Everything artists + makers need to know about the application process

• You must be the original artist/designer/purveyor of your work
• You have a complete understanding of the creation & craft process needed to make your work 
• You are intimately involved in the design, creation & production process from start to finish
• Limited assistants/apprentices are permitted as long as the original artist is involved in the production as stated above
• Work displayed may only be in the media category in which participant was accepted
• For photographers: Original photography vs. prints should make up the majority of the artist’s booth
• For fine artists: limited edition prints will be permitted, but shouldn’t make up more than 10% of total offerings
• Booth sharing is not permitted unless presenting work is a collaborative collection
• Mass-produced work is not eligible for participation

• Manufactures and technological tools that aid in the production of your item must be disclosed in your application
• Artist can employee limited assistance/apprentices but, they (the artist) need(s) to be onsite and involved during production.
• AI (Artificial Intelligence) usage as a production tool must be disclosed in the application and approved by management. 

• The small business owner 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/Designer cannot break down their booth until after the close of show (Sunday at 5pm)

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

• Artists are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Chicago Public Health Guidelines and for filing/submitting the appropriate permits & liability forms
• Artists 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 to

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.

• 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)

$2,675 per approximate 100sf booth
$400 additional for corner booths

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

$1,350 per approximate 50sf

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 of category.

*Accepted artist can only participate in 1 Holiday or Spring show as an Emerging Artist. For example, Holiday 2026 Emerging Artist will not be eligible for the Spring 2027. Emerging Market.

Please note that the Emerging section is full at this time.

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 orientation guide

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 the online application and submit it before midnight (CST) on the day of the deadline.

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
christy@christyclowphotography.com
christyclowphotography.com

Larry Sanders
Sanders Visual Images
877.726.3377
lzs@gowebway.com
juryimage.com

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.

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

Kathleen Hogan, Managing Director
312.527.7642
khogan@themart.com

Marie Gerbasi, Artist Relations Manager
312.527.7757
mgerbasi@themart.com