Call Description

FOR THE SECOND YEAR, DUE TO ONGOING RENOVATION WORK AT HIDDEN RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE ART FAIR WILL BE HELD AT HIGHLAND PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:30 - 4:30

ART AT HIDDEN RIVER is sponsored by Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education in cooperation with Highland Park Middle School and with the artistic assistance of Artists' Circle, a Minnesota non-profit organization since 1997. The art fair is held on the same day as Grand Meander, the special holiday promotion of Grand Avenue Businesses in Saint Paul, on the first Saturday of December. Highland Park Middle School is located in St. Paul at 975 Snelling Avenue South.

This art fair provides an opportunity for 80 artists to sell their work in an easily accessible, conveniently-located indoor space during the holiday season. This show is run by artists for artists. The jury, a knowledgeable panel, selects a balanced show. All decisions of the jury are final. We reserve the right to determine which entries fit the parameters of art and fine craft as applied to this event, and to make final judgments on all rules.

Application Requirements

Artists are required to submit four images of their artwork and one image of their booth set up/display.  If artists do not have a booth display image, you may set up and photograph an approximation of how your work will be displayed.
When adding your portfolio images in CaFE, be sure to include brief explanations of techniques and materials. Please be clear about the source of your materials: ex. 'I use handmade paper'. Is that handmade by you or purchased? 'I make laser cut jewelry'. Do you have your own laser cutter or do you send your designs to a company for cutting?

The jury fee is $30 or $20 for Artists' Circle Members.

The booth fee is $130 - payable on acceptance.

Artists' Circle offers an Emerging Artist Entry-Fee Scholarship that encourages artists who are new to juried art fairs, to exhibit and sell their work.  More information can be found at artistscircle.org.

You should receive jury results no later than August 4. Please add artistscirclemn@gmail.com to your contacts so emails that are sent BCC (blind carbon copy) from this address will be deliverable.

Contact Tracy at artistscirclemn@gmail.com with any questions.

Eligibility Criteria

Participation is open to 100 artists who produce art and fine craft. These include (but are not limited to) basketry, clay, digital art, drawings, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, painting, photography, print-making, sculpture, wood, watercolor, and wearables. Personal care products (soap, lotion, etc.) do not fit the parameters of fine craft as defined for this show.

All artwork must be both designed and produced by the applicant artist. No kits, commercial patterns, or molds may be used. Studios involved in volume production are not permitted. Artists must be present at the art fair to exhibit their own work. Only one artist per booth; spaces may not be shared unless all artwork is fully collaborative with all applicants contributing to the creation of the art pieces; all names must appear on the application.

Artwork is juried on the basis of quality, originality, craftsmanship, creativity, skillful use of materials, presentation, and marketability.