One of a Kind Spring Show Chicago 2027

The One of a Kind Spring Show  is a 3-day show featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of talented artists in a premier location at THE MART in downtown Chicago. We invite artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be part of the One of a Kind Spring experience!  Eligible work ranges from giftable craft to premium fine art.  Applicants will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail. 

Location
THE MART (Indoor Venue)
Chicago, IL

2027 Show Dates and Hours
April 30 - May 2, 2027

• Friday, April 30, 10am - 7pm
• Saturday, May 1, 10am - 7pm
• Sunday, May 2, 10am - 5pm

Show Facts

• Featuring over 350 artists, designers and makers
• Show promotion to our database of over 200,000
• Held in a premium indoor environment with all inclusive hard wall booth package in the heart of downtown Chicago
• Show will feature special events and unique sections

For more information regarding the One of a Kind brand please visit our website at www.oneofakindshowchicago.com. 

Important Dates and Deadlines

• October 23, 2026            Early Jury deadline to apply 
• October 29, 2026            Early Jury Notifications of participation status (accepted, waitlisted, declined) 
• November 5, 2026          Early Jury deadline for submitting online contracts with payment to ensure participation
• January 8, 2027              Late Jury deadline to apply 
• January 14, 2027            Late Jury Notifications of participation status (accepted, waitlisted, declined) 
• January 21, 2027            Late Jury Deadline for submitting online contracts with payment to ensure participation
• April 2, 2027                   Deadline - Accepting applications in certain categories until filled
• April 30, 2027                 One of a Kind Spring Show opens

Acceptance Criteria for Artists (Non Emerging Artists) and Participation Rules
With the wide variety of media and production processes in our show, we recognize that there is no single definition of "handmade". For this reason, each application is thoughtfully reviewed by our selection committee. To qualify for our selection process, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be the original artist/designer/creator/purveyor of your work
• You have a complete understanding of the creation & craft process needed to make your work
• You are intimately involved in the design, creation & production process from start to finish
• Limited assistants/apprentices are permitted as long as the original artist is on-site and involved in the production as stated above
• Work displayed may only be in the media category in which the participant was accepted
• For photographers: Original photography should make up most of the artists booth
• For fine artists: Limited edition prints will be permitted but shouldn't make up more than 10% of total offerings
• Booth sharing is not permitted unless presenting work is a collaborative collection
• Mass-produced work is not eligible for participation

Production Process:

• Manufactures and technological tools that aid in the production of your item must be disclosed in your application 
• Artist/Designer can employ limited assistance/apprentices but, they (the artist) need(s) to be intimately involved during production
• AI (Artificial Intelligence) usage as a production tool is not permitted  

Acceptance Criteria for Emerging Artists 
The Emerging Artists section of the show includes designated spaces dedicated to talented up and coming artists, designers and makers.  To be considered, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• First time participant in a One of a Kind Show
• Less than 3 years of professional experience as a working artist 
• Less than 3 years of professional experience presenting your work (installations, exhibitions and/or art shows)
• Exceptional work and presentation

 **Accepted artist can only participate in 1 Holiday or Spring show as an Emerging Artist. For example, Holiday 2026 Emerging Artists will not be eligible for the Spring 2027 Emerging Market.

Onsite Show Agreement:

• The original artist must be onsite during the entire duration of the event
• The only items approved to be displayed in your booth are the items submitted in your application
• Artist cannot break down their booth until after the close of show (Sunday at 5pm)

Media Categories

• Accessories (Fashion)
• Bath & Body
• Ceramics
• Emerging Artist (All categories)
• Fashion 
• Fiber Art (non-wearable)
• Furniture
• Glass
• Gourmet Foods
• Home Goods
• Jewelry 
• Kids
• Leather
• Metal
• Mixed Media
• Painting
• Paper
• Pet Products
• Photography
• Repurposed Vintage / Upcycled 
• Sculpture
• Wood

Application Process

• All applications must be submitted online through Zapplication at www.zapplication.org.  
• To be considered you will be asked to:
  • Create an online artist profile
  • Prepare and upload 5 images in total
    • 3 images of your work
    • 1 image of your studio/workspace (system requires this image to have a value, please allocate/label it as $1)
    • 1 image of your booth/display 
    • Images must be 1920 pixels on the longest side 
  • Submit a $40 USD non-refundable application fee
  • Complete the online application and submit it before midnight (CST) on the deadline date listed above.

Online Application Assistance

• For technical questions regarding proper image sizing and application issues, please contact Zapplication at contactzapp@westaf.org.
• For an additional fee, one of our preferred professional photographers will update, size and format photos for your One of a Kind application through Zapplication.  
• Please contact them directly at:

Christy Clow
Christy Clow Photography
773-879-4292
christy@christyclowphotography.com
www.christyclowphotography.com

Larry Sanders
Sanders Visual Images
1-877-726-3377
lzs@gowebway.com
www.JuryImage.com Jury Notification

Notification of your jury status will be emailed to you on the date listed above (important dates/deadlines) and posted on your profile through Zapplication. Please do not call.

Accepted artists will receive an acceptance email including a show contract, booth payment schedule and additional show information via email.  Partial payment is due with the contract no later than 1 week after receiving your acceptance notification.  

Booth Information
 

• Standard Booth - approximately 10'x10' - $1985 (other configurations may be available)
• Standard Corner Booth -  $400 additional 
  • Corner configurations consist of 2 walls & 2 sides of exposure, not 3 walls
• Multiple-booth configurations are available upon request and the pricing is reflected above
• Booth sharing is not permitted unless approved by show managment and in keeping with the criteria listed above

• 8' high hard walls (1" thick, painted white)
• 4 incandescent flood lights
• Electricity
• Carpeting
• Accessible inventory storage for replenishment
• Online and printed marketing tools
• Booth signage
• Waste basket (upon request)
• Chair (upon request)
• Pre-show booth cleaning
• Drayage (labor transporting your work to and from the loading dock to your booth)

• Your booth package will include: flood lighting, electricity, Wi-Fi, carpeting, booth signage, waste basket & chair (upon request) booth cleaning, drayage and placement in designated emerging artist space.
• Emerging ​Package approximately 5'x10' = $975

Marketing, Promotional and Additional Inclusive Benefits

• Listings in online directory, online artist locator featuring artist images and links, and on-site Show Guide
• Complimentary marketing materials for artist use including free ticket promo code, banner ads and booth signage
• PR exposure via the show's extensive media relations efforts
• Pre-show artist webinar
• Artist lounge 
• Convenient discounted parking facilities and discounted hotel rates

If you have any questions regarding applying to the show, please contact Marie Gerbasi at mgerbasi@themart.com or 312-527-7757.

All payments and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.