--- title: Tarpon Springs Early Elf Art Market 35th Annual 2026 description: >- Holiday art/craft market in Historic Tarpon Springs, FL, Nov 21-22, 2026; jury-selected artists and non-artist vendors, 10x10 booths. url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/49599ef1-f4cc-4581-a68d-90d04910ef8b' type: program status: open createdAt: '2026-10-11' updatedAt: '2026-10-11' programType: Festival/fair organization: 'Tarpon Springs Merchant''s Association / SIK Promotions, Inc.' organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/tarpon-springs-merchants-association-sik-promotions' deadline: '2026-10-20' entryFee: 35 USD location: 'Historic Tarpon Springs, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States' isOnline: false disciplines: - fine art - fine craft - jewelry - wearable art - apothecary & home - folk art & decor careerStages: - Emerging artist - Established --- # Tarpon Springs Early Elf Art Market 35th Annual 2026 **Hosted by:** Tarpon Springs Merchant's Association / SIK Promotions, Inc. **Type:** Festival/fair | **Location:** Historic Tarpon Springs, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States | **Deadline:** October 20, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $35 ## About This Program ### Summary For over three decades, the Tarpon Springs holiday showcase has been a cornerstone of the Florida festival circuit. Now, with a fresh new brand—the 35th Annual Early Elf Art Market—we are inviting the region's finest artists and crafters to join us this November. Sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, this event is the premier alternative to "Big Box" shopping. We are looking for original works from both emerging talent and established masters. - Historic Venue: Set in the heart of Historic Tarpon Springs (1 N Pinellas Ave), a spirited arts destination on the National Register of Historic Places. - The Audience: A loyal, gift-focused crowd looking for high-quality, handcrafted treasures. - No Admission/Parking Fees for Shoppers = High foot traffic and happy buyers. - The Categories: Folk art, ceramics, fine painting, wearable art, luxury body products, pet accessories, and more. - Supportive Promotion: Heavily focused on local media outlets to highlight your talent. Media opportunities available. ### General information The 35th Annual Early Elf Art Market is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse marketplace that honors our 30+ year history while providing a profitable environment for our creative partners. **Artist Amenities & Media Opportunities** - Professional Promotion: Exhibitors are encouraged to submit high-resolution product photos for inclusion in our official press releases and digital event look-books. - On-Site Media Access: We actively invite local press, bloggers, and influencers to cover the event. - Featured Artist Spotlights: Leading up to the event, selected artists will be featured across our social media platforms. - Booth Relief: Volunteer "Booth Buddies" are available for brief breaks. - Overnight Security: Professional roaming security is provided Saturday night. - Recognition: We are proud to feature an "Early Elf Excellence" award. This juried award recognizes one artist for "Best in Show" and another for "Most Creative Holiday Display," with winners receiving a discounted booth fee for the following year. **Accepted Medium Categories** - Fine Art: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Photography, and Sculpture. - Fine Craft: Ceramics/Pottery, Glass, Woodworking, and Metalwork. - Jewelry: Hand-fabricated, precious metals, and artisan-beaded designs. - Wearable Art: Hand-sewn apparel, textiles, and leather goods. - Apothecary & Home: Luxurious body products, candles, and gourmet pre-packaged foods. - Folk Art & Decor: Whimsical garden art, upcycled creations, and holiday-themed treasures. **Site Logistics** - Setup: Load-in begins early Saturday morning (staggered times apply). - Parking: Dedicated exhibitor parking is provided within walking distance of the show site. - Display Requirements: All displays must be professional, with weights of at least 40 lbs per leg. Floor-length table covers are recommended for all display tables to hide storage. **Wait List Policy** Because we limit the number of vendors in each category to prevent "over-saturation," popular categories (such as Jewelry or Soaps) often fill quickly. - Automatic Consideration: If your category is full but your work passes the jury process, you will be placed on our priority waitlist. - Notification: If a spot opens due to a cancellation, waitlisted artists will be contacted in the order they were juried. ### Booth information and fees **Product Guidelines & Standards** - Handcrafted Integrity: To maintain the "Early Elf" brand, all products must be original, handcrafted, or artist-enhanced. - Curated Variety: Please ensure your application clearly lists all items you intend to sell. Items not listed in your original application may be asked to be removed during the event. - Prohibited Items: No drug paraphernalia, weapons, or items deemed offensive by the event jury. **The Setup Process** - Load-In Schedule: Saturday Morning 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM. Earlier set up may be requested in advance. All vehicles must be off the street by 9:15 AM—no exceptions. - Setup Requirements: Your 10x10 space must be "show-ready" by 9:45 AM, with tent securely weighted (40 lbs/leg), floor-length table drapes to hide all bins, boxes, and backstock, and the area kept tidy throughout the day. **Pricing & Fees Summary** - Application Fee: $35, non-refundable, due with application. - Artist/Crafter Booth: $285, standard 10x10 space. - Fair Trade: $385, standard 10x10 space (limit 4). - Services: $1500, standard 10x10 space (limit 4). ### Refund and cancellation policy There is a $50.00 cancellation fee for every canceled booking. All cancellations must be made in writing via email. - 30 days or more before event setup: booth fee refund excluding 8% processing fees plus a $50 administrative fee, or show credit redeemable within one year. Application fees are non-refundable. - 8-29 days before event setup: no refunds; show credit may be available, redeemable within one year. - 7 days or less before event setup: no refunds or credits. Vendors are encouraged to purchase event cancellation insurance. Events are rain or shine; no credits or refunds are issued for weather unless officials direct cancellation for safety. ### Jury details - Average number of applications submitted each year: 150 - Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate: 90 - Average number exempt from jury who are invited to participate: 10 - How returning artists are selected: history of participation - How images are viewed by jurors: computer monitor - Applications sorted and viewed by: application received date - Jurors score applications using: Yes, No, or Maybe - Number of jurors scoring applications: 2 - Jury organization: single jury panel scores applications for all medium categories - Jurors score separately from various locations - Jury process is open for specific times for observation ## Eligibility & Requirements - **Career Stage:** Emerging artist, Established - **Disciplines:** fine art, fine craft, jewelry, wearable art, apothecary & home, folk art & decor - **Note:** The market accepts applications from both emerging and established artists and crafters, as well as non-artist vendors. Because the number of vendors in each category is limited to prevent over-saturation, popular categories such as Jewelry or Soaps often fill quickly; applicants whose work passes jury but whose category is full are placed on a priority waitlist and contacted in the order they were juried if a spot opens. ### Additional Requirements - 4 images (a booth shot is required) - Application fee of $35.00 - Clear listing of all items intended to be sold ## Timeline - **Opens:** October 11, 2026 - **Deadline:** October 20, 2026 - **Program Start:** November 21, 2026 - **Program End:** November 22, 2026 ## How to Apply Apply at: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14255