Emerging Makers Tent

The Emerging Makers Tent at the Dogwood Arts Festival was developed to provide a supportive environment for makers to gain practical experience selling their artwork at a professional craft fair. The Emerging Makers Tent will be open on the final day of the 2026 Dogwood Arts Festival — Sunday, April 26th from 10AM-5PM.

Booth Fee: $30 (includes 8' table, black tablecloth, two chairs)

• You will only pay the $30 booth fee if juried into the event
• Required Set-Up Date: Sunday, April 26th between 8:00am - 9:30AM

Each maker will be given a 5ft (depth) x 10ft (length) space to display their work - an 8' table and 2 chairs will be provided. Any additional display structures must be provided by the artist and must fit within the provided booth space. Sufficient weights are required for vertical display stands. For any accessibility needs regarding your space, please indicate in your application.

*Please note: Due to scheduled construction on the World's Fair Park Amphitheater, all details are subject to change. 

Eligibility:

Emerging makers may be artists of any age or background who: 

• Are exhibiting at the Dogwood Arts Festival for the first time, and have not previously exhibited at art festivals of the same caliber as the Dogwood Arts Festival.
• Want to gain experience at a festival but are not yet able to commit to a full three-day event.
• Create and sell handmade, original artwork (such as painting, photography, pottery, candles, prints, stained glass, etc.). Original artwork only.   

Groups/artist collectives can apply with one application. If you have questions prior to filling out the application, please email Raina Nief (raina@dogwoodarts.com) or call (865) 637-4561.

Applications due by 11:59PM on February 16, 2026. You will be notified of acceptance/rejection no later than February 27, 2026.

Filling out this application does not guarantee your acceptance into this event. We do our best to curate a diverse selection of work - of all types - in the Emerging Maker Market. If you are juried into the event, you will then be prompted to submit your booth payment. If you do not submit the booth payment by the communicated payment deadline, your space will be revoked and offered to someone on the waitlist.