Rose Squared Fall Chester Craft Show 2026

53rd Annual Rose Squared Spring Chester Fall Show, September 12-13, 2026.  This show is a partnership with the Historic Chester Business Association.  

To fill the remaing few spaces, this show is now has a rolling jury. Apothecary, Artisanal Food, Jewelry, and Wood are full, you will be automatically waitlisted if accepted - no refund of jury fee.

Our ambition is to be the best show possible for those exhibiting with us, and our commitment is to balance the show, so it showcases artists’ work as unique and provides the potential for sales. We are dedicated to maintaining high standards and work diligently to foster a positive environment for artists and patrons.

• Friday set-up and Sunday tear-down 
• Limited to 174 Artists
• Booths on grass 
• Professional Staff onsite during the entire show
• Overnight security
• Extensive Marketing and PR
• Active promotion on the Rose Squared and the HCBA websites, including accompanying artwork images, email contact, and links to business websites
• Gated Entrance - 13,500+ patrons in 2025
• Fees are not refundable or transferable.

CALENDAR
December 1, 2025: Application Open - $35 Early Decision Jury Fee
January 31, 2026: First Round Deadline (Jewelry usually fills up at this round)
February 1, 2026 until Full: Jury Fee $45
February 3-4, 2026: Early Decision Jury Deliberations
February 5, 2026: Early Decision Jury Results Emailed
March 15, 2026: Early Decision Reduced Booth Fee Deadline
April 20, 2026: Regular Application Deadline
April 21-22 2026: Jury Deliberations
April 23, 2026: Jury Results Emailed
June 1, 2026: Regular Booth Payment Deadline
Rolling Jury Until Full
June 2, 2026 until Full - Late Booth Payment
September 11, 2026 (Friday): Set up 10am to 6pm
September 12, 2026 (Saturday): Set up 6:30am to 8:30am 
September 12, 2026 (Saturday): Show Hours: 10am to 5pm
September 13, 2026 (Sunday): Show Hours 10am to 5pm

There are no rain dates for the show. We do not, at any time, issue refunds unless we have canceled a show with ample time prior to its scheduled date. If a show is canceled AFTER logistical and advertising arrangements have been made, refunds will not be issued under our rain or shine policy nor due to any forces of nature, (i.e., hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, etc.). We understand that there are many unforeseen circumstances that may arise at the last minute, however, we cannot make exceptions to this policy. 

Invitation to showcase is only guaranteed is you have applied, been invited , and pay during the Early Decision period. After early decision deadline, artists applying to the show will be inivted and when the show is filled, artists that have not committed by paying their booth fee will be automatically waitlisted without notification.

BOOTH FEES
10'x10' Field: $495 (Due 3/15) | $545 (3/16-6/1) | $595 (6/2-Full)
10'x10' Field Corner: $620 (Due 3/15) | $670 (4/16-6/1) | $720 (6/2-Full)
10'x10' Row A & L: $595 (Due 3/15) | $645 (4/16-6/1) | $695 (6/2-Full)
10'x10' Row A &L Corner: $720 (Due 3/15) | $770 (4/16-6/1) | $820 (6/2-Full)
Park Ave: $695 (Due 3/15) | $745 (4/16-6/1) | $795 (6/2-Full)
Park Ave Corners: $820 (Due 3/15) | $870 (4/16-6/1) | $920 (6/2-Full)

ALL Food Vendors (Packaged or Eat at the Show): $50 Health Department Mandatory Fee - pass through to the Borough.

Center Field Spaces: These 10'x10' spaces have neighbors left, right and behind
Center Field Corner: 10’x10’ Corner – open 2 sides
Rows A & L: These 10x20 spaces are on the eastern and western sides of the field. Storage and a second tent is permitted in these spaces (no vehicles).
Park Ave: These desirable 10' x 30' spaces back up the crafter parking lot. The deep space behind the booth can be used for additional display, storage or your vehicle. You may set up an additional tent but must be able to park your vehicle behind your booth. You can park a larger vehicle or trailer (less than 18' long) behind your booth. NOTE: you can only park behind your space or in the remote parking facility - not in the main crafter parking lot. 

There is no grandfather status. Keep in mind that our goal is create the best possible show for you and the patrons and we will do our best to honor your request.

FAST FACTS
Location: 134 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Contact: Robin Markowitz, Director or Carol Heisler-Lawson, Associate Director
Email: RoseSquaredArtShows@gmail.com or carol@rosesquared.com
Telephone: 301-755-4599 (Robin Markowitz) 610-570-2343 (Carol Heisler-Lawson)
Website: http://www.rosesquared.com
Mailing Address: 11816 Dinwiddie Drive, Rockville, MD 20852
Images: 4 images of art + 1 booth image
Projection Jury: Images viewed simultaneously, artists viewed in order of application is submitted
Jurors: 3 Art Professionals
Multiple Applications: If an artist has work in different media categories you may apply with multiple applications. You can only showcase work that has been accepted.
You must apply separately for Jewelry. You cannot showcase jewelry unless accepted in that category.
Application Fee: $35 per medium Early Decision Deadline 1/31/2026 | $45 per medium 2/1/2026 until full
Number of Artists at the Show: Limited to 174 artisans and crafters
Artist Parking: Free
Past Attendance: Gated Attendance in 2025 was 13,500+
Security: Overnight
NJ Sales Tax Certificate: You must have a valid State of NJ Sales Tax form prominently on display in your booth the entire show. If you do not have a certificate, contact State of NJ Div. of Taxation at www.state.nj.us/ treasury/taxation/ 

COI naming Rose Squared Art Shows/Art-Linx as additionally insured is required.
Your COI is due 45 days before the show 

• If using ACT when you are on the portal you need to search "Rose Squared Shows/Art-Linx, LLC". The document will auto fill and you hit submit. This will send your COI directly to Rose Squared. You do not have to send additional paperwork. 
• If you are not using Act: you will need to have a COI sent via email to rosesquaredartshows@gmail.com from your insurance agent, listing Rose Squared Art Shows/Art-Linx,LLC, 11816 Dinwiddie Drive, Rockville, MD 20852. 

Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work and booth. Rose Squared is not responsible for damage to work or booth due to weather, accidents or unrelated incidents. 

To help you Rose Squared has negotiated a discount with ACT insurance. You will save $25 off a yearly ACT Pro Policy and $5 off single show ACT Go. 

Use discount codes rosesquared5 for $5 off an ACT Go (event) policy, and rosesquared25 for $25 off an ACT Pro (annual) or FLIP policy.

ACT – Insures artisans, and crafters (no food)
https://app.actinsurance.com/events/9187

FLIP – (Food Liability Insurance) - Insurance for food vendors
https://app.fliprogram.com/events/9188

JURY PROCESS: Artist excellence in original work is the sole criteria for selection of exhibitors. Images are reviewed by jurors in a blind jury online process. Artists are assigned a number and judged only on the digital images submitted, not on any other qualifications. The digital images will be displayed in one row showing (4) images of art and (1) of the booth. The identity of the artist is not disclosed to jurors. The jury is comprised of three art professionals. Artistic excellence and a well-balanced show are the criteria for selection of exhibitors. Scores are averaged together.

CATEGORIES
The Festival reserves the right to re-categorize an artist's submission. Every attempt will be made to notify the artist if this is done. Buy/Sell is not allowed in any category! You must be juried into the jewelry category to sell any jewelry in your booth.

Apothecary: Handmade natural organic soaps, lotions, and powders. Photo of booth and product are required.

Artisanal Food: Packaged for home consumption. Must be approved by Rose Squared. Photos of both booth and food are required. You must list Rose Squared Art Shows and Art-Linx LLC and Historic Chester Business Association as co-insured.

Candles: Artisan candle maker crafting unique, small-batch candles using high-quality wax, hand-poured in their studio. Each candle must showcase original design and captivating fragrances.

Ceramics: Original functional and/or non-functional works other than jewelry created by the artist from clay, porcelain, stoneware, and/or earthenware. No factory produced work; no RAM pressed work allowed. Clay work from commercial molds is prohibited. Painted commercial slip-cast work is prohibited.

Digital Art (Computer): Includes original work created by using computer programs to significantly manipulate or alter source material(s) such as scans or digital files. Work must be signed and be limited editions, using only archival quality materials. Digital photographers, i.e., those who use a digital camera or process images digitally to perform standard manipulations (cropping, color/tone adjustment, sharpening, etc.) should apply in the Photography category. Digital Art prints must be made from the artist's original digital file under the artist's supervision. In all cases, works need to be produced by the exhibiting artist. Photography is not permitted in this medium.

Drawing and Pastels: Original compositions that are drawn by the artist's hand incorporating ink, chalk, wax, rayon, charcoal, pastel, pencil, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.

Fiber (Decorative): Works created from fibers and beads, including basketry, weaving, papermaking. No mass or factory-produced work is allowed in the show, regardless of additional modifications or enhancement by the artist.

Fiber (Wearable): Any wearable work created from fiber, including leather. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass production allowed. 

Glass: This is work that has been handcrafted by the artist by glass blowing, fusing, casting or kiln formed or original designs in stained glass. No pre-manufactured items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by artist, are permitted.

Graphics and Printmaking: Original works created using traditional printmaking methods including block, lithograph, serigraph, etc.

Jewelry: Hand-fabricated jewelry designed and made by the artist in metal, wire-wrapping, precious metal clay, wood, fiber, gemstones, flame-worked beads, and bead weaving is acceptable. Work that has been designed by the artist but with no subsequent hands-on work by the artist is strictly prohibited. No commercial casts and molds are allowed. Precious metal clay jewelers must label their work as such.

Metal: These are original works that are created through the forging, twisting, and fabricating of various metals. The emphasis here is on functional, not sculptural work. Sculpture and jewelry should not be put in this category.

2D Mixed Media: These are works that incorporate the use of two or more media such as ink & pastel, or painting and collage-type materials, which are combined in a single original work. No components manufactured by others may be used. No catalog merchandise is permitted.

3D Mixed Media: Three-dimensional works incorporating multiple materials. If recycled materials are used, they must be altered or used in a way different from their original purpose.

Painting (Oil/Acrylics/Encaustic/Tempera/Watercolor): These are original compositions that are created by the artist's hand. Painting over prints/giclées or pre-existing images (regardless of the substrate) is not considered an original. These are considered "altered reproductions" and must go in browse bins and labeled as outlined below.

Photography: Includes all photographic processes, which begin with a camera lens. Photographs made from the artist’s original image, both from film and original digital files, are included in this category.  Photo collage and painting on photographs, which are traditional photographic processes, need to be in this category. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes (including any digital alteration and or hand painting, overpainting, etc). The process must be displayed with the photograph or indicated in the displayed artist's statement. Work must use only archival quality materials. In all cases, the work must be produced and printed by the exhibiting artist or under the artist's supervision.

Sculpture: Three-dimensional works incorporating any materials that are carved, modeled, constructed, or cast. If recycled materials are used, they must be altered or used in a way that is different from their original purpose.

Toys: Artist-designed and handmade, ensuring originality and craftsmanship. Accepted toys include those made from materials such as wood, fabric, clay, paper, or other artisanal media, demonstrating the artist's skill and creativity. Mass-produced, pre-manufactured, or kits are not permitted.

Upcycled/Creative Reuse: Art that uses found objects as the primary medium.  Works can be either two- or three-dimensional but must use a minimum of 75% recycled or reused materials.  Artists must demonstrate that they have substantially transformed by-products, waste materials, useless and/or unwanted products into new works of art. 

Wood: Original handcrafted work in wood that is hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved. 

This show does not allow weapons including handmade knives.

Show Requirements
Adherence to the following rules during the show is necessary to maintain the quality of the show at a high level for artists and patrons. Rose Squared Art Shows considers the enforcement of its rules to be a necessity and a responsibility. Non-compliance with the rules outlined below, can result in requests for work to be removed from display and for sale, and/or expulsion from the show. If an artist is removed from the show, no booth fee refunds will be issued.rnrn

• COI listing Rose Squared/Art-Linx as additionally insured is required. Artists are responsible for proper liability insurance and protection of work and booth. COI is due 45 days before the show - if using ACT you will need to go on the portal and list Rose Squared/Art-Linx then a COI will be sent directly to Rose Squared and you do not need to send additional paperwork. 
• If not using ACT you will need to have a COI sent via email to rosesquaredartshows@gmail.com listing Rose Squared Art Shows/Art-Linx,LLC, 11816 Dinwiddie Drive, Rockville, MD 20852.
• Failure to provide the COI will result in not being able to showcase.
• Rose Squared is not responsible for damage to work or booth due to weather, accidents or unrelated incidents.
• NJ Sales Tax Certificate: You must have a valid State of NJ Sales Tax form prominently on display in your booth the entire show. If you do not have a certificate, contact State of NJ Div. of Taxation at www.state.nj.us/ treasury/taxation/ 
• A photo ID (driver's license or passport) of the artist is required during check-in. In addition, the show has the right to check ID during the show.
• Artists must be present during the entire event. No dealers, agents or representatives will be permitted. Leaving the show early (without approval from the show director) or breaking down before the show is over will result in your losing any future confirmed show booth spaces and funds.
• Work done by a production studio is not acceptable. Rose Squared wants artwork made by the hands of the artists selling the work. If the hands of others make the artwork, please don’t apply to the show. You will not be accepted. If you are a production studio, Rose Squared is not for you.
• Buy-sell and/or imports and weapons are not allowed. Work from kits, commercial designs, or done in classes/workshops are prohibited. Artists selling work that is not their own will be expelled from the show.
• No sharing of booths is allowed. Only artists who have been juried will be allowed to display.
• All artists' work on display must be for sale.
• Professional Display. If you are selling 2D work, it must be displayed on walls. Pro-panels, mesh and grids that are covered are acceptable. Easels are not allowed because they are hazards in the wind. 
• Artists may only exhibit work in the category in which they were juried. Exhibited work must be consistent in style, quality, and method with juried images. (e.g., All jewelry must be juried in the jewelry category; no glass jewelry in a glass booth unless such has been juried)
• Rose Squared Policy regarding "bread & butter" pieces. We realize that in order to make shows financially feasible, some artists must sell less expensive, "bread & butter" creations. Our guidelines regarding the sale of "bread & butter" pieces: 1) must NOT be the largest part of inventory that is displayed, and they should occupy only a small part of your booth and less than 10% of stock, 2) must be in the same style and category as the work you were accepted in. For example, a) note cards reproduced from an artist’s original work may be exhibited but in small quantity, or b) a wood turner may sell wooden pens provided they have created them and are displayed in small quantity. What you have juried with into the show should be the prime focus and occupy the vast majority of your booth.
• Prohibited items are: commercially manufactured or reproduced items; (For example: posters, mouse pads, magnets, canvas bags, etc.); T-Shirts and commercial clothing; any item that employs the use of commercially available molds or patterns or third party printing; items that have been purchased and then embellished. 
• 2D Reproductions: All reproductions must be clearly labeled "reproduction" on the front of the piece or clearly labeled on front of a display bin. If you are a painter, we expect at least 50% of the display to be paintings hanging and not more prints than paintings. 
• An artist’s statement describing the techniques, materials, and processes used in the creation of work should be posted visibly in the booth. Our patrons will appreciate this.
• Tents/Canopies (White) are required and must be professional grade (e.g. Trimline, Showoff, Lite dome, Caravan, Crafthut, EZUps are allowed with weights hung from the top of the frame) with a minimum of 40-pound weights on each corner (minimum of 160 libs) to provide safety to artists and guests.
• No propping artwork outside your assigned space.
• The Festival reserves the right to conduct multiple calls for entry until the event is sold out.
• The Executive Director, or her appointed representative, has final authority to make necessary adjustments for the show's benefit and remove artists who do not follow the above rules or regulations.
• Although we do not anticipate COVID or any other communicable disease being an issue, the Rose Squared Art Shows reserves the right to implement and enforce mitigation efforts. If such action is necessary, artists will be notified about specific requirements before the show.

1. Booths must be white, covered tents with white walls that close. All tents must be appropriately secured by using substantial weights (at least 40lbs per leg - attached at the frame, not velcroed to the leg - 160 lbs minimum). Stakes are encouraged. 
2. Booth spaces are approximately 11' wide by 11' deep in the field, larger spaces in Rows A, L and Park Ave. Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing. All exhibitor tents must be white in color. Racks must be covered. The goal is to make your tent look like a “mini” art gallery. Tables must be covered in wrinkle free cloths that go to the ground.
3. All artworks must be set up within the booth space. No art is to be displayed outside the allotted booth space without permission from the Festival Director.
4. Electricity is NOT provided. No artist generators, battery operated lights are encouraged.
5. Overnight security is provided by Festival Management, however anything left in the booth overnight is at the artist's own risk. Festival Management and their agents affiliated with the event will not be responsible for artwork and display left in booths overnight.
6. The use of the booth is restricted to the artist(s) to whom it is assigned.
7. No Early Breakdown: Artist agrees to keep their booth intact and fully operational until 5pm, the official end time of the event. Early breakdown is defined as any of the following actions and is strictly prohibitedrnrn

• Removing art out of the tent (unless replacing with another piece of art)
• Taking jewelry out of the cases or removing cases from your display
• Wrapping or packing artwork not being sold to an individual in your tent
• Taking down walls, awnings, or other display structures

Your booth fee is your commitment to the show. If you withdraw from the show because you have been accepted into another event, your booth fee is forfeited (we do check). If you need to withdraw due to life circumstances, any withdrawal (by email) 65 days or more before the event will allow you to use the booth fee towards another Rose Squared show within a one-year period. You will need to apply to that show and be accepted by the jury. Upon acceptance a coupon code will be emailed to you for the booth fee. Rose Squared shows are rain or shine. Jury fees are always nonrefundable. 

There are no rain dates for the show. We do not, at any time, issue refunds unless we have canceled a show with ample time prior to its scheduled date. If a show is canceled AFTER logistical and advertising arrangements have been made, refunds will not be issued under our rain or shine policy nor due to any forces of nature, (i.e., hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, etc.). We understand that there are many unforeseen circumstances that may arise at the last minute, however, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.