The Gurnee Arts Commission is hosting its inaugural Gurnee Arts Festival on the Plaza on August 22 from 11 am to 3 pm at Welton Plaza. The rain date is August 29 at the same time and location. This Fine Arts Festival will feature fine arts and live performances including music, dance, and theater from the local community. This festival will be complemented by local food trucks and interactive fine arts activities for kids and adults alike. Welton Plaza is located at 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031.

The Gurnee Arts Commission is looking for local artists to display their artwork in a pop-up gallery format in a 10” x 10” white canopy tent. Fine Art includes, but is not limited to, drawing, painting, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and digital illustration. Artwork must be original and created by the artist. No work from molds, kits, or manufactured items.

Timeline:
  • Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - application deadline, there is no fee to apply.
  • Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - notification date
  • Friday, July 10, 2026 - $50 vendor fee due
  • Saturday, August 22, 2026 - event set up from 8am to 10:30 am, event is 11 am - 3 pm. (Rain date: Saturday, August 29)
General Notes:
  • We will accept a maximum of 20 artists
  • A 10’x10’ white tent is required. Artists are responsible for providing their tent, display tables, chairs, materials they need within their booth, and will handle all sales and packaging required. Tents will be on the grass, and are required to be staked or weighted, electricity and generators are not permitted. No sharing of booth spaces is permitted. All spaces are assigned beforehand. Displays must remain within the 10’x10’ booth space. Each artist is responsible for their own tent, display, sales, packaging, and collecting sales tax.
  • Tents can be rented from Leaping Lizards for $165 and will be set up for you before the event. (Setup will include a table and two chairs). https://www.leapinglizardsevents.com/category/tents/25/10x10-frame-tent#BodyContent
  • There is a $50 booth fee, due July 10, 2026. Payment and signed waiver form is your commitment to this show for both dates, August 22 and the August 29 rain date. There are no refunds. The jury process is closed. Please provide 3 quality digital images, they will be viewed on a computer. Photos must be representative of the work to be sold.
  • We will have one artist demonstration per hour (actual demo time is 45 minutes, 15 minutes to pack up and another demo to set up), a total of 4 demonstrations. Demos will take place in the circular plaza under its own tent.
  • Artists will have a drop off/pick up area and then will need to carry/cart their artwork to their preassigned booth site.
  • This is a free public event; parking is nearby and free.
  • Pets are prohibited at this event.
  • The Gurnee Arts Commission will promote artists and this event through social media, some paid, and traditional media and we ask you to also promote the event.
  • The Gurnee Arts Commission will provide and publish a festival program with an event site map.
  • Food will be available from food trucks at the event. Live music, dance, and theater from the local community are also at this event.
Next Steps once Selected:
Once the Gurnee Arts Commission has reviewed and selected the vendors for the Gurnee Arts Festival on the Plaza, we will reach out with a required waiver form, vendor checklist, and information on how to pay the $50 vendor fee.

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* 1. Please enter your full name.

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* 3. What is your contact phone number?

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* 4. Please provide your address.

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* 5. What is the name of your art business? (How you'd like to be listed in the program)

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* 6. What type of art do you primarily sell?

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* 7. Please provide an Artist Bio

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* 8. Please share any social media pages or website.

Please send 3 photos that represent the artwork you plan on selling at the Gurnee Arts Festival on the Plaza.

Please email gurneeartscommission@gmail.com by Monday, June 15, 2026.

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* 9. If you are interested in demonstrating your artwork, please choose a time below.

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* 10. Please describe your proposed demonstration.

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