Sometimes an artist is not appreciated in his or her own backyard. Which might be one reason why you didn't do so well at that last craft show-- it's not you, it might not even be craft shows. It's the people. They might not be your people. And sometimes you will discover that if you travel for shows, a whole new audience opens up. It's amazing! Which is why today we wanted to share with you nine regional craft shows you might not know about.
The Annual Smithsonian Craft Show
Where: Washington D.C
When: End of April
About the show:
The Smithsonian Craft Show is a juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American crafts and design held annually in Washington DC. Three jurors who are experts in the field and newly selected each year choose 120 artists from a large pool of applicants. Previous exhibitors must re-apply each year. No one is grandfathered into the show. There is no quota for any category of Craft Art. Artists are selected on the basis of the originality, artistic conception, and quality of their work. The show is produced by the Smithsonian Women's Committee. Proceeds from the Show fund grants that benefit the Smithsonian's education, outreach, and research programs.
The Craft Show does not charge sales commissions. However, accepted artists are encouraged to donate an item for the Show’s on-line auction, raffle, or other fund-raising initiatives, the proceeds of which benefit the Smithsonian.
Who can apply:
The Smithsonian Craft Show is committed to presenting the most thoughtful, original, and skilled American craft and design objects. The Craft Show is looking for artists who produce one-of-a-kind and limited edition objects that have been conceived and perfected by the artist's own hands and created in the artist’s studio. All work submitted to the Smithsonian Craft Show must be created and made in the United States.
Application Details:
The application fee is $50 and applications are due in September. More details about the application process can be found by visiting smithsoniancraftshow.org
Handmade Chicago
Where: Chicago, IL
When: Second Saturday of every month from October to April]
About the show:
Handmade Market is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade.
Sustainable crafterness is a regular monthly event. We strive to create a crafter’s market, with affordable handmade, mostly local items. There are a ton of crafters in the city, and we try to make this accessible to up and coming designers, jewelry makers, and others. Come out and help support your monthly crafter’s market.
Who can apply:
You must be 21 with an ID or have one of your parents with you. Everything sold must be handmade by the seller. In addition, the components you use must be handmade by you or significantly altered from their original state. This second requirement applies most often to jewelry sellers.
Application Details:
You must be an approved seller before you can book a show. Once approved you can book a space at shows as they become available. You do not need to reapply each season unless your business or items change significantly. To apply, visit
Bloomington Handmade Market
Where: Bloomington, IN
When: Spring show in April, Fall show in November
About the show:
BHM is a juried show that takes place twice a year in Bloomington, Indiana. In selecting artists, we look for artists and crafters that are creating quality, unusual work of a type that we don't often see in more traditional craft fairs. Artists come from both Bloomington and around the midwest to participate.
Who can apply:
Unique, contemporary handmade items that push the boundaries of what handmade arts and crafts can be, from a wide variety of media. All applications are considered carefully based on the images and descriptions submitted by each artists.
Application Details:
Applications for the upcoming holiday event will be open the month of August. Late or incomplete applications will be not considered. You can view the applications page by visiting bloomingtonhandmademarket.com.
The Peddler Show
Where: Shows across the state of Texas
When: All throughout the year. Specific dates available on their calendar.
About the show:
The Peddler Show provides a marketplace for a select segment of specially skilled and artistic merchants. Peddler Shows are a quality showplace for today’s talented and inventive creators, designers, and artists who are interested in exhibiting and selling their quality merchandise to the public.
Who can apply:
Designers, artisans, creators and craftsmen from all over the country are welcome to apply. Criteria for acceptance include originality, quality, imagination, and design. Shows are juried to ensure quality and variety. Management reserves the right to accept products or companies that add variety and interest as well as compliment other vendors and balance the show.
Application Details:A complete application including product and booth photographs is required to jury for acceptance in any Peddler Show. All merchandise that will be displayed and/or sold in your booth must be included/disclosed on your application. Application available at peddlershow.com
Jackalope Art and Craft Fair (#ahasmember)
Where: Denver, Phoenix and Pasadena
When: A summer show and winter show.
About the show:
Two day shopping destination featuring over 200 local artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts.
The mission of Jackalope Arts is to create a shopping experience with the highest quality, locally handcrafted goods. We strive to support local artisans who devote their lives to their creations.
The Jackalope Arts Experience: More than just a chance to shop, Jackalope Arts offers an opportunity for the community to meet the makers.
Who can apply:
Varying forms of handmade and artisan created designs in this event: fine artists, fashion designers, accessories designers, jewelers, and all around crafters... The jury will be carefully selecting exhibitors to ensure guidelines are met. There are category limitations in place to better ensure your opportunities for successful sales.
No buy/sell, vintage, or resale items will be permitted. Jackalope Arts is looking to feature original designs and handmade goods. Although handmade is preferred, manufactured goods are permitted as long as they are your original concept.
Application Details:
Jackalope Arts' jury will be reviewing applications and scoring them based on several factors. The panel will pay close attention to the images that are provided in your application. Make sure to choose images that represent you well. Your websites may be reviewed as well, so make sure that your web-branding is solid. More details at jackalopeartfair.com.
4th Avenue Street Fair
Where: Tuscon, Arizona
When: Once in spring, once in winter.
About the Show:
The Fourth Avenue Street Fair began in 1970 when 4th Avenue merchants put tables in front of their stores to attract customers before the holidays. From that beginning, it has developed into one of the premier street fairs in the nation, drawing crowds of 200,000 to 350,000 and ranking as one of the top visual arts fairs in the country.
Who can Apply:
Arts and crafts that cover the spectrum from fine art to country crafts. Glass, clay, wood, clothing, metal, jewelry, pre-packaged food, all hand made and offered for sale by their creators.
Application Details:
The 4th Avenue Street Fair uses ZAPP for Artist Applications. This is a FREE service for our artists. ZAPP enables individual artists to apply online to multiple art shows through one central website, ZAPPlication.org. The online application process also allows artists to directly upload digital images of their artwork for jury review. More details about the application process available at fourthavenue.org
Morning Glory Fine Arts Craft Fair
Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: August
About the Show:
For 40+ years, the Morning Glory Fine Craft Fair has been a downtown Milwaukee destination for locals and visitors alike. The fair is organized and hosted by the Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council to continue its mission in providing access to quality crafts as a key part of the state’s rich cultural life.
Who can apply:
The fair is open to any and all fine craft artists 18 years or older working in ceramics, digital art, fiber wearable, fiber non-wearable, glass, jewelry-metal, jewelry non-metal, leather, metal, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture or wood.
Application details:
Applications are handled through ZAPP and you can link directly to the show and apply via their website. You can see the application and all the requirements by clicking here.
Art in the Pearl Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Where: Portland, Oregon
When: Labor Day Weekend every year
About the Show:
Art In The Pearl®, Portland Oregon’s annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, occurs every year on Labor Day weekend. estival fills the Northwest Portland Park blocks with art, theater, music, and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
Art In The Pearl is a nonprofit organization founded and produced by a dedicated volunteer board of local artists. The focus is on promoting the arts, educating the public, and strengthening creative and educational bonds with the community.
Who can Apply?
All exhibited work must be original to and handcrafted by the accepted Artist. Artist guarantees the accuracy of the description of the work presented to the jury and the authenticity of the work as the creation of their own hands. Work done by a production studio is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted Artist. For the entire list of requirements click here.
Application Details:
The entire list of rules, regulations and requirements can be accessed via artinthepearl.com
Indie Craft Parade (#ahasmember)
Where: Greenville, SC
When: Annually in September
About the show:
Indie Craft Parade is a festival of handmade art. We gather the best makers in the South under one roof and invite the public to come enjoy art in a whole new way. From food, music and giveaways at our opening night gala, to artisan coffee, designer temporary tattoos and a free photo booth all weekend, the festival is an experience created complement the artisanal goods on display.
Who can apply:
Anyone from the South who makes or designs high-quality goods is encouraged to apply. Indie Craft Parade focuses on artisan handmade items, so if you sell vintage goods, this isn't the right venue for you. But if you remake old feed sacks into aprons, then you've got the right place!
To maintain our regional focus, we only accept applications from artists who live in the Southern area of the United State (as defined by the US Census). Included states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Read more about this policy.
Application Details:
All Southern makers and artisans are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. Applications for the festival always open on June 1. During the submission period (ends June 20, midnight EST), you can apply online for a $25 nonrefundable fee. Please note: we do not consider late or incomplete applications, no exceptions. To be alerted when applications open, join our mailing list and follow us on social media! We're active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
