Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts Expo 2026

Overview

The Evanston Art Center's Annual Winter Arts + Crafts Expo features original, handmade arts and crafts by over 150 selected artisans. This month-long event attracts visitors all over the Midwest region and showcases jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more in an indoor group show setting.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: October 8, 2026
• Artist notification: mid-October 2026
• Inventory sheet due: October 22, 2026
• Inventory drop-off: November 12, 13, and 14, 2026
• Exhibition: November 21 – December 20, 2026
• General shopping hours: Monday–Friday 9 am–6 pm, Saturday–Sunday 9 am–4 pm (closed Thanksgiving)
• Inventory pick-up: December 21, 22, and 23, 2026
• Checks mailed: mid-January

Eligibility

Original, handmade works only. Work must be made by the artist within the last few years. No commercially oriented or mass produced items. Beautifully crafted ornaments or menorahs are acceptable as long as artistic quality is very high.

Media & Size

• 3-D work: May not exceed 50 lbs and 24" in height. Tabletop work is preferred. Anything larger must receive special permission.
• 2-D work: May not exceed 24" in any dimension unless given special permission. Must be framed or equivalent and ready to hang.

Application & Submission

Minimum 4 images required to apply.

Fees & Commission

• Application fee (non-refundable): $40
• Commission to the Art Center: 40% (included in retail price)
• Illinois sales tax will be added to all transactions

Inventory & Pricing

Upon acceptance, you will receive an information packet and inventory sheet to complete and return by October 22nd. As a guideline: ceramics, jewelry, glass, and small mixed media artists typically inventory 25–50 items; 2-D and larger 3-D work typically inventory 10–20 items; small prints may have up to 50 pieces. Artists are encouraged to price items from $20 to $400, with a greater quantity priced below $100.

Display & Sales

The Expo is a group show with no booth spaces. Each artist's inventory will be displayed on an approximately 20×30-inch tabletop space or equivalent area. All sales are made through a central cashier; cash, check, or charge accepted. Extra inventory will be stored and displayed as merchandise sells. Artists are not required to be present, but those who volunteer and engage with customers often increase their sales. Selected artists are encouraged to volunteer three 3-hour shifts during the show.

Insurance, Pickup & Logistics

Insurance is provided at no additional fee. Artists must provide a full inventory list stating sale prices and insurance values for each item (maximum $400 per piece). Artwork is insured from check-in through December 20th. All artwork must be dropped off and picked up in person unless special arrangements are made with EAC staff. Claims must be submitted in person at pickup. Artists must provide a signed W-9 for tax reporting purposes.

Silent Auction

Artists are encouraged to donate items to a silent auction held during opening weekend (November 21–23). All proceeds benefit the Evanston Art Center's exhibition, education, and outreach programs. Tax-deductible donations are generally limited to out-of-pocket costs of creation, not current value or auction proceeds—consult a tax advisor for details.