MartinArts invites Treasure Coast area artists to apply to be an exhibitor at ArtsFest on February 7 & 8, 2026 in Memorial Park, downtown Stuart.
Local Emerging Artist Program at ArtsFest Stuart offers early-career artists or those with limited festival experience a dedicated opportunity to showcase and sell their original work in a supportive, high-visibility environment. Participants may exhibit either in a shared tent space at a reduced rate or in a single booth at the standard artist rate. This program offers valuable exposure, meaningful connections within the arts community, and firsthand experience exhibiting at a professional art festival
Please read this prospectus and details listed in ZAPP in its entirety. Artists applying are responsible for the information contained herein. ArtsFest reserves the right to pre-screen and research emerging artists to make sure they are a fit for this category and that they do not have extensive experience exhibiting and selling their work.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: October 1
- Acceptance Notification: November 1
- Booth Fees due: December 1
Applicants to the program must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Florida resident living in the Treasure Coast area.
- Have limited or no prior experience as a festival artist and not be professionally employed in the medium they plan to exhibit.
- Earn no more than 25% of their total annual income from the sale of their artwork.
Rules / Regulations (In addition to rules listed in ZAPP)
- All work must be original, handcrafted work. Artists guarantee the accuracy of the description (technique, materials, and process) of the works presented and the authenticity of the work as the creation of their own hands. All artwork on walls must be framed or otherwise professionally hung.
- ABSOLUTELY NO BUY/SELL. Artists reported and confirmed as selling anything purchased for resale will be asked to pack up and leave the show immediately.
- All artwork displayed (original or prints) must be available for sale at the event. Florida Sales Tax (currently 7%) is the sole responsibility of the participating artist. No commission on sales will be collected by MartinArts.
- Additional prints, giclees, etc. can be for available for sale but NOT displayed on panels. Artists may bring a small print rack or table for these items to be displayed. (Maximum 24” width and depth ONLY)
- Artwork may only be displayed within designated area and may not block walkways for patrons.
- Artists are responsible for their own hanging material requirements (hooks, labels, signs, etc).
- Artists are required to be on-site throughout the weekend to handle all sales and patron questions.
- Professional behavior is always expected.
- Accepted artists may not exhibit in other festivals during the dates of ArtsFest.
- Preference will be given to artists who have exhibited less than 3 times. Artists who have participated previously 2 or more times will be placed on a waitlist and notified on or before January 10 if space is available.
- MartinArts membership is recommended for all participating artists. Details can be found here.
Booth Information
- Each booth space includes a 10' x 10' canopy tent, side walls for overnight protection, and display panels. Artists in the shared tent option will have approximately 12 feet wide by 6 feet high of display space. Display panel example here.
- Artists will be responsible for hanging and removing sidewalls. We suggest bringing a small step stool and helper.
- Set up will be on Saturday morning starting at 8am. (Early arrivals may be turned away)
- Tents may not be accessible to drive in and load-in/load-out artwork from event site. Additional details will be available with set up instructions.
Jury & Booth Fees
- Jury Fee - $35
- Artist Shared tent - $200 per artist (2 per tent)
- Single (1) Artist tent - $350
**New for 2026**
We've moved our Local & Emerging Artist Application to Zapplication.org. When completing your application, please be sure to select "Local Emerging Artist" as your medium category and include your specific medium in the “Description of Materials and Technique” section.
Questions about using ZAPP? Visit their help section: https://artisthelp.zapplication.org/
Let us know if you have any questions—we’re here to help!
