Topeka Art Guild's Fine Art Fair 2026

Topeka Art Guild and Gallery (TAG) is proud to announce its second indoor Fine Art Fair which will take place March 7th and 8th, 2026. It will be an indoor event in our home at Fairlawn Plaza Mall, Topeka, Kansas.  Categories include 2 and/or 3 dimensional mixed media, textile. glass, drawings, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, wood, metal/iron and paper/print.

The Topeka Fine Art Fair will be widely advertised in local radio, press releases, eblasts, Facebook, Instagram, social media, flyers and signs.

TAG's mission is to promote and support the visual arts and arts education through public programs, scholarships and original art exhibitions.

TAG invites you to an indoor Fine Art Fair. It will be an intimate affair with 30 plus artists. Artists will enjoy being indoors with a light catered breakfast and lunch. Free parking and admittance. No worries about weather. No sitting in the hot sun, rain or snow. It will be a pleasant experience for both you and the buyers/shoppers.

Eligibility:
Only originals of fine art and fine craft are eligible and must comprise the majority of the work to be displayed. Art work must be the creation of the exhibiting artist. Reproductions must be signed, numbered, and identified as such. Not eligible for entry are crafted items such as soaps or candles, mass-produced t-shirts and any items made from commercial kits or molds. The Topeka Art Guild and Gallery reserves the right to refuse the display and sale of artwork that is not represented by medium, style, and quality represented in the submitted images, in which case the artist will be asked to leave without refund of entry fees.

Eligible Media:
Graphics/printmaking, drawing, leather, glass, painting, pastels, photography, and mixed media in all media, ceramics, all fiber media, jewelry, metal, sculpture, wood, textile, and painting.

Jury Fee: $25.00 -
Note: This is a non-refundable fee. 

Cash Awards:
Cash awards will not be provided. 

Jury:
Acceptance is based on artwork that exhibits originality, craftsmanship, imaginative use of materials, and aesthetic qualities. All artists must submit four (4) good-quality images showing at least one work for each medium of art to be displayed, including an example of their booth setup. Images must be of original art created by the exhibiting artist. A panel of judges and committee members will judge the overall suitability of artwork based on images submitted. The judges' decisions are final. Keep in mind that the quality of your images as well as your booth shot may impact the judges' decision. Please submit high resolution images of your artwork. 

Electricity:
Mall lighting is limited. Tent tops are not required. There will be no electricity provided to artists’ booths. Artists must supply their own additional lighting if necessary.

Important Dates:
​September 15 - Application available​
January 10 - Application deadline
January 20 - Jury notifications emailed to artists
February 3 - Acceptance and booth purchase deadline
February 14 - Booth assignments sent 
March 6 - Early Setup. Hours 2pm - 7pm This service is optional. Booth locations will be marked by 2pm. (No assigned setup times)
March 7 - Show Event. Hours 10am - 6pm.  Setup starting at 6:00 AM (No assigned setup times)
March 8 - Show Event. Hours 10am - 4pm. 

• Those artist that scored high enough and not selected will be placed on a waitlist and will be notified according to scores on a as needed bases.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We will feature artists, posting images.

• website: www.topekaartguild.org
• Topeka Art Guild and Gallery Facebook: www.facebook.com/TopekaArtGuild
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/TopekaArtGuild

For questions or issues, contact one of the coordinators. Marie Plinsky: 785-806-1967 or dmplinsky@cox.net; Vicki Trembly at 785-224-5408 or letsgoplay@gmail.com.


Mall hours are:
Friday, March 6: 6am - 8 pm
Saturday, March 7: 6 am - 8 pm
Sunday, March 8: 6 am - 8 pm

Fair Hours are:
Friday, March 6: Set up 2 pm - 7 pm
Saturday, March 7: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday, March 8: 10 am - 4 pm

Shoppers/Buyers can take their time at your booth, enjoying your work and enjoying chatting with you. We provide a social area for buyers/shoppers to relax and enjoy. Artist support (including booth sitters, water and snacks) is provided throughout the event by Topeka Art Guild volunteers. 

Fairlawn Plaza Mall Security is provided Friday, Saturday and Sunday 6am - 8pm. Along with Mall Security, Topeka Art Guild will have watching eyes overseeing booths until Mall closing, at that time the mall is locked to the public. 

Highlights:
This show is limited to 30 plus juried artist.
This is  event indoor with plenty of media attention.
We have one Legacy artists that are well known and quite popular in Kansas: Naomi Cashman is our featured artist. 
A Naomi Cashman watercolor is valued at $750 and will be raffled.  The drawing for the raffle will be March 8th.

 

All work offered must be of original designs by the exhibiting artist.

1. DIGITAL IMAGE REQUIREMENTS: Your application submission MUST be accompanied by 4 digital images of your artwork (including a booth image). Images must be current and show artwork completed within the past two years.
2. ARTIST STATEMENT: Please include a 200 - word or less artist statement describing your work, style, influences, materials and techniques, etc. in the “Description of Materials and Technique” section.Reproductions should be displayed in portfolios, numbered, signed and labeled as reproductions.
3. FLOOR PROTECTION IS REQURED. Please cover Tent/Panel/Table legs for protection.
4. All exhibits must be housed within 10’x10’ area. Space is limited. No outward facing art will be allowed on exterior of tents.  A small number of corner booths are available at a higher price.
5. Exhibiting artists are responsible for providing their own tent, display, and lighting equipment. Electricity is NOT provided.
6. All sales will be handled by the exhibitor.
7. Artists are responsible to collect and remit payment of all applicable Kansas Sales Tax.(Kansas 9.35%) Sales tax forms will be included in the exhibitors packets at check-in or are available on the State of Kansas website.
8. An exhibit must feature original, handcrafted art, created by the artist or collaborative team who applied to the fair. An artist must guarantee that the work presented is authentic and created as indicated in the artist’s application.
9. Artists can sell reproductions in browse bins.  Artists are responsible for understanding and abiding by the specifics set forth in Policy for Selling Reproductions.
10. TAG will use images of exhibiting Artists’ work for advertising, and promotional materials for this or future years of TAG Art Fairs. Please inform the coordinator if you prefer your images not be used.  
11. Original art shall be displayed on screens, panels or easels.
12. Note cards, calendars, books, and other items created from the artist’s own work may be shown.
13. Technically or mechanically reproduced art should be limited to no more than 20% of the display.
14. Kits or work from kits are not acceptable. Copying, production line art or factory reproduced items (other than noted above) are grounds for immediate expulsion from the show.
15. Artists must be present and available during fair hours. 
16. Artists participate at their own risk and assume responsibility for maintaining liability insurance that covers any damages or losses during the festival.
17. All work must be available for sale.
18. Artists must exhibit artwork that reflects the quality and craftsmanship of the pieces presented in their applications.
19. Artists must exhibit artwork specific to the categories indicated on their applications and artwork that clearly relates to the body of work selected during the jury process. TAG will remove artists whose work is inconsistent with the quality and craftsmanship presented in their applications.
20. Artists cannot exhibit or sell subcontracted work for another artist. 
21. Artists cannot exhibit or sell work made using commercial casts/molds, kits, or patterns.
22. Artists cannot exhibit or sell copyrighted designs imports, t-shirts, stationary, plants, velvet paintings, commercially or factory-produced merchandise, etc.
23. Artists and their agents, associates, and assistants should maintain high standards of professionalism. Fair organizers reserve the right to remove an exhibitor whose conduct and/or merchandise are unacceptable and whose participation conflicts with the rules and regulations of the TAG Fine Art Fair.
24. Open to artists 18 years of age or older who exhibit work of original concept, design and execution. 
25. A valid driver’s license/picture ID will be required at check in.  
26. This is a family-oriented show. The TAG Fine Art Fair team reserves the right to ask the artist to remove questionable work including erotic and macabre art. Tasteful nudes are acceptable. 
27. No animals are allowed in exhibit areas-inside or out, other than registered service animals or those providing assistance to persons with disabilities.  
28. No discount or ‘on sale’ signage permitted. 
29. Artists who wish to show work in more than two medium (ie, painting and ceramics, weaving and woodwork, etc.) must apply with a complete portfolio application for each media they wish to display and pay separate application fees for each. TAG reserves the right to refuse either or both applications, or request the artist limit their inventory to only one medium. Submitted images of art works may not be repeated from one application to another, except for the booth image which may be used for both applications.  
30. Artists accepted into their specific medium may ONLY display work in those two mediums. The fairkoo committee reserves the right to refuse exhibition of work not consistent with submitted images.
31. Failure to follow the rules and regulations may result in artists removal from the festival and participation in future festivals.
32. Shared booths will not be allowed.

BOOTH INFORMATION

Jury Fee: $25.00 (this is a non-refundable fee)
Booth Fees: $100.00
Corner Booth: $125.00. A limited number are available.
Our intial booth fees are low in following with our mission to support working artists. Topeka Art Guild collects a 10% commision on gross sales at checkout (commision not to exceed $200.00 per artist).

March 6 - Early Setup. 2 pm - 7 pm
This service is optional. Booth locations will be marked by 2 pm.
Artists are able to start setting up their booth and display material at this time. 
March 7 - Show Starts.
Hours 10am - 6pm.  Setup starting at 6:00 AM (no assigned setup times). 
March 8 - Show Closes.
Hours 10am - 4pm. 

• Booth locations will be assigned randomly.
• A map with your location will be sent to you by email with instructions before the event. 
• All booth spaces are 10'x10', no double spaces are available this year.
• There will be minimal clearance space between booths (if any).
• There will be a typical distance of 2'-3' separating the backs of the booths and store frontages.
• FLOOR PROTECTION IS REQURED. Please cover Tent/Panel/Table legs to protect the floors.
• No electrical outlets, tents or display materials will be provided by the Topeka Art Guild.
• Event layout may change annually.
• No electricity to be provided. Artist to provide their own lighting.
• Artist shall provide all booth structures including walls, racks, tables, display units, lighting and other fixtures as needed. TAG Art Fair will only supply the actual space.
• If tent covers are desired, only white tops will be allowed. Be advised tent tops will block limited indoor lighting.

Checkout: Artists must check out in the TAG gallery office.  A 10% fee on sales will be collected by the Topeka Art Guild, due at the end of the show in the Topeka Art Guild office. This 10% allows the Guild to keep booth fees low, as well as pay for yearly expenses.
 

Typically this fair is non-refundable.
Extenuating circumstances should be discussed with the coordinators.