The Ellis Square Art Market is an open-air art market located in the heart of Savannah's Historic District. It brings together talented local, regional, and national artists showcasing an exceptional selection of original, handcrafted works. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, celebrating artistic expression and supporting independent artists.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Submission deadline: March 9, 2027
Accept applications: November 4, 2027
Wait List Released: April 7, 2027 (or as deemed necessary by the event Director)
Event Dates: May 14-16, 2027 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Load In Dates: May 14, 2027 (Friday morning)
Saturday (walk-in): 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM (with advance previous participation and approval only - Dolly in only)
Festival Hours
Friday, May 14: 10 AM - 6 PM
Saturday, May 15: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday, May 16: 10 AM - 4 PM (allowed to stay late)
Required Licenses
First time attendees require a City of Savannah Business License ($85, good for 1 calendar year). Artists living in a county that immediately surrounds Chatham county are exempt from this requirement. Artists should list the event address as their business address.
Categories
2-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as collage, papermaking, encaustic, pen and ink, paint, pencil, watercolor, or photography. The finished art is suitable for wall mounting.
3-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as mosaic, papier mache, clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or any other 3-dimensional objects.
Ceramics: Original shaped and fired clay including earthenware, porcelain, and raku.
Digital Art: Two-dimensional works from which the original image is manipulated by the artist using a computer using programs such as Drawing, Illustrator, Paint, or other software applications.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.
Drawing & Printmaking: Original drawings made with pen, pencil, charcoal, pastels, or chalk. The printmaking process may include pulled plates, linoleum prints, etching, engraving, silkscreen, or lithography. All prints must be signed and numbered by the artist. Photocopies are not permitted.
Edibles: Handmade items such as jam, sauce, baked goods, etc. that are pre-packaged and not prepared on-site.
Fiber: Works created from fibers including basketry, batik, weaving, papermaking, knitting, and quilting. An embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.
Glass: An object made of glass including blown, fused, stained, cast, and molded. An embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.
Handcraft: Handmade items made by the artist from manufactured, recycled, or repurposed materials transforming the combined materials into a unique product into a cohesive collection. A complete description of items is required.
Jewelry: All Jewelry is crafted from metal, glass, stone, clay, or other materials. Commercial molds or casts are not permitted. At least 50% of the organic materials in the finished product used must be produced by the artist.
Metal: Functional and non-sculptural works incorporating metal.
Painting: The use of oils, acrylics, watercolors, and tempera suitable for hanging.
Photography: Prints, transparencies, or digital images made from the artist's original negative or taken with a digital camera that has been processed by the artist.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional work is done in any individual medium.
Wood & Furniture: Original works in wood that are built, turned, carved, or tooled. Embellished manufactured wood items are not permitted.
Prohibited Items
T-shirts and commercial clothing (any re-sell or manufactured items)
Posters
Manufactured toys (any re-sell or manufactured items)
Commercially manufactured or reproduced items (resale)
Jewelry made from more than 50% manufactured components
Any item that employs the use of commercially available molds or patterns
Fees
Non-Refundable Administrative Processing Fee: $3
Additional Information
This is a dolly/wagon in event, located riverside. Parking is close by.
A waitlist will be maintained. Selected wait-listed artists may be contacted when the Wait List is released one day prior to the event date.
Artists who have not checked in and/or called the Festival Emergency Number by Friday at 8:00 a.m. will be considered a "no-show." No Show artists are not eligible for refunds. Assigned space(s) will be forfeited to a wait-list artist.
There will be no "rain date" and fees will not be refunded in the case of inclement weather. The event will take place rain or shine.
Artists are responsible for collecting and reporting Sales Tax. Sales Tax reporting documents are provided to participating artists at check-in at the event. The current Sales Tax rate for this event is 7.00% (4.00% GA, 3.00% Chatham County).
All AFFPS Festivals support the GFPS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a stronger arts community. The GFPS provides scholarships for artists to help them with their artistic careers.
The Ellis Square Art Market celebrates the charm, creativity, and artistic spirit of Savannah, showcasing original, handcrafted works by local, regional, and national artists.
Eligibility
Artists living in a county that immediately surrounds Chatham county are exempt from the City of Savannah Business License requirement.