Fairs/Festivals
Arts in Central Park 2026
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 6, Max: 6
- Total | Max: 6
Opportunity Summary
Arts in Central Park is presented each year by the Decatur Area Arts Council and Gallery 510 Art and Framing, the third weekend of September in Decatur, Illinois. Now in its 62nd year, Arts in Central Park, a juried art show, features:
For the artists:
Booth fee: $200
Saturday, September 19 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- a beautiful location in Central Park in downtown Decatur, with its historic Transfer House and magnificent fountain
- kids' arts activities and an art shop for kids
- VIP program with guaranteed patron purchases
- live entertainment
- food vendors
- free to the public
For the artists:
- hospitality room
- assistance available for set-up and take-down
- booth sitters for breaks each day
- up to $3,500 in awards
Booth fee: $200
Saturday, September 19 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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General Information
Upon completing this application and paying the application fee, each applicant must submit five (5) current images of their work, along with one (1) image of their booth display. It is imperative that the digital images accurately reflect the proportions of the work the artist will actually offer for sale.
This show is open to all artists/craftspersons who exhibit and sell work of their own concept, design, and execution. Work which is imported, produced, or manufactured will NOT be accepted. Work which is produced or manufactured from a commercial mold, pattern, or kit will NOT be accepted. Artists whose work varies substantially from the images submitted or found selling products that do not meet the above criteria will be asked to leave the show without any refunds.
Media Categories
Jury Information and Policies
http://www2.illinois.gov/rev/individuals/pages/fairs.aspx
Refund Policy
No refunds will be given for cancellations.
Hospitality
This show is open to all artists/craftspersons who exhibit and sell work of their own concept, design, and execution. Work which is imported, produced, or manufactured will NOT be accepted. Work which is produced or manufactured from a commercial mold, pattern, or kit will NOT be accepted. Artists whose work varies substantially from the images submitted or found selling products that do not meet the above criteria will be asked to leave the show without any refunds.
Media Categories
- Ceramic (Original clay and porcelain work.)
- Glass (Original functional or sculptural work in which the primary material is glass.)
- Jewelry (Original work created by the fabrication of various materials, including precious and semi-precious stones, enamel, and fine metals.)
- Photography (Digital or Film)
- Painting/Drawing/2D (Original painted works, drawing work, other 2D.)
- Wood (Original work made from wood that is hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved.)
- Other (All other media, including basketry, metal, leather, fiber, other.)
- Best of show, plus awards for each media category.
Jury Information and Policies
- Our panel consists of 3 jurors.
- Jurors change each year.
- Work will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with a maximum possibility of 15 points.
- The body of work is viewed as a whole. Jurors are not shown the artist's name or any other identifying information.
- Jurors are asked to review all new artist applications.
- Applicants will be notified of event acceptance or decline status by email by the date noted on the application.
- All artists must apply with images.
http://www2.illinois.gov/rev/individuals/pages/fairs.aspx
Refund Policy
No refunds will be given for cancellations.
Hospitality
- Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be provided for the artists each morning.
- Assistance is available for set-up starting at 6:30 am on Saturday.
- Assistance is available for take-down starting at 4 pm on Sunday.
- Booth sitters will be available for breaks each day.
- Security is provided on Friday and Saturday night, but the protection of the artwork is the artists' responsibility.
- Lunch options include vendors on the grounds and nearby restaurants.
Application Requirements
Artwork for jurying and inclusion in the show must be original. Assistance of commercial molds and kits may not be used. Resale of purchased items is forbidden.
Framed or unframed machine or photomechanical reproductions of original work may be displayed on panels in booth space. Prints must be clearly identified. No more than 1/3 of the display area (wall space) may be devoted to prints, bins excluded. All work must be for sale.
No machine or photomechanical reproductions of original work on clothing or cloth bags will be accepted.
Artists should only exhibit and sell work typified by their juried material. The Arts in Central Park committee will screen booths during the weekend. If work is inconsistent or the rules are not followed, artists may be asked to leave. The committee's judgment is final. No refunds will be given.
The booth's tables should be covered and draped to the ground. Behind the booth, all storage boxes should be neatly stacked and/or covered.
Artists must be present on both days. No agents allowed.
Artists should plan to exhibit rain or shine.
No refunds will be given for cancellations.
Pets are not allowed in Central Park.
Framed or unframed machine or photomechanical reproductions of original work may be displayed on panels in booth space. Prints must be clearly identified. No more than 1/3 of the display area (wall space) may be devoted to prints, bins excluded. All work must be for sale.
No machine or photomechanical reproductions of original work on clothing or cloth bags will be accepted.
Artists should only exhibit and sell work typified by their juried material. The Arts in Central Park committee will screen booths during the weekend. If work is inconsistent or the rules are not followed, artists may be asked to leave. The committee's judgment is final. No refunds will be given.
The booth's tables should be covered and draped to the ground. Behind the booth, all storage boxes should be neatly stacked and/or covered.
Artists must be present on both days. No agents allowed.
Artists should plan to exhibit rain or shine.
No refunds will be given for cancellations.
Pets are not allowed in Central Park.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
80
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
30
Booth Information
Application fee: $30
Booth fee: $200 per 10 x 10 space.
One 10' x 10' space is provided for each artist. Spaces vary in clearance height due to trees. Each artist must provide their own tent and display equipment.
No stakes allowed in Central Park due to the electrical and irrigation systems. Please bring weights.
If you have issues submitting your application or need assistance with Zapplication or its features, please email contactzapp@westag.org.
Booth fee: $200 per 10 x 10 space.
One 10' x 10' space is provided for each artist. Spaces vary in clearance height due to trees. Each artist must provide their own tent and display equipment.
No stakes allowed in Central Park due to the electrical and irrigation systems. Please bring weights.
If you have issues submitting your application or need assistance with Zapplication or its features, please email contactzapp@westag.org.
Refund Policy
No refunds for application or booth fees will be given for cancellations.
Additional Fees
Booth Fee: $200
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $30
