The 22nd Anniversary Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival welcomes visitors and artists to the quaint one red light town of Banner Elk, located in the majestic mountains of Western North Carolina. The Avery County Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in the County Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival. Since that time, many seasoned artists have stated that this is perhaps the most successful festival they participate in. A combination of a very limited number of participants, a clientele which appreciates a fine art only type of show, the proper atmosphere and publicity are the ingredients which makes this an ongoing success in 22nd year. A few of our artists are only appearing in the High Country at this festival! Don't miss out!
2013 Fine Arts and Master Craft Festival Application
Friday: 4 pm-8 pm
Saturday: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Application Deadline: Rolling application until mediums are filled
FINE ART AND MASTER CRAFTS ONLY: The Avery County Chamber of Commerce is committed to quality. This festival is strictly fine art and master crafts; all artists will participate by invitation only by a juried process. Mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, blown and stained glass, pottery, painting, photography, textiles, unique craft, furniture, and wood, will be accepted. Only handcrafted wares will be permitted. No buy/sell or resale items will be accepted, you will be asked to leave without a refund!
PUBLICITY: Publicity for 2013 festival will include media advertising, news releases, banners, and signage. Television and radio stations will also be invited to cover the show. Some of the advertisements will feature a brief paragraph about the artist, so please be sure to include any interesting information and photos about yourself.
TO APPLY: This year we are adding an optional 3rd festival day to our July and August 2013 art festival. The reason? We are a tourist community with visitors checking in/out on weekend days. The Chamber is trying to capture this audience. Please check the date options you can attend.
The artist participation fee will be $200 for the 3 day show. $160 for the Saturday and Sunday show only. To apply, send a check payable to the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, along with your enclosed application, two photos of your work and one of your booth along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope (large enough to hold your photos) to the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, Unit 2, 4501 Highway 184, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Please remember artist space is limited.
* There is a $20.00 non-refundable jury fee included in the booth fee.
If you are not accepted this year, please do not be discouraged. It is the desire of the committee to rotate artisans to keep the festival fresh.
We are looking forward to our festivals this year and the Chamber is determined to do our best to insure success. From you, our artists, we request you be professional, a great mentor to your neighboring artists, and have a good attitude. We look forward to seeing you!
RULES (Please Read Carefully)
All work must be the product of the artist. Your medium must be YOUR work. ONLY handcrafted wares will be juried into this festival if there is any doubt about your medium, you may be asked to leave the festival.
All exhibited products must be like in style and quality to juried photos or the sponsor will ask that said product be removed.
All applications must be accompanied by three (3) photos (one of the three must be of your display). Please mark each with artists name, include a standard business-size,
self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage to cover returned photos. All work must be priced and "All work must be signed by the artist.
Note To Artists:
- Nude art is not permitted.
- Artists are expected to stay with their product during the specified open hours of the festival.
- Security personnel will be on the grounds during the night. Liability insurance is the exhibitors responsibility.
- Each space will be 12x12 .(larger spaces are available)
- A list of area accommodations will be enclosed with your letter of acceptance. Banner Elk is a summer resort area...motels and campgrounds fill rapidly. Please do not delay in making reservations once you have been accepted.
- Camping will ONLY be allowed at Campgrounds, NOT on school properties.
Each artist is responsible for paying his/her portion of applicable NC sales tax.
Artists participating in the 3 day shows: Set-up will begin Friday at 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, Festival opens to public at 4:00 p.m on Friday, July 19th and August16th.
The specified vendor parking area.
Receipt of your application and entry fee is your commitment to the festival. No refunds will be made for cancellations. Please be advised and note on your application if you feel your situation requires special attention.
All artists are expected to dress appropriately. The way you dress will have an
influence on your success.
Important Information: Neither electricity nor water will be available at the festival site. NO GENERATORS!!
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk has some of the coolest temperatures east of the Mississippi River. This quaint town thrives as a resort community with ski slopes, golf courses, tennis, whitewater rafting and horseback riding. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns and other attractions are in close proximity.
For more information, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-5605 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you very much for your interest.
