Chesterton Art Fair 2027

Chesterton, Indiana

Application Fee: $35

Contact Information

Association of Artists and Craftsmen of Porter County d/b/a Chesterton Art Center

Contact Email: gallery@chestertonart.org

Contact Phone: 219-926-4711

Requirement Overview

Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
Submission Limit: 2

Media Requirements

Images | Min: 4, Max: 4
Total | Max: 4

Opportunity Summary

In its 68^th year, Chesterton Art Fair draws artists and patrons from all over the Midwest and beyond. Always the first full weekend in August, this year’s dates are August 7 and 8, 2027, and fair hours are 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. This year, the Chesterton Art Fair will be held in a NEW LOCATION in the heart of beautiful, historic downtown Chesterton. Thomas Centennial Park will be our new home for the Chesterton Art Fair and the thousands of visitors we will welcome.

Testimonials from some of our 2026 artists:
"One of my best show through the season. Level of communication, support artist during unpredictable weather, volunteers help with set up above 100%. I did this show for the 4th time and each year is perfect !."
"The volunteers were outstanding! I have never felt so supported during an art fair! I took advantage of the booth sitting and snacks quite a bit. Thanks so much to this amazing team!"
"As long as I will be accepted to this show I will be coming back!."
"The fair was run perfectly! Volunteers were plentiful and amazingly helpful and cheerful!."

Three artists prizes will be given! $500.00 for best in show, $300.00 for 1st prize, and $200.00 for 2nd prize. Prizes will be awarded by the fair juror on Saturday August 7 after the fair opens.

Proceeds from the fair support Chesterton Art Center (CAC), a non-profit arts organization.

General Information

Chesterton Art Fair is a premier juried art festival with a deep history of providing a stellar experience for both participating artists and visitors. The application deadline for the 2027 Chesterton Art Fair is April 30, 2027. All applicants must be artists who create original work in 2D, 3D, fiber, glass, leather, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, or wood. Each artist must pay a non-refundable $35.00 jury fee. Artists may apply in more than one media category but will need to the pay the $35.00 fee for each application. There is a limit of three applications per artist. Accepted artists will be notified by May 8, 2027.

The new venue is Thomas Centennial Park, a municipal park in the heart of downtown Chesterton featuring shade trees, a band stand, restroom facilities, and close proximity to all of downtown's local businesses, including great dining and retail. Chesterton is located close to Interstate I-80 (Indiana Toll Road) and I-94, minutes away from the Indiana Dunes National Park. There is free street parking for visitors who pay a $5 admission fee. The admission fees support the outreah programs and events of Chesterton Art Center, a non-profit art center.

Application Requirements

The artist of application must be present at Fair check-in with their work for the duration of the Fair weekend. No exceptions please. Photo ID may be required at artist check-in. All work must be designed and hand made by the accepted artist. Commercially cast jewelry, molds and imported or commercially made products (including fiber/wearables), or pieces done by a production studio are NOT eligible or accepted. NO DIY (do-it-yourself) kits can be displayed or sold.

Artists in the 2D categories aside from Photography are allowed to sell high-quality reproductions of their original work in limited amounts, and they must be labeled as reproductions. No artworks generated by, or produced in assitance with, AI (Artificial Intelligence) are eligible for inclusion in the Chesterton Art Fair. Reproductions may not represent the majority of work in the booth.

Artists may exhibit and sell work in more than one category IF all categories/media were applied for AND accepted. Artists are allowed one booth only (single or double), regardless of the number of categories/media for which they were accepted. Only work consistent with the accepted juried images may be exhibited and sold at the Fair.

Each artist is responsible for the collection and payment of the 7% Indiana sales tax.

All artists must be 18 years of age or older. Any exceptions for younger, emerging artists or artisans must be pre-approved by Chesterton Art Center leadership.

Artists are responsible for providing their own tents, display units and weather protection. Proper staking and weights are mandatory in the event of inclement weather. Any booth that is not properly staked or weighted will be asked to comply immediately or to leave the Fair with no refund. Absolutely NO power generators, no alcohol, and no pets that are not certified therapy animals. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds. No exceptions.

Artists must pay both the application/jury fee(s) and booth fees to be considered as an exhibiting artist. Accepted artists will be notified May 8, 2027 and participation confirmation and booth fees are due by May 30, 2027. Application/jury fees are NOT refundable. Accepted artist booth fees are NOT refundable for any reason unless Chesterton Art Fair is canceled by the organizers.

Jury Details

Average number of applications submitted each year

150

Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event

100

Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event

Booth Information

Artists must provide their own professional tents. Single booths are 10 x 10 feet and double booths are 10 x 20 feet and proper staking and weighting is mandatory. No additional tent walls, awnings, or overhangs are permitted. Tents located at the ends of rows may display artwork on the outside walls of the tent, but otherwise ALL artwork must be located inside the tent. Artists must purchase a double booth space to exhibit work beyond the footprint of a 10 x 10 foot space. Artist booth fees are $250.00 for current CAC members, and $300.00 for non-members. Limited double booth spaces are available and are $425.00 for current CAC members and $525.00 for non-members. To become a Chesterton Art Center (CAC) member, call (219) 926-4711, or visit www.chestertonart.org/membership.

Artists will set up on Friday August 6, 2027 and will be notified of their load-in timeframe and all logistic details weeks prior to set up. Overnight police security is on site both Friday and Saturday nights. Water and snacks are provided at no cost to artsists throughout the weekend at the CAC information booth, and Chesterton Art Fair staff and volunteers are available to help with set up and take down.

Refund Policy

Participation confirmation and booth fees are due by May 30, 2027. Application/jury fees are NOT refundable. Accepted artist booth fees are NOT refundable for any reason unless Chesterton Art Fair is canceled by the organizers. Please contact Chesterton Art Center with any questions.

Additional Fees

Double Booth Fee for non-CAC member: $525

Double Booth Fee for current CAC member: $425

Booth Fee for non-CAC member: $300

Booth Fee for current CAC member: $250