Art Fair Off the Square 2026 - Madison, WI - 47th Annual

The 47th Annual Art Fair Off the Square occurs concurrently with the Art Fair on the Square (not affiliated with WAAC). More than 200,000 people are expected to visit downtown Madison during this two-day celebration of visual art, which has become a summer highlight. The Art Fair Off the Square will feature approximately 113 artist spaces.

The Art Fair Off the Square is one of two juried fairs sponsored and organized by the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc. (WAAC), a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that promotes and connects Wisconsin artists and craftspeople with the public. WAAC takes pride in being founded and run by artists themselves. In addition to offering a marketplace for artists, WAAC continues to educate the public about art and facilitate meaningful one-on-one interactions between artists and buyers. 

 

Art Fair Off the Square Hours:

Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Dates to Remember:

January 15: Applications Available

March 2: Application Due

March 16-27: Jury Process 

Note: Artist payments cannot be processed during this period.

April 10: Acceptance Due

June 25: What to Expect at the Art Fair Off the Square Zoom Session (1-2 p.m.)

July 10: Art Fair Off the Square Set-up

July 11-12: Art Fair Off the Square (9-6 Sat / 10-5 Sun)

 

Amenities:

Booth sitting services.

Free city Wi-Fi is available. 

Most booths are accessible for drive-up loading and unloading. 

There will be no food vendors within the show area, but many are nearby. 

Ribbons will be awarded for Best in Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place.

 

Category Definitions Updated January 2026

 

WAAC reserves the right to reassign an artist’s category if a different category is considered more appropriate. 

All artwork displayed must be designed and executed by the artist.

Artists must submit a set of images for each category they want to exhibit in. For example, artists accepted in a non-jewelry category must also be juried into jewelry if they plan to sell it.

 

Ceramics, Digital Media, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media 2D, Mixed Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Printmaking & Drawing, Sculpture, Wood.

 

CERAMICS 

Functional or decorative pieces made primarily of clay. All original clay and porcelain artwork, excluding jewelry, is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass-produced artwork is permitted.

 

DIGITAL MEDIA

Artwork includes original images or manipulated and altered versions of the artist’s original source materials, such as scans or digital files created on a computer. The artwork must be printed on archival-quality media.

NOTE: Artists 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.

 

FIBER

All artwork made from fibers, including but not limited to basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and paper-making. This category includes functional, decorative, or wearable art. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other mass-production methods are permitted. Factory-made wearable items, even with artist modifications or additions, cannot be exhibited. 

 

GLASS

Original artwork primarily made of glass. It can be functional or decorative and may be kiln-formed or created through glass blowing, molding, casting, or fusing. Original stained glass designs are also accepted in this category. Artwork may be etched or engraved. Mass production of any kind is not permitted. 

 

JEWELRY

Artwork designed to adorn the body or be worn on clothing. Materials include, but are not limited to, precious and non-precious metals, glass, ceramics, paper, fiber, wood, leather, polymer clay, and semi-precious stones. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work is permitted. 

 

MIXED MEDIA 2-D

Artwork that is two-dimensional and incorporates two or more types of media in its creation. Media used in this category include, but are not limited to, paint, pencil, watercolor, photography, printmaking, drawing, fabric, or other found objects. 

 

MIXED MEDIA 3-D

Artwork that is three-dimensional or sculptural in nature and combines two or more types of media in its creation. Media used in this category include, but are not limited to, clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and other 3-D materials. Soft sculpture is also included in this category. 

 

PAINTING 

This category includes two-dimensional images created with oil, watercolor, or acrylic on canvas, hardboard, paper, or other flat surfaces. It includes all types of paint application techniques.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

In this category, the camera is the primary tool for creating images. Photographic prints made from the artist’s original negative or digital image processing, and which have been processed by that artist, or under their direct supervision, are included here. Artwork must be printed on archival-quality media.

NOTE: Artwork created using computer programs to create original artwork or significantly manipulate or alter the artist’s original source material, such as scans or digital files, should apply to the Digital Media category. 

 

PRINTMAKING & DRAWING

Artwork created with dry media, including chalk, charcoal, pastel, pencil, and wax crayon, or with fluid media, such as inks and washes applied by pen or brush, falls into this category. Printed artwork that has been hand-manipulated by the artist on plates, stones, or screens may also be included. Hand-tinted prints are likewise part of this category.

 

SCULPTURE

Sculpture includes any three-dimensional artwork, whether in the round or relief, created through additive, subtractive, or casting methods. Materials include, but are not limited to, wood, stone, clay, and metal. Metal shaped by bending, cutting, welding, or wiring together pieces, sheets, or tubes is also part of this category.

 

WOOD

Artwork that is both functional and sculptural, primarily made from wood. Original pieces must be handcrafted, machine-crafted, turned, or carved. The artwork can be decorative or functional and include furniture. 

NOTE: Wood painted or inlaid with other materials should apply in the 3-D Mixed Media category.

 

 

Jury:

There are openings available for new artists in every category each year.

Images will be juried by a panel of highly qualified artists and craftspeople who are active in the art fair business and represent various mediums. 

Entries will be evaluated solely on the images submitted. It is important that these images be sharp, consistent, and of professional quality.

The description of Materials and Technique will be read to the jury as the images are viewed. 

The jury process is anonymous; ensure the submitted images do not include names, business names, or people.
 

Only WISCONSIN residents aged 18 or older are eligible to exhibit at WAAC Art Fairs. Refunds will not be issued to out-of-state applicants. Artists must present a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License when checking in at the show.

ART FAIR OFF THE SQUARE RULES

 

In 2002, the WAAC Board established a rules sub-committee to compile and review all the rules the organization had developed and implemented over the years. The Board approved this list of exhibition rules at that time. In 2006, 2010, 2017, 2023, and 2026, these rules were reviewed for clarity and implementation. In 2025, the Code of Conduct was added to the rules. The Board’s goal with these exhibition rules is to ensure an aesthetically pleasing exhibition space while treating all exhibiting artists equally and with respect. Rules Committee members are Matt Andrzejewski, Scott Smith, and Susan Baez.

 

ARTISTS

 

1. Only WISCONSIN residents aged 18 or older are eligible to exhibit at WAAC Art Fairs. Refunds will not be issued to out-of-state applicants. Artists must present a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License when checking in at the show.
2. Artists must oversee their exhibit at all times and must display their artwork for the duration of the show. Assistants, including family members, are welcome, but not in place of the artist. 
3. It is not permissible to exhibit simultaneously at any other Madison art fair.
4. Any artist who tears down or packs up before the end of the show, or who fails to exhibit on the second day, will be required to rejury.
5. Two artists may share a booth if their artwork is compatible. Shared booth fees of $10.00 per artist are due upon acceptance. Each artist must submit separate applications and images, along with a description of their sharing arrangement.
6. Two artists collaborating on a single product should both be listed on the application and should not pay the shared booth fees.
7. All sales will be conducted between the artist and the purchaser. Participating artists must obtain a State of Wisconsin seller’s permit before the fair and must collect and pay Wisconsin sales tax (5.5%) on all sales made during the fair. Accepted artists will not be permitted to exhibit unless they have submitted the required tax forms to WAAC as instructed by the acceptance date.
8. Once accepted as an exhibiting artist, the tax form is submitted, and the booth fee is paid, the artist is considered committed to exhibiting. Payments will not be refunded should the artist cancel, and artists who cancel will be required to rejury next year.
9. WAAC reserves the right to expel artists and deem them ineligible for awards if they are verbally or physically abusive toward staff, volunteers, or fellow artists, or fail to comply with WAAC rules.
10. Accepted artists will not need to re-jury for the next two years, provided their artwork continues to meet the standards of their submitted images and no rule violations occur. Artists selected from the Waitlist are accepted only for the current year and will need to re-jury next year.
11. Artists who do not shut down their booth when instructed by show staff during inclement weather will not be permitted to exhibit the following year.

 

Exceptions

1. Exceptions to rejurying and refunds may be considered for cancellations due to illness or emergency. If this is the case, artists may appeal to the Board to retain their invitation status. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing, including the reason for cancellation, to the Board within 6 weeks of the show. 

 

EXHIBITION SPACE

 

1. Each artist is responsible for providing and setting up their own display. 
2. Standard booth displays must fit within the assigned space (10’ wide by 10’ deep). Support materials, including (but not limited to) selling stations, racks, shelves, panels, flip-bins, chairs, stools, boxes, canopies, and umbrella poles, must stay within the designated area.
3. Oversized and Premium booths are those that feature one or more of the following: exterior display walls (at least 5 feet tall), a highly visible location, and/or space to extend outward a short distance. Artists in Oversized and Premium booths may display two-dimensional art on any exposed exterior wall not covered by an adjacent booth’s assigned space. Those with space to expand may extend outward approximately 2 feet on any side or rear area that is not immediately adjacent to another artist’s booth, depending on space availability. 
4. Emergency lane access must remain free of obstacles at all times, including during setup and teardown.
5. When back-to-back or side-by-side with another artist, no artwork should be displayed on the exterior wall (side or rear) of any adjacent booth(s). An artist’s display must not interfere with a neighboring display.
6. All artists must comply with the guidelines and regulations of Monona Terrace, the City, the Capitol Police, and the WAAC. All artists and objects must remain off the grass and avoid damaging plants and landscapes. Noncompliance will lead to citations, fines, and disqualification from the exhibition. Regulations will be provided to all invited artists. Artists responsible for damages to City or State grounds will be held liable.

 

Exceptions

a. Artists who have an area directly behind their exhibit space that is neither in view of the public nor in the flow of traffic will be allowed to use it for sitting, storage, or a customer selling station. Storage, including boxes, bins, and extra display materials, must be neatly arranged and covered to avoid distracting from the show's aesthetics. This does not include the esplanade booths, as nothing may be on the grass in that area.

 

EXHIBITED ARTWORK

 

Each artist will be screened at the fair to ensure that the images submitted for jurying accurately represent the artwork on display. If a discrepancy is found, the artist may be asked to remove the artwork, leave the fair, or be required to re-jury the following year. Under these conditions, the booth fee will not be refunded. All decisions made by the Rules Committee in such cases are final.

 

1. All displayed artwork must be designed and executed by the artist.
2. Artists must submit an application for each category they wish to exhibit. For example, artists applying in a category other than jewelry must also apply in jewelry if they intend to include it in their booth. Only the accepted categories can be exhibited. 
3. All displayed artwork must be offered for sale.
4. Artists must supervise their exhibit at all times and display their artwork throughout the entire show. Assistants, including family members, are permitted but may not replace the artist.
5. Mechanical reproductions may be sold but must be labeled as a “reproduction”. They must be printed on archival-quality media.
6. Browse bin collections of reproductions may be labeled with one general sign rather than individually. Reproductions must be limited to 50% of the display area. The artist should also include a description of their reproduction process in the artist’s statement.
7. Reproductions using alternative media other than the approved juried medium may be subjected to further review and may constitute no more than 10% of the display. Examples of reproductions include notecards, puzzles, coasters, mugs, and magnets. 
8. Unacceptable artwork includes, but is not limited to: artwork created from commercial molds, templates, or patterns; kits or casting patterns; imports; decoupage; and mass-produced items. Artwork done by a production studio is not acceptable. Instrument recordings, made and played by the artist, may be sold with the instrument but not separately. 
9. No “Sale” or “Reduced” or similar signs are allowed. It is advised to bring a variety of items to serve both gift shoppers and fine art collectors.
10. “Buy/sell” items are strictly prohibited from all or part of an artist’s booth, including artwork from a community or extended family.
11. WAAC reserves the right to reassign an artist’s category if a different category is considered more appropriate. 

 

WAAC DEFINITIONS

 

PRINT: A process where multiple copies of an image are created by hand by the artist. Examples include serigraphy, etchings, woodcuts, digital prints, and photography. According to this definition, a print is considered an original.

MECHANICAL REPRODUCTIONS: A process where multiple copies of an image are created with the artist's direct involvement. Examples include offset lithography and giclees.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc. (“WAAC”)is committed to the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and responsible business practices.

This Vendor Code of Conduct (“Code”) reflects WAAC’s commitment to staff, members, artists, craftspeople, attendees, and venue partners, and the obligations expected from all of WAAC’s artists, craftspeople, vendors, affiliates, consultants, contractors, volunteers, and agents (collectively, “Associates”).

All Associates of WAAC must adhere to the minimum standards contained in this Code. Therefore, by entering into a business relationship with WAAC, all Associates are deemed to have accepted the obligations set out in this Code and to agree to comply with it, in addition to any contractual and other obligations.

 

RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS & TREATING PEOPLE WITH RESPECT

WAAC has a zero-tolerance policy toward disrespecting Associates. Associates are expected to uphold a commitment to respecting human rights and safeguarding the dignity of employees, workers, staff, attendees, venue staff, and all event participants.

Associates must value diversity and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of their employees, workers, other event vendors, event staff, event attendees, as well as WAAC’s staff and contractors. They must never discriminate against anyone based on age, gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other classification protected by law. Associates must prohibit any form of abuse, including physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional abuse, inhumane or degrading treatment, threats, intimidation, defamation, or any other harassment or offensive behavior.

Failure to follow WAAC's zero-tolerance policy will result in immediate removal from the event without a refund. If an incident occurs before the event, WAAC reserves the right to remove the offending Associate without a refund.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Associates must always act lawfully and ethically. They must comply with all applicable local and national laws and regulations while working with us, including those related to taxation and food safety.

 

FINANCIAL RECORDS

Associates must conduct business fairly, transparently, and with integrity. Associates must adhere to all applicable local and national tax laws and follow lawful and proper accounting practices.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY

Written content, design, graphics, and event planning communications and documents related to WAAC events shared with Associates are strictly for their intended use and cannot be reused, reproduced, or copied for any other purpose. Associates must never disclose or share such information with any third party without prior written permission.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Associates must comply with all applicable local health and safety laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, local health department food safety rules and state and local liquor laws.

 

DATA PROTECTION

WAAC will not share or sell any Associate’s information, including contact details, data from post-event vendor surveys, email addresses, or email lists, with venue staff, sponsors, or event participants. Associates must not share or sell any contact information or email addresses and must not publicly share the personal cell phone numbers of WAAC employees.

 

ENVIRONMENT

WAAC is dedicated to sustainable business practices. Associates must not dispose of trash, toxic, or otherwise dangerous materials in trash or recycling containers at WAAC events or anywhere on the venue property. If Associates improperly dispose of materials at WAAC events and fees are charged by the venue, city, or state, those charges may be passed on to the Associates.

 

SPEAK UP

If Associates have any concerns or suspicions of misconduct related to their engagement or relationship with WAAC, staff, contractors, venue staff, other Associates at WAAC events, or attendees, they should contact the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc. via email at wiartcraft@gmail.com or by phone using the numbers provided in WAAC email communications. The President of WAAC's Board of Directors can be reached by email at president_wiartcraft@gmail.com or by phone at the numbers listed in WAAC emails.

 

 

 

Only WISCONSIN residents aged 18 or older are eligible to exhibit at WAAC Art Fairs. Refunds will not be issued to out-of-state applicants. Artists must present a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License when checking in at the show.

Art Fair Off the Square Layout: 

The Art Fair Off the Square is located on the street and both sidewalks of the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., as well as along the Olin Terrace Esplanade leading to the Monona Terrace Convention Center. All booths are on concrete.

 

Membership: 

Membership in the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc. is included with the application to the Art Fair Off the Square or the Winter Art Fair Off the Square.

 

Jury Fee:

One application per category, with a maximum of six applications. $30 each, non-refundable.

 

Art Fair Off the Square Booth Fees: 

Standard Booth 

10x10’ interior $315

 

Premium Booth - Outside Display Wall:

10’x10’ space with outside display wall $365

 

Premium Booth - Extra Storage:

10’x10’ space with the ability to expand out a short distance from 10’x10’ footprint (3’ maximum) $365

 

Oversized Booth:

Larger than standard 10’x10’ with a minimum size of 10’ x 15’ $515

 

Booth Upgrade Details:

There is a limited number of Premium and Oversized booths available. These booths are reserved by purchasing them during acceptance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a booth upgrade is not available for purchase in ZAPP, it is sold out. 

If the purchased space is unavailable, any additional fees will be refunded, less processing fees.

Most standard booths lack space behind or to the sides. Consider purchasing a Premium Booth - Extra Storage or an Oversized Booth if extra space is needed.

Booths on the esplanade are exposed to strong winds and high customer traffic. Indicate in the questions section if you can accommodate one of these spaces. Extra weights are required in this area.

 

Booth Assignments:

Check the map to see the booth layout.

Returning artists who participated in last year’s Fair and request the same booth are given priority when assigning a booth location. Returning artists who participated in the previous year’s Fair and requested a different booth are given the next priority in assigning a booth location. All other artist requests are then considered, and the preferred booth locations are accommodated as best as possible.

Booth assignments cannot be changed, and not all location requests can be accommodated.

Significant attention is paid to booth placement relative to medium distribution. 

Note specific needs in the “Special Booth Requests” section of this application.  

 

Booth Set-up: 

Booth setup begins at varying times on Friday afternoon, by sections to avoid congestion. Setup continues through Friday evening and is also permitted early Saturday morning before the fair opens. Additional set-up details will be provided in June.

 

Trailer and/or Oversized Vehicle Information:

Artists with oversized vehicles and/or trailers will be allowed to park at Monona Terrace for the show (including overnight) with advance arrangement. The cost will vary based on vehicle size and duration. Advance arrangements can be made by calling either SP Plus Parking at (608) 261-4070 to park in the Monona Terrace Lot or Monona Terrace at (608) 261-4000 to park in one of the few spots in the West Loading Dock.

Trailers are not permitted to drive on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and must park legally at either end of the block to unload and load items.

 

Tax Forms:

The State of Wisconsin requires additional information for temporary events. Accepted artists will not be permitted to exhibit unless they have submitted the required tax forms to WAAC as instructed by the acceptance date.

 

Creative Corner:

Presented by the Monroe Street Arts Center, the Creative Corner invites artists of all ages to create free artwork to take home.

 

Pets:

Artists are advised not to bring pets. Service animals are permitted but must stay off the grass on the Esplanade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only WISCONSIN residents aged 18 or older are eligible to exhibit at WAAC Art Fairs. Refunds will not be issued to out-of-state applicants. Artists must present a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License when checking in at the show.

Once accepted as an exhibiting artist, the tax form is submitted, and the booth fee is paid, the artist is considered committed to exhibiting. Payments will not be refunded should the artist cancel, and artists who cancel will be required to rejury next year.

Exceptions

Exceptions to rejurying and refunds may be considered for cancellations due to illness or emergency. If this is the case, artists may appeal to the Board to retain their invitation status. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing, including the reason for cancellation, to the Board within 6 weeks of the show.