Wayzata Art Experience 2026

The Wayzata Art Experience is one of Minnesota’s most highly respected and sough-after juried fine art festivals, welcoming 150 exceptional artists to an intimate lakeside setting along the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The two-day outdoor celebration transforms downtown Wayzata into a vibrant showcase of visual arts, live music, culinary experiences, and community culture.

Dedicated to high standards of artistic excellence, the Wayzata Art Experience provides a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for fine artists. The Wayzata Art Experience convenes a distinguished jury panel, representing a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives in the arts. The blind jury process ensures that every submission is evaluated solely on its artistic merit, allowing the strongest work to rise on its own. In selecting participants, the panel carefully considers quality, originality, and consistency of design. This rigorous process reflects the festival’s commitment to excellence and its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier outdoor fine art events.

Now in its 22nd year, the Wayzata Art Experience attracts more than 20,000 visitors annually from across the Twin Cities and the West Metro region. Its picturesque location, nestled within a walkable boutique and restaurant district, offers artists an exceptional setting to engage with enthusiastic collectors, affluent buyers and art-minded patrons.

WELCOME

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Wayzata Art Experience. We are delighted to invite artists from across the nation to be part of this premier juried art festival set in one of Minnesota’s most picturesque lakefront communities.

OVERVIEW

Established in 2004, the Wayzata Art Experience is a highly regarded juried art festival held in the heart of downtown Wayzata, Minnesota, along the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Now in its 22nd year, the event attracts more than 20,000 visitors annually, drawing engaged collectors, discerning buyers, and art-minded patrons from across the Twin Cities and West Metro.

The festival will be open to the public on:
Saturday, June 27, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Artists exhibit within a vibrant, walkable district surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, and scenic lake views—creating an exceptional setting for meaningful artist–collector engagement.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Application Deadline: March 23
• Jury Review Period: March 25 – April 8
• Artist Notification (via email): Mid-April (week of April 13)
• Deadline for Accepted Artists & Booth Fee Payment: April 21
• Event Dates: June 27–28

LOAD-IN / LOAD-OUT SCHEDULE

• Friday, June 26: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Load-in / Setup)
• Saturday, June 27: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Load-in / Setup)
• Saturday, June 27: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Festival Hours)
• Sunday, June 28: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Festival Hours)
• Sunday, June 28: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Load-out)
   

AMENITIES & SERVICES

To ensure a professional and artist-friendly experience, the Wayzata Art Experience provides:

• Approximately 11’ x 11’ booth space
• Friendly volunteers to assist with setup and teardown
• Event site vehicle access adjacent to booths during load-in and load-out
• Complimentary parking within close proximity to the event area
• Flexible setup options on Friday and/or Saturday morning
• Overnight private security patrolling the event area from Friday through Sunday
• Complimentary morning coffee and water throughout the event
• Booth sitters and attentive, well-organized event staff
• A premier Minnesota destination overlooking beautiful Lake Minnetonka

JURY PROCESS

The Wayzata Art Experience utilizes an anonymous jury process conducted by a diverse panel of arts professionals. Jurors evaluate submissions based on quality, originality, craftsmanship, and consistency of body of work. The event reserves the right to balance the show across media categories to ensure a dynamic and engaging experience for patrons.

AWARDS

The Wayzata West Metro Chamber recognizes artists who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their field. Awards include First, Second, and Third Place, each receiving:

• A cash award
• Certificate of recognition
• Booth signage during the event
• Automatic acceptance into the following year’s show with all fees waived
• Opportunity to be featured in next year’s promotional materials

Judging takes place on the first day of the festival.

PROMOTIONAL BENEFITS

Participating artists benefit from extensive marketing and exposure, including:

• Featured listing on the event website with email and/or website link
• Promotion across Facebook, Instagram and additional social media platforms
• Participation by local and regional corporate sponsors
• E-blast/flyer provided for artists to share with their customer base
• Email marketing to a growing list of 5,000+ Wayzata-area residents and shoppers
• Comprehensive media promotion throughout the Twin Cities and locally
   

Historically, advertising has included outlets such as Artful Living, Star Tribune, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, Sun Sailor, and local cable television.

1. All work must be original, handcrafted work. One of a kind work is preferred and encouraged.  Reproductions of original artwork and/or prints may be sold but may not comprise more than 40% of the entire booth.  No sell through items (Buy/Sell not allowed).
2. Artist must show their work the entire time the show is open.  Displays must be set up by 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Artists must be present with their work in their booth for the entirety of posted hours.  It is required that booths stay in place once given the assigned booth space.
3. If you produce work in editions, you must disclose edition numbers to the event audience and include in your work descriptions.
4. Artists may only show work in categories approved by the Jury. All work exhibited must be of the quality and type of that shown in the images juried.
5. Artists must prominently display an Artist Statement, with the artist’s picture, describing how and by whom the work is made and the materials used to make the work.
6. All work must be for sale.
7. All proceeds of sales go to the participating artist. Artists are responsible for the collection, reporting and payment of all taxes. TAXES: 8.53% Hennepin County, Minnesota Sales Tax. 
8. Artists may apply once per media.  Artists may only exhibit and sell work in the media category for which they are accepted. 
9. Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work and setup.  The Wayzata Art Experience is not responsible for loss or damage.
10. The Wayzata West Metro Chamber in collaboration with the City of Wayzata reserves the right to cancel the event.  We are excited to provide a safe event for all. We will modify the event if needed.  If we need to cancel or move the show date your booth fees will be refunded.  Please note the jury fee is non-refundable.

• Jury Fee: $40 (nonrefundable per application)
• Single Booth Space: $350: 11' wide x 11' deep
• Double Booth Space: $700: 22' wide x 11' deep 
• Space allows for a tent with 1 ft' of storage behind.  Your tent must measure 10’ x 10’ if you have a single space. If you require a space larger than 11' x 11', you’ll need to purchase a double booth space.
• Some premium booths will be offered at a higher cost.
• Weighted tents are required. This is an outdoor event, so weather can be inclement.  Please plan accordingly
• Tent rental and installation available: TBD- 2025 price: $550: 10’ x 10’ or $725: 10’ x 20’
• Taxes: 8.53% Hennepin County, Minnesota Sales Tax. Artists are responsible for the collection, reporting and payment of all taxes
• Refunds: Booth Fees are not refundable after April 21, 2026. (Jury fees are not refundable)
• Electricity and Wifi are not available
• Please email brooke@wayzatawestmetrochamber.com, Festival Director, for special booth requests.

Jury Fee: $40 (nonrefundable per application).