Fine Art Vendors — 2027 Dogwood Arts Festival

Apply to exhibit and sell fine art at the juried 2027 Dogwood Arts Festival, April 23–25 at World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Eligible categories include 2D and 3D artwork, drawing, leather, and natural products. The outdoor festival features over 100 fine art vendors and takes place rain or shine. Artists are eligible for Best of Show, People's Choice, and Artist Awards totaling $2,000.

Open to artists working within the accepted categories: 2D (Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Digital Media); 3D (Glass, Clay, Wood, Metal, Sculpture, Jewelry, Fiber, Leather, Mixed Media); and Other (Natural Product, Etc.). Prior participation does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must have direct, hands-on involvement in creating and executing every exhibited piece. Collaborating artists may show only their collaborative works, and both names must appear on the application; collaboration must be artistic, not merely business collaboration. Work must be created solely by the artists, without industrial production techniques, imports, consignments of piecework, commercial molds, kits, or manufactured work. Ceramics must be handmade by the artist; photographic prints must be processed by the artist or under their direct supervision; jewelry must be artist-crafted, with simple beading and assembly excluded. Non-original promotional items may not be sold.

Submit business and contact information, materials and techniques description, a short artist bio and statement, relevant social media links, medium category, average artwork price, festival participation history, and electricity and booth preferences. At least four pictures are required, including at least one photograph of the booth setup. Images must represent the work to be exhibited. Selection is by a closed jury; a waiting list may be established. Notifications are scheduled for December 18, 2026.

The application fee is $35, non-refundable and charged upon submission. Contracts and booth fees are due January 31, 2027; booth fees are charged only if the artist accepts the invitation. A standard 10×10 booth costs $375 and a corner 10×10 booth costs $435. Artists are ordinarily limited to one 10×10 booth; very limited double booths may be assigned case by case after jurying. The application question quotes $750 for a 10×20 booth, while the price table lists a double corner 10×20 booth at $810. Optional 10×10 tent rental with setup costs $350; tent-weight rental costs $75. Written cancellations must be received before February 12, 2027; the legal terms state no refunds of any kind after that date. No fees are refunded for bad weather.

Mandatory setup is April 22, 2027, 8am–7pm; Friday-morning setup is not permitted. Festival hours are April 23 and 24, 10am–7pm, and April 25, 10am–5pm. Artists must remain personally present during open hours; assistants cannot replace them. Booths must remain open until 5pm Sunday, with no early breakdown. All artists must move out April 25 between 5:30pm and 9pm. Booth space may not be sublet to a non-collaborating artist. Artists may display only work in their accepted categories, comparable in style and quality to their jury images; noncompliant work may be removed.

Reproductions may not exceed 40% of the displayed work and must be individually labeled 'Reproduction,' whether framed or unframed; labels may not substitute 'print,' 'off set lithograph,' or 'giclee.' Hand-colored reproductions are not considered originals.

Artists must provide their own display materials, including lights and electrical cords, insure their own work, pay applicable taxes and regulatory fees, and comply with Knox County fire regulations and Festival and City of Knoxville rules. Artist-supplied tents must have white canopies, quality display equipment, and ropes tied to at least 200 pounds of weights, with 50 pounds per corner. Stakes, spikes, tying to fixtures, tarps, and umbrellas are prohibited. Noncompliant booths may be denied participation. Security is limited; the festival assumes no responsibility for loss or damage, and booth-relief personnel are not responsible for theft, loss, or damage.

Participating images may be used for archival, publicity, website, and confirmation purposes before, during, and after the festival by agreement with the artist, with name/studio recognition. The legal agreement also grants the festival the right to record artists, booths, and work and retain rights to use those materials for promotion and advertising in any media. Artists agree to independent-contractor status and the stated liability and workers' compensation waiver. Violations of festival rules may result in removal.

Artists are eligible for cash awards including Best of Show, People's Choice, and Artist Awards; the total 2027 award pool is $2,000. Booths are evaluated Friday and awards announced Saturday after judging.