Art in the Castle 2027

Juried indoor fine art show at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan, offering artists space to display and sell original handmade artwork. The show runs May 1–2, 2027, with mandatory setup on April 30. Categories include fine art and fine crafts, and the jury determines first-, second-, and third-place awards.

Complete the entire application, agree to all show rules, and submit five quality images including one booth shot. A $35 non-refundable application fee is due with each application. Up to two applications are permitted; applying in two categories requires two application fees and two image sets, and acceptance may be in one, neither, or both categories. The application does not accept emerging artists. Buy/sell vendors and non-artisan crafters are ineligible.

Eligible categories are Basket Weaving, Ceramics, Collage, Digital, Drawing, Fiber, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry (no bead stringing; woven jewelry is allowed), Leather, Metalwork, Mixed Media, Mosaic, Painting, Photography, Pottery, Printmaking, Sculpture, Upcycled Art, Woodworking, and Miscellaneous. Products must be original handmade items crafted by the artist. Commercial methods, commercially made molds, and kits are prohibited. Exhibited work must represent the images submitted to the jury.

Painters, illustrators, and 2D mixed-media artists may sell signed and numbered reproductions in editions of no more than 250 per work. Reproductions must be archival, matted and unframed, no larger than 24 by 40 inches, or professional archival prints on aluminum. Provide clear reproduction-process details and clearly label reproductions. Only two reproduction bins are allowed per 10-by-10-foot booth; artists needing more must contact Karyn to discuss eligibility before applying. Handcrafted pottery, stone, screenprinting, and other original multiples must be properly registered, numbered, and signed, with no more than 250 per edition. Functional pottery and ceramics such as mugs and tiles may be exhibited in multiples.

Jewelers must fabricate their own forms, findings, and settings; commercially fabricated items are prohibited, and only accepted jewelers may sell jewelry. Photographs must not be altered beyond traditional photography; otherwise apply in Digital. Professional processors may print photographs on large-scale aluminum, glass, acrylic, or canvas. Photographs must be signed and numbered in editions of no more than 250 per image; booth walls must contain framed or professionally edged photographs only. All 2D work must be ready to hang or framed and matted, and properly displayed on screens and stands. Leatherwork must be handmade, without machine-screened patterns, machine tooling, or other mass-production methods.

Mandatory setup is Friday, April 30, 2027; time slots and details will be supplied about ten days before the event. Show hours are Saturday, May 1, 10am–5pm and Sunday, May 2, 11am–4pm. Artists must personally attend all show hours, represent their own work, and be able to show photo ID. No agents are allowed; exceptions for illness or other limitations require advance written permission from the show director. Artists must follow current Covid guidelines and venue/event rules and behave respectfully and professionally.

Bring all displays, panel walls, tables, chairs, extension cords, and other booth equipment. Most indoor spaces are approximately 10 by 10 feet; request an exact 10-by-10-foot space by email if necessary. Ceiling height is 8 feet; panel walls must be less than 8 feet high and tent frames are prohibited. A roughly 10-by-10-foot booth costs $435; a guaranteed corner adds $75 and electricity adds $50. Booth purchase deadline is February 14, 2027.

Artists authorize photography of their booth and use of submitted application images in promotional materials for this and future years. Security is supplied during closed hours, but the event, promoters, staff, and venue are not liable for losses or damage. Artists agree to indemnify and hold harmless Art as Healing Foundation, Art Fair Fun, Castle Farms, and staff, and agree not to take legal action against them or their agents for artwork loss, personal injury, or property damage. Supply a copy of liability insurance naming Art Fair Fun and Castle Farms as co-insured. No refunds; medical emergencies require a written request with a doctor's note for consideration. First-, second-, and third-place awards are determined by the jury; no award amounts are stated.