When and where is the art sale being held?
The sale will be held in the auditorium at Shadelands Art Center on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 7 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
- Sunday, December 8 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Who is eligible to apply?
The sale is open to Center for Community Arts' instructors and students who are currently taking a studio class or have taken a studio class within the past 4 quarters (Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024). This event celebrates our students and instructors with an opportunity to sell handcrafted artworks to our community members. Please see Artist Vendor Agreement for more information regarding eligibility.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online by Sunday, September 1 at 5:00 pm in order to be considered. As a part of the application, applicants will be asked to provide at least three (3) photos of work to be sold by uploading files to the online application.
Paper applications are available here. Completed paper applications and photographs can be emailed to handcrafted@communityarts.org/
If I have already emailed work samples for a previous sale, do I have to submit more?
Yes. To ensure the work you are selling is representative of what you plan to sell, we need to review your current work samples.
What will my photos be used for?
Photos will be used for the artist curation process and may be used for marketing and promotional purposes of the Handcrafted Holiday Sale.
What does it mean that the show is curated?
Our Handcrafted Holiday Sale team will select artist vendors based on a set criteria to curate a well-rounded event to ensure that the artists included represent our creative community. Additionally, our curation process helps to see that our participants have a market for their work.
What criteria is used for selecting artists to participate in the sale?
We use the following criteria as a guide during our curation process:
- Handcrafted - Your work is designed and handcrafted by you.
- Quality - Your work incorporates quality materials and is unique and market ready.
- Consistency - Your work is cohesive and consistent, and you provide clear examples for us to see this in your photographs.
- Value - The average price of your items falls within what is typical at the Handcrafted Holiday Sale, providing a balance of quality and accessibility for our attendees.
What are my responsibilities as a vendor?
Vendors are responsible for assembling and disassembling your displays. You are also required to volunteer for a 1-hour shift (2-hours for CAG members and teaching artists) during the duration of the sale. Upon acceptance, you will be asked to sign up for a volunteer shift via an online link provided by Center for Community Arts. You are required to set up and take down your display during the designated times. Artists are welcome to be present throughout the event, however, it is not a requirement.
Center for Community Arts is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged goods.
Room spaces will be open to set up on Friday, December 6 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) and Saturday, December 7 (9:00 am-10:00 am). Vendors are responsible for taking down their displays on Sunday, December 8 (4:00 - 6:00 pm). Vendors are not allowed to take down work earlier than 4:00 pm – no exceptions.
Is there a cost to participate in the sale?
The vendor fee is determined by the size of your display space. You are allowed to apply for a half-table, full table, or full table plus wall hanging space. Wall hanging space is limited.
The fees for each space are as follows:
- Half-table (3'x3') - $55.00
- Full-table (3'x6') - $80.00
- Full table plus hanging wall space (4'x6') - $100.00
Clay Arts Guild members and current Community Arts instructors will receive a discounted space fee as follows:
- Half-table (3'x3') - $40.00
- Full-table (3'x6') - $60.00
- Full table plus hanging wall space (4'x6') - $75.00
Can I apply for more than one table?
No, artist vendors are allowed to apply for one table max per person. Artist vendors can apply to have a hanging wall space as well for an additional fee. Hanging wall space is limited.
Can I apply for just hanging wall space?
No, hanging wall space is not available on its own for this year's sale.
If I am accepted, what does my fee cover?
Your vendor fee will cover the cost of your display space including tables, tablecloths, cashiering and promotional material.
How do I submit my application fee?
Application fees can be paid online through our registration system or by phone. Please call (925) 295-1490 to pay by phone.
What is the payment deadline?
Fees are due on Friday, October 18 at 4:oo pm along with your inventory sheet a completed W-9 form.
Does Center for Community Arts receive commission?
Center for Community Arts will deduct a 25% commission from the sale of your items. CAG receives the 25% commission for all CAG member sales in place of Community Arts.
Do I need a business license to sell at this event?
No, Community Arts will be handling all of the cashiering and sales for this event. However, all artist vendors must submit a W-9 form in order to participate and received payment for sales from this event.
When will I receive payment from Community Arts for my sales?
Payments to artist vendors from Community Arts will be sent in the form of a check by mail in mid-late January 2025.
When and how will I know if I am accepted?
You will be notified of your acceptance by Wednesday, September 18. Submissions that are not selected will receive notifications by this date as well.
How is the sale marketed to the public?
Center for Community Arts uses a variety of outlets to promote the sale including but not limited to postcards, posters, poster distribution services, giveaways, community calendars and social media. Participants are encouraged to help spread the word through postcards and social media. This is a team effort, the more you share – the more successful the sale!
How many people attend the sale?
In past years, typical attendance averaged 1,000+ attendants throughout the course of the weekend.
