2024 Festival Dates
August 10 & 11
October 12 & 13
We will begin accepting applications for 2024 in January.
Each year, the Chaffee Art Center presents our Annual Summer and Fall Art in the Park Festivals featuring fine artists and craft persons, specialty foods, kid’s activities, and musical entertainment. Shows will be held rain (snow)or shine in Main Street Park at Junction of Routes 4 & 7 in Rutland, Vermont. Estimated attendance 6000+. Shows draw attendees from Vermont and adjacent states plus tourists who travel to/through Vermont. Exhibitors consistently report good sales and a high degree of satisfaction with the events.
NOTE: 2023 Exhibitors who bring in a NEW exhibitor who has never done either show before will receive $25!
“Recruiting” exhibitors name must be written on the New Exhibitor’s application to be eligible.
APPLICATION FORMS:
Application Regulations
Application Form
Food Vendor Application
$25 Early Bird Discount for 2024 if application is made by April 1, 2024.
BOOTH SPACE SIZES:
Art & Craft Exhibitors
Outdoor 10’ x 12’ deep, $250
Outdoor 20’ x 12’ deep, $375
Food Vendors
Outdoor 10’ x 12’ deep, $250
Outdoor 20’ x 12’ deep, $400
BOOTH SPACES: If accepted to the show, you agree to the space you are assigned. No booth changes are allowed and only one exhibitor per space. Outdoor booth spaces are laid out around permanent park fixtures (trees, branches, sloping ground). If you have special needs, please indicate needs on your application. A $25 premium fee is charged if you request a preferred booth space (i.e. corner, specific booth number and location, etc.) It is first come, first serve, and as always we will try our best to place you in or near a requested spot. If there are changes in the park such as tree plantings, some spaces may be adjusted from where they were previously mapped.
Please bring protective covering for your booth as the shows are held rain, snow or shine. Electricity is available for an additional charge (non-refundable) and is limited to one electric plug-in per space. Contact Sherri at 802-775-0356 to discuss. Electricity is assigned on a first come, first serve basis in spaces around the gazebo. Exhibitors must supply their own electric cords. High voltages cannot be accommodated. No other electricity or generators are permitted for art and craft exhibitors.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:
- All potential new exhibitors will be juried. The Art in the Park Festivals are dedicated to high quality art and craft products. We are looking for fine art of any media and handcrafted items of good taste and high quality. Originality of design and function are the factors most sought by our jurors. No kits, commercial molds, imports, manufactured or mass-produced items, or buy/sell items allowed — original designs only. Failure to adhere by this rule will be grounds for expulsion and elimination from future shows.
- Work shown in digital images must be representational of the work being exhibited and must be made by the applicant/exhibitor. Sale and/or display of work in a category other than the one in which the artist was accepted for is prohibited.
- “Sale” signs are prohibited. Show specials, seconds, and discontinued items allowed.
- Eligible categories to include but not limited to: Fine Art, Ceramics, Fiber, Floral, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Musical Recordings, Photography, Wood, Mixed Media, Specialty Foods. Number of exhibitors per category limited; applications are juried on a first come, first serve basis until a category is full.
- Vendors giving out food samples must provide a rider on their insurance naming the RAAA/Chaffee Art Center as additional insured during AIP participation. It is due three weeks before AIP.
DIGITAL IMAGES: New vendor applicants need to email three professional quality digital images of their work, plus one digital image of their booth. Images need only be submitted once per year. If sending a CD please write your name on the CD or CD case, CDs will not be returned. Email: [email protected]
PARKING REGULATIONS: Parking rules must be strictly adhered to as shows are held in the middle of the City of Rutland and parking is limited. The City of Rutland and the Art in the Park committee therefore insist that after exhibitors set up, they move their vehicle to the parking area(s) specified. Please note that you may not drive on the grass or asphalt bike path. Parking around Court Square is available for customers during show hours. We have added Exhibitor designated parking areas.
Note: We do keep an inventory of license plates and will request vehicles be moved during show hours.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Artists are encouraged to demonstrate their art or craft, if possible. An engaged attendee buys.
HOURS:
August 10 & 11 — Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm.
October 12 & 13 — Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm.
SET UP/TEAR DOWN: Exhibitors must be set-up and ready for the public a half hour before festival starts and remain until close of show each day. Exhibitors MUST attend each day. No-shows and exhibitors who dismantle their booth set-up early for any reason including weather will jeopardize their acceptance to future shows. If there is an emergency or if extenuating circumstances arise prior to the close of the show; please go to the Chaffee tent to notify us BEFORE disassembling your booth.
REFUNDS/WITHDRAWALS: Your check will be deposited when received. Booth fees are nonrefundable. Booth Fees will only be refunded if you are not juried into the show.
SECURITY: Overnight security will be provided Friday and Saturday nights; however, the Rutland Area Art Association/Chaffee Art Center will not be held responsible for any damage or theft to your booth or merchandise.
SALES TAX: You are responsible for collecting and paying Vermont State Sales Tax. Vermont tax representatives randomly check shows. For a Vermont Sales Tax Number, call/write Vermont Dept. of Taxes, Business Tax Division, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-1401. (802) 828-2551.
FYI:
- Dogs must be on leashes and practice social distancing.
- Exhibitor coffee and donuts will not be offered, however, a $5 voucher will be included in packet given out upon arrival to be used at food vendor booths at the event.
- We are focusing on getting the word out through print, radio and social media promoting the event. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please share with your customers, family and friends! Link our website with your www.chaffeeartcenter.org.
Exhibitor Amenities:
- Volunteers … we hope to have volunteers to help but it has been more challenging in recent years
- Hotline (use if need arises for booth sitter or in emergency) 802-353-6605
- Chaffee Buck$ that attendees spend in the park during the shows
- Chaffee storage for back up merchandise (arrange prior to set up date)
- $5 voucher to use at food concessions
- Overnight security
- Nearby Vendor parking areas
- $25 per referral (see details)
- Weblink from Chaffeeartcenter.org to your website FREE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Sherri Birkheimer Rooker
Cell 802-353-6605
Chaffee Art Center, 16 South Main Street, Rutland, VT. Contact: www.chaffeeartcenter.org; [email protected]; 802.775.0356.