Tower Square Art Fair 2027

Overview

The Tower Square Fine Arts Fair is a juried, original-only show in Marion, Illinois, set in the newly revitalized Tower Square Plaza. Developed to fill the void left by a beloved regional arts and crafts fair that concluded its 49-year run, the event aims to create a premier fine arts experience showcasing exceptional artwork.

Key Dates

• Applications open: August 1, 2026
• Application deadline: January 22, 2027
• Jury notifications: February 12, 2027
• Event: June 4–6, 2027 (Friday 4–8pm, Saturday 10am–8pm, Sunday 11am–5pm)

Eligibility

• Open to artists 18 years of age and older
• Artist must be present to exhibit during all hours of the festival
• All work must be original and executed by the artist(s) in attendance
• No production studio work, commercial kits, patterns, or digital fabrication allowed
• Photo ID required at registration
• Up to 3 applications per artist accepted

Accepted Mediums

Clay, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (watercolor, gouache, encaustic, acrylic, oil), Photography, Printmaking and Drawing, Sculpture, and Wood. Artists may apply in multiple mediums; if accepted in both, they may display both in one booth.

Application & Fees

• Application fee: $25
• Minimum 4 images required to apply

Awards

3 Awards of Excellence will be presented Saturday afternoon.

Artist Amenities

• Comfortably spaced booths with 2 feet of storage space behind each
• City Hall open each morning for coffee and light breakfast
• Easy loading and unloading (drop-off Friday afternoon)
• Booth sitters and volunteers on each block
• Overnight security
• Air-conditioned break room with snacks, water, and private bathroom

Promotions

Comprehensive marketing campaign includes social media, emails, digital ads, and magazine ads. Artist profiles featured on Instagram and Facebook with images and website links. Partnership with VistSI and tourism organizations to promote the fair. All participating artists receive a media kit for self-promotion.