Fairs/Festivals
Mulvane Art Fair 2027
Topeka, Kansas
Jury Fee: $35
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 3
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 7, Max: 7
- Total | Max: 7
Opportunity Summary
The 33rd annual Mulvane Art Fair will feature artists from across the country for a two-day event that is a favorite of the community and artists alike. Be a part of this exciting event and submit your application today!
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General Information
When the first weekend of June rolls around, so does the Mulvane Art Museum's annual Art Fair. In 2027, the 33rd annual juried event will feature more than 85 artists from across the country and will draw thousands of art lovers. With a focus on quality and variety, the fine art event is a favorite in the community and region. Proceeds from the event support the mission and programs of the Mulvane Art Museum, which is Topeka's only art museum and is on the Washburn University campus. High standards for art are key to the success of the Mulvane Art Fair.
The Mulvane Art Fair has been an annual favorite among artists and art appreciators since 1992. During this two-day event, thousands of people visit the beautiful grounds of Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
The Mulvane Art Fair has a robust patron program of art buyers who purchased $40,000+ from participating artists in 2026.
Important Dates:
Artist Amenities:
What Qualifies?
All fine art in the following media is eligible, providing the artist has made such a representation to the jurors by image or statement. Works include: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, metal, ceramics and mixed media. These must be original works in the primary contracted medium as stated on the entry. Work from molds, factory assembly, or other commercial methods are not acceptable, and will not be juried.
Reproductions of artist's original work are allowed to the extent they are clearly marked as such and displayed only in a bin or portfolio, not on display panels. Reproductions should constitute only a minority of the artist’s works available for purchase. Participating artists are expected to represent their work personally in their booth while the show is open. Artists agree that all work displayed must be original and designed, executed, and signed by the participating artist(s). Artists are encouraged to display work reflecting a range of price points. Whenever two or more artists collaborate on a single work, the names of all the contributing artists must appear on that work. Such collaborative pieces will be deemed single entries. Any unregistered artist sharing a booth will result in the removal of both artists from the show. All artwork displayed in the booth must be available for sale. Sharing a booth by artists not collaborating on their artwork is not permitted.
Reminders:
Exhibitor Space:
A 10 ft. square space will be reserved for your booth upon acceptance. Every effort is made to create a layout at the fair where competing media are not side by side. You are responsible for your own white display tent and it should be designed for outdoor use. Tents are installed in grass next to a sidewalk. Artists are advised to bring leveling devices for table displays and appropriate rain covers. Tie-downs and weights are REQUIRED, we recommend no less than 40lbs per corner. Your display tent must fit within our designated 10 ft. x 10 ft. space. Any activities outside your booth must be approved in advance by the Mulvane Art Fair Committee. For the safety of our patrons and artists, open flame of any kind is not allowed at the art fair.
Weather Policy:
Exhibitors should understand that this is an outdoor art fair, and as such will continue rain or shine. Unless the event is cancelled by the Mulvane Art Fair Committee, any artist who leaves before the fair closes without the express consent of the committee will not be invited to return the following year.
Security:
The Washburn University Police Department provides overnight on-site security. Neither the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum nor Washburn University can assume liability for loss or damage to artwork, tents or displays, and we cannot, of course, assume responsibility for bad weather.
Parking and Admission:
Parking and admission is free to all participating artists. Each exhibitor will receive a locator map for their booth.
Patron Program:
In 2026, patrons pledged in advance to purchase over $18,000 worth of art and ended up spending more than $43,000. We expect patron purchases to be even greater in 2027.
Cash & Purchase Awards:
On-site judging of the artists' booths will take place 10am-1pm the Saturday of the Mulvane Art Fair, with the following awards being presented the same day.
Thank you for your interest and we hope you apply to the 2027 Mulvane Art Fair!
The Mulvane Art Fair has been an annual favorite among artists and art appreciators since 1992. During this two-day event, thousands of people visit the beautiful grounds of Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
The Mulvane Art Fair has a robust patron program of art buyers who purchased $40,000+ from participating artists in 2026.
Important Dates:
- February 24, 2027 - Application and jury fee ($35) submission deadline. 2026 Mulvane Art Fair award winners have their jury fee waived but must complete an application through ZAPP and are responsible for their booth fee.
- February 25 - March 3, 2027- Jurors select participating artists.
- March 5, 2027 - Notification of jury results (by email)
- April 26, 2027 - Deadline to accept invitation and purchase a booth ($275 for a single booth, $375 for a corner booth, or $550 for a double booth).
- May 3, 2027 - Deadline to provide notification of withdrawal for a full booth fee refund. Artists withdrawing after this date will forfeit their booth fee.
Artist Amenities:
- Monetary artist awards and a purchase award
- Patron program
- Saturday morning coffee & breakfast
- Sunday morning coffee & pre-packaged snacks
- Booth sitters
- Water delivered to your booth
- Event map/guide
- Overnight security
- Booth signs
- Food trucks
- Clean, convenient restrooms on site
- Assistance with move-in/move-out
- Drastically price-reduced accommodations on campus
What Qualifies?
All fine art in the following media is eligible, providing the artist has made such a representation to the jurors by image or statement. Works include: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, metal, ceramics and mixed media. These must be original works in the primary contracted medium as stated on the entry. Work from molds, factory assembly, or other commercial methods are not acceptable, and will not be juried.
Reproductions of artist's original work are allowed to the extent they are clearly marked as such and displayed only in a bin or portfolio, not on display panels. Reproductions should constitute only a minority of the artist’s works available for purchase. Participating artists are expected to represent their work personally in their booth while the show is open. Artists agree that all work displayed must be original and designed, executed, and signed by the participating artist(s). Artists are encouraged to display work reflecting a range of price points. Whenever two or more artists collaborate on a single work, the names of all the contributing artists must appear on that work. Such collaborative pieces will be deemed single entries. Any unregistered artist sharing a booth will result in the removal of both artists from the show. All artwork displayed in the booth must be available for sale. Sharing a booth by artists not collaborating on their artwork is not permitted.
Reminders:
- Make sure your application(s) are complete.
- Include six (6) artwork images and one (1) booth image.
- All images are juried anonymously. The booth image should have only your work displayed. Do not include your booth sign or people in your booth image.
Exhibitor Space:
A 10 ft. square space will be reserved for your booth upon acceptance. Every effort is made to create a layout at the fair where competing media are not side by side. You are responsible for your own white display tent and it should be designed for outdoor use. Tents are installed in grass next to a sidewalk. Artists are advised to bring leveling devices for table displays and appropriate rain covers. Tie-downs and weights are REQUIRED, we recommend no less than 40lbs per corner. Your display tent must fit within our designated 10 ft. x 10 ft. space. Any activities outside your booth must be approved in advance by the Mulvane Art Fair Committee. For the safety of our patrons and artists, open flame of any kind is not allowed at the art fair.
Weather Policy:
Exhibitors should understand that this is an outdoor art fair, and as such will continue rain or shine. Unless the event is cancelled by the Mulvane Art Fair Committee, any artist who leaves before the fair closes without the express consent of the committee will not be invited to return the following year.
Security:
The Washburn University Police Department provides overnight on-site security. Neither the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum nor Washburn University can assume liability for loss or damage to artwork, tents or displays, and we cannot, of course, assume responsibility for bad weather.
Parking and Admission:
Parking and admission is free to all participating artists. Each exhibitor will receive a locator map for their booth.
Patron Program:
In 2026, patrons pledged in advance to purchase over $18,000 worth of art and ended up spending more than $43,000. We expect patron purchases to be even greater in 2027.
Cash & Purchase Awards:
On-site judging of the artists' booths will take place 10am-1pm the Saturday of the Mulvane Art Fair, with the following awards being presented the same day.
- $1000 Best of Show
- $500 Best of 2-Dimensional
- $500 Best of 3-Dimensional
- Purchase Award
Thank you for your interest and we hope you apply to the 2027 Mulvane Art Fair!
Application Requirements
All fine art must be original works in the primary contracted medium as stated on the entry. Work from molds, factory assembly, or other commercial methods are not acceptable, and will not be juried. All artwork displayed in the booth must be available for sale. Sharing a booth by artists not collaborating on their artwork is not permitted.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
130
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
105
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
10
Booth Information
A 10 ft. square space will be reserved for your booth upon acceptance. Double and corner booths are also available in limited quantities. Every effort is made to create a layout where competing media are not located side by side. You are responsible for your own white display tent and it should be designed for outdoor use. Tents are installed in grass next to a sidewalk. Artists are advised to bring leveling devices for table displays and appropriate rain covers. Tie-downs and weights are REQUIRED, we recommend no less than 40lbs per corner. Your display tent must fit within our designated 10 ft. x 10 ft. space. Booth fees for single, double, and corner spaces are:
- Single booth (10 ft. x 10 ft.) $275
- Double booth (limited availability, 20 ft. x 10 ft.) $550
- Corner booth (limited availability, 10 ft. x 10 ft.) $375
Refund Policy
The $35 jury fee is non-refundable. Booth fees are refundable if requested on or before May 3, 2027. After that date, booth fees will not be refunded.
Additional Fees
Double Booth Fee (10x20): $550
Corner Booth Fee (10x10): $375
Single Booth Fee (10x10): $275
Upgrade to Corner Booth: $100
Terms to Apply
Jury Fee: $35