Fairs/Festivals
Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair 2026 - 64th Annual
Peoria, Illinois
Application Fee: $35
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
64rd Annual Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair -- September 26-27, 2026
It's our 64th year for bringing original art to central Illinois and we want you to be a part of it!
As one of the oldest art events in the country, the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is nationally recognized for its organization, event marketing, and for putting artists' needs at the top of the priority list. We offer affordable hotel rates, convenient artist parking, "grab 'n go" breakfasts each morning, boxed lunches, Saturday Artist Awards Party, snacks in the Artist Breakroom, cold water and hot coffee. Each year we have 200+ committed volunteers devoted to supporting artists’ needs and ensuring a successful Fair.
It's our 64th year for bringing original art to central Illinois and we want you to be a part of it!
As one of the oldest art events in the country, the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is nationally recognized for its organization, event marketing, and for putting artists' needs at the top of the priority list. We offer affordable hotel rates, convenient artist parking, "grab 'n go" breakfasts each morning, boxed lunches, Saturday Artist Awards Party, snacks in the Artist Breakroom, cold water and hot coffee. Each year we have 200+ committed volunteers devoted to supporting artists’ needs and ensuring a successful Fair.
- We were voted #88 in the Top Art Fairs in the Midwest by Sunshine Magazine in 2024!
Jump to
General Information
Mediums: Original works include -- ceramics, digital art, drawings/pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, 2d mixed media, 3d mixed media, metal, painting; oils & acrylics & watercolor, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wearable fiber and wood.
Sales Potential of Peoria: Peoria is home to world-class medical facilities, Caterpillar (Fortune 50 Company), Komatsu, numerous IT companies, 4 major Universities within 50 miles, boutique shopping, quaint restaurants and bars, sporting and entertainment venues, urban living (the newly renovated Warehouse District which is located near the Riverfront), and a very active arts community. It's big city amenities with Midwestern charm! The Peoria area is located in the 'Heart of Illinois' and is between Chicago and St. Louis.
Fair Dates - September 26-27, 2026
Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm (Open at 9am to Peoria Art Guild members; 10am for the general public)
Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Artist Awards:
Best of Show: $3,000
3 Awards of Excellence: $1,000 each
All award winners are invited to return to the 2027 Fine Art Fair.
Perks:
Easy set-up and teardown/level and accessible
Convenient reserved free parking for artists
Affordable hotel accommodations near fair location
200+ volunteers to help as needed. Engaged, caring staff. Booth sitting.
Artist-only break room and information center
Overnight security – both Friday and Saturday
Breakfast & lunch provided on Saturday & Sunday
Saturday Night Artist Awards Party at The Peoria Riverfront Museum
ATM on site
Promotions:
Marketing campaign including social media, e-mails, TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, digital, billboards, posters and t-shirts
"I BUY ART" Initiative to encourage the purchase of original art
Collaboration with local art organizations, Peoria Art Guild members, the City of Peoria, the Peoria Park District, the Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders and organizations.
Artist profile on facebook featuring artist images and website link.
Sales Potential of Peoria: Peoria is home to world-class medical facilities, Caterpillar (Fortune 50 Company), Komatsu, numerous IT companies, 4 major Universities within 50 miles, boutique shopping, quaint restaurants and bars, sporting and entertainment venues, urban living (the newly renovated Warehouse District which is located near the Riverfront), and a very active arts community. It's big city amenities with Midwestern charm! The Peoria area is located in the 'Heart of Illinois' and is between Chicago and St. Louis.
Fair Dates - September 26-27, 2026
Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm (Open at 9am to Peoria Art Guild members; 10am for the general public)
Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Artist Awards:
Best of Show: $3,000
3 Awards of Excellence: $1,000 each
All award winners are invited to return to the 2027 Fine Art Fair.
Perks:
Easy set-up and teardown/level and accessible
Convenient reserved free parking for artists
Affordable hotel accommodations near fair location
200+ volunteers to help as needed. Engaged, caring staff. Booth sitting.
Artist-only break room and information center
Overnight security – both Friday and Saturday
Breakfast & lunch provided on Saturday & Sunday
Saturday Night Artist Awards Party at The Peoria Riverfront Museum
ATM on site
Promotions:
Marketing campaign including social media, e-mails, TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, digital, billboards, posters and t-shirts
"I BUY ART" Initiative to encourage the purchase of original art
Collaboration with local art organizations, Peoria Art Guild members, the City of Peoria, the Peoria Park District, the Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders and organizations.
Artist profile on facebook featuring artist images and website link.
Application Requirements
Art: All work must be original art produced by the exhibiting artist(s) and must be for sale. Studio production work, work from commercial molds, kits, hand-colored reproductions, and manufactured work will not be accepted.
Artists: The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is open to all artists 18 years of age and older. Artist(s) must be present to exhibit their work during all hours of the Fair. Representatives are not permitted to serve as a substitute for the artist(s). All artists must present a photo ID at registration.
Collaborating Artists: If exhibited work is the product of collaboration, both names must appear on all applications and materials as collaborating, and both artists must contribute to the creation of the art pieces. The artist statement must describe the role of each artist. It should outline the specific involvement of the collaborating artist to the design and/or production of the work. Only joint work may be shown and sold at the fair. All collaborating artists must be present during all hours of the fair. Both artists will be asked for identification at the time of check-in. Representatives are not permitted to serve as a substitute for the artist(s).
Jury Process: To select the final body of artists to be showcased, a panel (new each year) of professionals with varying backgrounds in art education, history, and aesthetics is gathered to score each artist’s work. Images are reviewed by the panel in a blind jury process (the identities of artists are not disclosed to jurors). Each set of five images is shown simultaneously. Each artist’s statement will be visible during the viewing. The materials, dimensions, and price range for each image is also available. No other criteria is considered. Decisions of the jury panel are final. Images are viewed in a controlled setting, using the images and statement provided with the application. The Peoria Art Guild will notify all applicants of jury decision via their email accounts.
Jury decisions are based on the following standards:
• The work reflects excellence.
• The work is well conceived.
• The work is expertly executed without technical faults.
• The work is original in concept.
• The booth is professional in appearance
Images: Upload 5 images on Zapp. Four must be representative of the work you will exhibit; the fifth must show your booth display with the work visible. Do not submit images with your name/picture in them.
• Images should represent of the body of work that will be exhibited.
• Submit images of professional quality which are clear and sharply focused.
• The booth image must be representative of your current work, showing overall continuity and presentation. If a booth image is not available, submit an image of a grouping of the work to be exhibited. Booth images should NOT indicate your name, website, or business name. Failure to omit this may result in disqualification.
• An artist statement must also be included detailing your process. As this is a blind jury process, please do not include any mention of your name, website, or business. Any applicant who neglects to do this may be eliminated from the jury process.
• The Peoria Art Guild reserves the right to exclude any application not fulfilling the stated rules.
Multiples: If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed (e.g. ceramics or photography), each piece
must be signed.
Photography and Digital Artwork: All photographs and digital art must be signed and numbered limited editions. Inkjets/giclees are only allowed in digital art and photography categories and must be high-quality limited editions produced on archival stock. Applicants in digital art must certify that a minimum of 50% of the composition is originally composed on the computer.
Printmaking category: All prints must be hand-pulled by the artist and must be signed and numbered limited editions.
Reproduction Policy: If original work is copied by digital or photographic means and printed on an offset press, a serigraph press, or through a computer by means of an inkjet or electrostatic printer, this is a reproduction (includes giclees). Reproductions are limited to 20% of booth space (including calendars, postcards, etc.) and must be kept in a browsing bin. Each piece should be clearly labeled as a reproduction and not as an “offset lithograph” or “print.” The Peoria Art Guild reserves the right to monitor the displays of multiples; and request artists who violate this provision to remove reproductions from display.
Exhibition: Artist may display for sale ONLY work juried and accepted in the medium applied. Artists may apply in multiple mediums, providing a separate application and fee for each. Artists who exhibit in 2 mediums will be limited to a single booth space. Jewelry artists selling jewelry and non-jewelry must be accepted in both categories. Your application images will be referenced during the booth verification process prior to the opening of the Fine Art Fair.
Fine Art Fair Venue: There are 130 booth spaces with 123 available through the application / jury process. Exhibitors will display their work in a unique, scenic, waterfront setting at Riverfront Festival Park in Peoria, IL. Booth location preference is given to returning applicants. The booth fee is due upon acceptance. “See Fees and Acceptance” for cancellation and refund information.
All booth spaces are 10.5x12 (exhibit area is 10x10). Access to electricity is available. Artists must provide a white tent, their own lights, extension cords, and sidewalls. The surface is pavement, concrete, or grass and the Riverfront can be windy. Prepare for the elements as this is an outdoor event. Please bring appropriate weight to protect your work and the work of those around you. All work is restricted to the 10x10 booth space. Requests for a double booth space is limited to 5, first come, first served.
Pets and/or sound equipment are not allowed.
Artist Statement: All artists must prominently display an artist process statement in the booth describing how the work is made and the materials used to make the work. If there are collaborating artists, the statement must describe the role of each artist. It should outline the specific involvement of the collaborating artist to the design and/or production of the work. The artist statement will be verified prior to the opening of the Fair.
Insurance: Artists are responsible for proper insurance. The Peoria Art Guild will not be responsible for damage to work or property.
Compliance Guidelines: It is the Peoria Art Guild’s exclusive right and responsibility to remove work (or an entire booth) that is not in compliance with our guidelines. Repeated non-compliance will result in expulsion and ineligibility for judging, awards, and future fairs. The Peoria Art Guild reserves the right to remove an artist from the Fair for inappropriate behavior, misrepresentation of work, or circumstances detrimental to a public event.
Artists: The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is open to all artists 18 years of age and older. Artist(s) must be present to exhibit their work during all hours of the Fair. Representatives are not permitted to serve as a substitute for the artist(s). All artists must present a photo ID at registration.
Collaborating Artists: If exhibited work is the product of collaboration, both names must appear on all applications and materials as collaborating, and both artists must contribute to the creation of the art pieces. The artist statement must describe the role of each artist. It should outline the specific involvement of the collaborating artist to the design and/or production of the work. Only joint work may be shown and sold at the fair. All collaborating artists must be present during all hours of the fair. Both artists will be asked for identification at the time of check-in. Representatives are not permitted to serve as a substitute for the artist(s).
Jury Process: To select the final body of artists to be showcased, a panel (new each year) of professionals with varying backgrounds in art education, history, and aesthetics is gathered to score each artist’s work. Images are reviewed by the panel in a blind jury process (the identities of artists are not disclosed to jurors). Each set of five images is shown simultaneously. Each artist’s statement will be visible during the viewing. The materials, dimensions, and price range for each image is also available. No other criteria is considered. Decisions of the jury panel are final. Images are viewed in a controlled setting, using the images and statement provided with the application. The Peoria Art Guild will notify all applicants of jury decision via their email accounts.
Jury decisions are based on the following standards:
• The work reflects excellence.
• The work is well conceived.
• The work is expertly executed without technical faults.
• The work is original in concept.
• The booth is professional in appearance
Images: Upload 5 images on Zapp. Four must be representative of the work you will exhibit; the fifth must show your booth display with the work visible. Do not submit images with your name/picture in them.
• Images should represent of the body of work that will be exhibited.
• Submit images of professional quality which are clear and sharply focused.
• The booth image must be representative of your current work, showing overall continuity and presentation. If a booth image is not available, submit an image of a grouping of the work to be exhibited. Booth images should NOT indicate your name, website, or business name. Failure to omit this may result in disqualification.
• An artist statement must also be included detailing your process. As this is a blind jury process, please do not include any mention of your name, website, or business. Any applicant who neglects to do this may be eliminated from the jury process.
• The Peoria Art Guild reserves the right to exclude any application not fulfilling the stated rules.
Multiples: If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed (e.g. ceramics or photography), each piece
must be signed.
Photography and Digital Artwork: All photographs and digital art must be signed and numbered limited editions. Inkjets/giclees are only allowed in digital art and photography categories and must be high-quality limited editions produced on archival stock. Applicants in digital art must certify that a minimum of 50% of the composition is originally composed on the computer.
Printmaking category: All prints must be hand-pulled by the artist and must be signed and numbered limited editions.
Reproduction Policy: If original work is copied by digital or photographic means and printed on an offset press, a serigraph press, or through a computer by means of an inkjet or electrostatic printer, this is a reproduction (includes giclees). Reproductions are limited to 20% of booth space (including calendars, postcards, etc.) and must be kept in a browsing bin. Each piece should be clearly labeled as a reproduction and not as an “offset lithograph” or “print.” The Peoria Art Guild reserves the right to monitor the displays of multiples; and request artists who violate this provision to remove reproductions from display.
Exhibition: Artist may display for sale ONLY work juried and accepted in the medium applied. Artists may apply in multiple mediums, providing a separate application and fee for each. Artists who exhibit in 2 mediums will be limited to a single booth space. Jewelry artists selling jewelry and non-jewelry must be accepted in both categories. Your application images will be referenced during the booth verification process prior to the opening of the Fine Art Fair.
Fine Art Fair Venue: There are 130 booth spaces with 123 available through the application / jury process. Exhibitors will display their work in a unique, scenic, waterfront setting at Riverfront Festival Park in Peoria, IL. Booth location preference is given to returning applicants. The booth fee is due upon acceptance. “See Fees and Acceptance” for cancellation and refund information.
All booth spaces are 10.5x12 (exhibit area is 10x10). Access to electricity is available. Artists must provide a white tent, their own lights, extension cords, and sidewalls. The surface is pavement, concrete, or grass and the Riverfront can be windy. Prepare for the elements as this is an outdoor event. Please bring appropriate weight to protect your work and the work of those around you. All work is restricted to the 10x10 booth space. Requests for a double booth space is limited to 5, first come, first served.
Pets and/or sound equipment are not allowed.
Artist Statement: All artists must prominently display an artist process statement in the booth describing how the work is made and the materials used to make the work. If there are collaborating artists, the statement must describe the role of each artist. It should outline the specific involvement of the collaborating artist to the design and/or production of the work. The artist statement will be verified prior to the opening of the Fair.
Insurance: Artists are responsible for proper insurance. The Peoria Art Guild will not be responsible for damage to work or property.
Compliance Guidelines: It is the Peoria Art Guild’s exclusive right and responsibility to remove work (or an entire booth) that is not in compliance with our guidelines. Repeated non-compliance will result in expulsion and ineligibility for judging, awards, and future fairs. The Peoria Art Guild reserves the right to remove an artist from the Fair for inappropriate behavior, misrepresentation of work, or circumstances detrimental to a public event.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
300
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
70
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
50
Booth Information
Important Dates:
January 6, 2026: Applications open
June 1, 2026: Application deadline
June 24, 2026: Jury notification e-mailed
July 21, 2026: Deadline for payment of booth fees and acceptance forms
August 1, 2026: Last day for a booth fee refund (less $25 administrative fee)
August 31, 2026: Booth assignments emailed to accepted artists
On-Site Dates:
Friday, September 25, 2026: Set up: 7 am - 4 pm
Saturday, September 26, 2026: Fine Art Fair: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, September 27, 2026: Fine Art Fair: 10 am - 4 pm
Application/Jury Fee: $35
Booth Fee: Regular space $350
Corner space: $425 / Double Booth: $800(limited 5) First come, first served for Corner & Double booths
Electricity is a $35 additional charge
• Corners and Double Booths are limited and will be assigned based on payment dates.
Cancellation Policy:
Email fineartfair@peoriaartguild.org
Booth Fee Refunds:
$25 administrative fee for all cancellations prior to August 1, 2026.
No refunds after August 1, 2026.
Payment:
Application fees may be paid through Zapplication via PayPal, credit card or check.
Please mail checks to: Peoria Art Guild, 203 Harrison St., Peoria, IL 61602
* The booth numbers on the Site Map will change. We are in the process of amending the map to provide better booth placement.
We are here for you!
Contact Information:
Director - Megan Scott
309-637-2787
fineartfair@peoriaartguild.org
Peoria Art Guild Gallery Administrator
Angela Risinger
309-637-2787
info@peoriaartguild.org
www.zapplication.org
Website: www.peoriaartguild.org
www.facebook.com/PeoriaArtGuild
Instagram: peoria.art.guild
January 6, 2026: Applications open
June 1, 2026: Application deadline
June 24, 2026: Jury notification e-mailed
July 21, 2026: Deadline for payment of booth fees and acceptance forms
August 1, 2026: Last day for a booth fee refund (less $25 administrative fee)
August 31, 2026: Booth assignments emailed to accepted artists
On-Site Dates:
Friday, September 25, 2026: Set up: 7 am - 4 pm
Saturday, September 26, 2026: Fine Art Fair: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, September 27, 2026: Fine Art Fair: 10 am - 4 pm
Application/Jury Fee: $35
Booth Fee: Regular space $350
Corner space: $425 / Double Booth: $800(limited 5) First come, first served for Corner & Double booths
Electricity is a $35 additional charge
• Corners and Double Booths are limited and will be assigned based on payment dates.
Cancellation Policy:
Email fineartfair@peoriaartguild.org
Booth Fee Refunds:
$25 administrative fee for all cancellations prior to August 1, 2026.
No refunds after August 1, 2026.
Payment:
Application fees may be paid through Zapplication via PayPal, credit card or check.
Please mail checks to: Peoria Art Guild, 203 Harrison St., Peoria, IL 61602
* The booth numbers on the Site Map will change. We are in the process of amending the map to provide better booth placement.
We are here for you!
Contact Information:
Director - Megan Scott
309-637-2787
fineartfair@peoriaartguild.org
Peoria Art Guild Gallery Administrator
Angela Risinger
309-637-2787
info@peoriaartguild.org
www.zapplication.org
Website: www.peoriaartguild.org
www.facebook.com/PeoriaArtGuild
Instagram: peoria.art.guild
Refund Policy
Application and jury fees are non-refundable.
A booth fee refund is available for cancellations prior to August 1, 2026 less a $25 administrative fee.
This is an outdoor event which operates rain or shine, in the event of a cancellation of The Fine Art Fair due to fire, strike, government regulation, or other causes beyond the control of The Fine Art Fair, the FAF shall not be held liable for failure to hold the event and shall refund booth fees paid less a $25 administrative fee.
Disqualification from the fair for rule violations will result in forfeiture of all fees and no refunds will be provided.
A booth fee refund is available for cancellations prior to August 1, 2026 less a $25 administrative fee.
This is an outdoor event which operates rain or shine, in the event of a cancellation of The Fine Art Fair due to fire, strike, government regulation, or other causes beyond the control of The Fine Art Fair, the FAF shall not be held liable for failure to hold the event and shall refund booth fees paid less a $25 administrative fee.
Disqualification from the fair for rule violations will result in forfeiture of all fees and no refunds will be provided.
Additional Fees
Double Booth Fee 20x10: $800
Corner Booth Fee 10x10: $425
Booth Fee 10x10: $350
Electricity: $35
2026 Fine Art Fair T-Shirt: $25
I will participate in raffle: $0
Acknowledgement of 2026 Fine Art Fair Release Form: $0
Please give me the same booth space I had last year: $0
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $35