Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts Expo 2026

The Evanston Art Center's Winter Arts & Crafts Expo is one of the largest and most celebrated shows in the Chicago area, showcasing original, handmade works by over 150 selected artisans. The Expo features jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more. This month-long event attracts visitors throughout the Midwest region.

Accepted categories include jewelry, ceramics, wood, glass, metal, fiber, leather, wearable textile accessories, mixed media, small 3-D sculpture, and small 2-D works including printmaking, photography, and painting (must be ready to hang). Beautifully crafted ornaments or menorahs are acceptable if artistic quality is very high. All work must be original and made by the artist within the last few years; commercially oriented or mass-produced items will not be accepted. 3-D work may not exceed 50 lbs and 24" in height; 2-D work may not exceed 24" in any dimension unless given special permission. Tabletop work is preferred due to limited floor space.

The Expo runs November 22 through December 20, 2025, with hours 9am-6pm Monday-Friday and 9am-4pm Saturday-Sunday (closed Thanksgiving). Inventory drop-off is November 13-15, and pick-up is December 21-23. Artists must drop off and pick up work in person unless special arrangements are made. Each artist's work will be displayed on approximately 20x30-inch tabletop space or equivalent wall or floor area. The Evanston Art Center charges a 40% commission on all sales. Insurance is provided at no additional fee, valued at the retail price of each piece (maximum $400 per piece). Artists are encouraged to volunteer three 3-hour shifts during the show. A silent auction will be held during opening weekend (November 21-23, 2025), with all proceeds benefiting EAC programs. Notification of jury decisions will be emailed by mid-October. An inventory sheet must be returned by October 22nd.