North Texas Arts Festival 2026

Located in the Historic Katy Depot on Main Street in Downtown Denison TX.  Denison is one of the original Cultural Arts Districts in TX and has a strong history supporting the arts and Art Tourism.  The Katy Depot recent rennovation brings it up to it's original glory.  The festival is sponsored by the Denison Arts Council and backed by a strong Art Tourism grant.  We anticiapte 3,000 - 5,000 visitors.  Denison Main Street has been a finalist in the Great American Main Street Award for the past 5 years.  (https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-announcing-the-2025-great-american-main-street-award-semifinalists#denison)

North Texas Arts Festival is in its fourth year, and we are very excited to announce that we will once again be holding the festival at Katy Depot, allowing us to have a two-day event! Visitors, art collectors, and tourists will be able to visit your booth Saturday, May 16, from 10am - 5pm and again on Sunday, May 17th, from 10am - 3pm. The Katy depot boasts a robust commercial and residental presence, including residential suites and two restaurants. Downtown Denison has exploded with shops, restaurants and bars.

Each booth will be allotted a space on either the first or second floor of the Rotunda. The majority of available booths are priced at $175 for 10'x10' space. However, smaller booths or booths on the second floor may be discounted.

ACCEPTED ART - only original art accepted
2-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as collage, papermaking, encaustic, pen and ink, paint, pencil, watercolor, or photography.  Finished art suitable for wall mounting. 
3-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as mosaic, papier mache, clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or any other 3-dimensional objects.
Ceramics: Original shaped and fired clay including earthenware, porcelain, and raku.
Digital Art: Two-dimensional works from which the original image is manipulated by the artist using a computer using programs such as Drawing, Illustrator, Paint, or other software applications. 
Drawing & Printmaking: Original drawings made with pen, pencil, charcoal, pastels, or chalk.  The printmaking process may include pulled plates, linoleum prints, etching, engraving, silkscreen, or lithography.  All prints must be signed and numbered by the artist. Photocopies are not permitted.
Fiber: Works created from fibers including basketry, batik, weaving, papermaking, knitting, and quilting.  The embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.  
Glass: An object made of glass including blown, fused, stained, cast, and molded.  The embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.
Handcraft:  Handmade items made by the artist from manufactured, recycled, or repurposed materials transforming the combined materials into a unique product into a cohesive collection.   A complete description of items is required.
Jewelry: All Jewelry crafted from metal, glass, stone, clay, or other materials.  Commercial molds or casts are not permitted.  At least 50% of the organic materials in the finished product used must be produced by the artist.
Metal: Functional and non-sculptural works incorporating metal.
Painting: The use of oils, acrylics, watercolors, and tempera suitable for hanging.
Photography: Prints, transparencies, or digital images made from the artist’s original negative or taken with a digital camera that has been processed by the artist.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional work is done in any individual medium.
Wood & Furniture: Original works in wood that are built, turned, carved, or tooled. Embellished manufactured wood items are not permitted.
Other:  Does not fit a described category; you must carefully describe your art and will be evaluated in a case by case basis by the Event Coordinators. 


Amenities
Booth Sitters available on request during event hours
Designated Festival Hotline during event hours regarding assistance, emergency questions and concerns.
On Site Security; Facility will be locked from 10pm - 7am Friday and Saturday night.   Security will be on site after set up Friday and Saturday until Facility locked. 

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
Social Media Posts, Advertising and Google Ads
Geoadvertising 
Website
On line Media Platforms
Print and online media Ads
Billboards, Banners, Posters and Yard Signs

PARKING 
Free vendor parking available nearby,  Load in assistance may be avaiable as resources allow. 

SALES TAX
Artists are responsible for collectin and reporting all relevant Sales Tax. 

Show Policies - Please Read Carefully

• Artwork must be displayed in a professional manner.
• You are responsible for providing tables and chairs
• Art must be representative of the application images
• The Denison Arts Council, the City Of Denison, and private property owners are not responsible for damages due to weather or unrelated incidents.
• One application is allowed per space. May request 2 spaces (must pay full price for both).
• Artists must be present with their work during the show.  Booth sitters will be available.
• Booth area must be free of clutter and garbage on all sides of space, and
• Load in will be from 3-7 Friday May 15th or 7-9:30 Saturday May 16th.
• Works must be original, and conceived, designed, and executed by the exhibitor – therefore, commercially produced kit items are not permitted.
• Artists misrepresenting themselves from what they submitted will be asked to break down their tent and leave immediately.
• I hereby grant permission to Denison Arts Council to reproduce any portion of the photo images that have been taken by me or of me ) for the purpose of PROMOTION which can include but is not limited to, books, cards, calendars, invitations and websites without any more compensation or recognition given to me. Furthermore, I grant creative permission to alter the photograph(s). I do not grant permission to resale or use the photographs in a manner that would exploit or cause malicious representation toward me or my company and associates.

By submitting this application, you agree to the above terms and conditions.

BOOTH FEES
Booth fees vary depending on the size and location of the booth. Upstairs spaces generally receive lighter traffic, so they are discounted.

10x10', First Floor: $175
7x12', First Floor (Table Display Only): $150
10x10', Second Floor (Limited Height): $115
7'x10', Second Floor: $100
7'x16', Second Floor (Limited Height): $115
10'x10', Outdoor, Saturday Only: $100
10'x10', Outdoor, Both Days: $150

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES:
Accept applications: January 1 2026
Application deadline: May 1, 2026
Notification of acceptance: May 3-4, 2026
Accept invitation & purchase deadline: May 10 , 202
Event Dates: May 15 and 16, 2026
Load In Dates: Friday, May 15,  3:00 - 7:00 | Saturday, May 16, 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Director and included in the Wait List.



PROHIBITED ITEMS
-       T-shirts and commercial clothing (any re-sell or manufactured items)
-       Posters
-       Manufactured toys (any re-sell or manufactured items)
-       Commercially manufactured or reproduced items (resale)
-       Jewelry made from more than 50% manufactured components
-       Any item that employs the use of commercially available molds or patterns

AMENITIES
- Snacks and water will be provided for artists on Saturday and Sunday.
- Booth Sitters are available during event hours upon request.
- Designated Festival Hotline available during event hours regarding assistance, emergencies, questions, concerns, etc.
- Day before Load in - Friday, May 15th, 3pm - 7pm.   
- 24 Hour on-site Security

This is a rain or shine outdoor festival hosted by the Denison Arts Council. Be prepared to protect artwork and display in the event of bad weather.  No refunds will be given due to cancellation by vendor After May 1, 2026.