Emerging Artist 2027

Emerging Artists: This is a highly competitive category. -The emerging art category is intended for NEW artists that have never done a festival or juried show before. These positions will be announced after the April 4th jury. 

A Competitive, Juried Program | Ages 18+

Art on the Side offers a highly selective Emerging Artist program for artists who are ready to step into their first outdoor art festival at a professional level. We will select 6 emerging artists from an average of 25 or more applications.

What’s included:

1. One free booth
   Tent provided
   Guidance and on-site support for first-time outdoor festival artists

Emerging Artists must provide their own tables, chairs, display fixtures (grid walls, display panels, shelving, etc.), and any other booth furnishings.
Eligibility requirements:

Ages 18 and older
You have not previously participated in an outdoor art festival
You are producing original, exhibition-ready work
You are prepared to present and sell your work in a professional festival environment
Age is not a factor. Experience is not required.
Skill, craftsmanship, and presentation matter.

These booths are not eligible for prize money. However, Emerging Artists are juried with the same level of scrutiny as all other festival artists and will exhibit alongside established regional artists.

This opportunity is intended for artists who are serious about developing a professional art practice.
If selected, you are expected to arrive prepared, present your work professionally, and engage with the public.

Show us your strongest, most cohesive work.

 
Event Date: Saturday, June 5, 2027 | Festival Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Artist Set-Up: Begins at 6:00 AM

Art on the Side is a rain or shine event. Please review the application carefully and contact us with any questions before applying.

This is an electronic agreement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to all festival rules and requirements. All artwork displayed within your booth must be available for sale.

Jury Standards
Art on the Side is a juried Fine Art & Fine Makers festival celebrating original artwork and exceptional craftsmanship. All work must be original in concept and created by the exhibiting artist. Unless otherwise noted, the artist must complete at least 90% of the creative and production process.

Mass-produced, kit-built, assembly-only, commercially manufactured, or primarily AI-generated work is not eligible. Reproductions are permitted only in categories where specifically stated.

If your work does not meet the standards described below, we encourage you to apply through our Commercial Art & Craft Application instead. We welcome a wide variety of creative businesses and handcrafted products through that category.

Jury Categories
Clay: Functional or sculptural work created by the artist.

Digital Art: Original artwork conceived and created by the artist using digital tools. Prints must be signed, numbered, and offered in limited editions. Artwork that is primarily AI-generated is not accepted.

Fiber: Handcrafted work created using fiber arts techniques.

Glass: Functional or sculptural work. Kiln forming, blowing, molding, casting, and all cold-working processes are permitted.

Fine Art Jewelry: Jewelry in which the artist handcrafts a significant portion of the piece. Assembly of commercially manufactured components or findings alone does not qualify.

Metal: Sculptural or decorative work created using metal.

Mixed Media: Artwork combining two or more artistic mediums into a single piece.

Musical Instruments: Handmade instruments created by the artist.

Natural Materials: Work created primarily from materials found in nature, including basketry, chair caning, brooms, gourds, and similar media.

Photography: Original photographs captured and artistically processed by the artist. Prints must be signed, numbered, and offered in limited editions. Only the artist's original source material is permitted. Open-edition prints and primarily AI-generated images are not accepted.

Printmaking: Original hand-pulled prints created by the artist. Prints must be signed, numbered, and offered in limited editions.

Sculpture: Three-dimensional work created using additive or subtractive processes.

Two-Dimensional: Drawings, paintings, and other two-dimensional artwork. Signed, numbered, limited-edition reproductions of the artist's original work are permitted.

Wood: Work created using hand tools, machinery, turning, carving, or other woodworking techniques.

• -All applicants must be 18 years or older. If under 18 a parent must sign the form and accompany the artist at the fair.
• -The artist (if under 18 must be with adult guardian) must be present for the entire event from 8am to 5pm.
• -Work displayed on site will be consistent with the work shown in the digital images submitted
• .-All work - in every category - must be the original work produced by the exhibiting artist.
• -Work which has been produced with commercially-acquired kits, commercial patterns, plans, prefabricated forms or other commercial methods is not permitted.
• SALES:  Each artist is responsible for collecting and paying Missouri sales tax. It is the responsibility of each artist to return payment to the Missouri Tax Revenue Service. Art on the Side does not require an artist to pay any commissions.
• BOOTH SPACES: Each emerging artist is sponsored and will be supplied with a 10'X10' exhibition space and canopy, which is assigned by the Art on the Side Committee. Participants are expected to bring their own tables, chairs, display racks and any booth support materials. Electricity is not provided for this show.
• INSURANCE: Accepted artists (or guardian) must have proof of event insurance or sign a hold harmless waiver.
• This event is rain or shine.