The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival uses an application process to select the artists that will be participating in the Festival. The application process for artists typically starts in July for next year's Festival in March with the application period closing around the end of September.
The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival uses ZAPP for the application process. Starting in July you can find a link for the application in ZAPP on our Festival home page and on the Artist Information page.
The application process for the 2023 festival has been completed. If you are on the wait list you will be informed via ZAPP as soon as a space becomes available.
Artist Selection Process
Artists are juried by an independent panel and selected based on the images submitted with their applications. Therefore, current quality photos which show your work and booth to their fullest potential are encouraged. The application allows you to upload 3 artwork images and 1 booth shot. Images must be representative of the works that will be shown at our Festival.
Selection is based on quality and skill in workmanship, original and creative ideas and attractiveness of display. Artists with quality works may be accepted to a “wait list” once a category is full. Do not send samples; they will not be presented during the jury process nor will they be returned.
Type of vendors that are excluded / ineligible are vendors of commercially manufactured items, ceramics from commercial molds, mass-produced items, plants, soaps, candles, food items, books, CDs, t-shirts and commercial jewelry. Reproductions, including giclee's, are allowed to be sold but must be clearly marked.
The Festival accepts applications in the following categories
- Fibers/Leather – 3D work, wearable and not-wearable, created from fibrous materials. This category includes but is not limited to baskets, clothing, embroidery, paper, quilts, weaving, leather goods, etc. Leather should be 3D handmade work designed by the artist with leather.
- Functional Crafts - Handmade crafts primarily intended for use, rather than decoration. This category includes but is not limited to musical instruments, brooms, implements, birdhouses, toys, belts, hats, etc.
- Graphics, Drawing & Watercolor - 2D work using pen, pencil, rayon, marker, or brush including pastels, printmaking and watercolor.
- Jewelry- Jewelry created by the artist without the use of commercial casts, molds, kits or production studio, regardless of medium. ONLY category allowed to display or sell jewelry.
- Mixed Media- works combining two or more mediums
- Painting – Oil, acrylics, and other materials applied with a brush. (Those creating pastels and watercolors may wish to apply in the Graphics, Drawing & Watercolor category.)
- Photography - Digital and film, hand emulsion transfers accepted. Only the artist's original source material allowed.
- Pottery/Ceramics – Earthenware, raku, porcelain, etc.
- Sculpture – 3D forms in primarily in a single medium such as clay, metal, glass, wood, etc.
- Wood - Original 3D work that is hand-tooled, machine worked, built-up, turned or carved, including but not limited to furniture, bowls, boxes, sculpture, etc.
Important Application Dates
- Start date application process: July
- Application deadline: End of September
- End of Jury selection process: End of October
- Artist notification date: Mid-November
- Artist accept Invitation & Purchase Deadline: Mid-December
Festival Fees (for 2023 festival)
- Jury Fee or Application Fee $45 (non-refundable)
- Single Booth Fee $350
- Double Booth Fee $700
- Prime Corner Fee $75 (Prime spaces for the 2023 show will be VERY limited and will be juried in and notified upon acceptance. Please check box on application)
Booths for 2023 will be a mixture of doubles and quads. If a double is purchased, you will have two adjoining spaces. Booth Space is 10’ x 12’, Tent Size 10’ x 10’.
Business License and Sales Tax
The State of Alabama and Baldwin County require each exhibitor and vendor to purchase a transient license. Each exhibitor is responsible for collecting Alabama State tax, Baldwin County tax, and the City of Fairhope taxes as required by law. Tax forms will be provided in the registration packets.
Click on the following link for more details: Baldwin County License and Sales Tax