WINONA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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2020 Handmade Neighborhood Artist Information

Handmade Neighborhood 2020 is adapting to a virtual platform this year for the safety of the artists and shoppers. Beginning Saturday, November 21, 2020 through December 21, 2020 artist profiles will be featured online with links to each artist’s online store or other ways to buy from each artist. Here are some links and tips as you prepare. Thank you for being a Handmade Neighborhood Artist!
Just like the in-person sale event, artists are responsible for their own sales. You can sell your products however you safely choose too, via phone, appointments, but we suggest having an online store to make it as easy for folks to shop as possible. Note your Handmade Neighborhood listing will only have limited images of your products. 
Here are few platforms to check out if you are not already set-up:
Square 
Amazon 
Etsy 
​There are also numerous free website hosting companies if you want to show what you have for sale but don't want to sell online:
Weebly (connects to Square)
Wix
Wordpress
​
Squarespace (Not to be confused with Square - the folks that made the Super Bowl Commercial in Winona)
Facebook and other social media that allow you to create albums, or even sell, are options too! It is up to you and your comfort level.

Artist Application Information

Applications to sell at Handmade Neighborhood are only accepted online. Applications closed September 20 for the 2020 sale. Please mark your calendars for August 2021 to apply for next year!  

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We are hopeful that the 2021 sale will again be in-person. Check back here for more information and to apply in August. 
​BE READY! TIPS FOR A GOOD APPLICATION
  • PLEASE READ ALL the application information carefully and thoroughly. 
  • Include a detailed description of your products and HOW you create them.
  • Take good pictures! We are judging based on the quality of your work, so use good lighting and arrangements that highlight how awesome your creations are.
  • Be sure not to miss anything. Incomplete applications will not be considered for acceptance. 
  • Before submitting your application materials, especially double-check that you entered a valid email and website link. If your email address doesn't work, we will not be able to reach you!
All items sold at the Handmade Neighborhood (HMN) must be original and made by hand by the participating artist(s). Each artist (or group of artists sharing a booth) will be juried based on the artist's statement, process, and images of work. Agents and sales representatives for individual artists (or groups of artists) are not eligible, although collaborative art or goods are allowed. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Originally established by a group of Winona area artisans, Handmade Neighborhood continues to strive to create a unique market with this primary criteria: 
1) All items must be handcrafted by the applying artist(s).
2) Items must be produced in Southeastern Minnesota or Southwestern Wisconsin. 

Accepted participants will be chosen through a jury process. Applicants will be judged based on quality of work, originality, and technical difficulty. Categories will be limited to provide a varied selection to shoppers. This event is open to all mediums of original art and craft. Please note that previous participation at Handmade Neighborhood does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants are equally judged each year, new or returning.

All applicants will be asked to upload pictures of their work. Note: You will need a google account created for this upload.

FAQs from Artists

Am I eligible?
We require that all items sold at the sale must be designed and handmade by you and your group/guild/collective, and that it be locally produced in Southeastern MN, Southwestern WI, or Northeastern IA. Preference is shown to work that is original to the creator rather than assembled. The artist must be in attendance for the whole event date to sell their wares.

How do I apply?
Handmade Neighborhood artist applications are only accepted online (see above). Complete applications are then juried for selection and artists will be notified by email if they were selected for the sale or not. 

When is the deadline to apply?
The online application portal opens August 1 and closes Sept. 1 annually. Late entries will only be given consideration if spots are unfilled after the original due date. 

How much does selling at HMN cost?

It is free to apply, then if accepted through the jury process, vendors pay a booth fee to seal the deal.

What does “juried” mean?
Each completed application is evaluated by an organizing committee that it meets the requirements. Applicants are judged first and foremost on the process, quality, creativity and originality of their wares. Secondary consideration is given to maintaining an eclectic, complementary mix of local artists and artisans; the Handmade Neighborhood team is committed to curating a diverse and interesting market to draw the largest number of serious customers. Finally, keeping it local is of great importance to us, so applicants residing within driving distance of Winona County will be given preference.

What is the jurying process?
Selections are based on the artistic process, originality, and quality of handmade, locally produced items. Normally, to offer a wide variety there are limited spots for similar products. With a virtual sale this year due to COVID-19 we are not limited by physical space, but will still offer a selection of items based on craftsmanship, originality, and curate a varied and quality online offering just as the in-person sale.  Being a past vendor does not guarantee selection, we give equal consideration to all applicants each year. 

How does the sale event work?
The Handmade Neighborhood sale is an annual event the Saturday before Thanksgiving with about two dozen artisan booths throughout the Winona County History Center's Laird Norton Addition. Each artist pays a booth fee, with a double booth option if available. Booths are approx. 6 x 8 feet. Each artist is responsible for their own sales. Wifi is available for card transactions. Load in times are assigned the day before or morning of the sale. All booths must be set-up and ready for customers by 10 a.m. and not taken down before 4 p.m. Plan your booth with thoughtful design, boutique quality displays and room for shoppers. The sale day often sees over 1000 shoppers. 
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