Art on the Mall 2026

Important Show Information: Please review the application procedures, the event calendar and the Exhibition Standards. If you have any questions, please contact the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo at 269.342.5059 or aotm@kalamazooarts.org.

 

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the cultural life in greater Kalamazoo. Founded in 1966, ACGK’s vision is to infuse arts and culture in the commercial, educational, and creative economies of our region. Members include arts organizations, individual artists and business and community partners. Support comes from a wide area and includes individual donors, foundation and state grants, and community and business partners. The Arts Council accomplishes its mission through arts programming, management services, regranting programs, education, advocacy, and event promotion.

 

Kim Shaw
Programs Director
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
aotm@kalamazooarts.org
office: (269) 342-5059
 

 

All work must be the original design of the artist; the essential work required to make each finished piece must be done by the artist. The artist is expected to be the major contributor of the time required in the essential production of the work. Helpers or assistants do not replace the artist in the production of a piece. They are permitted to assist in the non-essential and more mundane processes that go into the production of a finished piece. The only exceptions allowed are defined below. 

​Exceptions. No more than 25 percent of the work in an exhibitor’s booth may be reproductions; this policy applies to all media. Each piece must be clearly marked with the word “reproduction.” Exhibitors must use the word “reproduction”; other terms, including “print,” may not be used to refer to a reproduction. The presentation of the reproductions must play a visually subordinate role to the entirety of the exhibitor’s display.  Reproductions of the artist’s own original work are the only reproductions allowed within the artist’s booth. Determination of what constitutes an original or a reproduction is determined by The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. The decision of ACGK is final.

 

All work must be safe, non-toxic, and fit for its intended use. If any work requires special or limited use, this will be fully disclosed and explained to the public.

 

Any commercially-produced parts used in a work must play a subordinate role and may not be sold separately.  

A mass-produced, cluttered or commercial appearance to an artist's display is not permitted. Limited multiples of items may be displayed where color and size are varied and are required to show clearly the range of items available for sale to fair attendees. However, if the display presents an overwhelming number of multiples resulting in a commercial appearance, as determined by the Standards Committee, on-site adjustments will be requested, and compliance will be required. 

 

The artwork exhibited by the artist at the event must match the quality and balance of the images submitted to the event jury. The artwork exhibited at the event by the artist must also match the scope and volume of the images submitted for the event jury. An artist is not permitted to submit images presenting complex and detailed artwork but come to the event with a large quantity (more than 15 percent of the work displayed) of simple work. If artists wish to display a large quantity of simple work, it must be presented in the same proportion as presented in the jury images.

 

Note: ACGK understands that small work can be an important and essential sale item for an artist; therefore, an artist may display up to 15 percent of small work without a separate review or jury image. The small work must be clearly shown in the artist’s booth image. In addition, it is also understood (and encouraged) that experimentation with new work is part of the creative process.Ten percent of an artist’s display may be devoted to new work, without a separate review or jury image, if the new work is within the same medium and if the new work is of comparable quality to the artwork presented in the artist’s review or jury images. 

ACCEPTABILITY OF SPECIFIC WORK
In an effort to help artists determine whether their specific artwork complies with the event’s Exhibition Standards, the event has prepared the following list of artwork that does not meet the requirements. This list is a guideline to help artists determine whether or not their artwork is eligible; it is neither exhaustive, nor is unacceptable work limited to the items listed.
 
Ineligible work includes but is not limited to:
 Jewelry

• Cut coin jewelry
• Jewelry made of manufactured components
• ​Commercial beads.  Beads must be made by the artist. There are only two exemptions to this rule: 1. If the beads are not made by the artist, they must clearly play a subordinate role in the finished piece; and, 2. The requirement that beads must be made by the artist does not apply in the technique known as bead weaving; however, commercial bead weaving kits are not permitted.
• Stud earrings in commercial settings
• Pearls, whether in necklaces or bracelets. Drilled pearls or pearls that have been altered, but not by the artist, are not eligible; such pearls are considered to be purchased beads and are subject to all purchased bead rules. Pearl earrings are permitted as long as the setting has been designed and handmade by the artist.

Clothing

• Manufactured belt buckles sold separately from the belts

Other

• Manufactured tiles with a design as a major component of the piece 
• Commercially made glassware, flatware or serving pieces, no matter how embellished by the artist
• Anything made in a commercial mold, in any medium
• Anything made using a commercial kit, in any medium
• Tole painting
• Dough art
• CDs and tapes
• Food

 
Exhibition Standards Violations
 
Violations of the Exhibition Standards will be handled by the ACGK and designated ACGK Staff. Every attempt will be made to inform artists as soon as possible of violations by issuing a Standards Warning. This warning gives the exhibiting artist a chance to correct the problem without penalty, as long as the correction is immediate. If the problem is not corrected or if the violation is a continuing problem, the artist will be subject to stronger consequences that may include loss of exhibiting privileges and/or being required to close his or her booth immediately and vacate the booth space at the end of the event day. If the ACGK is not able to resolve a problem during AOTM, the ACGK will review the situation and determine any necessary action following the event. 
 
The ACGK will make a good faith effort to inform artists of any potential standards problems and what steps to take to correct the problems following the the event jury. However, it is the responsibility of the artists to comply with the Exhibition Standards. 
 
There are two exhibition standards that are considered to be inviolable under any circumstances:
 
1.       Engaging in “buy-sell” practices, that is, buying the work done by another and selling it as your own; or
2.       Selling commercially produced reproductions of the work of another artist.
 
If it is discovered that an artist has engaged in either of these practices, that artist will lose event exhibiting privileges immediately and permanently.
 
EXHIBITION RULES
 
RULE 1: Exhibitors must comply with all local ordinances, regulations, and rules.
These rules include but are not limited to:

o   Fire lanes shall not contain storage or any other obstructions.
o   Walk-through sidewalk-street connections shall not contain storage or any other obstructions.
o   Vehicles are not permitted within the barricades during fair hours. 
o   All booth material, tarps and other coverings shall be fire-retardant or fire resistant. Open flames are not allowed.
o   No gasoline, kerosene or motor oils are permitted in AOTM area.
 
RULE 2:  Booth spaces may not be transferred or otherwise reassigned by the artist. This means you cannot change booth spaces without prior permission of the Executive Director of the Arts Council.
 
RULE 3:  By one hour prior to fair opening on AOTM’s first day, artists must have claimed (by their presence, or [if necessary and apporoved by the Arts Council] by phone) their booth space, otherwise their space may be resold with no refund issued.
 
RULE 4a:  Exhibitors must be present at AOTM no less than 70 percent of each day. If the exhibitor is found to be in violation of this rule, the exhibitor’s booth must close immediately and remain closed until the exhibitor returns to the booth.
 
RULE 4b:  Exhibitors (and/or their artwork) cannot take part in any other Kalamazoo art fair (official or otherwise) which runs concurrently with ACGK’s Art on the Mall. If an exhibitor is found in violation of this rule, the exhibitor will be required to close his or her Art on the Mall booth immediately, vacate the booth space at the end of the event day, and forfeit all booth fees. 
 
RULE 5: Booth structure and display must not exceed the limits of the assigned space. Artwork hanging from display panels will not obstruct or block clear and free passage. If your artwork is hazardous or interferes with your neighbor, you will be asked to remove it. Booth substructure must not impede water flow.
 
RULE 6:  Booth holders may share their space with no more than one other approved artist unless prior permission has been received from the ACGK. 

RULE 7:  Picture I.D. is required for AOTM registration, and must be presented upon the request of ACGK staff at any time during AOTM.
 
RULE 8:  Unless artists are officially notified of a fair emergency, booths must be open at AOTM starting time and not close before AOTM closing time. Artists concerned with their personal safety may close. Artists are expected to reopen as soon as the dangerous situation has ended. The Arts Council must be notified immediately of any security or personal safety concerns.
 
RULE 9:  All storage must be neatly concealed within the booth structure. If the exhibitor is found to be in violation of this rule, the exhibitor’s booth will be required to close and remain closed until the storage issue is corrected.
 
RULE 10:  Signs advertising sales or markdowns are prohibited.
 
RULE 11:  Pets are prohibited on AOTM site. Service animals are permitted.
 
RULE 12:  On-site consumption of alcoholic beverages during fair hours is prohibited. 
 
RULE 13:  No debris may be left behind after tearing down.
 
Rule 14:  Rude, obscene or abusive language and/or threatened or actual physical restraint and/or abuse of another AOTM artist, ACGK staff or general public are prohibited.
 
Rule 15:  There are specific chair and table rules for AOTM:  1) No tables or chairs are permitted outside the booth structure; 2) The table may not exceed the dimensions of the tent; no visible storage is allowed within or on the table. The rule regarding the placement of chairs and tables may vary throughout the layout of a specific event. Exhibitors are required to adhere to the chair and table regulations established for AOTM. 
 
RULE 16:  Use of sidewalks and planters is strictly prohibited. Booths, chairs, tables and storage must be contained within the artist’s assigned street space (see Rule 15).
 
RULE 17: Overhangs are not permitted on the fire lane side of your booth (street side). Overhangs are permitted (1) on the sidewalk side, (2) in the rear of booths, so long as the overhang does not extend over the sidewalk, and (3) on corner booths on any street, the overhang to extend into the pedestrian aisle only. Overhangs may not exceed 30”, must be at least 80” above the curb, and may not interfere with any other exhibitor’s booth or the traffic flow, or be used for display, signs, etc.

RULE 18: City of Kalamazoo Tent Guidelines & Information 

1. All tents set up on City of Kalamazoo property are required to be properly secured to protect them from overturning.
2. Tents 10’X10’ and smaller are required to have a minimum of 40 lbs. of weight. The weights must be on a minimum of two corners. The wind direction should be considered when placing weights.
3. All weights will be secured to the frame/leg of the tent. Bungee cords are not acceptable as they stretch and can allow movement. Duct tape and rope are acceptable. Weights cannot hang freely from a tent as they can sway and could cause injury.
4. The artist is responsible for correcting any violations and will have one hour to correct said violations, or the City and/or Arts Council will remove the artist. No refund will be issued, and the artist will be responsible for any fines associated with the violation.
4. Any containers used as weight shall be securely covered with a lid to keep the weight material (water/sand) inside the container if overturned.

To see acceptable weights, please click here.
 
RULE 19:  Demonstrations are allowed within the assigned booth space that are in compliance with local and state ordinances and laws. All other requests are decided on a case-by-case basis by ACGK. If you are unsure if your demonstration is allowed, please contact the Arts Council prior to May 16, 2025.
 
Rules Violations: Violations of the Exhibition Rules will be handled by ACGK and designated ACGK Staff. Every attempt will be made to inform artists as soon as possible of violations by issuing a Rules Violation Warning. This warning gives the exhibiting artist a chance to correct the problem without penalty, as long as the correction is immediate. If the problem is not corrected or if the violation is a continuing problem, the artist will be subject to stronger consequences that may include loss of exhibiting privileges and/or being required to close their booth immediately, vacate the booth space immediately and forfeit all booth fees. 

Dates & Deadlines

Applications Open	February 16, 2026
Deadline for Applications	March 30, 2026
Jury Process Begins	April 1, 2026
Invitations to Art on the Mall Issued	April 15, 2026
Artist Deadline for Acceptance and Payment	May 8, 2026
Last Day to Withdraw for refund (less Admin Fee)	May 8, 2026

$198.00 for a 12' x 12' booth space. Tents cannot exceed 10' x10'.