Artist Application

Welcome to the NC Hellbender Festival!

Please browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement—by selecting your booth(s), you are agreeing to the terms outlined below.

Categories & Application Guidelines:
Artists may apply in up to three categories. A separate application must be submitted for each category.

• Jewelry Note: If jewelry comprises less than 10% of your work, you may apply under another category. If it is more than 10%, you must apply in the Jewelry category.

All work displayed must be original and available for sale.

Eligible Categories:

• Clay: Original clay or porcelain work, both functional and sculptural.

• Fiber: Wearable and non-wearable items. No machine-tooled or mass-produced work.

• Glass: Functional or sculptural work, including kiln forming, blowing, molding, casting, and cold working.

• Jewelry: Only artists juried into this category may display or sell jewelry. Items made from commercial parts are not permitted.

• Metal: Sculptural or decorative metalwork. Jewelry is not allowed in this category.

• Mixed Media: Work combining two or more materials into one piece.

• Musical Instruments: Handmade instruments only.

• Natural Materials: Includes basket weaving, broom making, chair caning, gourds, and similar work using natural materials.

• Photography: Traditional film, hand-colored, emulsion transfers, and digital photography using only the artist’s original source material.

• Printmaking: Reproduction prints are allowed. 

• Sculpture: Three-dimensional work using additive or subtractive techniques in a single medium.

• Two-Dimensional: Original drawings, paintings, and digital artwork. 

• Wood: Original woodwork that is hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved.

NC Hellbender Festival – Terms and Conditions for Applicants

By submitting this application, you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions set forth by Downtown Spruce Pine, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing the NC Hellbender Festival:

• All work must be original and created by the applicant. No mass-produced or imported items are permitted.

• Vendors and artists may only sell products listed and approved in their application. Festival organizers reserve the right to remove items not previously approved.

• Applicants will be notified of acceptance by email. Selection is based on quality, originality, and relevance to the festival mission.

• Setup times and locations will be provided in advance. Vendors must be fully set up before the event opens and may not break down early.

• Booth assignments are made at the discretion of festival staff and are non-transferable.

• Vendors must supply their own tents, tables, chairs, and display materials unless otherwise arranged.

• All booths must be weighted and secured. No staking is permitted on paved surfaces.

• Vendors must maintain a professional, family-friendly presentation at all times.

• The festival is a rain-or-shine event. Vendors are expected to prepare for various weather conditions.

• Each vendor is responsible for collecting and reporting their own sales tax.

• Limited electricity may be available. Requests must be made in advance and are not guaranteed.

• Generators are discouraged but may be approved on a case-by-case basis. They must be quiet and safely operated.

• Downtown Spruce Pine and the Town of Spruce Pine are not responsible for loss, damage, or injury caused by weather, theft, accident, or any other reason.

• Vendors are strongly encouraged to carry liability insurance. Proof of insurance may be required for certain vendor types.

• Booth fees are non-refundable after acceptance unless the festival is canceled by the organizers.

• If you must cancel, please notify us as soon as possible so we can adjust layout plans and notify waitlisted vendors.

• The NC Hellbender Festival strives to be a low-waste event. Vendors are encouraged to use recyclable or compostable packaging.

• No plastic bags or styrofoam containers are permitted.

• Vendors are expected to keep their area clean and dispose of all trash properly at the end of the event.

By submitting this application and paying the booth fee, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the above terms and conditions.