2026 Spring Art Market at the Dennos Museum Center

Description



2026 SPRING ART MARKET AT THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER

Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City, MI
Artists are invited to apply for the Dennos Museum Center’s Spring Art Market,
a one-day juried fine arts and crafts event returning for its 5th year on May 9, 2026.
Held indoors in our Sculpture Court, this well-attended market offers a lively early-season
opportunity to engage with the Traverse City community before summer fairs begin.
Taking place on Mother’s Day weekend, the event includes special programming
and attracts visitors of all ages. Admission and parking are free to all.

Event Overview
The Dennos Museum Center is excited to welcome 20 - 25 artists to gather and display their work indoors before the summer season of art fairs begins. The Spring Art Market will be held in the DMC Sculpture Court in Traverse City, Michigan, Saturday, May 9. Special programming with a nod to Mother’s Day will be planned, creating a day filled with fun for all ages. Admission & parking are free. 

The Spring Art Market is open to all artists 18 or older whose work is original in concept, design, and execution. All work must be the original design of the artist. The artist is expected to be the major contributor of the time required in the essential production of the work. The Spring Art Market Committee juries submissions to ensure quality, variety, and originality.
We are looking for artists who can creatively think about our market as a boutique art fair
and happily adapt to an indoor space that is smaller than an outdoor booth and comes with a couple of museum rules to follow to protect the exhibit artwork, space, and accessibility. That simply means planning accordingly and measuring carefully to be respectful of other artists.
Please know that the creativity and time of each applicant is valued and that space is limited. Selected artists will inevitably change year to year simply due to space and should expect that when they apply. Our visitors remain engaged and excited to return because the market shifts and evolves with a mix of new and returning artists offering ever-changing artwork.  
The spring event is in its fifth year this May.  Last year, we received 47 applicants from which 25 were selected, and the museum welcomed 910 adult visitors.  In 2024, we received 46 applicants from which 24 were selected, and the museum welcomed 787 adult visitors, while 2023 welcomed 740, and 2022 welcomed 613.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: February 15Notification of Acceptance: March 5Set-Up: Friday, May 8Market:   Saturday, May 9, 11 AM – 4 PMTear Down: Saturday, May 9, 4 PM – 6 PM

Accepted Media
JewelryFiberGlassLeatherMetalMixed MediaIllustration / DrawingPhotographyPotteryPrintmakingPaintingWood
Fees
Application Fee: $10   Standard Booth: $75  Extended Booth: $125
Who Should Apply
The Spring Art Market is well-suited to those who:
Appreciate the charm of an indoor marketplaceCan adapt to a slightly smaller booth footprintAre respectful of fellow exhibitors and museum guidelinesValue a professional, supportive, and well-organized event

Submission Guidelines
Each applicant must submit 5 digital images:
- 4 images of current work (up to 7 allowed for multimedia artists)
- 1 booth image of a fully stocked setup similar to what will be presented

Note:
Booth images should not include identifying information or feature the artist. Submit high-quality, well-lit images that accurately represent your work.
Please visit Booth Format page to carefully read the measurements and layout of the market.  Booths are front facing and there is little room between the end of one booth and beginning of another in most cases.  Exceptions include end booths which may have additional walkway space on one side.  A map of artists locations is provided following acceptance and before booth payment if required. 
Booths are located throughout the Sculpture Court which has an upper and a sunken middle area with stairs or ramp for access.  Artist booths are separated by only 2 feet in most cases so artists agree to measure their displays carefully to not exceed their allotted space.  Booths are assigned by the DMC staff to best accommodate traffic flow, accessibility, and balance of media.  Tables and linens are provided.  Artist displays and chairs must remain 1-2' from gallery walls and artwork and walkways and gallery entrance must remain accessible.  Distances are marked clearly during setup.  

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 40% 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 scoring is randomized and blind.
Acceptance is not guaranteed annually; returning artists are not guaranteed a spot.
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 reason.

Booth Information
Our layout is collaborative and focused on showcasing artwork beautifully in a 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. Feel free to reach out to the market's manager with any questions.
Booth Structure:

Standard Booth: 8’w x 6’ d x 6’ $75
Extended Booth: 10’ w x 6’ d x 6’ h $125 (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, 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.
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.

Shared Booths:

Two artists may share a booth, but both must apply 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

What’s Included:

One 5’ or 6’ table with white linens and 1–2 chairs
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 canopies
Additional display items and chairs must fit within booth and stay 12” from gallery walls
Displays must not exceed 6’ in height; tall displays must be disclosed

Questions can be directed to Nicole at nzeiler@nmc.edu or by phone during the week 231-995-3087.