Apply to Artisan Market

Artisan Market 2026 is July 17–19, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. All artisans must join for the entire length of the three-day market.

Please review the following details before finalizing your application. 

• Applications open January 12 with a deadline to apply by March 9. Final decisions will be made by April 1, 2026. 
• Accepted artisans will receive an acceptance letter via email by April 1, 2026, and will have five (5) business days to submit payment to reserve their space. Review the payment link in your acceptance email. After April 1, any artisan who has not submitted payment will relinquish their space.
• The deadline to cancel space for Artisan Market is April 15. No refunds will be given after this date. No exceptions will be made.
• Should an artist not be accepted because spaces are filled, artisans are welcome to apply for the 2026 Holiday Market. Applications will be live in summer 2026 with the Holiday Market on Nov. 21, 2026.

All artisans of the Artisan Market must craft handmade items to be considered. Examples of such include:

• Antiques
• Artwork (any medium)
• Clothing and Accessories (handcrafted)
• Garden and floral items
• Glasswork
• Gourmet packaged culinary goods (small batch, artisanal style)
• Handcrafted Beauty Products
• Handmade Furniture and home décor items
• Jewelry
• Metalwork
• Pet accessories
• Pottery
• Sculptures
• Textiles
• Woodworking

Artisans must create handcrafted products only (see “Types of Artisans” for more information). We showcase innovative items that are differentiated, small-batch, and connect to Winterthur’s history and mission.

Applications are evaluated on ingenuity, originality, design, and aesthetic, with particular emphasis on how modern-day wares connect to Winterthur’s heritage. Booth presentation and overall visual appeal are also key considerations to ensure alignment with the caliber and vision of Artisan Market. 

• A strong connection to your community and an active social media presence are required. As a collaborative market with extensive cross-promotional opportunities, social media engagement plays a key role in building excitement and connecting communities throughout the weekend. The Artisan Market Team reviews all applicants’ social media accounts as part of the evaluation process.
  
• We strongly consider artisans with a positive, energetic, and collaborative attitude.
• During the review process, the Artisan Market Team will visit each applicant’s website and social media channels to confirm that their wares, aesthetic, style, and quality align with Market goals.
  
• By accepting an invitation to the Market, artisans grant Winterthur the right to select and use brand, product, or company-related photos from their website and/or social media for marketing and promotional purposes related to the 2026 Artisan Market. Winterthur will tag and credit artisans in any promotional photography or videography used.

• Artisans must remain for the full three-day market (July 17–19, 2026). No-shows or early departures will result in exclusion from future participation. 
• Load-in times must be adhered to. This is a required commitment and should be considered when applying, as it is essential to the extensive Market buildout, coordination of internal logistics, and smooth navigation of onsite operations for the museum and garden. 
  • For Tent and Emerging Artisans, load-in will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Exact timing will be assigned based on each artisan’s location and space number, with the schedule finalized by June 2026. 
  • For The Galleries, Market Bites, Farmers Market, and Food Trucks, load-in will take place the morning before the first day of the Market (Friday, July 17, 2026, starting at 8:00 am due to the location and the nature of perishable products. 
• By accepting an invitation to the Market, artisans grant Winterthur the right to select and use brand, product, or company-related photos from their website and/or social media for marketing and promotional purposes related to the 2026 Artisan Market. Winterthur will tag and credit artisans in any promotional photography or videography used. 

Refer to our Garden Map for orientation to the estate and vendor spaces.

Outdoor Tent Spaces 

Locations Include: Visitor Center Patio, West Gallery Circle, East Gallery Circle, Clenny Run Lawn, and Sundial Garden Lawn:

• Artisans may apply for a 10’ x 10’ or 10’ x 20’ space at the following locations. Each space includes a peaked white tent with clear side panels (learn more).  
  • New this year: no tables or chairs are provided. Artisans must bring their own for their tent space, if needed. 
• Additional tents or structures are not permitted within assigned spaces to maintain safety and consistency. Parking near these locations is limited, and driving on grass is restricted, so be prepared to carry or use a pull cart for up to 40 yards.
• Parking will be in the “Cutting Garden” which is the designated vendor parking on the estate. 
• All tent artisans are required to load in on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Outdoor Market Bites Spaces (The Greenhouse Area) | Culinary Artisans  

• Exclusively for culinary artisans (food & beverage) with about 15 artisans within this space. 
• Includes one 8′ table and navy linen, beneath a sailcloth tent on a paved space (no additional tents or guest-facing tables allowed). 
• Located adjacent to Brown Horticulture Learning Center near historic greenhouses; shuttle stop nearby, seating, restrooms, and live music. 
• Parking in Greenhouse Parking Lot with easy weekend access for replenishment as there is limited back-of-house storage. 
• Artisans will load in each morning of the Market (July 17–19, 2026) to protect perishables. 
• All spaces must remain clean and visually appealing throughout the Market (no trash or boxes visible). 
• Space fee: $350 for the three-day Market. 

Indoor at The Galleries  

• Includes one 8’ table, one navy linen and two chairs; no additional tables permitted. There will be about eight (8) artisans in this space. 
• Located between the West and East Gallery Circles in the Galleries Reception area, this space serves as the direct passageway between the two sides of the estate, with the Exhibition housed within the building too. All guests will pass through this area. 
• Load-in on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 8:00 am. 
• Space fee: $350 for the three-day Market. 

Indoor Emerging Artisans Spaces (Brown Horticulture Learning Center)  

• To qualify as an “Emerging Artisan,” applicants must have been practicing their craft for less than three years. There will be about ten (10) artisans within this space. 
• Includes one 8’ table, one navy linen, and two chairs. 
• Located indoors at the Brown Horticulture Learning Center, adjacent to Market Bites spaces. 
• Parking in Greenhouse Parking Lot adjacent to the building for easy replenishment access; limited storage beneath table only. 
• Space fee: $300 for the three-day Market. 

Farmers Market Artisans (Fields of General Parking Area)  

• New location within the fields of the General Parking area, where approximately 90% of guests will park and check in for the Artisan Market. 
• The location is easily accessible — farm trucks can enter directly from Route 52, avoiding the winding roads of the Winterthur estate and vendor cars will be able to be parked close by for ease of setup/replenishment/departure. 
• Artisans are responsible for providing all their own setup needs, including tents, tables, chairs, and any other equipment. 
  • Farm trucks, tents, tables, signage, and other setups are all welcome. Vendors will arrange their spaces as they see fit, and no tables/chairs/tents will be provided to vendors. 
  • Electricity is not accessible, and we cannot guarantee Wi-Fi in this area (please be sure to have your own hotspot, POS system, plus cash options for payment). Winterthur will offer no services to include trash, overnight storage, or security. Vendors will be self-sufficient and leave the space as you found it. The Artisan Market (and Farmers Market portion) will be rain or shine. 
• Participants will need to provide the following licenses and permits that pertain to their product and space to Winterthur and have a hard copy of each on-site for the weekend. Please be sure to have all that apply:
  • Certificate of Insurance (must submit to Winterthur).
  • Food Handling License (if applicable) 
  • Compliance with State and Local Regulations: You must comply with state and local health regulations regarding the harvest, preparation, labeling, and safety of your products. This includes labeling requirements for cottage food (home-produced food). 
• Artisans are welcome to arrive starting at 1:00 pm and may remain until 4:00 pm, as many guests tend to make purchases as they depart for the day. 
• Space Fee: $100 for the three-day Market.

Food Trucks  

• Food trucks will be placed by the Artisan Market team in designated spots within the Greenhouse Area (2–4 trucks), West Gallery Circle (1 truck), East Gallery Circle (1 truck), and Sundial Garden (3 trucks) to ensure a diverse selection of cuisines throughout the Market. 
• All Food Trucks are required to use inverter generators to ensure a quiet and enjoyable guest experience. If you do not currently have an inverter generator, do not apply unless you are able to provide one for use during the Market. 
• All food trucks must provide valid permits and licenses required to sell food safely and legally in Delaware. 
• Space fee:  
  • One Day: $100  
  • Two Days: $200  
  • Three Days: $250  

Thursday, July 17,  8:00 am–3:00 pm* |  Load-In Day for Tent and Emerging Artisans 

Friday, July 18, 8:00 am |  Load-in Day for Market Bites, The Galleries, Food Trucks, and Farmers Market

*The exact time will be determined based on the location of your artisan space. Do not apply or accept if you are unable to load in on this day.

• Setup and Breakdown: Artisans are responsible for their own setup and breakdown. Winterthur staff cannot provide assistance. If you need help with Load-In or Weekend Setup/Breakdown, you are welcome to have helpers accompany you during those times. This is an intensive process for artisans with regards to the weather, terrain, tent panels, etc. Prepare adequately to complete setup on your own.
  • For Load-In, only one vehicle per artisan is permitted at the designated load-in location; however, you may bring as many helpers as needed, who will walk to assist with setup. 
• Suggested Equipment: Bringing a stepladder is highly recommended to assist with attaching tent side panels, which require height and strength. You will also need zip ties to secure your tent each evening—these will not be provided. 
• Terrain and Parking: Expect to walk some distance from the parking location to your tent, with uneven terrain, slopes, and stairs. Plan accordingly to be self-sufficient on Load-In and Breakdown days. Accepted artisans are welcome to visit Winterthur prior to the market to view their location and consider logistics.
• Market Attendance and Hours: Artisans must remain in their spaces for all three days. No booths or items may be taken down or removed prior to the end of each day of the Market. Should an artisan dismantle their space prior to the end of Market Day or weekend or not attend one of the days, that artisan will not be welcomed back.
• Breaks and Assistance: Winterthur cannot provide volunteers to cover a tent while an artisan takes a break. Plan accordingly with additional assistance or become friendly with your booth neighbors. Each artisan will receive (2) two “Vendor Artisan Badges” to allow additional assistance in their space throughout both days. For any additional help required, plan to reserve a ticket for Artisan Market either online or with the reservations team over the phone (800.448.3888 ext. 7029).
• Facilities and Utilities: Electricity and Wi-Fi are not available. Bring your own hotspot or necessary means to process electronic payments (credit cards and cash to be accepted).
• Security and Insurance: While Winterthur has 24-hour security, we cannot assume responsibility for your items. Plan accordingly. Vendors must carry their own insurance and provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI). 
• Weather Preparedness: As this Market will proceed rain or shine (within safety parameters), come prepared with tarps, bins, or other water protective materials.
• Trash and Cleanliness: Staked trash cans will be located behind the vendor spaces; place trash in these receptacles. All boxes must be broken down, and no trash is to remain at or near your space each day. Please be mindful of the estate and hardworking Facilities team.
  • All artisans are expected to present a clean and aesthetically pleasing space for the entirety of the Market (no trash, boxes, clutter, etc., should be visible to guests)

The terrain at Winterthur varies, with uneven surfaces, unpaved paths, slopes, hills, and stairs. All artisan spaces will require you to walk some distance to transport items during load-in/breakdown. Cars cannot be parked near artisan spaces, and driving on grass is strictly prohibited to protect the historic gardens. 

While Winterthur will make every attempt to provide you with your choice of location, assignments are made to ensure a diverse and balanced selection of artisans across each hub and for the Market as a whole. Alternate locations may be offered if your preferred space is unavailable.

View our Garden Map for additional details on where each hub is located and an insight into the terrain at Winterthur.

Fees cover the costs associated with producing Artisan Market, including but not limited to marketing and advertising, space and venue rentals, permit and licensing fees, vendor tents, police and public works, cooling tent rentals, transportation rentals and much more in order to execute the expanse of this event. Winterthur does not take any commission on sales, and there is no application fee. In addition to the space, all artisans are included in the Artisan Gallery on the Winterthur website and will have many opportunities for free promotion on our social media channels and in our email marketing. (See “Promotion” for more information.) 

Artisan Fees  

Fees are based on location and space type. Refer to the “Artisan Locations” for more details about each area. The fee for each includes a vendor space for the three-day Artisan Market.

• Visitor Center Patio: $550 per 10′ x 10′ space   
• Market Bites: $350  
• Emerging Artisans: $300 
• Clenny Run Lawn: $475 per 10′ x 10′ space | $950 per 10′ x 20′ space  
• West Gallery Circle: $475 per 10’ x 10’ space   
• The Galleries: $350   
• East Gallery Circle: $475 per 10’ x 10’ space 
• Sundial Lawn: $400 per 10′ x 10′ space | $800 per 10′ x 20′ space   
• Farmers Market: $100 
• Food Truck: $250 for three days; $200 for two days; $100 for one day  

Payment

• After the acceptance notification emails have gone out (by April 1, 2026, to the email on the application), artisans will have five (5) business days to remit payment in full for their space(s). After April 6, 2026, if payment has not been received, that artisan space will be relinquished and offered to another artisan. 
• A specialized link will be included with the acceptance notification email that will direct artisans to a payment portal. Payment may be made online by credit card or over the phone with Winterthur’s reservation team (800.448.3883 ext. 7029). 

Should an artisan no longer be able to attend, written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than April 15, 2026, to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given after April 15, 2026, to artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions will be made. 

• A short waitlist will be kept for artisans who are not accepted for 2026 and will be contacted via the email on the application should a space become available.
• For questions about payment, please contact Abigail Miller at amiller@winterthur.org.

Artisans are notified via the email address listed on the application. Should an artisan not be selected, they will be placed on a waitlist and may be contacted should a space become available. We do not offer rolling acceptance; instead, we will review and then contact all applicants at the same time (by April 1).

• A small waitlist of applicants who submitted materials by the application deadline is kept to fill cancellations. Artisans who have not been accepted will be emailed by April 1, 2026, and may be contacted until Artisan Market weekend, should spaces become available.
• On average, 400+ applications are submitted for Artisan Market, and we will accept about 150 for 2026. Each year, the committee reviews all applications with a fresh eye. Participation in a previous year does not guarantee acceptance in a future year because we aim to offer new artisans the opportunity to showcase their crafts each year.
• A limited number of artisans (3 to 5) will be accepted per category to allow for variation and differentiation across the Market.
• We thank you for your interest in joining Artisan Market at Winterthur. If you are not accepted, do not be discouraged from applying again. The goal of the Market is to allow an equal opportunity for all artisans to share their craft with visitors while connecting the weekend to Winterthur’s history and mission.

Written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than April 15, 2026, to receive a full refund should an artisan no longer be able to attend. No refunds will be given after April 15, 2026, to artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions will be made.

Winterthur is not responsible for insuring artisan items or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage. All accepted artisans are required to have liability insurance, and artisans must add Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library to their liability insurance and provide documentation showing this addition, along with a copy of their liability insurance declaration page. All products requiring licensing must have a copy of the appropriate license on file with Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.

You are welcome to use whatever insurance you wish. Should you need assistance with insurance options, we have negotiated a discount with Artist Crafters & Tradesmen (ACT) insurance for non-food liability coverage and Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) for food vendor liability coverage. The discount coupon code for $5 off your policy is winterthur5. Use the links below to purchase coverage:

• ACT Enrollment Link:  https://app.actinsurance.com/events/6779
• FLIP Enrollment Link: https://app.fliprogram.com/events/6780

Accepted artisans only, please submit proof of insurance by June 15, 2026.

Artisans are expected to obtain all licenses or permits required for offsite events for their respective business.

• Artisan Market will be promoted through an integrated marketing strategy across paid, owned, and earned channels.
• The Market will be featured in Winterthur’s Calendar of Events, which is mailed to 22,000 homes each quarter (the market will be included in three calendar mailings), and in weekly emails, which go to approximately 33K recipients.
• A dedicated Artisan Market webpage will have each artisan listed to allow guests the opportunity to visit your website/social and learn more about your craft leading up to the market.
• Acceptance and payment for a vendor location grants Winterthur and its agents the right to videotape, film, and photograph you and use your likeness and any photos submitted in connection with the commercial production and in the distribution and exhibition thereof. Please contact amiller@winterthur.org with questions.
• All artisans are expected to actively partner with Winterthur to help promote Artisan Market. Please share Artisan Market details through e-mail blasts, printed promotional materials and social media channels. When posting on social media, please tag @winterthurmuse for reposting and sharing opportunities. Winterthur will share a “marketing toolkit” with suggested language, imagery, and timeline for posts should you wish to use toward your promotional efforts.

The Winterthur Artisan Market team will visit artisans’ websites and social media channels during the review process to determine the wares, aesthetic, style, and quality align with the goals of the Artisan Market. With acceptance to the Artisan Market, Winterthur reserves the right to select any brand, product, or company-related photos from the artisan’s website and/or social media to use for marketing and promotional purposes for the 2026 Artisan Market at Winterthur. Winterthur will tag/credit the artisan in any photography or videography used for promotional purposes.

• The event is rain or shine for all three days. No refunds will be given should Artisan Market have to be canceled or shortened due to unpredicted threatening or unsafe weather.
• For severe weather, please reference the Emergency & Weather Protocol document.
• Market Bites artisans will move indoors to the Visitor Center Café if event organizers determine the weather is not on our side.
• While the tents provided are high quality and include gutters, seals, side panels, and other protective elements, they are not built or guaranteed to be entirely rainproof.

• For guests who purchase any items that are oversized (e.g., furniture, lawn items, paintings, etc.) and unable to be carried by hand or taken on the tram/shuttle, guests are welcome to use the Concierge Product Delivery service provided by the Winterthur team.
• Items will be transported to the Picnic House (a small building located toward the back of the Visitor Center Parking Lot), where guests can pick the item up as they are ready to depart. 
• Artisans will receive “slips” within the welcome packet that can be utilized to track items for pickup. Kindly communicate this service to your guests as they visit your space.
• This service is noted for guests on the Artisan Market website’s FAQ section. Please encourage guests to take advantage of this valuable service. 

Winterthur is not responsible for insuring artisan items or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage. The grounds are staffed by a security team, should you wish to keep items in your tent or stand overnight.

For artisans interested in being beneath a 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ tent within the historic garden, please use this form.

For artisans interested in an indoor space within The Galleries at an 8′ table, please use this form. 

For culinary artisans (food and beverage) interested in having a 6′ L x 4′ W x 40″ H wooden Market Stand with canopy, adjacent to the Brown Horticulture Learning Center and historic greenhouses, please use this form.

For emerging and up-and-coming artisans who have been in business fewer than three years and would like an 8′ table space within the Brown Learning Center, please use this form.

For artisans who would like to be considered to receive a grant to join Artisan Market, please use this form.

For food trucks owners who would like to join Artisan Market weekend, please use this form.