Artisans' Marketplace
Upper Grounds, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street
Friday, July 4, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Saturday, July 5, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
About
Marblehead Festival of Arts is pleased to present our annual Artisans' Marketplace. This exciting show features top artists, crafters, and creators from across New England and beyond. Just some of the distinctive offerings the marketplace features are glass, jewelry, fine art, illustration, photography, tapestries, baskets, upcycled art, wearable art, woodworking, pottery, and ceramics. Items vary and often include beautiful, original, handmade jewelry; hand painted furniture; paintings; photographs; and more. Artists will be showing and selling their crafts. Festival attendees will get to meet the artists, learn how they create their masterpieces, and have the opportunity to take home one or more of these fabulous items.
All of the artisans go through a juried acceptance procedure to be selected for the marketplace.
Co-Chairs: Susan j Schrader and Sally Marcy
Artisans’ Marketplace Applicant Prospectus 2025
Event Information
A vital part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts, the Artisans’ Marketplace is considered by the local community as among its must-see events, with a reputation of attracting high quality, handmade art and craft. The show is held in the heart of Old Town Marblehead on the grounds of the historic Abbot Hall.
Founded in 1962, the Marblehead Festival of Arts has a rich history of producing a premier summer arts festival that has become a forum for artistic expression over its 50+ years of operation. The Festival brings tens of thousands from the area as well as visitors from afar who come to enjoy historic Marblehead’s arts and music scene.
This year, Sally Marcy and Susan j Schrader are the co-chairs for the Artisans’ Marketplace! We are working alongside the Marblehead Festival team to put together a great show for everyone.
Contact Info
artisans@marbleheadfestival.org
General Information
To apply for the Artisans’ Marketplace, go to the artisans marketplace event page on the Festival website. After reviewing the information there, follow the link to create or update your profile, then complete the application with photos and artist statement, and pay the $25 application fee.
Event Dates
Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th, 2025, 10:00 am–5:00 pm (both days)
Event Location
Abbot Hall grounds, 188 Washington St. Marblehead, MA
Application Period
Saturday, March 1–Monday, March 31, 2025
Application Fee
$25.00 (non-refundable)
Booth Fee
$275.00 for 10’x10’ space. Payment online only, due before Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Notification Date
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Eligibility and Conditions for Acceptance
All artwork submitted to the jury process for display and sale at Artisans’ Marketplace must be designed and executed by the accepted artist. By applying, all artists certify that the images submitted with the application represent their original work, including both design and production.
Work displayed and sold at Artisans’ Marketplace must be consistent with the work represented in the images submitted by the artist.
Booths are for individual exhibiting artists and may not be shared between or among multiple artists. Artists must be present during all show hours.
Work made from ready-made items like clothing, furniture, etc., with painted, dyed, or added embellishments will not be accepted. Copies of masters, advertisements, widely circulated photographs, or registered trademarks are prohibited. No work on display may violate copyright laws.
Wait List
For juried shows, a wait list will be selected based on jury scores in each category; wait-listed artists will be invited as cancellations occur in that particular category. Wait-listed artists can be accepted up to and on the day of the Marketplace and will be notified by phone or email if/when a booth becomes available. Artists should ensure their information is current and includes a means of contact that reaches them and elicits a response at short notice.
No-Show Policy
Artists who have not registered and/or emailed an Artisans Marketplace co-chair by 8:00 am Thursday (1st day of the event) will be considered a NO-SHOW, and their assigned booth space(s) will be forfeited with no refund.
Art Categories Accepted
Ceramics, Digital Art, Fiber/Leather, Furniture, Glass, Graphics/Printmaking, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media 2D, Mixed Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Wood.
Artist Statement
Artists are to submit a 2–3 sentence description of their art, technique, and materials used. This statement, if the artist is accepted, will be added to the Marblehead Festival of Art website and social media links to promote the Artisans’ Marketplace. Please be clear and decisive in your statement as this will be used online.
Event Rules / Regulations
Accepted artists must be present in their booths during all art show days and hours. No agents, representatives, family members, or friends may substitute for accepted artists.
Tents
Tents must be capable of withstanding weather conditions, including strong wind gusts and rain. Weights are required on each leg. Stakes can be also used.
Exhibit Space
Full booth is 10’x10’ $275. Do not set up your space larger than the area assigned to you. You may not infringe on another space physically or audibly. Exhibitors must have a white tent unless exempted by the co-chairs. All tables must be skirted to the ground. Only one artist’s work or the work of two collaborating artists may be displayed per booth. Artist must keep their area clean and orderly. Pack out any garbage with you.
Set-Up Times
You will be able to set up your tent on Thursday, July 3, 1:00 pm–5:00 pm. Please check in by 5:00 pm to be shown your spot. You are allowed to set up after 5:00 pm if need be. Also, set up on Friday, July 4th begins at 7:00 am. Find Sally or Susan to find your spot.
Parking
Unfortunately, there are no designated parking lots for the artists. Street parking only—but please do not park around Abbot Hall. After you unload your vehicle, please find street parking elsewhere. Pleasant Street is a good option and not a far walk from Abbot Hall.
Fees
The artist agrees to pay all fees due by their stated payment deadlines. Booth fees for the Artisans Marketplace are due within two weeks of the acceptance letter by Thursday, May 1st, 2025. If the booth fee has not been paid by May 1st, the artist’s space will be offered to the wait list. The $275 contributes to the overnight security which will be provided Friday, July 4th 7:00 pm–7:00 am, as well as a Friday morning light breakfast and complimentary coffee.
Refunds
Application Fee ($25) is non-refundable. If Artist cancels after Thursday, May 1, 2025, and on or before Sunday, June 15, 2025, 50% of the Booth Fee, less a $50 administration charge will be refunded. If Artist cancels after June 15, the total Booth Fee will be forfeited, and no refund will be issued.
