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Festival of Lights Juried Art and Craft Fair 2023

Arts and Entertainment

October 27, 2023

From: Festival of Lights Juried Art and Craft Fair

The City of Greenbelt's annual juried show supports regional fine artists, artisans, writers and illustrators in the sale of their own, original creations. Wares typically include handmade furniture, clothing, accessories, tableware, soft goods, toys, ornaments, soaps, candles, seasonings, self-published books, fine arts, prints and cards. Cultural non-profit organizations are also eligible to apply. Vendors must participate on both days.

Eligibility

Sparkle Mart supports artists and artisans in the sale of their own, original, hand-made creations. No kit crafts, imported crafts, or commercially produced items are permitted (with limited exceptions). Corporate logos (including sports team logos) and depictions of trademarked characters (Disney, manga/anime, superheroes, etc) are prohibited; this ban includes commercially printed fabric with logo or character designs. All wares must be in good taste and suitable for a family audience. Home improvement companies, cosmetics companies, and other non-arts-based businesses are not eligible to participate. Edible goods are permitted as long as they meet Maryland state health department guidelines. This show is juried. The selection process is competitive and acceptance is not guaranteed, regardless of past participation.

Event Structure

This event will utilize multiple rooms on different floors of the Greenbelt Community Center located at 15 Crescent Road in Greenbelt, Maryland. Accepted vendors will be offered booth spaces of different sizes, based on their displays and inventory, as well as availability. This show will be in-person only, with no promotion of online shopping. However, vendors with online shops can invite their customers to pick up purchases at their Sparkle Mart booth.

Shopping hours are Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday, 10am - 4pm. Vendors must participate on both days during all fair hours. Persons other than the artisan may staff a booth for all or part of the time if the artisan is participating in multiple shows that weekend. Friday night load-in is available and encouraged; there will also be a 2-hour window for load-in on Saturday morning available by prior arrangement.

Fees

There is no fee to apply. Fees will be due two weeks after the applicant receives notice of acceptance. Booth fees are non-refundable.

Larger spaces (6' deep X 10' frontage or similar): $100
Smaller spaces (5' deep X 6' frontage or similar): $80

Tables and chairs may be rented for a small additional charge (limited supply).

Sales Tax

Maryland requires all vendors to have a tax number and collect sales tax. If you do not have a state tax identification number, the Maryland Comptroller’s office will contact you to provide a temporary number; please wait for them to reach out to you. IMPORTANT - If you are applying to this show on behalf of a group, please submit a final list to the Recreation Department by November 1 that contains the name, address, email address, phone number, and permanent tax ID number (if applicable) for each participant.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted online through 4pm on Friday, September 15. Before completing the application linked below, please review our photo and video guidelines which include a link for uploading files to Dropbox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. All applicants will be notified of selection decisions no later than October 1. Optional videos will be due from accepted vendors no later than November 1.

Selection Process

Selection is based on: artistic merit; originality; quality of craftsmanship; quality of booth display; price point; past comportment and compliance with show regulations; the goal of including both returning and new vendors; and the goal of a diverse array of products. If accepted, vendors must provide full payment within two weeks to secure their space in the show. The Recreation Department makes decisions thoughtfully about vendor selection and booth space assignments, and these decisions are not subject to appeal. Gracious acceptance will increase the likelihood of an artist being admitted from the waitlist or being selected to participate in future years.

Cancellations

If you are unable to participate, please notify the Recreation Department. Booth fees are non-refundable, but giving notice will help to ensure that you are not excluded from future events.

Dates: December 2 - 3, 2023

Shopping Hours: Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday, 10am - 4pm.

Location: Greenbelt Community Center, 15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Photo/Video Guidelines and Upload Links

Waitlist Application

Click Here for more information.