One of a Kind Show

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Acceptance Criteria for Artists

Artist’s work, booth design and application information will be juried based on quality, authenticity, uniqueness, salability, booth presentation and overall balance of show categories.

Acceptance Criteria

  • You must be the original artist/designer/creator of your work
  • You have mastered the creation & craft process needed to make your work
  • You are intimately involved in the design, creation & production process from start to finish
  • Booth sharing is NOT permitted
  • Fair Trade work is NOT eligible for participation

Production Process:

  • Your work must be created/produced in the country in which you reside
  • Manufactures that aid in the production of your item must be locally sourced. Items produced overseas will NOT be permitted.
  • Artist can employee limited assistance/apprentices but, they (the artist) need(s) to be onsite and involved during production.
  • Reproduction aids such as molds used in jewelry or ceramics must be created by the applying artist
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) usage as a production tool is not permitted at the One of a Kind Show
  • Any technologial production tools must be disclosed in your application

Onsite Show Agreement

  • The original artist must be onsite during the entire duration of the event
  • The only items approved to be displayed in your booth are the items submitted in your application
  • Artist cannot break down their booth until after the close of show (Sunday at 5pm)

Acceptance Criteria (Gourmet Market Only)

Artist approved to participate in the Gourmet Market must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Artist are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Chicago Public Health Guidelines and for filing/submitting the appropriate permits & liability forms.
  • Artist may distribute SAMPLE food and/or beverages.
  • All samples and food for sale must provide clear ingredient labels to help consumers identify and avoid foods which contain ingredients to which they are allergic or sensitive too.

Media Categories

  • Accessories
  • Bath & Body
  • Candles
  • Ceramics
  • Fashion
  • Fiber Art
  • Furniture
  • Glass
  • Gourmet
  • Home Goods
  • Jewelry
  • Kids
  • Metal
  • Mixed Media
  • Painting
  • Paper
  • Pet Products
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Wood

Booth Package

Booth Package Pricing

$2,625 per approximate 100sf booth
$400 additional for corner booths

Booth Package Details

Exhibiting artists get an all inclusive booth package:

  • 8' high hard walls, 1" thick, painted white
  • 4 flood lights
  • Multiple booth configuration options
  • Gray carpeting
  • Drayage (the moving of work to and from loading dock and artist booth space)
  • Standard electrical outlet
  • Chair (upon request)
  • Waste basket (upon request)
  • Booth signage
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Artist Lounge

Emerging Artist Booth Package Details

The Emerging Market is a dedicated space for introducing talented up-and-coming artists, designers and makers. To be considered, you must meet the acceptance criteria listed under “All Applicants” as well as the following Emerging Market criteria.

$1,300 per approximate 50sf

  • First time participant in the One of a Kind Show Chicago*
  • Less than 3 years of experience as a working artist (full time)
  • Less than 3 years of experience presenting your work (at installations, exhibitions, and/or art shows)

Emerging Booth space is typically 50 square feet. Each space will have 1 back wall with NO dividing side walls. Booth assignments are determined by show management based off category.

*Accepted artist can only participate in 1 Holiday or Spring show as an Emerging Artist. For example, Spring 2024 Emerging Artist will not be eligible for the Holiday 2024 emerging market.

Comprehensive Marketing Package

Exhibiting artists are equipped with generous materials and exceptional opportunities to promote their presence and enjoy their experience at the show:

  • Listings in online directory featuring artist images and link, and on-site Show Guide
  • Complimentary marketing materials for artist use including electronic complimentary tickets, show banner ads, and booth signage
  • PR exposure via the show's extensive media relations
  • Opportunities for on-site promotion
  • Pre-show artist webinar
  • On-site educational programming

General Information

Location

THE MART (Indoor venue)
Chicago, Illinois

Show Dates and Times

Thursday, Dec 5th, 10am-7pm
Friday, Dec 6th, 10am-7pm
Saturday, Dec 7th, 10am-7pm
Sunday, Dec 8th, 10am-5pm

Event Summary

The annual One of a Kind Holiday Show Chicago is an extraordinary holiday shopping event featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of North America's most talented artists. The 4-day show is scheduled during one of the busiest weekends of the year and provides an outstanding opportunity for exhibiting artists to sell to tens of thousands of qualified and enthusiastic shoppers in an ideal location and premium environment.

The One of a Kind Show invites artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be a part of the One of a Kind experience in Chicago! Eligible work ranges from giftable craft to premium fine art. Applicants will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Holiday 2024 Floor plan

The Holiday 2024 will be available in the fall.

Show Facts

  • The show is entering its 23rd year
  • Featuring approximately 500 artists, designers and makers
  • Show promotion to our database of over 200,000
  • Held in a premium indoor environment with all inclusive hard wall booth package in the heart of downtown Chicago
  • Top ranked on the Sunshine Artist’s 200 Best list and by ArtFairCalendar.com

Application Process

All applications must be submitted online through Zapplication. To be considered, you will be asked to do the following:

  • Create an online artist profile
  • Prepare and upload 5 digital images in total:
    • 3 images of your work
    • 1 image of your studio/workspace
    • 1 image of your booth/display
  • Submit a $40 USD non-refundable application fee
  • Complete online application and submit it before midnight (CST) on the day of the deadline.

Online Application Process

For an additional fee, one of our preferred professional photographers will update, digitized and format photos (or slides) for your One of a Kind application through Zapplication. Please contact either of them directly at:

Christy Clow
Christy Clow Photography
773.879.4292
[email protected]
christyclowphotography.com

Larry Sanders
Sanders Visual Images
877.726.3377
[email protected]
juryimage.com

Jury Notification

Notification of your jury status will be emailed to you approximately 1 week after the jury selection and posted on your profile through Zapplication. Please do not call.

Accepted artists will receive an acceptance email including a contract, booth payment schedule and additional show information via email. First payment is due with contract no later than 1 week after receiving your acceptance notification.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding applying to the show, please contact:

Kathleen Hogan, Show Director
312.527.7642
[email protected]

Marie Gerbasi, Artist Relations
312.527.7757
[email protected]