Key West Art and Craft Festival 2027 - 62nd Annual

The Key West Art & Craft Festival will be held on February 20 & 21, 2027. This year marks the 62nd anniversary of an art show sponsored and run by the Artists of the Key West Art Center, a non profit community arts organization & the oldest art gallery in Key West.  We are in our 4th year producing the show on the Quay in beautiful Truman Waterfront Park in Old Town Key West. It is a combined Fine Art & Fine Craft show with check in and setup beginning Friday, February 19 at 1 PM. The setting is a stunning waterfront with a beautiful park on the one side & water on the other, lots of parking for patrons plus easy walking & biking to the park. Late February brings lovely weather, tourists, winter residents, cruise passengers and locals out for this highly anticipated show that is well supported by the Keys community.

The show’s focus is on high quality fine art & fine craft artists working in 2 & 3D. There is work across all artistic media to ensure a high quality experience for all & broad exposure to many unique techniques & mediums. This is a juried show with the most important criteria being high quality & originality from artists who only show personally handmade work. The Key West Art Center juries each year  to show a mix of new artists & perennial favorites thus ensuring that our locals and visitors continue to anticipate the event to revisit their favs & become inspired by new works. 

If you have further questions.  KWArtShow@gmail.com

MEDIUM CATEGORIES:
Clay/Ceramic
Digital Art, not AI
Fiber - wearable
Fiber - other
Glass
Jewelry
Metal
Mixed Media
Oil/Acrylic Paintings
Other
Photography
Sculpture
Watercolor
Wood

IMPORTANT CATEGORY INFORMATION
Jewelry -- Artists who will be accepted in this category will be jewelers, metalsmiths and those who fabricate and use their handmade components for their work. Designers and artists who use a majority of purchased and mass-produced beads and findings may not be accepted. Please check with the director if you have questions about your work. To sell jewelry in your booth you must have been juried into the jewelry category.  No other category may sell jewelry.

Reproductions/Originals
It is the intent of the committee to showcase original artwork. Artists are to display OVER 50% of their work in original art. Work hung on walls should reflect this amount or a higher percentage of original work. Retouched or enhanced giclée’s are not considered original art. All framed reproductions should be labeled as such. Note cards and small “bread & butter” type items are to be displayed in the rear of your booth, not in a prominent display towards the front.

Categories not included in the Show 
No food products of any kind even if hand made 
No Candles, Perfumes, Scents, oils, makeup, consumables 

IMPORTANT DATES
July 1, 2026 - Applications Open
November 1, 2026 – Early Bird Application Deadline, $35 fee
November 10, 2026 – Notifications emailed on or before this date 
December 1, 2026 - Accept invite and purchase booth
December 21, 2026 - Cancellation deadline for Booth refund less $40 administration fee & credit card fee.  
January 5, 2027 - Additional Application opening
January 15, 2027 - Late application deadline 
January 18, 2027 - Late application notification
January 22, 2027 - accept and purchase booth, late application
February 19, 2027 - check in and start set up, 1 PM
February 20 & 21, 2027, ART SHOW
February 21, 2027, 5 PM breakdown

A Note about Deadlines
If we have availability in any category after the jury, we will launch a second call for applications until the show is full. You may email the show director at KWArtShow@gmail.com to inquire if your category is full before applying with the late deadline.  EMails are monitored and answered promptly.  An application is not a guarantee that you will receive a space as late applications are also juried.

The Key West Art and Craft Festival Team will assume that any accepted artist, not paying the booth fee by December 1, 2026 will NOT be exhibiting in The Key West Art and Craftt Festival and no booth space will be reserved for that artist.  Extenuating circumstances will be taken under review and artists should contact the show by email to discuss with director.  If more time is needed to confirm, please contact the director and usually accommodations can be made. 

Exhibitors who are accepted and fail to show/attend/participate without withdrawing their application or contacting the show will not be re-invited. ALL WITHDRAWALS OF APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING AND BE DELIVERED BY EMAIL (preferrably through Zapplication communication).

WAITLIST: Being placed on the waitlist is not a guarantee that you will be placed in the show and it is not awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis the weekend of the event. If a space becomes available in a category where we have a waitlist, we will notify waitlisted artists as soon as possible. Notifications may come as early as November 31, 2026 and as late as February 2025. Artists selected from the waitlist are considered on how their work will balance the show as a whole. If you wish to be removed from the waitlist, please email the Director at KWArtShow@gmail.com.

FEES
Early Bird Application Fee: $40 (until September 30, 2026)
Late Application Fee: $45 (October 1 to November 1, 2026)
10 x 10 = $340
10 x10 corner = $440
10 x 15 = $510
10 x 15 corner = $610
10 x 20 = $725 Limited number - contact director if interested - DO NOT purchase 2,10x10 booths
10 x 20 corner =  Very limited number - contact director
RV Parking & overnight parking - pricing to be determined - It is best to purchase as soon as possible as we have limted overnight spaces 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Artists must apply online via Zapplication. An application is not a guarantee to exhibit at the show. Each participant is selected by the show jury. You must upload 3 images of your work and 1 image of your booth display. The quality of your booth image is as important to the overall score from the jury as your work images. Your display image shows your body of work as it will be displayed during the show as nearly as possible. The images must be an accurate representation of the work to be exhibited and reflect current creation. NOTE: DO NOT include your name, company name or a photo of the artist themselves on any image including the booth image. For more information on digital image submission access:  http://www.zapplication.org/imaging_tips.phtml

PARKING: During set up parking is free.  Day parking during the weekend event days will have a fee and is within several blocks of the show   
RV Parking: A fee for this amenity Is currently being negociated with the city. (limited) If you need RV parking be sure to indicate so on the application. 
Overnight Parking small vehicle:  Also being negotiated with fee to be announced. (limited) please indicate this on application.

SECURITY:  Key West Police are on duty 24 hours beginning at 6pm on Friday through 8PM on Sunday.  Artists and artists guests are expected to follow any directions from KWPD during set up, during show and break down and load out.  The Key West Art and Craft Festival and Key West Art Center are not responsible for exhibitors’ work or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage due to weather, foul play or any other type of damage. It is your responsibility to secure your work.

REFUNDS and Cancellations: The application fee is non-refundable.
Cancellation deadline is December 21, 2026 for a booth refund, less $40 administration fee and Credit Card fee
Cancellations after December 21, 2026 will be reviewed by the committee for refund. A minimum of $100 for admin fee may be retained.
The Key West Art and Craft Festival Committee is not required to make refunds.
Notification of withdrawal or cancellation, must be received by email KWArtShow@gmail.com

COVID-19 or other PANDEMICS POLICY: In the event The Key West Art and Craft  Festival must be cancelled prior to January 1, 2027 under the direction of the City of Key West government due to Covid-19 or other pandemic or epidemic that may arise, we will refund all booth fees paid, less $40 processing & Credit card fees. In the event The 62nd Key West Art and Craft Festival has to be cancelled after January 1, 2027 under the direction of the City of Key West government due to Covid-19 or other pandemic or epidemic that may arise, we will refund as much as we possibly can for booth fees. Please understand we have spent considerable funds after January 1st to promote and produce the event. Fear of contracting Covid-19 is not a valid reason for a refund.

WEATHER: This is a rain or shine event. In the event of severe weather, the Show Director and Staff will make the decision to close the event early or postpone the start. No refunds will be given for a truncated or cancelled show due to weather. It is your responsibility to bring all necessary weights to secure your tent for inclement weather, REQUIRED, 60lb per tent leg.  

Due to our location near the water, it is essestial that all artists plan on a well weighted tent.  60 pounds per leg on a properly maintained sturdy tent is REQUIRED and more is better. Please make contingency plans for additional weights if the weather gets windy.  Four 5 gallon empty buckets with lids, are a good back up plan, they can be filled with water onsite. Pop up tents can be especially vulnerable, please plan to over prepare for the safety of your beautiful art.  

DURING THE SHOW: It is your responsibility to bring everything you need to secure your booth, set-up your booth/display and maintain your booth during the event. NOTE ON WEIGHT: We require 60 pound per leg as a minimum, and more is better, see above.
You will find Strunk Ace Hardware is located at 1101 Eaton Street and a Home Depot on N. Roosevelt, both within a few miles, for any last-minute items you may need. The Show team is there to help as possible, but please plan for your needs.

ARTIST AMENITIES:
Coffee & donuts/bagels on Saturday morning
Complimentary water  - both days
Booth Sitters
Food Trucks on site
Parking for patrons during show 
Drive up to booth for set-up and breakdown, set up begins on Friday a 1 PM
Overnight Security begining Friday at 6.

REGISTRATION AND BOOTH SET-UP:  Registration and booth set up wil start on Friday, Feb. 19, at the Truman Waterfront at 1 PM.  All artists must be registered and be onsite by 8 AM Sat. Feb. 20, or will be considered a no show and space may be forfeited. 
 

 By applying you agree to abide by the rules, policies and decisions of The Key West Art and Craft Festival.

•    Exhibiting artists must show ID at check in and be present for the entire show.
•    No buy/sell, No mass produced items.  Artwork shown must be similar, in the same style and medium, to what was shown in the jury process.  Artist reps are not allowed. .  Work must be produced by the exhibitor. This rule will be strictly enforced. Anyone not in compliance will be asked to remove those items or leave the show.
•    Artists only – NO dealers, stores, representaives or agents may participate. 
•    Only artists who jury into the jewelry category may sell jewelry in their booth. If you have any jewelry items in your booth and you did not jury into the jewelry category, you will be asked to remove them and expected to do so without complaint.
•    Participants must be checked in by 8 AM on Saturday or may be considered a no-show and space may be reassigned if not checked in by 8 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2027. First time participants are strongly encouraged to register on Friday to receive instructions, set up can be done then or on Saturday morning by 9AM 
•     All setup must be complete and vehicles removed from the Quay by 9AM Saturday morning. 
•    Vehicles will be permitted to drive to their booth space and unload. You must park with the direction of traffic. While you may be able to leave your vehicle after unloading you must allow others access to their space. Please be considerate of others and work with your neighbors to make it easy for everyone to set up.  Space is generous enough that everyone should be able to easily access their booth space. Use common sense and be mindful of those around you. Traffic must maintain one-way direction and follow all show team and police instructions.
•    Vehicles must be off the show area by 9 AM each morning. The show hours are 10am to 5pm each day. Booths may not be disassembled prior to 5 PM each day. Breaking down before 5pm on Sunday without Director’s approval will result in not being invited back the following year. The police officer on duty and show team director will determine when it is safe to bring vehicles onto the show area at the end of each day due to pedestrian traffic. No vehicle may enter the show area before it is deemed safe. At the end of day on Sunday, you should have your booth ready to load and broken down before bringing your vehicle in the show area to load. Artists may not block other traffic to load. Be mindful and considerate of your fellow artists.
•    PETS: Key West is a pet-friendly town and we understand that many artists travel with their pets. Small, well-behaved pets will be permitted inside your booth during the show. However, if there are complaints about your pet, or we deem your pet to be a nuisance or safety concern for others, you will be asked to remove your pet from the show. 
•    Exhibitor space is 10’x10’, 10 x 15 and 10 x 20.  All work must be displayed within the assigned space and must not impact neighbors’ space.  If you pay for a 10 x 10 corner or 10 x 15 corner, your work must be contained within the 10x10 or 10 x 15 space, respectively. The committee strives to give additional room as possible but cannot guarantee it. Natural corners are very limited, so we try to create corners by allowing for extra space in between certain booths. A white tent or canopy is required,  and must fit into the 10’x10’ area.  Occasionally, spaces are wider than others and exhibitors are expected to equally share the additional space between canopies and keep a neat professional looking display and storage area.   ***A minimum of 60 pounds per leg on a properly maintained sturdy tent is advised and more is better, we are on the water and it can be windy.***
•    A limited number of corner spaces are available and cannot be guaranteed. If you have paid for a corner space and do not receive it, you will be refunded.  
•    The application fee is non-refundable. Cancellation deadline is December 21, 2026 for a booth refund, less $40 administration fee & Credit Card fee.. Cancellations after December 21, 2025 will be reviewed by the committee for refund. A minimum of $100 for admin fee may be retained. The Key West Art and Craft Festival Committee is not required to make refunds.  The closer to the show date, cancellation fees will increase.
•    The collection and remittance of the Florida State Sales Tax is the responsibility of each artist. Key West sales tax is 7.5%.   https://floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800040.pdf
•    Other specific procedures will be outlined in acceptance documents.

Please contact the Show Team with any questions.
Key West Art Center Show Committee... Susann D'Antonio Director
KWArtShow@gmail.com

FEES
10 x 10 = $340
10 x 10 corner = $440
10 x 15 = $510
10 x 15 = corner = $610
10x20  = $725 ..  contact show director - limited availibility, do not purchase 2- 10x10 spaces 


Set up and Registration will start on Friday, Feb. 19, 1 PM  Artists must be registered and on site by Sat. Feb. 22, at 8 AM or can be considered a no show and booth reassigned.  
Vehicles will be permitted to drive to their booth space and unload. You must park with the direction of traffic.  Please be considerate of others. Use common sense and be mindful of those around you. Do not block access to another artists space.  Traffic must maintain one-way direction and follow all show team’s instructions,
•    Vehicles must be off the Quay by 9 AM each morning. The show hours are 10am to 5pm each day. Booths may not be disassembled prior to 5 PM each day. Breaking down before 5pm on Sunday without Director’s approval will result in not being invited back the following year. The police officer on duty and show director will determine when it is safe to bring vehicles onto the quay at the end of each day due to pedestrian traffic. No vehicle may enter the quay area before it is deemed safe. At the end of day on Sunday, you preferably  have your booth ready to load out before bringing your vehicle on the quay to load. Artists may not block other traffic to load. 
•    Exhibiting artists must show ID at check in and be present for the entire show. 
•    No buy/sell, mass produced items, items unlike those juried or artist reps are not allowed.  Work must be produced by the exhibitor. This rule will be strictly enforced. Anyone not in compliance will be asked to leave the show.
•    Entrants shall display work only of the same category, type and physical characteristics as that submitted with the application. The KW Art Center Show Team shall have the absolute right and discretion to determine whether or not work on display is sufficiently similar to images submitted and applicant shall be bound thereby. Booths will be inspected for compliance.
•   All work must be displayed within the assigned space and must not impact neighbors’ space. If you pay for a 10 x 10 corner or 10 x 15 corner, your work must be contained within the 10x10 or 10 x 15 space. . Contact show to discuss.   The committee strives to give additional room as possible but cannot guarantee it. Natural corners are very limited, so we try to create corners by allowing for extra space in between certain booths. A white tent or canopy is required, and must fit into the 10’x10’ area. If a space has back storage, your storage area must not exceed 2 feet deep. Occasionally, spaces are wider than others and exhibitors are expected to equally share the additional space between canopies and keep a neat professional looking storage area.This is considered storage and not selling space.
•    A limited number of corner spaces are available and cannot be guaranteed. If you have paid for a corner space and do not receive it, you will be refunded for the corner.  
 
•     Cancellation deadline is December 21, 2026 for a booth refund, less credit card fees & $40 admin fee. Cancellations after December 21, 2026  will be reviewed by the committee for refund. A minimum of $100 for admin fee may be retained. The Key West art and Craft Festival Committee is not required to make refunds.


 

REFUND POLICY
The application fee is non-refundable.
Cancellation deadline is December 21, 2026 for a booth refund, less $40 administration fee & credit card fees.
Cancellations after December 21, 2026 will be reviewed by the committee for refund. A minimum of $100 for admin fee may be retained. The Key West Art & Craft Festival Committee is not required to make refunds

 COVID-19 or other PANDEMICS POLICY: In the event Th Key West Art and Craft  Festival has to be cancelled prior to January 1, 2027 under the direction of the City of Key West government due to Covid-19 or another pandemic or epidemic that may arise, we will refund all  booth fees paid, less credit card processing fees. In the event The Key West Art and Craft Festival has to be cancelled after January 1, 2027 under the direction of the City of Key West government due to Covid-19 or another pandemic or epidemic that may arise, we will refund as much as we possibly can for booth and application fees. Please understand we have spent considerable funds after January 1st to promote and produce the event. Fear of contracting Covid-19 is not a valid reason for a refund.