exhibitors and members say:

• Good treatment of the artists...helpful set up and breakdown...You all do a fantastic job...
• The annual Fair is outstanding and could be in any large city anywhere in the world...
• They will do whatever they can to help you as an artist because they are there to help artists...one of the top galleries in the southeast...
• they get my "Good Housekeeping seal of approval for craft artists...
• a history of attracting top craftsmen who continue evolving...
  
  

More information at www.piedmontcraftsmen.org 

Application at zapplication.org 

Email: members@piedmontcraftsmen.org 

Phone: (336)725-1516 

Fair and membership Manager: Deb Britton 

September 26 & 27  

Voted in Top 50 Best Art Fairs by ArtFairCalendar.com

Imagine the sales rolling in while watching the fall colors change over this scenic Midwest riverfront venue. Be appreciated by tens of thousands of art enthusiasts and collectors while being waited on by a dedicated team of over 400 volunteers. Find your work promoted in national and regional outlets. Your lunches are delivered. Your talent is celebrated. In a nutshell, that's the Peoria Art Guild's Fine Art Fair.

Ask the artists who have exhibited in Peoria. No one treats you better!

"Once again as I finish my art festival season, Peoria proves to be one of my top three shows of the year. Both in sales and my love for the show. A big thank you to everyone involved!" - Shawn Wolter, 2008 - 2014 Fine Art Fair Artist

 

Whether you're a first-timer...
 
"Best show I have had in my ten years. Thank you!"
- Amy Beeler (Jewelry), 2014 Fine Art Fair Artist

Or back for more...
 
"We had another awesome show with good sales. Thank you!"
- Richard & Carrin Gruchalla (Ceramics), 2013 - 2014 Fine Art Fair Artist

We pride ourselves on preserving the established reputation of hosting an exceptional fair-now into its 53rd year!!

• An appreciative buying audience for ALL mediums
• Pre-fair sales opportunities and commissioned post-fair sales
• Easy set-up and teardown/level and accessible; convenient parking including NEW trailer drop-off location
• Over 400 energetic community volunteers willing to please-delivery of refreshments, booth sitters for breaks, and other help as needed
• Overnight security-both Friday and Saturday
• Complimentary meals all weekend with artist awards reception meal
• Beautiful outdoor venue on over three acres of Riverfront
• Above and beyond hospitality-enjoy some good mid-western fun!

Come to Central Illinois and let us show you why so many artists consider the Peoria Art Guild's Fine Art Fair one of the most fun (and profitable) fairs they do all year!

Application available at:  www.Zapplication.org 

For more info, please call 309-671-1090, visit: www.peoriaartguild.org, or email: events@peoriaartguild.org

Mt. Desert Island, Maine
 

The Downeast Maine Art Festivals are a series of fine art and crafts shows held during the peak of the tourist season: August and September, on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, home to world-famous Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, and are held in incomparably beautiful locations! 

August 1 & 2
Northeast Harbor
Northeast Acadian Harborfest

Northeast Harbor Marina waterfront
40 Artists 

This  show is being expanded in 2015 to include other culturally-related activities. 

August 7-9
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival

Held on the grounds of the Bar Harbor Inn on the town waterfront. This is our "flagship" show and has established a reputation with both artists and patrons as one of the top shows in northern New-England. 

September 11-13
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival II 

Held on the grounds of the Bar Harbor Inn on the town waterfront.  This show follows Labor Day weekend while the Bar harbor region is still very busy with tourists and when cruise ships make more frequent port calls in Bar Harbor. 

The shows are produced by a show circuit artist like you and for you!  Promotion is island-wide and uses cards, posters and tasteful outdoor signage as well as newspaper and internet advertising.  Promotion of the shows goes beyond just the weekends of the shows--customer and gallery inquiries will be forwarded to the appropriate artists year-round.  
 

These shows are ideal for the traveling artist wishing to have a "working vacation" -- most artists stay a week and often do back-to-back shows.
 

Jurying is by on-going periodic rolling-jury.  Spaces are

limited in media categories in order to maintain a balance of media types and therefore spaces are reserved on a "first come, first paid" basis.

How to apply:

Applications are at www.Zapplication.com  

Further information may be had at www.marcfink.com/shows  

calling (207)266-5162 or by e-mail atin_a_cloud@hotmail.com

September 12 & 13

Chicago, Illinois
Intersection of Broadway and Belmont
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
175 Exhibitors
Deadline: March 2

The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is Chicago's premier fine art and fine craft festival showcasing 175 juried artists.  Lakeview is located on the north side of Chicago, near Wrigley Field, north Halsted and Lincoln Park in a very diverse, culturally with unique boutique stores, cafes and restaurants.
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has hosted this event for the past eight years.  More than 40,000 attendees are expected to attend this year's festival.  The festival is set on Broadway Avenue just north of Belmont Avenue.

This festival has a strong marketing and media plan and hosts an annual artist reception.  Other  amenities include artist reserved parking, Saturday night Artist Party, and a full breakfast served Saturday and Sunday.

The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is one of a series of Chicago area art fairs managedby Erin Melloy of EM Events, a well-established promoter of art shows in the Chicago area. EM Events works closely with some of Chicagoland's most innovative and creative communities and organizations to produce premiere art festivals of distinction. At EM Events, it's about the art.  

For more information and application:  www.emevents.com/lakeview-east.html

• Website: culturalfestivals.com 
• Avg. Sales: $8177 (AFSB) 
• Jury Images:  4 Images of work plus one booth image
• Viewed:  simultaneously with images horizontally across the screen (booth image is last image in the row)
• Jurors: The jury is made up of arts professionals, peer jurors, and local buyer/collector (all paid), a total of 5 jurors.
• Scoring:  yes, no, maybe
• Jury/Application Fee:  $40 non refundable
• Booth Fee: $625 and $725
• Cash Awards: Up to $20,000
• Booth Space:  10'x10' with 2' buffer all around
• Electric:  500 watts provided free, no generators
• Produced by:  Cultural Festivals 501(c) 3 Non-profit corp.
• Artist Presence: Required
• Reproductions:  Not allowed
• No. of Applicants in 2014:  1329
• No. of Exhibitors from Jury Pool:  145
• No. of Exhibitors Exempt from Jury:  36
• Security:  24-Hour
• Parking:  Free/Reserved

In addition to the amazing visual art exhibition, the festival features live performing arts ensembles on three stages, the Creative Castle featuring educational art projects for children, street performers and fifteen of St. Louis' most delectable restaurants.

Apply: www.Zapplication.org 

For more information contact:

Cindy Lerick

President & Executive Director, Cultural Festivals

phone: 314-863-4485; CulturalFestivals.com 

For a quick look at the Saint Louis Art Fair: 

June 26-28
Des Moines, Iowa
Downtown at Western Gateway Park
surrounding the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
194 Artists 
Deadline: October 31

Winner of the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award* from the International Festivals and Events Association, Hall of Fame honors from the National Association of Independent Artists and the Encore Award from Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Arts Festival is one of the nation's most respected arts events in the country hosting 194 of the nation's top artists in a beautiful urban setting surrounding the fames 4.4 acre John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

The outdoor Festival of arts and culture attracts more than 200,000 people each year to its downtown location in Iowa's capital city and largest metropolitan area.

DMAF is a show dedicated to the highest standards and works diligently to maintain a positive environment for artists and their clients. DMAF is a non-profit organization founded by the Des Moines Art Center.  Any Festival proceeds go back into the community supporting the Des Moines Art Center's educational outreach programs, numerous area non-profit organizations and the free admission program of the DMAF.

The Festival juries using ZAPPlication projection jury system and five respected jurors.

• The first night of jury is open to all applying artists for viewing and networking.  
• Notifications are emailed on or before December 12
• contracts/booth fees due no later than January 16
• Each application is reviewed by staff in advance of the jury to assist in presenting the best possible opportunity in front of the jury.

DMAF offers healthy booth spaces with storage and air between booths, cash awards, and generous amenities. Promotion of the event is to an art buying public through print, radio, online, earned media, billboards, direct mail, and social media.

DMAF is an all-original show and the artist presence is required.

Application information is available on the Des Moines Arts Festival website.

Or, apply directly online using:  www.ZAPPlication.org

Join us on Facebook/DesMoines ArtsFestival: https://www.facebook.com/DesMoinesArtsFestival

Email questions to: info@desmoinesartsfestival.org or call (515) 286-4927 to speak to Stephen King, Executive Director.

*The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) paid tribute to the Des Moines Arts Festival on September 29, 2014, during the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony held at the IFEA’s 59^th Annual Convention & Expo, in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Des Moines Arts Festival was presented with 21 awards in the prestigious IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards competition.  The ceremony culminated with the presentation of the coveted Gold Grand Pinnacle Award to the annual festival of arts and culture. The Grand Pinnacle Award is the industries highest professional honor and represents recognition across all platforms​.

June 20 & 21   
Wheaton, Illinois
Cantigny Park
Saturday, 10am-5pm| Sunday, 10am-4pm
Deadline: February 2

Cantigny Park is pleased to announce Art in Bloom, an outdoor arts festival. More than 100 juried artists will showcase their work amidst Cantigny's beautiful gardens, grounds and museums. 

Cantigny is a 500-acre park and part of the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation. It is home to two museums, formal gardens, picnic grounds, restaurants and 27 holes of championship golf.

Art in Bloom is always among the park's most popular events. Quality of artwork will take precedence over quantity of artists so the show may vary in size somewhat. 

Friday night set-up is available as well as an air conditioned artist break room, snacks, andvolunteers galore. This event is located on grass under large trees. Ample parking is another valuable asset!

Our publicity campaign will include, but is not limited to, radio, newspaper, eblast, Twitter, Facebook, postcards, web, Cantigny Visitors Guide as well as our Spring and Summer Events guide, posters and banners. In addition we plan on working with many of Cantigny's partners, affiliates and sponsors to help make this art fair the best that it can be.

FESTIVAL FACTS:

• Deadline: February 2
• Jury Fee: $10
• Booth Fee: $300
• Artists: approximately 100
• Prints Allowed
• Ribbon Awards: $1100.00
• Attendance: 10,000+  

To learn more and apply:  www.emevents.com
 
Art in Bloom is one of a series of Chicago area art fairs organized by Erin Melloy of EM Events, a well-established promoter of art shows in the Chicago area. EM Events works closely with some of Chicagoland's most innovative and creative communities and organizations to produce premier art festivals of distinction. At EM Events, it's about the art. 

For additional information please contact:  
Erin Melloy, 630.536.8416,  emelloy@emevents.com

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Find more excellent shows looking for you:  www.CallsforArtists.com

May 16 & 17 
East Lansing, Michigan
Downtown
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
200 Exhibitors
Deadline:  January 31

Established in 1964, the East Lansing Art Festival (ELAF) kicks off the festival season each spring in the beautiful streets of downtown East Lansing.  The popular festival attracts 80,000-70,000 attendees.  In addition to the 200 juried exhibitors, the ELAF encourages future artists through the Emerging Artist Program.

This non-profit event is beloved in the greater Lansing area and attracts devoted art buyers from across the state of Michigan as well as Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Informally known as the "City of the Arts," East Lansing welcomes the finest artists in North America to exhibit at this highly promoted event.

East Lansing is a charming university town with a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries. The beautiful Michigan State University campus is right across the street, which is now home to the renowned Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum.

The combination of the University and the State Capitol nearby brings a well-educated population to attend and appreciate the handmade work.

At the ELAF---ranked #54 by Sunshine Artist magazine---exhibitors can expect:

• well-educated visitors, including professional people
  from state government and the university
• friendly volunteers who welcome artists and make load-in and load-out run smoothly
• perks such as booth sitting services and Friday set-up as well as free artist parking, coffee and break area
• affiliation with local public TV and radio---bringing the right people to you
• eclectic live music that enhances the art rather than distracts from it
• international flavors in a unique food court
• a hand-on area for children
• a festive mood---this is the kickoff of the local festival season!

Apply today:  www.Zapplication.org

For more information please contact:

Michelle Carlson, Art Festival Director

East Lansing Art Festival

410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 319-6804

e mail:  info@elartfest.com 

www.elartfest.com 

The festival is presented by the East Lansing Art Festival Board in cooperation with the Arts Commission/City of East Lansing.

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Find more art fairs around the country looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com

May 16 & 17
Indianapolis, Indiana

Grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center

225+ Artists booths
Deadline: January 25

Established in 1971, The Broad Ripple Art Fair, the Art Center's largest fundraise, is Indy's kickoff to the summer festival season!  Now in it's 45th year, the Broad Ripple Art Fair attracts over 15,000 visitors annually to the BroadRipple Village cultural district and showcases more than 225 artists from the U.S. and Canada.

Points of note:

• Top 100 Art Fair (Sunshine Artist Magazine 2014)
• Jury is open to public and scores are released to artists
• Jury/booth fees ($35/$370)
• Over $250,000 in marketing and promotion
• Features 225 fine artists
• Second day pass-back for patrons, gated fair average of over 15,000 attendees
• Heavy item pick up service
• Staff and volunteer supported load-in and load-out
• Over 400 volunteers

Application Dates: 

• Applications Open: October 1
• Application Deadline:  January 25
• Notification:  February 27
• Booth Fee due:  March 22

June 27 & 28  
Grand Haven, Michigan
Downtown, first three blocks of Washington Ave.
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 10am-5pm

110 Exhibitors
Deadline:  February 15

The Grand Haven Art Festival transforms Washington Avenue into a chic, outdoor art gallery.  Residents and visitors from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Detroit and more, visit the annual Grand Haven Art Festival looking to purchase those perfect pieces for their home, cottage, and office.  Join us as we celebrate the arts in Grand Haven!

Grand Haven is a destination beach town that sits along the shores of both the Grand River and Lake Michigan.  A beautiful 2.5 mile boardwalk connects the historic downtown shopping area to the sandy shores of the State and City beaches as well as the two picturesque lighthouses.  The Art Festival is a staple in the area's summer event calendar, held the last full weekend in June.

The goal of the Grand Haven Art Festival is to provide the communities and visitors of the West Michigan area with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artist; while upholding the community valued tradition of the Grand haven Art Festival.  The 54th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival is coordinated by The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg with the assistance of a local committee.  The Chamber of Commerce has been affiliated with the Grand Haven Art Festival since its beginning.

Grand Haven Art Festival Artists Amenities:

• Best in Show Award  
  • Artist to win "Best in Show", selected by onsite jury, will be invited to participate in the 2016 Grand Haven Art Festival without jury.
• Honorable Mention is each category invited to participate in the 2016 Grand Haven Art Festival without jury.
• Complimentary breakfast provided Saturday and Sunday; Complimentary snacks and water for artists
• Roaming Booth Sitters to allow for artist breaks; Boxed lunches available for purchase and delivered directly to your booth Saturday and Sunday
• Complimentary artist-only parking reserved one block from the start of the show
• Complimentary invitation e-postcard to be sent to your contacts
• Artist survey to collect feedback, comments and suggestions
• Most booths offer exposure to the public ontwo sides of the tent
• Paid security
• Grand Haven Art Festival Brochure including name, image, booth number and contact information of all participating artists accepted and paid by April 15
• Booth sign with name, booth number, medium, city and state for easy identification for customers
• Information packet provided in April including lodging options, area information, event logistics, etc.
• Welcoming and excited community for the 54th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival!

May 30 & 31

Arts in the Middle is a new name but not a new experience. Led by Gloucester Arts on Main, a popular non-profit arts center in Gloucester Court House, VA, our seasoned team of producers and exhibitors have received state and local funds to renew and expand Art on the Half Shell, the popular festival that drew large crowds until 2012 to our lovely county in Virginia's river country near the Chesapeake Bay.   

After the show on Saturday Pearl, the trolley, will ferry artists to the awards ceremony and celebration honoring our artists at  "Lansdowne" (17th C) historic home in the heart of the village. Relax with live music, drinks, and light fare or stroll along historic streets, shop, dine or visit the town harbor.