Fall Carefree Garden Art Experience - 33rd Annual

The 33rd Annual Fall Carefree Garden Art Experience, produced by Thunderbird Artists in conjunction with One Million Entrepreneurs, will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, paired with wine tasting, and all day setup on Friday.. This boutique-style event draws a sophisticated, art-appreciating crowd in a more relaxed garden-party atmosphere — perfect for meaningful conversations and strong sales.  

The Carefree Desert Gardens is Carefree’s crown jewel — a lush, 4-acre desert oasis filled with rare and fascinating plant specimens from around the world, graceful water features, fountains, and the iconic 62-foot Carefree Sundial. With existing sculptures and artistic installations already woven throughout the gardens, it offers a naturally elegant, gallery-like atmosphere that beautifully complements fine art. Your work will feel right at home in this picturesque, shaded, and inspiring setting.



Thunderbird Artists Mission is to promote the artists, fine arts and fine crafts, paralleled with the ambiance of unique wines and festive music, while supporting the artists, merchants and surrounding community.

Deadline: June 11th, 2026                                                            
Notification date: June 25th, 2026                                                 
Accept/decline invitation deadline: August 8th, 2026 
August 9th - removal of any artist(s) who have not accepted or declined our invitation.  *If any space remains available and a removed artist wishes to participate, they must reapply with Thunderbird Artists paper application.
Marketing/space fee deadline: August 10st, 2026 (At least 1/2 down by this date.)
No refunds: September 25, 2026

*All work must be original, handcrafted, created and exhibited by the artist.  No open-ended edition prints permitted.  At least 65% of displayed work must be original art.  Kits, imports and mass produced items are prohibited.  No clothing, hobby or bazaar type articles.

*All categories must be juried prior to acceptance.  Any media NOT accepted through the jury process shall be removed.  Separate images and jury fee are required for acceptance of more than one medium.

*If two or more persons collaborate to produce original work, each person must be identified on the application.

*There will be a $35 fee for all bank returned checks, cancellations and foreign funds.

*Artist must acquire proper state and city/town tax license/permits.

*Artist provides own display., which must be weighted, sturdy, safe, clean and tidy.  Artist is responsible for his/her own display in the case of loss or damage.  Tables must be covered to the groundand all storage and supplies must be neatly covered.  All paintings must hang – with consideration for oversized work.

*Staking into the pavement or grass is NOT allowed, unless specific instructions are given.

*Exhibitor’s display at the event must represent artwork submitted for the jury of this event.  Misrepresentation of a display will result in expulsion from the festival without refund.  Upgrades are acceptable, but Thunderbird Artists must be notified of change and receive new booth shot.

*All tents must be solid white and flame retardant. 

*Handwritten signs and sale signs are prohibited.  No soliciting political or religious materials or imposing views on customers or fellow artists.

*All work, display and storage must stay within designated space.  There is no extending, unless specified.

*The exhibitor’s space shall be occupied by 9am the first morning of the show, otherwise the exhibitor will be considered a “NO SHOW” and his/her space may be given away with no possible refund.

*Exhibitors must park in designated artist parking area.

*Set-up and breakdown times will be strictly enforced.  You must arrive within the specified times.  Breakdown will not begin until the end of the show and vehicles will not be permitted into show area until all patrons have left the grounds, usually within 15 minutes.

*Absolutely no pets on festival grounds.  Artists staying in overnight area must clean up after pets in parking area.

*Artists must utilize assigned space during published festival hours and will confine all sales/display activity to assigned space.  All space assignments are final decisions of Thunderbird Artists and Thunderbird Artists reserve the right to change or modify space locations as they may deem necessary.

*All rules will be strictly enforced.  Failure to comply with rules or unruly behavior (including intoxication or verbal abuse) by an exhibitor or assistant(s) will require immediate expulsion from the present event and will eliminate exhibitor from future events.  Thunderbird Artists reserves the right to make final interpretation of all rules.

*Festivals close at 5pm and the artists may take part in the wine tasting after 4pm.  No drinking before this time.

*Recommended attire is business casual.  You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

Artist participation is not confirmed until receipt of marketing/space fee.

Marketing/space fees now INCLUDE CAREFREE VENDOR PERMIT FEES and are as follows:

10' x 10' = $375 (+ $50 vendor permit) = $425
10' x 10' w/corner = $475 (+ $50 vendor permit) = $525
10' x 15' = $575 (+ $50 vendor permit) = $625
10' x 15' w/corner = $675 (+ $50 vendor permit) =$725
10' x 20' = $775 (+ $50 vendor permit) = $825
10' x 20' w/corner = $875 (+ $50 vendor permit) = $925
Space Request = $50