Merry Marketplace 2026

Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City presents Merry Marketplace, an annual indoor holiday art market celebrating handmade, original artwork. Artists can participate in two ways:

Expanded Holiday Gift Gallery (November 13 – December 12): A curated selection of juried, handmade art in all mediums priced between $6 and $100. Artists receive a 60/40 commission (artist/CTAC). Artwork drop-off is October 26–30. Artists must complete an electronic inventory form and consignment agreement prior to delivery. Unsold artwork can be picked up December 14–18, or by appointment on December 19.

Merry Marketplace Two-Day Pop-Up Art Market (November 13–14): A two-day holiday art market with artist booths, seasonal décor, and holiday refreshments. Booth spaces are approximately 8'x6' and cost $125. Artists are responsible for their table and covering; CTAC provides chairs and electricity access. Setup is Thursday 10am–5pm or Friday 8am–10:30am. Takedown is Saturday immediately following the event at 5pm. Artists must be present for both days and are responsible for their own cash drawer, credit card processing, and sales tax.

All applicants must submit five high-resolution images (minimum 1920 pixels on longest side, .JPG format), including four images of current work and one booth presentation photo. Application deadline is September 21, 2026, with a $10 non-refundable fee. Accepted artists must confirm participation and pay booth fees by October 7, 2026. All work must be handmade and original; no commercial kits or mass-produced items allowed. Offset reproductions may be sold but cannot comprise more than 20% of exhibited work. Jewelry designers must be hands-on makers. Average price points should fall within $6–$100 for the Gift Gallery and $5–$250 for the Pop-Up Market.