Fairs/Festivals
Worthington Arts Festival 2027
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 4
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
The Worthington Arts Festival is one of Central Ohio’s premier Fine Art festivals. This community event is produced by the McConnell Arts Center in coordination with the City of Worthington. Drawing nearly 30,000 visitors and 120 artists annually, the Worthington Arts Festival builds pathways to experience the joy and wonder of the arts.
We have returned to our roots at our original location on the Worthington Village Green. Located at the intersection of High Street and 161, the festival is featured on all four quadrants of the park and is just a short walk from the businesses and restaurants of historic Old Worthington.
The McConnell Arts Center once again looks forward to bringing our community together to celebrate creative arts experiences during the 2027 Worthington Arts Festival.
We have returned to our roots at our original location on the Worthington Village Green. Located at the intersection of High Street and 161, the festival is featured on all four quadrants of the park and is just a short walk from the businesses and restaurants of historic Old Worthington.
The McConnell Arts Center once again looks forward to bringing our community together to celebrate creative arts experiences during the 2027 Worthington Arts Festival.
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General Information
Celebrating its 33rd year, the Worthington Arts Festival is returning again to the Worthington Village Green, located at the intersection of High Street and State Route 161 in Historic Old Worthington Ohio. The festival spans two days and caters to 30,000 attendees and 120 artists.
Set Up/Registration:
Friday, June 18, 2027 between 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday, June 19, 2027 between 7:00am – 8:00am (limited to special cases)
Show Hours:
Saturday, June 19, 2027, 9:00am – 5:00 pm (soft open at 8:00 AM to coincide with Farmer’s Market)
Sunday, June 20, 2027 11:00am - 5:00 pm
Important Dates
ELIGIBILITY
We seek to maintain the highest standards for both artists and the viewing public. Participation is open to artists in all Fine Art and Fine Craft mediums.
Exhibitor must provide the jury with four images and one booth photo representative of their work.
The photos submitted must not have a name on them, as the jury is a blind jury. The booth photo must show the entire booth; photoshop imagery of your booth will not be accepted. The booth image shows the jury your structure layout, provides dimension and scale, and shows overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work.
Artists wishing to exhibit work produced in more than one category must submit an application, images, and application fee for each category. Only one booth fee is paid. Jewelry, for example, cannot be exhibited with another medium without being accepted through the jury process in the Jewelry category.
MEDIA CATEGORIES
Ceramics: Original clay and porcelain work excluding jewelry. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, there must be a signature on each piece. Machine-made and/or mass-produced work is not permitted.
Digital Art: Original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist. Work must be mounted or printed on archival quality material and be properly signed as a limited edition. Artist must disclose their printing process during the festival. At this time, AI generated or influenced artwork is not accepted.
Drawing and Pastels: Original work created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax, crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
Fiber: All work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, and papermaking. No commercially machine-tooled, machine-screened patterns or miscellaneous forms of mass production are permitted. No factory produced items, regardless of modifications, may be exhibited. Please note: clothing should be submitted under "Wearable Art."
Glass: All handmade works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or have been crafted by blowing, molding, or casting. Works may be etched or engraved. No forms of mass production are permitted.
Jewelry: All jewelry produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic, or other materials must be entered in this category. No commercial casts, molds or production studio worked is allowed. Limited use of pre-made material such as beads, or small ornamental items is permitted.
Leatherwork: The primary material is leather including belts, handbags, wearables and sculptural work. All factory-produced items, regardless of additional modification or embellishments by the artist, are not acceptable.
Metalwork: Includes all non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No forms of commercial or mass production are allowed
Mixed Media: This category includes works, both 2D and 3D, which incorporate more than one type of physical material to produce.
Painting: Works created in oils, acrylics, gouache, watercolor.
Photography: Includes traditional film photography, hand-colored images, emulsion transfers, and digital photography. All pieces must be signed, numbered and dated in limited editions of no more than 250. Prints must have been processed by the artist and printed under the artist’s direct supervision. The surface on which the photographs are printed must be identified in the description (paper, aluminum, wood, fabric, canvas, etc.). Photographers must disclose and display both their creative and printing processes in their booth during the festival.
Printmaking & Graphics: Printed works for which the artist hand-manipulated the plates, stones, or screens. Prints must be signed and numbered as limited editions. Processes are required to be disclosed.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional original work created in any medium.
Wearable Art: Handmade hats, belts, and clothing of any kind apply in this category. All designs and creations must be designed, patterned, cut, and assembled by the artist. Labels must disclose the artist name.
Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.
Other: Should be used for mediums that do not fit into the above categories. Artists in this category must provide a detailed description of their process and materials.
COLLABORATING ARTISTS:
All artists must be present to exhibit all days of the festival. This includes collaborating artists. If artists apply as collaborating artists, each artist must be present. If each artist is not present, artists will not be permitted to set-up or exhibit. Collaborating artists may only show their joint work. Both names must appear on all application materials. Collaborating artists cannot be added after application is accepted.
ZAPP
If you are submitting an application as a collaborating artist/partner, you must submit the name(s) with the application. Here is how to submit your Zapplication as a collaborating artist:
AWARDS:
Total Applications accepted: 300+
Total Invitations: 120
CONTACT INFORMATION:
McConnell Arts Center of Worthington
777 Evening Street
Worthington, OH 43085
arts@mcconnellarts.org
614-431-0329
Set Up/Registration:
Friday, June 18, 2027 between 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday, June 19, 2027 between 7:00am – 8:00am (limited to special cases)
Show Hours:
Saturday, June 19, 2027, 9:00am – 5:00 pm (soft open at 8:00 AM to coincide with Farmer’s Market)
Sunday, June 20, 2027 11:00am - 5:00 pm
Important Dates
- November 1, 2026 - Artist application available on www.ZAPPlication.org
- February 1, 2027 - Online application due by midnight (EST)
- March 15, 2027 - Notification emailed to accepted, waitlisted and not invited artists
- May 1, 2027 - Full payment and acceptance due through Zapplication.org
- May 1, 2027 - Deadline to cancel and receive booth refund (minus $25 admin. fee)
- May 1, 2027 – Booth Request Questionnaire due
- June 1, 2027 – Proof of Insurance due
- June 18, 2027 – Artist load-in and set-up
- June 19-20, 2027 – 33rd Annual Worthington Arts Festival
ELIGIBILITY
We seek to maintain the highest standards for both artists and the viewing public. Participation is open to artists in all Fine Art and Fine Craft mediums.
Exhibitor must provide the jury with four images and one booth photo representative of their work.
The photos submitted must not have a name on them, as the jury is a blind jury. The booth photo must show the entire booth; photoshop imagery of your booth will not be accepted. The booth image shows the jury your structure layout, provides dimension and scale, and shows overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work.
Artists wishing to exhibit work produced in more than one category must submit an application, images, and application fee for each category. Only one booth fee is paid. Jewelry, for example, cannot be exhibited with another medium without being accepted through the jury process in the Jewelry category.
MEDIA CATEGORIES
Ceramics: Original clay and porcelain work excluding jewelry. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, there must be a signature on each piece. Machine-made and/or mass-produced work is not permitted.
Digital Art: Original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist. Work must be mounted or printed on archival quality material and be properly signed as a limited edition. Artist must disclose their printing process during the festival. At this time, AI generated or influenced artwork is not accepted.
Drawing and Pastels: Original work created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax, crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
Fiber: All work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, and papermaking. No commercially machine-tooled, machine-screened patterns or miscellaneous forms of mass production are permitted. No factory produced items, regardless of modifications, may be exhibited. Please note: clothing should be submitted under "Wearable Art."
Glass: All handmade works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or have been crafted by blowing, molding, or casting. Works may be etched or engraved. No forms of mass production are permitted.
Jewelry: All jewelry produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic, or other materials must be entered in this category. No commercial casts, molds or production studio worked is allowed. Limited use of pre-made material such as beads, or small ornamental items is permitted.
Leatherwork: The primary material is leather including belts, handbags, wearables and sculptural work. All factory-produced items, regardless of additional modification or embellishments by the artist, are not acceptable.
Metalwork: Includes all non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No forms of commercial or mass production are allowed
Mixed Media: This category includes works, both 2D and 3D, which incorporate more than one type of physical material to produce.
Painting: Works created in oils, acrylics, gouache, watercolor.
Photography: Includes traditional film photography, hand-colored images, emulsion transfers, and digital photography. All pieces must be signed, numbered and dated in limited editions of no more than 250. Prints must have been processed by the artist and printed under the artist’s direct supervision. The surface on which the photographs are printed must be identified in the description (paper, aluminum, wood, fabric, canvas, etc.). Photographers must disclose and display both their creative and printing processes in their booth during the festival.
Printmaking & Graphics: Printed works for which the artist hand-manipulated the plates, stones, or screens. Prints must be signed and numbered as limited editions. Processes are required to be disclosed.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional original work created in any medium.
Wearable Art: Handmade hats, belts, and clothing of any kind apply in this category. All designs and creations must be designed, patterned, cut, and assembled by the artist. Labels must disclose the artist name.
Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.
Other: Should be used for mediums that do not fit into the above categories. Artists in this category must provide a detailed description of their process and materials.
COLLABORATING ARTISTS:
All artists must be present to exhibit all days of the festival. This includes collaborating artists. If artists apply as collaborating artists, each artist must be present. If each artist is not present, artists will not be permitted to set-up or exhibit. Collaborating artists may only show their joint work. Both names must appear on all application materials. Collaborating artists cannot be added after application is accepted.
ZAPP
If you are submitting an application as a collaborating artist/partner, you must submit the name(s) with the application. Here is how to submit your Zapplication as a collaborating artist:
- Go to “my Profile” on ZAPP.
- Enter one of the two collaborating artists as the primary contact in the profile form (this name will always appear first in the publications and online if accepted).
- After completing the information requested, enter the collaborating artist’s name(s) in the section at the bottom of the profile page.
- This information is carried over to the application for purposes of identifying a collaborative effort.
- You may not add a partner after the jury.
AWARDS:
- $1,000 – Best in Show
- $500 – 2nd Place Merit Award
- $250 – 3rd Place Merit Award
- Honorable Mention
Total Applications accepted: 300+
Total Invitations: 120
CONTACT INFORMATION:
McConnell Arts Center of Worthington
777 Evening Street
Worthington, OH 43085
arts@mcconnellarts.org
614-431-0329
Application Requirements
Rules/Regulations
The Worthington Arts Festival considers its enforcement of the rules our exclusive right and responsibility. Committee members will visit displays throughout the event to ensure compliance with rules.
Artwork Representation - The work presented for jury must be representative of the work to be shown, with appropriate inventory. Example: If a ceramics artist submits 3 original bowls and one large coffee cup to the jury, the expectation is the artist will bring and sell 75% original bowls in their booth.
Mass-production - No mass-production, buy and sell, or manufactured work is permitted. No work by apprentices, studios, or employees will be accepted. Commercial agents, dealers, or manufacturers are not eligible to enter. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist(s) and representative work juried into the show. Exhibiting work not juried into the show may be grounds for removal. The WAF retains the right to bar work from the show if it is deemed to be any of the above at compliance inspections.
Reproductions - Artists may sell reproductions of their original work in numbered limited editions not exceeding 250 of a single work. Reproductions can be printed on various items, in limited editions, however they should not infringe on other juried categories (i.e. ceramic mugs, t-shirts, jewelry). Reproductions can be no more than 10% of the overall visual space displayed in your booth. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled on the front of each piece as such. If you have any specific questions on what can be exhibited as a reproduction, please email show director Lindsay Lisanti (llisanti@mcconnellarts.org) with specific questions.
Storage and Presentation - Any storage that detracts from the overall booth or festival appearance will be considered an infraction and can result in the artist being asked to leave. There is 1 foot of storage space available between each tent. Storage cannot interfere with another artists' booth space or tent. Storage space will be shared amongst neighboring artists.
Artists are required to display their booth number and an Artist Statement (including a photograph of the artist) in their booth during the festival.
Multiple Categories - Artists may apply in multiple categories. Each medium is evaluated separately and appropriate application fees submitted. If application is in more than one category, only the booth slide may be repeated.
Attendance - All artists must be present for the duration of the festival. An ID is required at check-in.
Sales Tax - Artists retain 100% of their sales and are responsible for the collection and reporting of all applicable sales taxes. Ohio sale tax is 8%. See details at www.tax.ohio.gov.
Weather or Emergency - Due to the safety of attendees and artists, the Worthington Arts Festival may be paused, cancelled, or delayed due to weather deemed to be inclement. No refunds, partial refunds or application fees will be returned during those times of delay or in the event of a cancellation.
Tent Requirements - EZ-Up tents may be used only if WHITE. Any violation to this rule will result in the removal of the exhibitor. All tents need to be weighted. You must provide 40 pound+ weights per leg to secure your tent in the event of strong winds or storms. The WAF WILL inspect the weight and security of your tent, and if protocol is not properly followed, you will be removed from the festival. NO STAKES are allowed.
The Worthington Arts Festival considers its enforcement of the rules our exclusive right and responsibility. Committee members will visit displays throughout the event to ensure compliance with rules.
Artwork Representation - The work presented for jury must be representative of the work to be shown, with appropriate inventory. Example: If a ceramics artist submits 3 original bowls and one large coffee cup to the jury, the expectation is the artist will bring and sell 75% original bowls in their booth.
Mass-production - No mass-production, buy and sell, or manufactured work is permitted. No work by apprentices, studios, or employees will be accepted. Commercial agents, dealers, or manufacturers are not eligible to enter. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist(s) and representative work juried into the show. Exhibiting work not juried into the show may be grounds for removal. The WAF retains the right to bar work from the show if it is deemed to be any of the above at compliance inspections.
Reproductions - Artists may sell reproductions of their original work in numbered limited editions not exceeding 250 of a single work. Reproductions can be printed on various items, in limited editions, however they should not infringe on other juried categories (i.e. ceramic mugs, t-shirts, jewelry). Reproductions can be no more than 10% of the overall visual space displayed in your booth. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled on the front of each piece as such. If you have any specific questions on what can be exhibited as a reproduction, please email show director Lindsay Lisanti (llisanti@mcconnellarts.org) with specific questions.
Storage and Presentation - Any storage that detracts from the overall booth or festival appearance will be considered an infraction and can result in the artist being asked to leave. There is 1 foot of storage space available between each tent. Storage cannot interfere with another artists' booth space or tent. Storage space will be shared amongst neighboring artists.
Artists are required to display their booth number and an Artist Statement (including a photograph of the artist) in their booth during the festival.
Multiple Categories - Artists may apply in multiple categories. Each medium is evaluated separately and appropriate application fees submitted. If application is in more than one category, only the booth slide may be repeated.
Attendance - All artists must be present for the duration of the festival. An ID is required at check-in.
Sales Tax - Artists retain 100% of their sales and are responsible for the collection and reporting of all applicable sales taxes. Ohio sale tax is 8%. See details at www.tax.ohio.gov.
Weather or Emergency - Due to the safety of attendees and artists, the Worthington Arts Festival may be paused, cancelled, or delayed due to weather deemed to be inclement. No refunds, partial refunds or application fees will be returned during those times of delay or in the event of a cancellation.
Tent Requirements - EZ-Up tents may be used only if WHITE. Any violation to this rule will result in the removal of the exhibitor. All tents need to be weighted. You must provide 40 pound+ weights per leg to secure your tent in the event of strong winds or storms. The WAF WILL inspect the weight and security of your tent, and if protocol is not properly followed, you will be removed from the festival. NO STAKES are allowed.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
300
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
120
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
3
Booth Information
FEES and PRICING:
Non-refundable Jury/Application fee: $50. If applying for more than one medium, a separate application fee is required. Collaboration applications require only one fee.
Booth fee:
10ft x 10ft: $330
10ft x 20ft: $430
If you are accepted into the festival in two separate categories, you will be given one booth space. Artists are responsible for bringing, weighting, and setting up their tents/booths. The Worthington Arts Festival does not provide any tents for artists. Exhibiting artists are responsible for load-in. Volunteer assistance may be available based on availability.
SET UP:
Friday, June 18, 2027 between 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday, June 19, 2027 between 7:00am and 8:00 am (limited to special cases)
The Worthington Arts Festival relocated back to the Worthington Village Green in 2023. Artists may only drive on the Village Green Driveways and must unload vehicles from that space. No cars are permitted on the grass. Artists are assigned a load-in time and are only permitted to access the site with their vehicles during their assigned time. Failure to arrive within their designated time will result in the artist setting up after all load-in is complete (Friday, 5:00 PM).
The WAF does not provide dollies, hand trucks, wagons, or other moving equipment. Some WAF volunteers may be available to assist.
Please be conscious of other artists' time and space, and if necessary, unload belongings from your vehicle and then move it to designated parking to allow another artist a close unloading spot.
Free parking is available in designated lots with displayed parking pass. You must notify the MAC if you are camping overnight and must have a pass displayed for camping.
No electrical, dumping, or running water is available.
EZ-Up tents may be used only if WHITE. Any violation to this rule will result in the removal of the exhibitor. All tents need to be weighted. You must provide 40 pound+ weights per leg to secure your tent in the event of strong winds or storms. The WAF WILL inspect the weighting and security of your tent and if protocol is not properly followed, you will be removed from the festival. NO STAKES are allowed.
INSURANCE:
Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work and setup. The Worthington Arts Festival will not be responsible for damage to work or setup. Upon acceptance, exhibitors must provide the Worthington Arts Festival with an appropriate Certificate of Insurance, naming the McConnell Arts Center (NOT the Worthington Arts Festival) as an additional insured pursuant to a general liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. Artists will not be permitted to set up without the required insurance information. The artist will only receive their booth assignment on the condition that the Festival team holds the artist’s certificate of insurance, valid for the weekend of the Festival.
Non-refundable Jury/Application fee: $50. If applying for more than one medium, a separate application fee is required. Collaboration applications require only one fee.
Booth fee:
10ft x 10ft: $330
10ft x 20ft: $430
If you are accepted into the festival in two separate categories, you will be given one booth space. Artists are responsible for bringing, weighting, and setting up their tents/booths. The Worthington Arts Festival does not provide any tents for artists. Exhibiting artists are responsible for load-in. Volunteer assistance may be available based on availability.
SET UP:
Friday, June 18, 2027 between 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday, June 19, 2027 between 7:00am and 8:00 am (limited to special cases)
The Worthington Arts Festival relocated back to the Worthington Village Green in 2023. Artists may only drive on the Village Green Driveways and must unload vehicles from that space. No cars are permitted on the grass. Artists are assigned a load-in time and are only permitted to access the site with their vehicles during their assigned time. Failure to arrive within their designated time will result in the artist setting up after all load-in is complete (Friday, 5:00 PM).
The WAF does not provide dollies, hand trucks, wagons, or other moving equipment. Some WAF volunteers may be available to assist.
Please be conscious of other artists' time and space, and if necessary, unload belongings from your vehicle and then move it to designated parking to allow another artist a close unloading spot.
Free parking is available in designated lots with displayed parking pass. You must notify the MAC if you are camping overnight and must have a pass displayed for camping.
No electrical, dumping, or running water is available.
EZ-Up tents may be used only if WHITE. Any violation to this rule will result in the removal of the exhibitor. All tents need to be weighted. You must provide 40 pound+ weights per leg to secure your tent in the event of strong winds or storms. The WAF WILL inspect the weighting and security of your tent and if protocol is not properly followed, you will be removed from the festival. NO STAKES are allowed.
INSURANCE:
Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work and setup. The Worthington Arts Festival will not be responsible for damage to work or setup. Upon acceptance, exhibitors must provide the Worthington Arts Festival with an appropriate Certificate of Insurance, naming the McConnell Arts Center (NOT the Worthington Arts Festival) as an additional insured pursuant to a general liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. Artists will not be permitted to set up without the required insurance information. The artist will only receive their booth assignment on the condition that the Festival team holds the artist’s certificate of insurance, valid for the weekend of the Festival.
Refund Policy
Application fees are non-refundable.
May 1, 2027 is the last day to rescind acceptance and receive a booth refund (less a $25 admin fee)
There are no refunds after May 1, 2027.
Due to the safety of attendees and artists, the Worthington Arts Festival may be paused, cancelled, or delayed due to weather deemed to be inclement. No refunds, partial refunds or application fees will be returned during those times of delay or in the event of a cancellation.
May 1, 2027 is the last day to rescind acceptance and receive a booth refund (less a $25 admin fee)
There are no refunds after May 1, 2027.
Due to the safety of attendees and artists, the Worthington Arts Festival may be paused, cancelled, or delayed due to weather deemed to be inclement. No refunds, partial refunds or application fees will be returned during those times of delay or in the event of a cancellation.
Additional Fees
10 x 20 Booth (double booth): $430
10 x 10 Booth: $330
Terms to Apply
Non-refundable Jury/Application Fee: $50
