Handmade Neighborhood Artist Information
Applications to sell at Handmade Neighborhood have closed for the 2021 sale.
Apply Online August 1 - September 10 annually for the November sale. Mark your calendars!
Tips for a great application:
Apply Online August 1 - September 10 annually for the November sale. Mark your calendars!
Tips for a great application:
- PLEASE READ ALL the application information carefully and thoroughly.
- Include a detailed description of your products and HOW you create them. What inspires you to make what you do and what is your artistic process?
- Take good pictures! The jury looks for 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 or late 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.
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. 10. 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 space fee of $55 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. To offer a wide variety there are limited spots for similar products. The selection of items is based on craftsmanship, originality, and to curate a varied and unique offering. 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.
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. 10. 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 space fee of $55 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. To offer a wide variety there are limited spots for similar products. The selection of items is based on craftsmanship, originality, and to curate a varied and unique offering. 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.