Event Details
About the Winter Art and Gift Market - Artists
The seventeenth annual Winter Art and Gift Market will be held on December 11 and 12, 2026. The purpose of the Market is to provide a venue for people who make arts and crafts to sell their work to the community. It is not a juried art show; but we do limit how many vendors are selling the same type of art/craft in order to ensure that vendors are successful and that there is a wide variety of items for sale.
The Winter Art & Gift Market returns to the Western Illinois Museum for its second year, bringing together artists, makers, history, and community in one unforgettable space. Set among museum artifacts in a restored historic automobile garage, this is not your typical holiday market. The setting is unexpected, distinctive, and invites exploration, making it the perfect backdrop for original work and creative display.
We're looking for artists who want more than a booth space. Together, we'll create an immersive experience that encourages visitors to explore, discover, and connect with the stories behind your work. Your creativity will help shape the atmosphere of the market.
We know this approach asks for an investment of time and collaboration. By sharing ideas, supporting one another, and thoughtfully designing the event together, we believe we can create a stronger market experience, increase engagement with visitors, and build lasting connections within our arts community.
In addition to the unique venue, the two-day market includes:
Opening Night – Glow Night
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Live music
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Bar service
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A festive evening atmosphere that invites guests to linger and explore
Market Day
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Local musicians
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Family-friendly activities
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Opportunities to showcase the creativity and talent of our region
Past Art and Gift Markets were highly successful in both attendance and sales, as can be seen in photos of the 2025 Market on our website.
Deadline for applications is Saturday, October 3, 2026. Sellers will be notified of acceptance by October 10, 2026. Please click for Market Information and Rules, Application and Payment, Digital Image Upload. If you have any questions contact artgiftmarket@gmail.com.
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2026 Winter Art and Gift Market
Information & Application Form
Western Illinois Museum
201 S Lafayette, Macomb, IL
Information & Application Form
About the Market….
Set among museum artifacts in a restored historic building, this is not your typical holiday market. We're looking for artists who want more than a booth space. Together, we'll create an immersive experience that encourages visitors to explore, discover, and connect with the stories behind your work. Your creativity will help shape the atmosphere of the market.
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The Market will take place 5:00-8:00pm, Friday, December 11 and 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday, December 12.
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Live music will enhance the Market experience both days.
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A cash bar will be available at the Friday Glow Night
Information for Vendors….
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Vendor Selection
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All items must be the work of the applicant.
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Commercial products, buy-sell items, and food items are not accepted.
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An appropriate balance for the entire market is considered when determining the number of vendors accepted for each medium.
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Up to 20 vendors will be selected.
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Vendor selection will be decided by the AGM Committee.
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All decisions by the committee are final.
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Vendor Spaces
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Spaces are of varying shapes--not the traditional 10’x10’ booth space.
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Spaces are arranged to fit into museum displays and use museum artifacts to showcase the artists’ work.
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Artists are encouraged to bring rechargeable or battery powered lighting to supplement the lighting in the main room, and to focus light directly on their work, especially for the Friday evening market. There are a few electrical outlets, but not many.
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A variety of furniture is available to use for display of your work. Portable, open-grid display walls no larger than 3 feet by 5 feet are allowed since there is very little wall space. The museum can provide chairs.
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Set-up times
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Vendors may begin to set up at 3:00pm on Friday and at 9:00am on Saturday. Displays may be left set-up in place overnight as the museum will be locked.
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Sales Tax
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Each vendor is responsible for paying applicable sales tax on their sales. The museum does not assume responsibility for payment of sales tax.
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Application Information
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Individuals or small groups may apply for a single selling space.
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The vendor fee is $50. Fees are due with application, refundable if applicant is not accepted or if event is cancelled.
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Fees and three digital photos of work per seller must accompany the application form. Photos must show items you wish to sell, either individual items or a few items grouped together. Please do not send booth photos; we want to see the items you make. We will use the photos in our advertising.
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Application deadline is Saturday, October 3, 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Vendors will be notified of acceptance by October 10, 2026.
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Submission of an application is not a guarantee of acceptance to the Art and Gift Market.
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AGM Artists 2025
2025 Winter Art and Gift Market Images
