About This Call
The Tower Square Fine Arts Fair is a juried, original-only show created to set a new standard for art events in Southern Illinois. The event takes place in the newly revitalized Tower Square Plaza, a vibrant public gathering space.
Summary
The Tower Square Fine Arts Fair is a juried, original-only show created to set a new standard for art events in Southern Illinois. Extensive planning, research, and collaboration with artists have shaped this inaugural event, which was developed to fill the void left by a beloved regional arts and crafts fair that concluded its remarkable 49-year run.
Presented by the City of Marion, Illinois, the event takes place in the newly revitalized Tower Square Plaza, a vibrant public gathering space. The pedestrian-friendly plaza features beautiful landscaping, enhanced public amenities, and a growing collection of restaurants, boutiques, and specialty retailers.
To maintain the quality and reputation of the show, priority is given to artists who bring fresh perspectives and work not commonly seen in the region.
Tower Square Art Fair is first weekend in June 2027
- Friday, June 4 from 4pm–8pm
- Saturday, June 5 from 10am–8pm
- Sunday, June 6 from 11am–5pm
Eligibility & Accepted Mediums
Tower Square Art Fair is open to all artists 18 years of age and older. Artists must be present to exhibit their work during all hours of the festival. Representatives are not permitted to substitute for the artist(s). All artists must present a photo ID at registration.
All work represented must be of an original concept executed and designed by the artist(s) in attendance. In addition, work done by a production studio is not accepted. No work which has been made with commercial kits or patterns allowed; no digital fabrication allowed.
Artist can apply in multiple mediums, and if accepted in both can display both in one booth. Up to 3 applications per artist is accepted.
Accepted Mediums
- Clay: Fired pieces constructed using clay, whether thrown, hand-built or cast in artist-made molds.
- Fiber: Work crafted from fibers including wearable art, basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, leather work, paper making, etc.
- Glass: Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are crafted by glass blowing, molding, casting or stained glass.
- Jewelry: Jewelry handcrafted from precious jewels and metals, semi-precious stones, clay, polymer clay, glass, fiber, paper, pebbles, glass, wood, lab-created gems and found objects.
- Mixed Media: 2D or 3D work in which the final piece incorporates more than one medium.
- Painting: Original artistic creations using Watercolor, Gouache, Encaustic, Acrylic, Oil on an appropriately prepared 2D surface.
- Photography: Photographs made from the artist's original image, printed by the artist or under the artist's direct supervision.
- Printmaking and Drawing: Printed original works for which the artist has hand manipulated the plates, stones or screens; and artistic creations using chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, and ink.
- Sculpture: 3-dimensional, non-functional objects which are carved, modeled, constructed or cast from a single medium.
- Wood: Original works that are hand-tooled, machine worked, turned or carved. The primary material must be wood.
Artist Amenities
- Booths are spaced comfortably from each other and do includes 2 foot storage space behind each booth.
- City Hall will be open for every morning coffee and light breakfast for artists
- Easy loading and unloading (Drop Off on Friday Afternoon)
- Booth sitters and volunteers on each block
- Overnight security
- Air-conditioned break room with snacks, water, and private bathroom is on festival grounds at City Hall
Awards
3 Awards of Excellence will be presented Saturday afternoon.
Images
Upload five images on Zapp. Four must represent the work you will exhibit; the fifth must show your booth display with the work visible. Please do not submit images with your name/picture in them.
- Submit images of professional quality that are clear and sharply focused.
- The booth image must represent your current work, showing overall continuity and presentation. Booth images should NOT indicate your name, website, or business name. Failure to omit this may result in disqualification.
- An artist statement must also be included detailing your process. As this is a blind jury process, please do not include any mention of your name, website or business.
Booth Information and Fees
- 10' x 10' booth space - $300.00
- 10' x 10' corner booth - $350.00
- 10' x 20' booth space - $500.00
Artists are to provide their own professional grade 10x10 WHITE TENT and any display items required to set up your display including tables and chairs.
Jury Details
The panel reviews images in a blind jury process (the artists' identities are not disclosed to jurors). Each set of five images is shown simultaneously. Each artist's statement will be visible during the viewing. Each image's materials, dimensions, and price range are also available. Scores are based on a 10 point scale. The top 69 artists receive invitations; high-scoring artists not initially invited are added to a wait list.