About the Chesterton Art Fair Artist Application

General Information

All applicants must be artists who create original work in 2D, 3D, fiber, glass, leather, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, or wood. Each artist must pay a non-refundable $35.00 jury fee. Artists may apply in more than one media category but will need to the pay the $35.00 fee for each application. There is a limit of three applications per artist. The application deadline is April 30, 2025. Accepted artists will be notified by May 9, 2025.

The venue, Dogwood Park, is a municipal park featuring shade trees, pavilions, restroom facilities, and other amenities. It is located close to Interstate I-80 (Indiana Toll Road) and I-94. Plenty of ample, free parking is provided for fair visitors, who pay a $5.00 entry fee to attend.

Rules/Regulations

The artist of application must be present at Fair check-in with their work for the duration of the Fair weekend. Photo ID may be re quired at artist check-in. All work must be designed and hand made by the accepted artist. Commercially cast jewelry, molds and imported or commercially made products (including fiber/wearables), or pieces done by a production studio are NOT eligible or accepted. NO DIY (do-it-yourself) kits can be displayed or sold.

Artists in the 2D categories aside from Photography are allowed to sell high-quality reproductions of their original work in limited amounts, and they must be labeled as reproductions. No artworks generated by, or produced in assitance with, AI (Artificial Intelligence) are eligible for inclusion in the Chesterton Art Fair. Reproductions may not represent the majority of work in the booth.

Artists may exhibit and sell work in more than one category IF all categories/media were applied for AND accepted. Artists are allowed one booth only (single or double), regardless of the number of categories/media for which they were accepted. Only work consistent with the accepted juried images may be exhibited and sold at the Fair.

Each artist is responsible for the collection and payment of the 7% Indiana sales tax.

All artists must be 18 years of age or older. Any exceptions for younger, emerging artists or artisans must be pre-approved by Chesterton Art Center leadership.

Artists are responsible for providing their own tents, display units and weather protection. All Chesterton Art Fair tents will be set up on grass. Proper staking and weights are mandatory in the event of inclement weather. Any booth that is not properly staked or weighted will be asked to comply immediately or to leave the Fair with no refund. Absolutely NO power generators, no alcohol, and no pets that are not certified therapy animals. Smoking is prohibited in booths. No exceptions.

Artists must pay both the application/jury fee(s) and booth fees to be considered as an exhibiting artist. Accepted artists will be notified May 9, 2025 and participation confirmation and booth fees are due by May 31, 2025. Application/jury fees are NOT refundable. Accepted artist booth fees are NOT refundable for any reason unless Chesterton Art Fair is canceled by the organizers.

Booth Information

Artists must provide their own professional tents. Single booths are 10 x 10 feet and double booths are 20 x 10 feet and will be set up on grass, so proper staking and weighting is mandatory. No additional tent walls or tent overhangs are permitted. Tents located at the ends of rows may display artwork on the outside walls of the tent, but otherwise ALL artwork must be located inside the tent. Artists must purchase a double booth space to exhibit work beyond the footprint of a 10 x 10 foot space. Artist booth fees are $250.00 for current CAC members, and $300.00 for non-members. Limited double booth spaces are available and are $425.00 for current CAC members and $525.00 for non-members. To become a Chesterton Art Center (CAC) member, call (219) 926-4711, or visit www.chestertonart.org/membership.

Refund Policy

Participation confirmation and booth fees are due by May 31, 2025. Application/jury fees are NOT refundable. Accepted artist booth fees are NOT refundable for any reason unless Chesterton Art Fair is canceled by the organizers. Please contact Chesterton Art Center with any questions.