Fairs/Festivals
Michigan Makers Market 2026
Muskegon, Michigan
Application Fee: $30
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
The Michigan Makers Market is an indoor shopping event featuring 80+ craft and fine art exhibitors, highlighting products that are handcrafted in our magnificent state of Michigan. This fall market takes place at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in the heart of Downtown Muskegon and is a production of CMF Marketing & Events. Join us for a fun day out and to support these talented local artisans!
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General Information
Event Dates/Times
Saturday, November 14, 2026: 10am to 4pm
Important Dates to Remember
March 2, 2026: Application For Exhibitors Open
August 14, 2026: Application Deadline (Application fee non-refundable). No late applications.
September 2, 2026: Notification of Acceptance
September 30, 2026: Booth Fees Due. No cancellation refunds.
November 13 & 14, 2026: Event Set Up (Times to be listed in communications)
November 14, 2026: Event (10 am to 4 pm)
November 14, 2026: Take Down (4 pm to 8 pm)
Registration Fees
$30 Application Fee Via Zapplications (non-refundable)
$125 Booth Fee (10’x10’ indoor space)
Event Categories
Fine Art / Fine Craft
See Medium Categories Below
Seeking Michigan Makers Only
Absolutely NO buy and sell
Location/Space
This indoor event will be taking place at the new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center (60 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440). All exhibitor display space will be 10’x10’. Spaces will be allocated at the discretion of the organizers. Requests will be considered and met whenever possible. Double booth spaces are not available. Corner spaces are not charged or allocated as prime locations. Electrical or water service is NOT available. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own display and booth equipment.
Saturday, November 14, 2026: 10am to 4pm
Important Dates to Remember
March 2, 2026: Application For Exhibitors Open
August 14, 2026: Application Deadline (Application fee non-refundable). No late applications.
September 2, 2026: Notification of Acceptance
September 30, 2026: Booth Fees Due. No cancellation refunds.
November 13 & 14, 2026: Event Set Up (Times to be listed in communications)
November 14, 2026: Event (10 am to 4 pm)
November 14, 2026: Take Down (4 pm to 8 pm)
Registration Fees
$30 Application Fee Via Zapplications (non-refundable)
$125 Booth Fee (10’x10’ indoor space)
Event Categories
Fine Art / Fine Craft
See Medium Categories Below
Seeking Michigan Makers Only
Absolutely NO buy and sell
Location/Space
This indoor event will be taking place at the new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center (60 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440). All exhibitor display space will be 10’x10’. Spaces will be allocated at the discretion of the organizers. Requests will be considered and met whenever possible. Double booth spaces are not available. Corner spaces are not charged or allocated as prime locations. Electrical or water service is NOT available. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own display and booth equipment.
Application Requirements
Exhibition Standards
All work must be of original design and processed by the artists (“handcrafted”). Artists may not exhibit or sell subcontracted work. Absolutely NO buy/sell. Work in progress image is required on all applications. Any items brought to the show that were not listed in application are not permitted and are subject for removal. Limited reproductions are acceptable and only in certain mediums (rule of 90% original and 10% reproductions). All work must be safe, non-toxic, and fit for its intended use. If any work requires special or limited use, the artist must fully disclose and explain this to the public.
The work exhibited by the artist must match the quality and balance of the images submitted to Michigan Makers Market for consideration. The jury reserves the right to reject items during the show, which are in poor taste, or not the quality or media category submitted for review. Exhibitors not in compliance with the rules and regulations will be asked to leave the show immediately without a refund.
Such items as imports, velvet paintings, manufactured or kit items and any commercially or factory produced merchandise from artist shops of any kind are not eligible for entry. Any commercially produced parts used in a work must play a subordinate role and may not be sold separately. Any art brought to the show and not submitted within application will be subject for on-site rejection.
Exhibitors may not display more than a few items that are essentially alike (less than 15% of booth space). Artist should avoid a mass-produced appearance to their displays. Artists working in partnership must both have a part in creating the work, with one member having registered for the space and partners name listed on application. The artists must exhibit his/her OWN work.
Handcrafted boutique-style booths are subject to separate jury reviews for each medium exhibited. Please contact the Michigan Makers Market if you are unsure of what category to choose.
No weapons may be exhibited or sold. No smoking paraphernalia of any kind. No glitter, confetti, or unenclosed flames are allowed. No helium balloons. No affixing of anything to walls, floors, or ceilings of the rooms by use of nails, staples, pins, tape or any other substance is allowed. Additional venue rules and policies may apply. Exhibitor agrees to pay for any damage to Venue within allotted space provided.
Exhibitors who violate the exhibition rules will not be allowed to participate the next year or be eligible for prizes. The Michigan Makers Market staff makes all decisions regarding rules compliance.
Please note we will only be accepting exhibitors that are from the state of Michigan. This will be identified by mailing address. If you have multiple residences exception may be granted.
All work must be of original design and processed by the artists (“handcrafted”). Artists may not exhibit or sell subcontracted work. Absolutely NO buy/sell. Work in progress image is required on all applications. Any items brought to the show that were not listed in application are not permitted and are subject for removal. Limited reproductions are acceptable and only in certain mediums (rule of 90% original and 10% reproductions). All work must be safe, non-toxic, and fit for its intended use. If any work requires special or limited use, the artist must fully disclose and explain this to the public.
The work exhibited by the artist must match the quality and balance of the images submitted to Michigan Makers Market for consideration. The jury reserves the right to reject items during the show, which are in poor taste, or not the quality or media category submitted for review. Exhibitors not in compliance with the rules and regulations will be asked to leave the show immediately without a refund.
Such items as imports, velvet paintings, manufactured or kit items and any commercially or factory produced merchandise from artist shops of any kind are not eligible for entry. Any commercially produced parts used in a work must play a subordinate role and may not be sold separately. Any art brought to the show and not submitted within application will be subject for on-site rejection.
Exhibitors may not display more than a few items that are essentially alike (less than 15% of booth space). Artist should avoid a mass-produced appearance to their displays. Artists working in partnership must both have a part in creating the work, with one member having registered for the space and partners name listed on application. The artists must exhibit his/her OWN work.
Handcrafted boutique-style booths are subject to separate jury reviews for each medium exhibited. Please contact the Michigan Makers Market if you are unsure of what category to choose.
No weapons may be exhibited or sold. No smoking paraphernalia of any kind. No glitter, confetti, or unenclosed flames are allowed. No helium balloons. No affixing of anything to walls, floors, or ceilings of the rooms by use of nails, staples, pins, tape or any other substance is allowed. Additional venue rules and policies may apply. Exhibitor agrees to pay for any damage to Venue within allotted space provided.
Exhibitors who violate the exhibition rules will not be allowed to participate the next year or be eligible for prizes. The Michigan Makers Market staff makes all decisions regarding rules compliance.
Please note we will only be accepting exhibitors that are from the state of Michigan. This will be identified by mailing address. If you have multiple residences exception may be granted.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
150
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
100
Booth Information
Booth Info
Each exhibitor display space will be 10’x10’. Spaces will be allocated at the discretion of the Michigan Makers Market organizers. Requests will be considered and met whenever possible. Double booth spaces are not available. Corner spaces are not charged or allocated as prime locations. Electrical or water service is NOT available. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own display and booth equipment. Tables and chairs are available for an additional fee. Venue rules and policies will be followed.
Blind Jury Process
Images are reviewed by the panel in a blind jury process. The jury is comprised of art professionals and experienced show coordinators. The jury will view each artist’s set of five images by category. The process, materials and dimensions for each image, as well as artist information statements, and price will be made available to the jury. Artistic excellence and a well-balanced show are the criteria for selection of exhibitors. Decisions of the jury panel are final. Michigan Makers Market committee has the right to reject any exhibitor based on past experience, art submitted or other.
Images
-Five images are to be submitted for each application entered by the artist. Booth image requirements must be representative of the booth quality you intend to provide at the event. The images must represent what you plan to have at the show. Choose high-quality, good resolution photos that demonstrate product quality and uniqueness. Images should NOT include artist or booth name in photo.
-Three images of individual pieces of work.
-One image of a work in progress is REQUIRED.
-One image of booth display including artist’s work that will be in show.
Sales Tax
Exhibitors are responsible to collect and remit 6% Michigan sales tax. Call the Michigan Treasury Department at 1-800-367-6263 for sales tax forms.
Set Up / Take Down / Security
Set up will take place on November 13 & 14, 2026 (exact times will be listed on acceptance letter). Take down must be completed by 8pm of November 14, 2026. All vendors must use loading dock entrance during load in/exhibit set up as well as event tear down. No glitter, confetti, or unenclosed flames are allowed. No helium balloons. No affixing of anything to walls, floors or ceilings of the rooms by use of nails, staples, pins, tape or any other substance is allowed. Additional venue rules and policies may apply.
Amenities Include
Extensive marketing and publicity using online, social media, posters, radio, and TV. Friendly staff, volunteers and booth sitters for exhibitor breaks.
Media Categories
Acrylics: Artistic creations using a paint comprised of pigment, acrylic polymer as the synthetic binder of the pigments and water on an appropriately prepared 2D surface.
Artisan Food Market: Pre-packaged food products such as spices, mixes, etc are allowed. Per venue restrictions, NO pre-made food products that are fully cooked and/or designed for immediate consumption are allowed. This includes NO admittance for baked good, desserts, jerkies, dried food products, nuts, jams etc. Spices, seasonings, and pre-packaged mixers are acceptable. All food and beverage products must follow regulations set forth by the Muskegon Health Department.
Authors: May include authors, poets, writers, illustrators producing and promoting original work.
Clay-Functional: Fired pieces constructed using clay. They can be thrown, hand-built, or cast in artist-made molds. Objects need to be utilitarian in function: serving pieces, or dinnerware, storage pieces or wildlife usage. Functional pieces are utilitarian and decorative. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, the artist must sign and number each piece.
Clay-Non-Functional: Fired pieces constructed using clay. They can be thrown, hand-built, or cast in artist-made molds. Objects are decorative or sculptural and have no utilitarian purpose.
Digital (Computer) Art: This category includes original work created by using computer programs to significantly manipulate or alter source material(s) such as scans or digital files. Work must be signed, using only archival quality materials. Digital photographers, i.e., those who use a digital camera or process images digitally to perform standard manipulations, (cropping, color/tone adjustment, sharpening, etc.) should apply to the Photography category. This includes photo collage and painting on photographs which need to be in the Photography category. Digital Art prints must be made from the artist’s original digital file under the artist’s supervision. In all cases, works need to be produced by the exhibiting artist, and by no one else.
Drawing/Pastels: An artistic expression created through the use of chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
Fibers Wearable/Decorative: Materials crafted from fibers including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, doll making, papermaking, etc.
Glass: Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or crafted by glass blowing, molding or casting. Works may be etched or engraved.
Jewelry: 1.) Non/Precious: Jewelry hand crafted from semi-precious stones, clay, polymer clay, metals, glass, fiber, paper, pebbles, glass, wood, lab created gems, found objects, etc. No production studio work is allowed. 2.) Precious: Jewelry hand crafted from precious jewels and metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Metals: Any non-wearable, functional product that uses metal as its primary medium.
Mixed Media: The use of more than one medium or object in a given piece of work.
Oils: Artistic creation using a painting comprised of pigment on an appropriately prepared 2D surface.
Other: Handcrafted products such as candles, bath/beauty items, etc. Please contact show if unsure.
Photography: Photographs made from the artist’s original image, both from film and original digital files, are included in this category. They must be printed by the artist or under the artist’s direct supervision. Photo collage and painting on photographs, which are traditional photographic processes need to be in this category. If a photographer copies hand painted photographs, that would be a “reproduction” and will need to adhere to our general reproduction policy. Whether the work is produced in a traditional wet darkroom or via digital processes, only “traditional” correction methods may be utilized. Work produced over and above that should apply in the Digital category. Please call should you have any doubt as to which category to apply. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes. Work must be signed, using only archival quality materials. In all cases, the work must be produced by the exhibiting artist, and by no one else.
Printing/Graphics: Printmaking is a transfer process of producing original art, usually in multiples. Printed original works which are hand manipulated by using etching, engraving, silk-screening, stone and plate lithography, linoleum block or woodcut, etc. which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition of 250. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
Sculpture: Traditional stone, wood, clay, metal, etc. (not utilitarian or furniture) in figurative or abstract in three dimensional works.
Watercolor: A painting technique using pigments diluted with water to create transparent washes (including egg tempura).
Wood: 1) Woodworking primary material wood; process including power and hand-tool use, carving, etc. Wood pieces can be either functional or decorative. 2) Woodturning primary material wood, primary process lathe turning. Wood pieces can be either functional or decorative.
Each exhibitor display space will be 10’x10’. Spaces will be allocated at the discretion of the Michigan Makers Market organizers. Requests will be considered and met whenever possible. Double booth spaces are not available. Corner spaces are not charged or allocated as prime locations. Electrical or water service is NOT available. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own display and booth equipment. Tables and chairs are available for an additional fee. Venue rules and policies will be followed.
Blind Jury Process
Images are reviewed by the panel in a blind jury process. The jury is comprised of art professionals and experienced show coordinators. The jury will view each artist’s set of five images by category. The process, materials and dimensions for each image, as well as artist information statements, and price will be made available to the jury. Artistic excellence and a well-balanced show are the criteria for selection of exhibitors. Decisions of the jury panel are final. Michigan Makers Market committee has the right to reject any exhibitor based on past experience, art submitted or other.
Images
-Five images are to be submitted for each application entered by the artist. Booth image requirements must be representative of the booth quality you intend to provide at the event. The images must represent what you plan to have at the show. Choose high-quality, good resolution photos that demonstrate product quality and uniqueness. Images should NOT include artist or booth name in photo.
-Three images of individual pieces of work.
-One image of a work in progress is REQUIRED.
-One image of booth display including artist’s work that will be in show.
Sales Tax
Exhibitors are responsible to collect and remit 6% Michigan sales tax. Call the Michigan Treasury Department at 1-800-367-6263 for sales tax forms.
Set Up / Take Down / Security
Set up will take place on November 13 & 14, 2026 (exact times will be listed on acceptance letter). Take down must be completed by 8pm of November 14, 2026. All vendors must use loading dock entrance during load in/exhibit set up as well as event tear down. No glitter, confetti, or unenclosed flames are allowed. No helium balloons. No affixing of anything to walls, floors or ceilings of the rooms by use of nails, staples, pins, tape or any other substance is allowed. Additional venue rules and policies may apply.
Amenities Include
Extensive marketing and publicity using online, social media, posters, radio, and TV. Friendly staff, volunteers and booth sitters for exhibitor breaks.
Media Categories
Acrylics: Artistic creations using a paint comprised of pigment, acrylic polymer as the synthetic binder of the pigments and water on an appropriately prepared 2D surface.
Artisan Food Market: Pre-packaged food products such as spices, mixes, etc are allowed. Per venue restrictions, NO pre-made food products that are fully cooked and/or designed for immediate consumption are allowed. This includes NO admittance for baked good, desserts, jerkies, dried food products, nuts, jams etc. Spices, seasonings, and pre-packaged mixers are acceptable. All food and beverage products must follow regulations set forth by the Muskegon Health Department.
Authors: May include authors, poets, writers, illustrators producing and promoting original work.
Clay-Functional: Fired pieces constructed using clay. They can be thrown, hand-built, or cast in artist-made molds. Objects need to be utilitarian in function: serving pieces, or dinnerware, storage pieces or wildlife usage. Functional pieces are utilitarian and decorative. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, the artist must sign and number each piece.
Clay-Non-Functional: Fired pieces constructed using clay. They can be thrown, hand-built, or cast in artist-made molds. Objects are decorative or sculptural and have no utilitarian purpose.
Digital (Computer) Art: This category includes original work created by using computer programs to significantly manipulate or alter source material(s) such as scans or digital files. Work must be signed, using only archival quality materials. Digital photographers, i.e., those who use a digital camera or process images digitally to perform standard manipulations, (cropping, color/tone adjustment, sharpening, etc.) should apply to the Photography category. This includes photo collage and painting on photographs which need to be in the Photography category. Digital Art prints must be made from the artist’s original digital file under the artist’s supervision. In all cases, works need to be produced by the exhibiting artist, and by no one else.
Drawing/Pastels: An artistic expression created through the use of chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
Fibers Wearable/Decorative: Materials crafted from fibers including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, doll making, papermaking, etc.
Glass: Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or crafted by glass blowing, molding or casting. Works may be etched or engraved.
Jewelry: 1.) Non/Precious: Jewelry hand crafted from semi-precious stones, clay, polymer clay, metals, glass, fiber, paper, pebbles, glass, wood, lab created gems, found objects, etc. No production studio work is allowed. 2.) Precious: Jewelry hand crafted from precious jewels and metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Metals: Any non-wearable, functional product that uses metal as its primary medium.
Mixed Media: The use of more than one medium or object in a given piece of work.
Oils: Artistic creation using a painting comprised of pigment on an appropriately prepared 2D surface.
Other: Handcrafted products such as candles, bath/beauty items, etc. Please contact show if unsure.
Photography: Photographs made from the artist’s original image, both from film and original digital files, are included in this category. They must be printed by the artist or under the artist’s direct supervision. Photo collage and painting on photographs, which are traditional photographic processes need to be in this category. If a photographer copies hand painted photographs, that would be a “reproduction” and will need to adhere to our general reproduction policy. Whether the work is produced in a traditional wet darkroom or via digital processes, only “traditional” correction methods may be utilized. Work produced over and above that should apply in the Digital category. Please call should you have any doubt as to which category to apply. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes. Work must be signed, using only archival quality materials. In all cases, the work must be produced by the exhibiting artist, and by no one else.
Printing/Graphics: Printmaking is a transfer process of producing original art, usually in multiples. Printed original works which are hand manipulated by using etching, engraving, silk-screening, stone and plate lithography, linoleum block or woodcut, etc. which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition of 250. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
Sculpture: Traditional stone, wood, clay, metal, etc. (not utilitarian or furniture) in figurative or abstract in three dimensional works.
Watercolor: A painting technique using pigments diluted with water to create transparent washes (including egg tempura).
Wood: 1) Woodworking primary material wood; process including power and hand-tool use, carving, etc. Wood pieces can be either functional or decorative. 2) Woodturning primary material wood, primary process lathe turning. Wood pieces can be either functional or decorative.
Refund Policy
Cancellation/Refund Policy
If the Michigan Makers Market has to be cancelled for any reason, the jury fee will NOT be reimbursed. If your booth fee has been paid, you will get a 100% refund. If it becomes necessary to cancel or modify the Michigan Makers Market, we will immediately notify exhibitors and continue to keep in close communication.
If exhibitor has been accepted and paid but must cancels for any reason, there are no refunds.
Please note we will only be accepting exhibitors that are from the state of Michigan. This will be identified by mailing address. If you have multiple residences exceptions may be granted but you MUST notify staff. If you have applied and paid for the application fee, and you are not from the state of Michigan, you will NOT be refunded.
If the Michigan Makers Market has to be cancelled for any reason, the jury fee will NOT be reimbursed. If your booth fee has been paid, you will get a 100% refund. If it becomes necessary to cancel or modify the Michigan Makers Market, we will immediately notify exhibitors and continue to keep in close communication.
If exhibitor has been accepted and paid but must cancels for any reason, there are no refunds.
Please note we will only be accepting exhibitors that are from the state of Michigan. This will be identified by mailing address. If you have multiple residences exceptions may be granted but you MUST notify staff. If you have applied and paid for the application fee, and you are not from the state of Michigan, you will NOT be refunded.
Additional Fees
10x10 Booth Fee: $125
1 table & 2 chairs: $20
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $30