Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City, MI

Event Overview

The Holiday Artist Market is a vibrant juried marketplace hosted inside the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City, Michigan. Now a cherished seasonal tradition, this two-day event draws enthusiastic holiday shoppers and art lovers from across the region.  Last year marked the return of our beloved raffle supporting educational programming for children with many art prizes donated by market artists.   This festive event celebrates original work by Michigan artists and draws a steady stream of holiday shoppers, collectors, and museum-goers seeking meaningful, handmade gifts.  Admission is free, and the event is enhanced by special museum programming designed to invite visitors of all ages to explore, linger, and shop.

Each year, the Market showcases 22–24 artist booths in the main Sculpture Court, selected by the Holiday Artist Market Committee. An additional 6 booth spaces are available in the adjacent Milliken Auditorium entryway, a high-traffic area featuring a local food vendor and strong visitor interest. Booth fees are reduced in this area as its growth is evaluated. Artists may indicate a preference for this booth area on their application.

This juried opportunity is open to artists 18 and older who design and create their own original work. Selection is based primarily on artistic quality and presentation, with additional consideration given to maintaining a balance of media and a mix of returning and new artists to ensure a diverse and engaging shopping experience.

This market offers a unique opportunity to showcase your art or fine craft to enthusiastic holiday shoppers and collectors in a museum setting known for celebrating creativity and regional talent. With a warm, festive atmosphere and a focus on original, handcrafted work, the market connects artists directly with a warm and supportive community of art lovers.  2024 welcomed 1,095 visitors on Friday and 1,638 Saturday. 2023 welcomed 1,105 Friday and 1,583 Saturday. 50-70 applications are typically received to fill the 28-30 spaces available.  

Who Should Apply

The Holiday Artist Market is well-suited to those who:

• Are actively creating high-quality, heartfelt, and original art and fine craft suitable for a holiday market that draws holiday shoppers and art-lovers
• Can adapt to a slightly smaller booth footprint than that of outdoor fairs
• Are respectful of fellow exhibitors and museum guidelines
• Value a professional, supportive, and well-organized event

Accepted Media

• Jewelry
• Fiber
• Glass
• Leather
• Metal
• Mixed Media
• Illustration / Drawing
• Photography
• Pottery
• Printmaking
• Wood

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: July 15
• Notification of Acceptance: August 1
• Set-Up: Thursday, November 6
• Market Dates:
•   • Friday, November 7, 10 AM – 4 PM
•   • Saturday, November 8, 10 AM – 4 PM
• Tear Down: Saturday, November 8, 4 PM – 6 PM

Submission Guidelines

Each applicant must submit 5 digital images:
- 4 images of current work (up to 6 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 and range of work to be displayed.

Fees

Application Fee: $15
Standard 8' Booth: $150
Extended 10' 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 a museum setting.

Booth Structure:

• Booths are smaller than standard outdoor art fairs.
• Standard booths measure 8' front facing x 6' deep and cannot exceed 6' in height.   Extended booths measure 10' front facing x 6' deep.  Extended booths are often corner locations but also may be located within a row.  Exceptions are sometimes made for height.  
• Booths are adjacent to each other with little or no buffer space.
• Side walkways are only allowed within your own booth space.
• Corner booths include one open side for access.
• Booth assignments are made by DMC staff for optimal flow and accessibility.
• Milliken booths will be assigned based on artist preference, jury scores, and layout considerations.

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 (request after acceptance)
• Electrical access upon request (bring your own cords and power strips)

Rules & Regulations

• No tents or canopies
• Additional display items must fit within booth and stay 12” from gallery walls
• Displays must not exceed 6’ in height; tall displays must be disclosed
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Booth fees are non-refundable after October 1.

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.
• Promotional postcards may be mailed to 1,000+ DMC members and returning patrons.

Artist Perks:

• Complimentary morning snacks and beverages
• Private conference room for breaks and meals
• Volunteer booth-sitting available
• Free parking

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