Rhinestone Fest - Artist Market

CALENDAR

March 30th, 2026: Application Deadline
April 7th, 2026: Artist Notification via Email 

June 6th, 2026: Rhinestone Fest Artist Market

SUBMISSION & DEADLINE

The Application is due March 30th, 2026 at 11:59pm. Notifications will be emailed to all applicants on Tuesday, April 7th. Priority is given based on creativity, desirability, quality, variety and aesthetic. We are specifically looking for Dolly Parton and Appalachian themed, hand made work. Once approved, vendors must confirm their participation by submitting payment for the specific market. An invitation does not guarantee a reserved spot. 

ACCEPTANCE POLICY
Participating Artists may only display work in the artwork categories in which they are accepted. The work must be comparable to that shown in the submitted images. Artists must be present on-site during open hours of the Market. Assistants are permitted; however, they may not take the place of the artist at the Market. Vendors may not ‘sublet’ their booth space to any non-collaborating artist.

OUTDOOR ELEMENTS
Spending a day selling artwork at our market sounds ideal, but when the weather isn’t cooperating with outdoor plans, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to stay as safe and comfortable as possible. Safety is our number one priority. Artists are to use their own judgment regarding inclement weather and personal safety. There is no refund of fees for bad weather. Rhinestone Fest goes on rain or shine. 

GUIDELINES

The Rhinestone Fest Artist Market is open to all artists within the accepted medium categories. Participation in any previous Market does not guarantee acceptance! By submitting the application, the Artist agrees that he or she had direct, hands-on involvement with the creation and execution of each piece of work to be exhibited. Collaborating artists may show only their collaborative works – both names should appear on the application. (Collaboration here means artistic, not business collaboration).

• Images submitted must be representative of the work to be shown.
• Accepted artists must be present on site during Rhinestone Fest open hours.
• Artists are limited to (1) 10'x10' booth space.
• All Vendor tents must have a white canopy.
• No work from commercial molds, kits, or manufactured work is accepted.
• Reproductions of 2-D works must be labeled ‘REPRODUCTION’ – not print.
• Ceramic works must be handmade by the Artist.
• Photographic prints must have been processed by the Artist or processed under the Artist’s direct supervision.
• Jewelry must be crafted by the Artist; simple beading and assembly is not acceptable.
• Artists are prohibited from selling non-original promotional items.

REPRODUCTION POLICY

In an attempt to foster an appreciation for and value of the arts for everyone, including those that cannot afford original work, we believe it is important to offer the public the chance to buy reproductions, hoping that they will move on to original work when possible. This transition is possible only if our patrons understand what they are buying.

Reproductions are an ancillary part of the display and should not exceed 40% of work shown. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled as such. No other terms such as ‘print’, ‘off set lithograph’ or ‘giclee’ may be used. Labels must say ‘Reproduction’, framed or unframed. No hand-colored reproductions will be considered ‘original’ works. Violation of the spirit, as well as the letter of the policy will be asked to remove their reproductions.

BOOTH INFORMATION

Artists may begin set-up starting at 11:00am. Specifics of tent location and set-up time will be provided after acceptance. Artists may not break down early; booths must remain open until 8pm. All Artist tents must have a white canopy. 

ARTIST AGREES TO THE FOLLLOW LEGAL CONDITIONS

*General Waiver of Liability Statement* 

I am an independent contractor, with no employees, no casual laborers, and no sub-contractors performing work for Old City Association, the City of Knoxville, or Old City Association's Sponsors. I am not an employee of Old City Association, the City of Knoxville, or Old City Association's Sponsors for workers’ compensation purposes, and therefore, I am not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under their policy coverage. I waive any and all rights to file any claims against said employer(s) in the event an accident should occur while I am participating in the Old City Market.

*Standard Agreement Statements*

1. The Artist is an independent contractor in any and all relationships with Rhinestone Fest. Artist agrees to remain open and present at the  Market during the open hours specified in our promotions. Tear-down begins immediately upon closing of the Market at 8:00pm. No early tear-down is allowed.
2. All work shall be created solely by the Artist(s) with no assistance of industrial production techniques and no imports or consignments of piecework items. In an attempt to foster an appreciation and value of the arts in all people, including those who cannot afford original work, we believe it is important to offer the public an opportunity to buy reproductions, hoping they will turn to original work as their incomes grow. This transition is only possible if our patrons understand exactly what they are buying. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled as such.
3. The artist agrees to comply with all applicable Knox County fire safety regulations regarding display space and materials. The artist agrees to comply with all Festival and City of Knoxville schedules, restrictions, rules, etc. whether outlined in this application or other official communications.
   The artist agrees that the artwork on display at the Market is of the same style and quality as was represented in the artist’s original application and jury images. The artist also agrees that the Market shall have the right, by whatever means it desires, to record the artist, his/her booth, and their work. The Market retains all rights to use such recording or materials on promoting and advertising the Market in any media format it desires.
4. Each exhibiting artist is responsible for insuring their own work. The Market assumes no responsibility or liability to cover loss or damage to the artist’s property or work. The artist shall bring their own display materials, including lights and electrical cords. If the artist utilizes any Market employee or volunteer for booth relief or any type of assistance, it is understood that such person shall not be held responsible for any theft, loss or damage to the Artist’s work, booth or goods.
5. Each Artist is responsible for supplying their own tent (with a white canopy) and display equipment, and tied to a minimum 160lbs of weights (40lbs per corner). Spikes and staking are not allowed under any circumstances. Tying off to any fixture, permanent or temporary, is not allowed. It is understood that canopies and displays will be of the highest quality and construction – no tarps or umbrellas are allowed. Artist tents that do not meet the Rhinestone Fest & City of Knoxville standards will be instructed to take their tent down.
6. The Artist’s total booth fee is due no later than two weeks after notfication emails have been accepted. Cancellations must be received in writing two weeks prior to the event.
7. The Artist is responsible for the payment of any and all taxes or fees assessed by any governmental or regulatory agency. If you have tax-related questions we recommend contacting the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Artists living statewide call (800) 342-1003 & Nashville-area or out-of-state artists call (615) 253-0600.
8. Carefully read and understand all communication from Rhinestone Fest. Note deadlines, fees, requirements, and other important information. Any violation of provisions in this contract or any rules or policies communicated to the artist in official Rhinestone Fest correspondence may cause the artist to be removed from the event. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at oldcitymarketknox@gmail.com.