Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts & Crafts Fair

Artist & Exhibitor Guidelines

NEW FOR 2026: HAYWOOD MARKET FOR HAYWOOD COUNTY ARTISTS

This year’s Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend will introduce a new opportunity for local makers. The Haywood Market will provide a dedicated space for artists living in Haywood County to showcase and sell their work during the festival. Located in the historic Shelton Barn, the Haywood Market will feature a small group of local artists offering handcrafted work in an indoor setting just steps from the festival grounds. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their process, and purchase locally made artwork and craft while exploring the Shelton Campus. The market will include individual booth spaces at a reduced fee for Haywood County artists. By providing this additional venue during the festival, the Haywood Market strengthens our commitment to supporting regional makers while offering visitors another way to experience the rich artistic traditions of Haywood County. Artists are encouraged to apply early as there are a limited number of spaces (approximately 12).

ELIGIBILITY

The BRHW Arts & Crafts Fair is open to artists and craftspeople from all 48 continental United States, as well as students currently studying at North Carolina institutions. Makers from Western North Carolina and adjacent Appalachian regions are especially encouraged to apply. While not a requirement, the fair emphasizes traditional heritage craft and contemporary art inspired by Appalachian craft traditions.

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

Notification of Application Status: June 19, 2026

Booth and Application Invoices Issued: June 22–26, 2026

Payment Due: Two weeks after invoice is issued (July 6–10, 2026)

Cancellation with Full Refund: July 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Artist Check-In and Setup: Friday, August 7, 2026 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

FESTIVAL HOURS

Saturday, August 8
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, August 9
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

LOCATION AND CHECK-IN

Outdoor Vendor Check-In Location:

Shelton House / HART Theatre / Farmers Market parking area
250 Pigeon Street
Waynesville, NC

All exhibitors must check in at this location on Friday, August 7 between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Haywood Market Check-in Location:

Shelton Barn

250 Pigeon Street
Waynesville, NC

SETUP AND VEHICLES

Artists are strongly encouraged to set up on Friday. If you are unable to arrive Friday, you must notify festival staff in advance. Limited Saturday setup will be allowed until 8:45 AM. After this time:

• Vehicles must be removed from the vendor area
• Vehicles must park in designated areas
• Vehicles must be cleared at least 15 minutes before opening each day

BOOTH INFORMATION

Outdoor Vendors

Standard craft booths are 10' x 10’
Limited double booths are available and must be requested during application
Vendors must provide their own tents, tables, and chairs
Booth sharing is permitted, with a maximum of two vendors per booth
The festival cannot guarantee specific booth locations

Artists with accessibility needs related to booth placement should notify staff during application.

Haywood Market Vendors

Approximately 10’ x 10’ space
Limited number of spaces, approximately 12
Vendors must provide their own tables and displays
The festival cannot guarantee specific booth locations

SALES

• All sales are handled directly by the exhibitor
• BRHW does not collect commission
• Artists are responsible for collecting and reporting North Carolina sales tax

FEES

Application Fee
$25 (non-refundable)

Outdoor Booth Fees:

Single: $200

Double: $375

Haywood Market Booth Fees:

Single: $100

Double Space: N/A

All fees will be invoiced via Square.

Payment by Check:

Pay to: Shelton House

Notation: BRHW 2026

Mail checks to:

Shelton House
PO Box 145
Waynesville, NC 28786

A $30 fee will be charged for declined checks.

Booth space is not reserved until payment is received.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations on or before July 27 (5 PM) will receive a full refund of the booth fee.

Cancellations after July 27 are non-refundable.

No-shows or vendors who fail to notify the festival may not be invited to participate in future events.

Application fees are non-refundable.

FACILITIES

• Exhibitors are responsible for their own displays and equipment
• Electricity is available to six exhibitors
• No setup is allowed during show hours

Artists interested in demonstrations may contact: info@shelton-house.org

SECURITY

BRHW provides:

Security during event hours
Overnight security patrol Friday and Saturday nights
The Haywood Market (Barn) will be locked at the close of of festival.

However:

• Exhibitors display work at their own risk
• The festival does not insure personal property

Artists are encouraged to carry their own insurance coverage.

ARTIST AMENITIES

Participating artists receive:

• Vehicle unloading access near booths (weather permitting)
• Free artist parking
• Restroom facilities
• Coffee, water, and refreshments
• Limited booth sitting by volunteers and staff
• Regional marketing campaign including print, online, radio, and television

RULES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

The Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Craft and History is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.

All vendors, performers, volunteers, staff, and guests are expected to contribute to a positive atmosphere by:

• Treating others with respect and consideration
• Supporting an inclusive community

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit:

• Four (4) images of artwork created within the past two years
• One (1) booth image

Images should clearly demonstrate:

• Craftsmanship
• Artistic quality
• Work intended for sale

Images may be used for festival promotion.

JURY PROCESS

Applications are reviewed after the application deadline.

Evaluation criteria include:

Craftsmanship
• Artistic design
• Originality

Aliignment with festival mission

Applicants will receive notification of:

• Acceptance
• Waitlist status
• Non-acceptance

Accepted artists will receive instructions for booth payment and placement.

LEGAL AGREEMENT

By submitting an application, artists agree to:

• Be 18 years or older
• Remain open for the full duration of festival hours
• Set up only during designated setup times
• Remove vehicles from festival grounds before opening

The festival operates rain or shine, and exhibitors are responsible for weather preparation including tent weights and protection.

ART PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Artists must:

• Present original artwork
• Handle all sales and collect sales tax
• Avoid work produced primarily from commercial kits, molds, or prefabricated forms
• Ensure commercial embellishments are subordinate to handcrafted work
• Label reproductions clearly
• Price all work clearly

No disruptive sounds, amplified music, or distractions are permitted within booth areas.

REPRODUCTION STANDARDS

For limited editions or reproductions:

• Original work must remain the primary focus
• Reproductions must be signed and numbered
• Photographs must be signed
• Reproductions must be clearly labeled “Reproduction” or “Limited Edition”

FINAL STATEMENT

BRHW expects full and accurate disclosure of materials and methods used in artwork. The festival reserves the right to remove work that:

• Does not match the quality represented in submitted images
• Is considered inappropriate or inconsistent with festival standards

The Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts & Crafts Fair does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.