2026 Holiday Artist Market at The Dennos

Description

2026 HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET

The Dennos, Traverse City, MI
Event Overview
The Holiday Artist Market is a vibrant two-day juried marketplace returning for its twenty-seventh year to The Dennos in Traverse City, Michigan. Held indoors in the museum's light-filled Sculpture Court and Milliken Auditorium entrance, this well-attended fine art and craft event brings together Michigan-based artists, enthusiastic holiday shoppers, and a community that celebrates creativity and craft.  Taking place over a Friday and Saturday, November 6th and 7th, the event showcases 28-30 carefully selected booths.  Admission and parking are free to all, and the event is enriched by special programming and our beloved raffle, encouraging guests to linger, explore, and shop.
This juried opportunity is open to artists 18 and older who design and create their own original work. Jury selection is based first and foremost on artistic quality, originality, and presentation, with consideration given to the balance of media, price points, and a mix of returning and new artists to create a diverse and engaging experience once scoring is complete.  The Holiday Artist Market Committee changes yearly.This event is an opportunity to connect with an engaged audience in a warm, art-loving community setting.  Last year, we received 69 applicants, of which 28 were selected, and the museum welcomed 2733 visitors over the two days.  In 2024, the museum welcomed 2688 visitors, and in 2023, 2226. 
Who Should Apply
The Holiday Artist Market is well-suited to those who:
Appreciate the beauty of an art museum settingCan adapt to a smaller booth footprint than outdoor fairsAre respectful of fellow exhibitors and museum guidelinesValue a professional, supportive, and well-organized event
Accepted Media
FiberJewelryGlassIllustration / DrawingLeatherMetalMixed MediaPaintingPhotographyPotteryPrintmakingWood

Key Dates
Application Deadline: July 15Notification of Acceptance: August 5Set-Up: Thursday, November 5Market:    Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, 10 AM – 4 PMTear Down: Saturday, November 7, 4 PM – 6 PM
Submission Guidelines
Each applicant must submit 5 digital images:- 4 images of current evolving work (up to 6 allowed)- 1 booth image of a fully stocked setup similar to what will be presented is requiredImportant Note:Booth images should not include identifying information or feature the artist. Submit high-quality, well-lit images that accurately represent your work.
Fees
Application Fee: $20Standard 8’Booth: $150Extended Booth: $250
Standard 8’ Milliken Booth $100
Extended 10’ Milliken Booth $200
Booth Information
Our layout is collaborative and focused on showcasing artwork beautifully in an accessible museum setting.  Careful measuring and planning prior to arrival is very important for our indoor museum markets due to our unique space.  Please be respectful of your neighboring artists and take time to understand the layout and plan accordingly.  Displays and chairs must remain a minimum of 18” from walls and artwork at all times.  Feel free to reach out to the market's manager, Nicole Zeiler, with any questions.Booth locations can be requested in your application, but your selection is not guaranteed.  You may be offered a booth in a different location or different size.  Extended booths are very limited. Location is determined by museum staff, and booths are offered throughout the Sculpture Court and Milliken Auditorium entrance based on scores, media balance, accessibility, and market flow.
Booth Structure:
Standard Booth: 8’w x 6’ d x 6’   $150-200Extended Booth: 10’ w x 6’ d x 6’ h   $200-250 (limited availability)Artists requesting an extended booth are not guaranteed this limited format and may be offered the standard booth size based on availability, score, accessibility, and market balance.Booths are smaller than standard outdoor art fairs.  The Sculpture Court space is uniquely shaped, and in some cases requires adaptability by artists.  There is an upper and a sunken middle area and artists are located throughout.Booths are adjacent to each other with little or no buffer space.Side walkways are only allowed within your own booth space when accessible space is deducted from your own allotted space. Rarely does this work for a standard booth and carefully planning is necessary for extended booths.Most corner booths include one open side for walkway access but the map must be consulted for planning and placement as not all do.Booth assignments are made by DMC staff for optimal flow and accessibility.Booth payment is made after maps are provided and reviewed
Shared Booths:
Two artists may share a booth, but both must apply separately and be accepted.A $25 fee applies for a second artist.If only one is accepted, indicate whether they wish to participate independently.Email pairings and booth share requests to: nzeiler@nmc.edu
Sculpture Court and Milliken Locations:
The Sculpture Court is at the museum’s entrance and was the primary location for many years. The Milliken entrance is located right next to the Sculpture Court and is an additional space for the 4th year, accommodating 6-8 booths and a specialty food vendor.  Booth rates remain discounted at this time. Traffic and sales are comparable to the court and have been monitored since the first year. Booths are assigned throughout by media balance, score, overall flow, and accessibility.  

What’s Included:
One 5’ or 6’ table with white linens and 1–2 chairsA second table may be requested for extended booths only.Optional 5’ extension table with linens for extended booths only (request after acceptance)Electrical access upon request (bring your own cords and power strips)
Additional Requirements:
No tents or canopiesAdditional display items and chairs must fit within booth and stay 18” from gallery wallsDisplays must not exceed 6’ in height; tall displays must be disclosed
Rules & Regulations
The Spring Art Market at the DMC is open to all exhibitors 18 years of age and older.All work must be original and created by the applying artist.No commercial kits or mass-produced items.Jewelry and clothing must be handmade or artistically modified.Giclée prints and signed/numbered reproductions allowed; offset prints must not exceed 50% of viewable booth display.All submitted images must be anonymous (no names/logos).Artists must be present for the full event. No representatives permitted.DMC reserves the right to reject inconsistent work.Jury selection is based first on artistic quality, originality, and presentation with secondary consideration given to balance of media and a mix of returning and new artists when necessary to create a successful, diverse, and engaging event for both participants and visitors. Acceptance is not guaranteed annually; returning artists are not guaranteed a booth.Waitlists will be maintained based on jury scores and media balance.Artists are responsible for Michigan state tax compliance.Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on the NMC campus.Booth displays and chairs must remain a minimum of 12” away from walls and artwork at all times.By applying, artists release the Dennos Museum Center and its affiliates from all liability.DMC is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.Unprofessional conduct may result in removal without refund.Once booth fees are paid, there are no refunds regardless of the reason.By submitting your application, you consent to the Dennos Museum Center using your image and likeness for event promotion. Please be advised that photographs and/or video will be taken at this event for use on the Dennos website, press, marketing materials, social media, and/or other NMC publications.
Promotion & Artist Benefits
Promotion begins upon acceptance.Featured on the Dennos Museum Center website and social media.Included in museum-wide email newsletters and outreach.Promoted via Northern Express, The Ticker, Facebook ads, and community calendars. Signage is displayed throughout NMC’s campus.Promotional emails are sent to the Northwestern Michigan College community, 1,000+ DMC members and the DMC member and subscriber newsletter. 
Artist Perks:
Complimentary morning snacks and beveragesPrivate conference room for breaksVolunteer booth-sitting availableFree parking

Questions should be emailed to Event Manager, Nicole Zeiler, at: nzeiler@nmc.edu.