Mundelein Fine Arts Festival 2026

Mundelein Fine Arts Festival
Mundelein Community Connection announces the 15th Annual Mundelein Fine Arts Festival, a juried art festival that will showcase the talents of 50 fine artists and craftspeople. The two-day event will be held from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20, 2026, and will feature top-notch artists, live music, and delicious food from local vendors.

A committee of well-known judges will award cash prizes for Best of Show, as well as awards for Best in Category. The Village of Mundelein will select a Purchase for the Village. The Kirk Players, a local community theatre, will award a $500 emerging artist award. 

In addition to professional artists, Mundelein Fine Arts Festival will also display artwork created by students from Mundelein and Carmel Catholic High Schools. Selected students will be awarded a cash scholarship to help further their art careers.

Mundelein is a village of over 32,000 people located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. An extensive network of nearby highways allows easy access to a host of neighboring cities and Chicago and southern Wisconsin.



 

General Information for Artists

• Creators of original art and fine crafts are invited to apply.
• We are seeking approximately 50 fine artists.
• All entries to the show will be juried.
• All artwork shown in the festival must match the design and execution quality represented in pictures.
• Commission-free sales.
• Artists are responsible for providing their own tents, display tables, and materials.
• All tents must be 10 x10 and white. Tents must be properly weighted or staked in place. Because it is a safety hazard, exhibitors whose tents are not properly weighted will be asked to leave.
• All spaces are assigned. Each standard display space is 12 feet by 13 feet.
• Artists cannot bring their dogs.
• Complimentary water
• Volunteer help to booth sit.
• Food will be available from festival food vendors as well as area restaurants.
• Information Booth to guide visitors to artists’ tents.
• A Mundelein Fine Arts Festival program brochure that lists each artist, media, and artist location will be provided.
•  Live musical entertainment.

Publicity

• Online advertisement through e-blasts and social media
• Online artist preview book featuring each artist promoted
• Paid social media advertising
• Banners and signage in multiple areas throughout the town
• Event exposure through Mundelein Community Connection, Village of Mundelein, and the GLMV (Chamber of Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills)

Awards
A jury panel to select the participating artists will include Chicago-area professional artists and art educators. During the event, two judges will award a $200 prize for Best of Show and cash prizes for Best in Category (6 categories). The Kirk Players will award a $500 award to an emerging artist, and the Village of Mundelein will also purchase work (totaling $500 in purchases) to be displayed in the Village Hall.

Art Submissions
The Jury will make their selections on the basis of these images, so artists are strongly advised to submit photos of professional quality. All artwork shown in the festival must match the design and execution quality represented in photos. Artwork must have been created by the artist(s) submitting to the festival. Exhibitors found to be selling work created by others or imported, will be asked to leave. Artists may not sell work at the show that has not been represented via the jury process. A jury of professional artists and art educators rate all entries and select 50 exhibitors. All other qualified entries are placed on a waitlist and offered show positions if they become available.

Early Bird Coupon Code:
All submissions made on or before March 31, 2026, will be entitled to a $20 discount coupon. Coupon codes will be issued upon acceptance and confirmation to show.

Acceptance of Invitation:
Acceptance and payment must be received by July 1, 2026. No refunds.

Liability
While every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage, Mundelein Community Connection (MCC) or its affiliates are not responsible for such occurrences. MCC always recommends that artwork be removed from booths at night. Each artist assumes full responsibility for the safety, care and security of his/her own work. Mundelein Community Connection assumes no responsibility or liability for accidental damage, theft,vandalism, lost property, weather occurrences, or acts of God, injury or death at any time.

Booths cost $175 per 11x13 space. Artists may take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and save $20 if they apply by March 31, 2026. The application fee is $25. Please note that there is only one jurying session.

No refunds.