Artisan Market Vendor Applications will open on Monday, January 23, 2023.

 

Call for Artisan Market 2024 artisans! Present your outstanding wares to more than 6,000 visitors this summer at the Artisan Market in the beautiful setting of Winterthur’s garden and estate.

Events at Winterthur relate to the history, natural environment, and mission of the museum, garden, and library. Artisan Market evokes the mission of Winterthur by showcasing local artisans through a variety of handmade crafts relating to art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques, and gardening as well as artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods. Each of these categories connects to Winterthur’s past, and we invite you to make a bit of your own history with us during this special weekend.

Please review all details below before applying to be considered for Artisan Market.

Contents

Dates and Times
Application Details
Types of Artisans
How Applicants are Evaluated
Artisan Spaces
Load-in/Breakdown
Market Locations
Terrain
Tents and Stands
Fees
Notifications of Acceptance
Payment
Waitlists
Cancellations
Insurance and Licenses
Promotion
Photography
Weather and Refunds
Concierge Service
Security
Artisan Grants
Sponsorships
Other Happenings

Dates and Times

This year Artisan Market will be a three-day market and will take place from July 19–21. Please find the times the market will be open each day below.

• Friday, July 19 | 12:00 – 6:00 pm
• Saturday, July 20 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sunday, July 21 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

All artisans must join for all three days of the market in its entirety.

Application Details

• Each year, all interested artisans will submit an artisan application online for consideration. Given the competitive nature of the application process and Winterthur’s desire to have a variable selection of vendor mediums, your acceptance from previous years does not guarantee acceptance in future years.
• All applications are reviewed together once applications close on March 11, 2024, and spaces are filled by ware category. A limited number of spaces per category are available within each hub to allow for differentiation across the Market. (See “Types of Artisans” for more information.)
• On average, 400+ applications are submitted for the Market, and we will accept about 100 vendors for 2024, with three to five artisans per category.
• Please review the descriptions for the types/locations of applications being accepted for the 2024 Artisan Market and apply to the one that best corresponds to your wares: Artisan Tent Vendor, Aspiring Artisan, Market Bites, and Food Truck.
• Applications will be available online in late January, with final decisions made by April 1, 2024. Applications must be submitted online by March 11, 2024, to be considered. Artisans may request their first location preference, but it is not guaranteed. No changes are able to be made once acceptances have been sent.
• Accepted vendors will receive an acceptance letter via email during the end of March (by April 1, 2024) and will have five (5) business days to submit payment to reserve their space. After April 5, 2024, any vendor who has not submitted payment will relinquish their space.
• A waitlist will be kept in case any accepted artisans can no longer attend. (See “Waitlists” for more information.)

Types of Artisans

• Antiques
• Artwork (any medium)
• 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
• Vintage clothing and accessories
• Woodworking

How Applicants are Evaluated

• Artisans must create handcrafted products only. (See “Types of Artisans” for more information.) We hope to showcase innovative items that are differentiated, small-batch and connect to Winterthur’s history and mission.
• Applicants are reviewed based on ingenuity, originality, design, and aesthetic with the hope of weaving the connection of modern-day wares with that of Winterthur and its history.
• A connection to your community and an active social media presence are required since this is a collaborative market with many cross-promotional opportunities to engage and connect communities throughout the weekend.
• We strongly consider artisans with a positive, energetic, and collaborative attitude.
• Artisans must remain for the entirety of the three-day market. No shows or departing early for any of the Market days (July 19–21, 2024) will result in not being welcomed back in the future.
• 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 2024 Artisan Market at Winterthur. Winterthur will tag/credit the artisan in any photography or videography used for promotional purposes.

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Artisan Spaces

Outdoor Tent Spaces include locations at the Visitor Center Patio, Port Royal Circle, West Circle, Clenny Run Lawn, and Enchanted Woods Lawn:

• Artisans may apply for a 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ space and must stay within these boundaries.
• A 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ peaked white tent with clear side panels, one (1) 8′ table, and one (1) folding chair will be provided for each vendor, unless otherwise noted in the application/acceptance process.
• Additional tables and chairs may be rented for an additional cost. Please indicate additional needs on the application. You are welcome to bring your own tables/chairs as well.
• Additional 8′ tables are $15 each, and additional chairs are $8 each.

Market Bites Artisans will be outdoors near the Greenhouses:

• These spaces will have a Market Stand (6′ L by 4′ W by 40″ H) with a canopy and one (1) stool per space.
• All spaces will be on a paved surface, and parking will be adjacent in the Greenhouse Parking Lot.
• There will be limited space for back-of-house storage, so artisans will have access to their vehicles throughout the weekend to replenish as needed. All spaces must maintain a clean and appealing aesthetic throughout the weekend (no trash, boxes, etc., within the space).

Aspiring Artisans will be indoors at Brown Horticulture Learning Center:

• One (1) 8′ table, one (1) navy linen tablecloth, and two (2) chairs will be provided for each space inside the Brown Horticulture Learning Center.
• All artisans within this space will park in the Greenhouse Parking Lot (adjacent to the building) for the weekend.
• There will be limited space for back-of-house storage (beneath the table only), so artisans will have access to their vehicles throughout the weekend to replenish as needed.

Load-in/Breakdown

• All requests for additional rental equipment (chairs or tables) must be made during the acceptance process. No additions may be made after the payment/acceptance is submitted. Artisans may bring their own additional tables/chairs (except Market Bites & Aspiring Artisan vendors), but no other tents or structures may be sourced for any location.
• Artisans are responsible for their own setup and breakdown. Winterthur staff cannot provide assistance. Should 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. Please be adequately prepared to complete setup on your own.
• We highly suggest bringing a stepladder to assist with tent side panels as they do require some strength and height to attach along with zip ties to secure your tent space each evening (neither will be provided).
• You will need to walk some distance from the parking location to your tent, with uneven terrain, slopes, stairs, etc. Please 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.
• 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.
• Winterthur cannot provide volunteers to cover a tent while an artisan takes a break. Please plan accordingly with additional assistance. Each artisan will receive (2) two “Vendor Artisan Badges” to allow additional assistance in their space throughout both days. For any additional help required, please plan to reserve a ticket for Artisan Market either online or with the reservations team over the phone (800.448.3888 ext. 7029).
• Electricity and wifi are not available. Please be sure to provide your own hotspot or necessary means to process electronic payments (credit cards + cash to be accepted).
• Staked trash cans will be located behind the vendor spaces. Please place trash in these receptacles.
• 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)

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Market Locations

Visitor Center Patio

• The Visitor Center Patio is located behind the Visitor Center, where all guests will enter and exit each day, and just outside the Café, which will be a hub for food and beverages.
• All spaces are on a flat, paved surface, with tents ballasted on the patio.
• Tented 10‘ x 10’ space fee is $550; Tented 10’ x 20’ space fee is $1,100
• This space will have about nine artisans with seating available on the patio and the Pavillion Café open just inside with additional seating

Port Royal Circle

• This is a new location for 2024 and is located just outside the door where guests exit from the tour of the house.
• All spaces are on a flat, paved surface, with tents ballasted on the pavement.
• Tented 10‘ x 10’ space fee is $475
• This space will have about six artisans.

West Gallery Circle

• This is a new location for 2024 and is located just outside the entrance to the Galleries.
• All spaces are on a flat, paved surface, with tents ballasted on the pavement.
• Tented 10‘ x 10’ space fee is $475.
• This space will have about four artisans and will likely have a food truck within the area as well.

Clenny Run Lawn

• Located behind the Museum Store and adjacent to the house and Galleries. All tents here are staked in the grass.
• Clenny Run is the first shuttle stop and within the inner traffic flow of guests walking from the Visitor Center to the house and Galleries.
• All spaces are on a flat grassy surface, with tents staked into the ground. This space is accessible by stairs or a slight slope in the grass, which should be kept in mind when planning setup/breakdown. For Load-In/Breakdown, vendors can park in the Post Office Parking Lot. Artisans must navigate stairs, a slight hill, and uneven terrain to reach their tent location. Please consider bringing carts or additional assistance.
• Tented 10‘ x 10’ space fee is $475; Tented 10’ x 20’ space fee is $950
• This space will have about 30 artisans with food available within the Cottage Café of the Museum Store, seating on the patio and live music throughout the weekend.

Enchanted Woods Lawn

• Located on Garden Lane between Enchanted Woods and the Sundial Garden, along the tram route. All tents are staked in the grass. Some tent spaces will require artisans to walk a short distance for load-in/breakdown.
• Tented 10‘ x 10’ space fee is $400; Tented 10’ x 20’ space fee is $800
• This space will have about 30 artisans and will have the “Garden Café” area with seating, food and beverage, a cooling tent and live music throughout the weekend.

Market Bites Spaces | Greenhouses

• This space is adjacent to Brown Horticulture Learning Center near the historic greenhouses. This will be the second location for guests walking from the Visitor Center, and there will be a shuttle stop here as well.
• Includes a 6′ L x 4′ W x 40″ H wooden Market Stand with canopy and one (1) stool.
• All Market Stands will be placed on the paved walkway between Brown Horticulture Learning Center and the greenhouses. No tent is provided or permitted within this space.
• This area will be exclusively for culinary artisans (food and beverage) to share samples and sell products.
• Artisans within this area will park in the Greenhouse Parking Lot for the weekend to allow easy product replenishment since back-of-house storage is limited.
• Market Stand spaces will be $250 for the three-day market.
• This space will have about 10 artisans with seating available within the Greenhouses, food and beverage available within this hub, live music throughout the weekend, and restrooms/water fountains available just inside the adjacent building, the Brown Horticulture Learning Center.

Aspiring Artisan Spaces | Brown Horticulture Learning Center

• This indoor area is adjacent to the Market Bites spaces. Artisans who apply for this space must be in business for fewer than three years to be considered an aspiring/emerging/up-and-coming artisan.
• Includes one (1) 8′ table, two (2) chairs, and one (1) navy linen tablecloth.
• Artisans within this area will park in the Greenhouse Parking Lot (adjacent to the building) for the weekend to allow for easy product replenishment since back-of-house storage is limited to beneath each table.
• Aspiring Artisan spaces will be $250 for the three-day market.
• This space will have about 10 artisans.

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Terrain

The terrain at Winterthur varies, with uneven surfaces and unpaved paths. All artisan spaces will require you to walk some distance to transport items during load-in/breakdown. For most tent spaces, artisans will need to navigate slopes, hills, and stairs. Cars cannot be parked near artisan spaces. All artisan spaces are on grass, except the Visitor Center Patio, Port Royal Circle, West Gallery Circle, Market Bites, and Aspiring Artisans locations.

• Please be mindful that Winterthur is a historic garden, and all areas of the estate should be respected and navigated by the rules put in place by staff. No driving on grass is permitted. Should you wish to visit ahead of time to see the space and plan logistics, you are welcome to do so.
• During Load-In (Thursday, July 18, 2024), you are welcome to bring as many helpers as you need. Only one car is permitted at the Load-In location, but additional help may walk to your vendor location.
• Two representatives from an artisan shoppe are welcome to run the booth and will receive “Vendor Badges” for the weekend. Additional help will need to purchase a ticket for the Market.

Winterthur will make every attempt to provide you with your choice of location, but our goal is to have diverse offerings in each hub and for the entire Market. If one location is full, you will be offered another.

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

Tents and Stands

Artisan Tents

• 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ Econo XP High Peak Tent
• Center mast has up to a 7″ adjustability and a brass wheel in the base for ease of erecting
• Galvanized-steel welded fittings
• An upright base with up to a 6″ adjustability and a 1-1/8″ hole for an additional anchoring option to be used with standard anchoring and guying requirements
• 1/4″ white vinyl-coated cables
• Top-tensioning system using 1″ ratchets with vinyl covers
• White vinyl-coated cross cable supports a “flying” center pole that eliminates standing center poles, creating an open and unobstructed interior space; the cables connect to the corners

Market Bite Artisans Stands

• Dimensions | 6′ L x 4′ W x 40″ H

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Fees

Fees are based on location and space type. Please refer to the “Artisan Locations” and “Terrain” sections 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 | $1,100 per 10′ x 20′ space
• Port Royal Circle: $475 per 10’ x 10’ space
• West Gallery Circle: $475 per 10’ x 10’ space
• Clenny Run Lawn: $475 per 10′ x 10′ space | $950 per 10′ x 20′ space
• Enchanted Woods Lawn: $400 per 10′ x 10′ space | $800 per 10′ x 20′ space
• Market Bites: $250 per 6′ L x 4′ W x 40″ H wooden Market Stand with canopy
• Aspiring Artisans: $250 per indoor space; includes one (1) 8′ table, one (1) navy linen tablecloth, and two (2) chairs
• Food Truck: $250 per space for three-days | $100 per single day space; includes paved space to park within the Winterthur garden. Must have all licenses and permits up to date to serve and sell food in Delaware.

We do 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.)

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, table, chair shade, cooling tent rentals, transportation rentals and much more in order to execute the expanse of this event.

Notifications of Acceptance

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.

Payment

• After the acceptance notification emails have gone out (by April 1, 2024, via email), artisans will have five (5) business days to remit payment in full for their space(s). After April 5, 2024, 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 with a credit or over the phone with Winterthur’s reservation team (800.448.3883 ext. 7029). 
• Within the acceptance email, artisans will be required to finalize their application details and needs for the weekend (table/chair requirements, boxed lunch order, “Be Your Own Artisan” interest, “Meet the Artisan” interview, etc.). Payments and application details must be submitted within five (5) days of acceptance to confirm your space.
• A short waitlist will be kept for artisans who are not accepted for 2024 and will be contacted via the email on the application should a space become available.
• Should an artisan no longer be able to attend, written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than May 20, 2024, to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given after May 20, 2024, for artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions can be made.
• For questions about payment, please contact Abigail Miller at amiller@winterthur.org.

Waitlists

• 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, 2024, 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 100 for 2024. 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, please 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.

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Cancellations

Should an artisan no longer be able to attend, written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than May 20, 2024, to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given after May 20, 2024, to artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions will be made.

Insurance and Licenses

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 1, 2024.

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

Promotion

• 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 website will have each artisan featured to allow guests the opportunity to visit your website/social and learn more about your craft leading up to the market.
• Vendor photos will be used to promote each artisan on social media. 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.

Photography

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 2024 Artisan Market at Winterthur. Winterthur will tag/credit the artisan in any photography or videography used for promotional purposes.

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Weather and Refunds

• 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 Brown Horticulture Learning Center and Aspiring Artisans will move indoors to the Visitor Center if event organizers determine the weather not on our side.

Concierge Service

• 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.
• Artisans will receive “slips” within the welcome packet that can be utilized to track items for pickup. Please communicate this service to your guests as they visit your space.

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Security

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 at your tent or stand overnight.

Artisan Grants

A limited number of financial grants are available for vendors wishing to participate in Artisan Market. Grants cover the cost of an artisan space in the Enchanted Woods hub ($400 value) for the entire Market weekend (July 19–21, 2024). To apply for a grant, please complete the application by March 11, 2024. Grant recipients will be notified by April 1.

Sponsorships

Winterthur’s Artisan Market will take place on July 19 – 21, 2024, with an anticipated attendance of 6,000+ visitors from across the region. Marketgoers will stroll the Winterthur estate to shop, eat, and learn about the history of Henry Francis du Pont’s former home and world-renowned garden

Sponsorship Opportunities and Application

The deadline for certain sponsorship levels will be April 1, 2024, to ensure that sponsorship information meets deadlines for printed materials.

Other Happenings

• Within the Market Bites area of the garden, there will be a food stand, seating options, music, and historical tours of the area.
• Live music performances will happen throughout the estate across the weekend at Market Bites, Clenny Run Lawn, and near the Enchanted Woods Lawn.
• Some artisans will be part of the “Be Your Own Artisan” (BYOA) initiative. Artisans will offer a hands-on/DIY component within their space. These artisans will be noted on the Market Map and Artisan Market website as a BYOA vendor (denoted by an asterisk) so guests can easily locate them during their visit.
• Local food trucks will be on the estate, offering a variety of cuisines.
• Guests are welcome to enjoy a self-paced tour of the house during Artisan Market or to explore the Galleries and current exhibitions: Outside In: Nature-inspired Design at Winterthur.

 

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July 17–19, 2026 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Showcase your exceptional wares to more than 7,000 visitors this summer at Artisan Market in the beautiful setting of Winterthur’s garden and estate.

Rooted in Winterthur’s rich heritage, this annual summer event highlights the work of talented regional artisans across a variety of disciplines including art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques, and gardening—categories that reflect the museum’s legacy and mission.

We invite you to apply to be part of this unique opportunity to connect with an appreciative and enthusiastic audience.

Applications for 2026 are currently closed. Sign up to receive a reminder when applications are live.

Vendor Details

Please review the following details before finalizing your application. 

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Applications

Please review the descriptions for the types of applications being accepted for the Artisan Market and apply to the one that best corresponds to your wares.

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Grant Opportunities

A limited number of financial grants are available for vendors wishing to participate in Artisan Market. Grants cover the cost of an artisan space in The Galleries ($350 value) for the entire Market weekend (July 17-19, 2026). To apply for a grant, please complete the application (available January 12) by March 9, 2026. Grant recipients will be notified by April 1.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Explore our Artisan Market Sponsorship Opportunities and inspire 7,000+ visitors from across the region. Please contact Jennie Brown jbrown@winterthur.org for additional questions.