Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair 2026 - 63rd Annual

Thank you for your interest in Piedmont Craftsmen. When you apply to Piedmont Craftsmen, you are applying to more than a beautiful annual show. You are applying for lifetime Exhibiting Membership in one of the country's finest craft guilds. Since its founding in 1964, Piedmont Craftsmen has evolved into one of the nation’s most highly respected craft guilds, with close to 300 members. Our underlying philosophy is that our Exhibiting Members are by definition innovators, whether that is expressed in their use of materials, techniques, and processes, or through the creative voice.

We present an annual Fair that is considered one of the finest in the southeastern United States. Total sales by Exhibiting Members are estimated at nearly $400,000. Piedmont Craftsmen’s Gallery anchors the Arts District in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. The gallery attracts roughly 15,000 visitors each year, and grosses nearly $230,000 in sales. We strongly encourage you to visit www.piedmontcraftsmen.org for more information about Piedmont Craftsmen.

Piedmont Craftsmen is strongest when our Exhibiting Membership includes a wide range of creative voices and visions. We are committed to building a vibrant and diverse community of craft artists and collectors, and doing everything we can to invite you in. We seek makers with a clear distinctive artistic voice, and mastery of your chosen medium. We are open to crafts artists from all walks of life, living in the US.

The Piedmont Craftsmen Standards Committee searches for new Exhibiting Members whose body of work, whether contemporary or traditional, one-of-a-kind or studio production, shows EXCELLENCE and CREATIVITY in concept, design, and technique. If you are accepted as a new Exhibiting Member you will join a group of nearly 400 fine craft professionals from throughout the United States who are recognized nationally and internationally for their excellence in technique and design.

As lifetime members of Piedmont Craftsmen, Exhibiting Members enjoy opportunities to exhibit and sell through the prestigious annual Fair and year-round gallery, access to prominent collectors, the sustenance of an extended family of collectors and supporters, as well as camaraderie with other high caliber professional colleagues.

Perhaps you have a place in this vital, creative organization? We invite you to take a few minutes to learn about the career enhancing benefits of Piedmont Craftsmen, and to participate in the review process.

MEDIA
Piedmont Craftsmen accepts applications for craft work in the following media: book arts, clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, photography, printmaking, and wood.  

Piedmont Craftsmen does NOT accept 2-D drawings, or oil, acrylic or watercolor paintings on canvas, paper, or wood. Piedmont Craftsmen does not accept buy-sell, food items, non craft or commercially produced products.

All work must be designed and produced by the jurying artist, or in a studio under the applying artist's direct supervision. If you have any questions about the eligibility of your work, please contact us directly at members@piedmontcraftsmen.org.

RESIDENCE
Applicants must live and work in one of the United States of America.

REVIEW PROCESS

Our two-part review format is designed to thoroughly examine an applicant’s body of work and professional presentation before extending an invitation to become an Exhibiting Member of Piedmont Craftsmen. The annual selection of Piedmont Craftsmen’s new Exhibiting Members is made by the Standards Committee. This committee is composed of eleven (11) Exhibiting Members working in differing media*, up to two (2) knowledgeable craft professionals or arts administrators, and one (1) knowledgeable Piedmont Craftsmen Supporting Member. The chair of the Standards Committee is selected from previous committees. The Chair and Piedmont Craftsmen’s Executive Director are nonvoting members.

* Based on: (2) Fiber: on loom and off loom, (2) Wood: furniture and non-furniture, (2) Clay: functional and sculptural, (2) Metal/Jewelry, (1) Glass, (2) Varies each year - paper, leather, mixed media, print, or photography
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The selection process occurs in two parts: IMAGE REVIEW and OBJECT REVIEW
 
PART 1: IMAGE REVIEW
To apply for Exhibiting Membership, applicants must submit:

1. Completed Membership Application
2. Eight (8) images representing applicant’s best work produced during the last two years. Images may include detail shots or alternative views, however, a minimum of six (6) different works must be represented.
3. Artist statement (in the description of materials and techniques field)
4. Application fee of $25

Submissions must be submitted by the deadline.
While it is the work of the applicant that is being reviewed, having high quality images can certainly make it easier for the Review Committee to make their decisions. Helpful hints in photographing your work:

• Keep the background plain.
• Avoid group shots.
• One object per frame is recommended.
• Consistency in the body of work presented is crucial.

If you have two distinct bodies of work, whether in the same or different media, you may wish to make two applications. If you choose to do this, contact members@piedmontcraftsmen.org for a $10 discount on your second application fee.
 
IMAGE REVIEW NOTIFICATION
The results of the Image Review will be emailed/mailed to applicants on June 2, after the Review Committee has made its decisions. Due to the volume of applicants, scores and comments cannot be reported.
 
PART 2: OBJECT REVIEW
Applicants who score above the median cutoff in the Image Review will be invited to participate in the Object Review as a "Provisional Member" during Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair. An invitation to participate in the Object Review is considered a Provisional Membership and does not constitute acceptance for Exhibiting Membership. Each Provisional Member invited to the Object Review may purchase a booth at the annual Fair in November. An Individual Booth Fee is approximately $655 (additional $75 for corner). Booth size is 10’ x 10’ (single artist). Fee includes object jury fee, pipe, drape, and electricity. 10’ x 15’ and 10’ x 20’ booths are also available. If you are accepted to take part in the show in November, we will be happy to work with you on payment plans for booth fees. 
 
OBJECT REVIEW NOTIFICATION
The results of the Object Review will be mailed to applicants within two (2) weeks following Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair. Provisional Members who are not accepted after the Object Review are encouraged to reapply as the Review Committee is composed of different members each year and Provisional Members are considered exempt from the Image Review portion of the following year's membership application process.
Images of work by newly accepted Exhibiting Members will be retained by Piedmont Craftsmen for use in promotion and publicity.

MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Piedmont Craftsmen promotes the work of Exhibiting Members by:

1. Providing a high exposure retail outlet for Exhibiting Member artists in the heart of Winston-Salem's Arts District
2. Creating an artist page on Piedmont Craftsmen's website with an artist statement, images and a link to the artist's website
3. Referrals by Piedmont Craftsmen to public and private arts organizations, museums, galleries, and shops across the country for exhibition and sales opportunities.
4. Exposure to new and developing markets including designers, corporate collections, national magazines and gallery owners.
5. Inclusion in Piedmont Craftsmen exhibitions, publications and public relations for the Fair, shop, exhibitions & special events.

A benefit for Exhibiting Members includes a 10% discount on all purchases at Piedmont Craftsmen’s gallery and shop in Winston-Salem, NC.

Exhibiting Members are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities to maintain their membership good standing:

1. Pay annual dues in January, currently $75. 
2. Exhibit in New Members Show
3. Demonstrate ownership in the organization by participating annually in any or all of the following:
   • Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair
   • Consigning work to the gallery and shop
   • Any exhibition
   • Serving on the Board of Trustees or Review Committee, or volunteering for any of Piedmont Craftsmen’s educational activities
4. Keep individual information files current with:
   • Updated resume
   • Artist’s statement
   • Images of work
   • Images of the “artist at work”

Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair Weekend is a three-day long shopping event for handmade fine craft that takes place annually the weekend before Thanksgiving. Quality craftsmanship and excellent design have always been the hallmarks of Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair. Held annually since 1963 by Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc., the fair showcases the handwork of more than 100 fine artisans from across the US.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT – Booth space contracts will be mailed out in June.  All reservations and payments will be handled by Piedmont Craftsmen's administrative offices. Piedmont Craftsmen asks that you respond no later than July 31, as booth space is limited, and is sold on a first come first served basis. A minimum deposit of $100 is due with contract, balances are due before November 1, 2026. Payment plans are available.

A standard Single Booth is 10’ wide by 10’ deep and includes 8’ gray colored curtains, power consisting of a power line adequate for handling 500 watts, and two Exhibitor Assistant passes. Corner booths and additional power are available for additional fees. Front crossbar, black drape, and furnishings will be made available through our exhibition services provider separate and apart from the booth space contract. The Benton Convention Center is fully carpeted. You may charge your payment to Piedmont Craftsmen on MasterCard, VISA, Discover or AMEX, or pay by check.

BOOTH REQUIREMENTS – All booth set ups and electrical connections must meet basic safety standards and are subject to approval by the Winston-Salem Fire Marshall and/or the Chief Engineer of the Benton Convention Center. Any booths that are deemed by convention center management to be drawing power in excess of specifications will be supplied with extra power upon payment by the exhibitor. No booth should extend beyond the contracted dimensions and no furniture, crafts, etc. are allowed in the aisles.  No tape, pins, nails or other modification may be affixed to the rented curtains and hanging hooks will be provided to Exhibiting Members for signage and lightweight items.

SALES TAX - Exhibitors must register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax identification number. Your Piedmont Craftsmens Fair contract will not be processed without a sales tax identification number and Exhibitors are responsible for collecting and paying the required 7% sales tax.  Call the North Carolina Department of Revenue at 1-877-252-3052, or check the website at http://www.dornc.com/faq/sales.html#registration for sales tax information.  Piedmont Craftsmen is required to provide the North Carolina Department of Revenue with a list of our exhibitors. They may come to the Fair to register anyone who has not done so in advance.

BOOTH LOCATION – Provisional Member booths will be placed throughout the Fair, and will be assigned at the discretion of Piedmont Craftsmen. Every attempt will be made to place Provisional Members in locations that will present their work favorably.  Corner booths will be assigned on a first-come/first-serve basis as possible.

PROCEDURES – Provisional Members must have booths completed by 1:30 pm the Friday prior to the Fair and agree to comply with the Fair Schedule and Procedures for setup, Preview, public hours, strike, parking etc. as outlined in the Exhibitor Update, which will be sent in mid-OCTOBER. Proper, reasonable and safe marketing procedures which contribute to the overall quality of the Fair, as well as to the protection of the consumer, should be followed. Exhibitors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Smooth operation of the Fair is made possible by many volunteers. Any Fair exhibitor who abuses the privileges of volunteer relief could forfeit the right to such services throughout the remainder of the Fair.  No agent or proxy exhibitors allowed.

CANCELLATION – You must notify Piedmont Craftsmen of cancellation in writing.  An email can be sent to members@piedmontcraftsmen.org or a letter mailed to Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair, 601 North Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC  27101. A refund of monies paid (less $100 processing fee) will be made only on cancellations received in writing on or before OCTOBER 15, 2026. No booth fee refunds will be issued on cancellations received after that date.

Piedmont Craftsmen, its agents, employees and officers shall not be liable for failure to perform or fulfill its contractual obligation provided such failure is due to any cause or causes beyond its control, including, but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, war, public disaster, strikes or labor difficulty, governmental enactment, regulation or ordered, or any other cause beyond its control, except that deposits will be refunded less an administration fee.