“I felt the show was well run. Large turnout and a diversity among those who attended.” – 2023 exhibitor
If you’re an artist or creator of one of a kind goods, we invite you to apply to the 2024 ArtsFest, part of the 42nd annual West Central Home and Garden Tour.
ArtsFest
September 7 & 8, 2024
Historic West Central
downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana
11 am to 5 pm
Deadline: July 7
(all applicants will be contacted after this date)
We think you’ll love spending the weekend with us in our historic neighborhood during its very popular Home Tour. The West Central neighborhood is on the National Historic Register and the ArtsFest takes place in the street in front of these revived workers’ cottages and restored mansions.
Imagine your booth set among shady trees and enjoy the easy-going vibe, where the residents show off their unique homes to old house lovers. The event regularly brings in about 3,000 people who attend the tour every year and love the ambiance of the neighborhood.
- Limited to 55 artists.
- Application fee: $10 (non-refundable)
- Booth fee: early $75 (by 7/22) $90-late
- Deadline: July 7
New in 2024: In order to help you market your spot at ArtsFest, we will provide each artist with images and copy to post on your social media channels in advance of the show.
New in 2023: We are aware of the high cost of traveling to participate in the nation’s art fairs so last year we are introducing “host homes.” The neighbors are inviting you to stay with us as you participate in our ArtsFest. (Host homes are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.)
New in 2022: This neighborhood was saved from the wrecking ball because the Fort Wayne Art School was here. As time went by and the neighborhood deteriorated artists moved in to live and work here. The artist community is the backbone of the neighborhood. Our resident artists will host open studios during the tour using personal mailing lists to bring in more shoppers. We expect this will enhance sales for both the ArtsFest exhibitors and the resident artists.
Expect:
- easy setup, drive up to your booth, short hours, helpful volunteers
- cool food trucks, live music and buyers that appreciate unique and one of a kind goods.
- A friendly place to spend the weekend AND you can’t beat the booth fee!
- free lodging in neighborhood homes
No buy/sell allowed. You are required to be the creator of the work you will be displaying.
Categories:
2D and 3D mixed media, clay, drawing, fiber, glass, leather, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry and wood
All artists applying to ArtsFest must be juried.
Jury process:
- Jurors are selected for their experience and expertise in a specific media and understanding of that media. Selection of artists will be based on originality, creativity, design, technique, craftsmanship, and production methodology.
- Upload 3 images consistent with the work you will be exhibiting in the fair, plus one booth image (optional, but helpful).
- Applicants will be contacted after the July 7 deadline.
Rules/Regulations
- Artist must be present at check-in and throughout the duration of the event.
- 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) are NOT ACCEPTABLE. No DIY kits can be displayed or sold.
- Booth spaces are approximately 10 x 10 with storage space behind. Booth spacing this year WILL accommodate social distancing protocol to be determined at the time of the event. Artists are responsible for providing their own tents, display units, and weather protection.
The application fee and booth fee must be paid directly to the West Central Neighborhood Association using PayPal. You MUST pay your application fee when you submit your application. You will be billed for your space fee after you have been accepted to the art fair.