Artisans' Marketplace Applications

Applications for the 2026 Marblehead Festival of Arts Artisans' Marketplace open on March 1 and end on March 31.

Sally Marcy and Susan j Schrader are once again joining forces as co-chairs to put together an amazing three-day event in honor of the 60th Marblehead Festival of Arts!

*Please read all details below before applying.*

Event Details

2026 Event Dates

Friday, July 3, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, July 4, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, July 5, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

2026 Event Location

Abbot Hall Grounds, 188 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA 01945

Application Process

To apply for the 2026 Artisans' Marketplace, please make sure you have a profile on our Users Portal prior to March 1. Please navigate there and either create or update your profile at your earliest convenience.

When applications open on March 1, you will be directed to the Users Portal to apply. After reviewing the information there, you will be able to complete the application, upload 4-6 photos of your offering, a brief artist statement (two to three sentences), and pay the non-refundable $25 application fee.

Booth Fee

$325 for a 10' x 10' space for all three days.

Notification of Acceptance

April 15, 2026

Booth Fee Payment

Payment is online only, due by May 1, 2026.

Eligibility and Conditions for Acceptance

• Users Portal pages may not work on a phone; please use a tablet or computer.

• Payment of the $25 application fee automatically assumes you have read all Artisans' Marketplace application details and agree with the following:

  • All artwork submitted to the jury process for display and sale at Artisans’ Marketplace must be designed and executed by the accepted artist.

  • By applying, all artists certify that the images submitted with the application represent their original work, including both design and production.

  • Work displayed and sold at Artisans’ Marketplace must be consistent with the work represented in the images submitted by the artist. An artisan committee member will inspect all booths to ensure compliance.

  • Booths are for individual exhibiting artists and may not be shared between or among multiple artists. Artists must be present for all show hours.

  • Work made from ready-made items like clothing, furniture, etc., with painted, dyed, or added embellishments will not be accepted. Copies of masters, advertisements, widely circulated photographs, or registered trademarks are prohibited. No work on display may violate copyright laws.

  • The Marblehead Festival of Arts celebrates the creative vitality of Essex county and will only accept submitted entries that are (and can be defended as) conceived and created by the submitter. Therefore, the Marblehead Festival of Arts prohibits the use of AI, in any form, for all submitted work.

Wait List

A wait list will be selected based on jury scores in each category; wait-listed artists will be invited as cancellations occur in that particular category. Waitlisted artists can be accepted up to and on the day of the Art Fair and will be notified by phone or email if/when a booth becomes available. Artists should ensure their information is current and includes a means of contact that reaches them and elicits a response at short notice.

No-Show Policy

Artists who have not registered and/or emailed an Artisans' Marketplace co-chair by 8:00 am on Friday, July 3, 2026 (i.e., the first day of the event) will be considered a “no-show” and their assigned booth space(s) will be forfeited with no refund.

Art Categories Accepted

Ceramics, Digital Art, Fiber/Leather, Furniture, Glass, Graphics/Printmaking, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media 2D, Mixed Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Wood.

Artist Statement

Artists are to submit a 2–3 sentence description of their art, technique, and materials used. This statement, if the artist is accepted, will be added to the Marblehead Festival of Arts website, and Facebook and Instagram social media posts to promote the Artisans’ Marketplace. Please be clear and concise in your artist statement.

Rules and Regulations

Accepted artists must be present in their booths during all three art show days and hours.

No agents, representatives, family members, or friends may substitute for accepted artists.

Tents

Tents must be capable of withstanding weather conditions, including strong wind gusts and rain. Weights are required on each leg. Stakes can be also used.

Exhibit Space

Full booth is 10’x10’ $325. Each spot will be clearly marked and assigned. You may not infringe on another space physically or audibly. Exhibitors must have a white tent unless exempted by the co-chairs. All tables must be skirted to the ground. Only one artist’s work or the work of two collaborating artists may be displayed per booth. Artist must keep their area clean and orderly. Pack out any garbage with you.

Set-Up Times

You will be able to set up your tent on Thursday, July 2nd 1pm-5pm. Please check in by 5pm to be shown your spot. You are allowed to set up after 5pm if need be. Also, set up on Friday, July 4th begins at 7am. Find Sally or Susan to find your spot.

Parking

Unfortunately, there are no designated parking lots for the artists. Street parking only and a friendly reminder to not park around Abbot Hall. After you unload your vehicle, please find street parking elsewhere. Pleasant Street is a good option and not a far walk from Abbot Hall.

Fees

The artist agrees to pay all fees due by their stated payment deadlines. Booth fees for the Artisans Marketplace are due within 2 weeks of the acceptance letter by May 1st, 2025. If the booth fee has not been paid by May 1st, the artist’s space will be offered to the wait list. There will be overnight security provided Friday, July 3rd & Saturday, July 4th from 7pm-7am.

Refunds

Application Fees ($25) are non-refundable. If Artist cancels after May 1, 2026, and on or before June 15, 2026, 50% of the Booth Fee, less a $50 administration charge will be refunded. If Artist cancels after June 15, the total Booth Fee will be forfeited, and no refund will be issued.

Contact

For any Artisans' Marketplace questions, please email artisans@marbleheadfestival.org.

Apply Here March 1–31, 2026