Art Stroll: Artist Application

The STERNWHEEL ART STROLL (SAS, for short)...

is calling all makers, creators and artists… 🎨

The 50th Anniversary of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival is happening… and the crowds are going to be BIG... Like… really big 👀

Thousands upon thousands will flood the streets of Marietta, Ohio ...

     named #1 Best Historical Small Town by Newsweek in 2025

     & featured HGTV's top 50 list most CHARMING CITIES of America 

We invite you to join one of ORSF's featured events,

STERNWHEEL ART STROLL, Saturday, September 12th!

If your work It your work is handmade, heart-made, and a “I’ve never seen anything like that…” kind-of-creation—we want YOU.

🖌️Painting•🏺Pottery•💍Jewelry•🧵Textiles•🪵Wood•& more

✨ Set in the 💛 of the beloved Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

🎉  > 100,000+ will attend this festival!
👀 Show is Juried for a beautifully curated experience

📅 SAS Applications open May 7 – July 1

📬 Notifications by July 6th (with waitlist opportunity)

⚠️ WARNING: This might become your NEW FAVORITE yearly show!  You will absolutely fall in love with everything about Marietta, Ohio—the beauty of the Ohio River, the rich history of the town… and most importantly… the warmth of it's people 💛 and the treasured visitors make the journey each year to our festival of Sternwheel boats and mind-blowing fireworks.

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Art Stroll 2026

Please read these terms and conditions ("terms", "terms and conditions") carefully before registering:

This is a handmade show only. All non-handmade vendors will unfortunately be unable to participate.

Participation in the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival (ORSF), Sternwheel Art Stroll (SAS) constitutes acceptance of the following Terms & Conditions. The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival reserves the right to update or modify these terms at any time.

1. Event Information

The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Art Stroll will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in downtown Marietta as part of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival 50th Anniversary celebration.

Art Stroll 2026 hours are currently scheduled for:

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Set up: 6:30AM – 8:30AM
• Tear down: 4:30PM – 5:45PM (goal is off street by 6PM)
• All attempts will be made to provide aid  to artisans for both set up and tear down for a smoother experience. 

Artists/vendors are expected to remain open and operational during all official event hours. 

2. Jury & Acceptance

The Sternwheel Art Stroll is a juried event. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.  Selections will be based on:

• Quality and originality of work
• Variety of media represented
• Booth presentation
• Overall fit with the event experience

ORSF reserves the right to decline any application.

3. Eligible Work

All artwork and products displayed must be handcrafted, artist-designed, or independently created by the applicant.

-> Commercially mass-produced merchandise, imported resale items, AI-generated prints without artist transformation, or buy/sell items are prohibited unless specifically approved by event organizers.

Artists must exhibit work consistent with the images submitted during the application process.

4. Booth Spaces

• One (1) 10x10 = $100  
• Two (2) 10x10 = $200
• Application Fee is Non-refundable
• Booth assignments will be determined by ORSF organizers.
• Artists may not sublease
• Artist MAY share booth space with prior approval
• Artists must apply separately and be jury approved separately
• Spaces must remain neat, safe, and visually presentable throughout the event.
• Artists are responsible for providing their own WHITE tent, tables, chairs, displays, weights, lighting, extension cords, and other setup materials. All tents must be properly weighted for safety.
   

5. Setup & Tear Down

Specific setup instructions and arrival times will be provided prior to the event. All attempts will be made to provide volunteer assistance to artisans during set up and tear down.

Artists agree:

• To arrive during designated setup times only
• To complete setup before festival opening
• Not to tear down early unless directed by festival staff due to emergency or weather concerns
• Early departure may affect eligibility for future events.

6. Sales & Taxes

Artists are solely responsible for:

• Processing their own sales
• Providing their own internet hot spot, if necessary.
• Collecting and reporting applicable sales tax
• Maintaining any required licenses or permits

ORSFl does not process payments on behalf of vendors.

7. Youth / Emerging Artist Application

• Emerging Artist is a SEPARATE APPLICATION
• 17 years of age or younger
• Goods must be produced by applying artist
• Parent or Guardian MUST SIGN application in addition to the artist
• An adult representative must remain on-site with artist throughout the show (and will be asked to sign a liability waiver that morning).

8. Weather Policy

The event is rain or shine unless severe weather or emergency conditions require cancellation or closure.

No refunds will be issued due to weather-related interruptions, low attendance, or circumstances beyond ORSF’s control.

9. Liability

Artists/vendors participate at their own risk.

By participating, artists/vendors/team agrees to fully release, acquit, hold and forever discharge:

• The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
• Event Organizers
• Sponsors
• Community Volunteers
• Property Owners
• The City of Marietta

for any and all claims for bodily injury, loss of services or employment, medical expenses, any damage including, but not limited to, loss or damage of Participant’s property in the care, custody, or control of Ohio River Sternwheel Festival (ORSF), occurring in or upon the space reserved for all activities for the Show, and any and all claims, demands, causes of action, judgements, and executions, which may arise out of participation in the Show, including costs and reasonable attorney fees. Should any damage to venue property occur as a result of Participant’s use at the Show, Participant agrees to fully compensate ORSF within thirty (30) days of receiving documentation of such damage. In addition, ORSF its event staff, sponsors and volunteers are not responsible for any broken, lost, or stolen items at any time, and especially as a result of leaving a booth unattended. The Participant, vendor/booth representative(s) and/or team assumes complete responsibility and risk by leaving property unattended.

Artists are encouraged to carry their own liability insurance.

10. Conduct

This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY event.

Participants are expected to behave respectfully toward:

• Guests
• Community Volunteers
• Fellow Artists
• Sponsors
• ORSF Volunteers

Disruptive, unsafe, offensive, or inappropriate behavior or products may result in removal from the event without refund. (Allowances can be made with prior permission by event organizers to cover words / images not family friendly with stickers etc)

11. Photography & Promotion

By participating, artists grant the ORSF permission to photograph booths, artwork, and participants for promotional, social media, print, and marketing purposes without compensation.

Artists retain copyright ownership of their work.

12. Electricity & Special Requests

Electricity will not be provided. 

Special accommodations or requests should be submitted with the application whenever possible.

13. Cancellation by Artist

If an artist cancels participation:

• No refunds may be issued (as this is a fundraising event).
• The ORSF reserves the right to fill canceled spaces from a juried waitlist

14.  COMMUNICATIONS

The entire communication with us is electronic. Every time you send us an email or visit our website, you are going to be communicating with us. You hereby consent to receive communications from us.  You also agree that all notices, disclosures, agreements, and other communications we provide to you electronically meet the legal requirements that such communications be in writing.

15. Eventeny User Account

If you are an owner of an account on this website, you are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your private user details (username and password). You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account or password.

16. Final Authority

ORSF reserves the right to interpret and enforce all rules and conditions and to make final decisions regarding participation, placement, safety, and event operations.