When and where is the art sale being held?
The sale will be held in the auditorium at Shadelands Art Center on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 5 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
- Sunday, December 6 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Who is eligible to apply?
The sale is open to Center for Community Arts' instructors and students who are currently taking a studio class or have taken a studio class within the past 4 quarters (Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026). Please see Artist Vendor Agreement for more information regarding eligibility.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted by Monday, August 31 in order to be considered. As a part of the application, applicants will be asked to provide at least three (3) photos of work to be sold by uploading files to the online application.
If I have already emailed work samples for a previous sale, do I have to submit more?
Yes. To ensure the work you are selling is representative of what you plan to sell, we need to review your current work samples.
What will my photos be used for?
Photos will be used for the artist curation process and may be used for marketing and promotional purposes of the Handcrafted Holiday Sale.
What does it mean that the show is curated?
Our Handcrafted Holiday Sale team will select artist vendors based on a set criteria to curate a well-rounded event to ensure that the artists included represent our creative community. Additionally, our curation process helps to see that our participants have a market for their work.
What criteria is used for selecting artists to participate in the sale?
We use the following criteria as a guide during our curation process:
- Handcrafted - Artwork is designed and handcrafted by the artist.
- Quality - Artwork incorporates quality materials and is unique and market ready.
- Consistency - Artwork is cohesive and consistent, and the artist provides clear photo examples that demonstrate this.
- Value - The average artwork price aligns with what is typical for the Handcrafted Holiday Sale, helping ensure a balance of quality and affordability for attendees.
What are my responsibilities as a vendor?
Vendors are required to volunteer for at least a 1-hour shift during the duration of the sale. Upon acceptance, artist vendors will be asked to sign up for a volunteer shift. Artist vendors are required to set up and take down your display during the designated times. Artists vendors are welcome to be present throughout the event, however, it is not a requirement.
Artist vendors are required to participate in a virtual Artist Vendor meeting. At this meeting, our team will share expectations for this year's sale, artwork SKUs, and answer any questions from our participants. A recording of the meeting will be provided for those who are not available to attend.
Vendors are responsible for setting up and taking down their displays. Room spaces will be open to set up on Friday, December 4 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) and Saturday, December 5 (9:00 am-10:00 am) for set up. Breakdown will take place on Sunday, December 6 (4:00 - 6:00 pm). Vendors are not allowed to take down work earlier than 4:00 pm – no exceptions.
If I am selected as an Artist Vendor, do I need to be at my table throughout the sale?
Artist Vendors do not need to be present at the sale throughout the weekend. Some artists choose to be at their table to engage with customers. Other artists choose to be at the sale for a part of the day as they are available. Being at your table for any amount of time during the sale is a great opportunity for artists to share their process for making their work and answer any questions.
Artist Vendors are responsible for managing their own work throughout the sale. Center for Community Arts is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged goods.
Is there a cost to participate in the sale?
The vendor fee is determined by the size of your display space. You are allowed to apply for a half-table, full table, or full table plus wall hanging space. Wall hanging space is limited.
The fees for each space are as follows:
- Half-table (3'x3') - $60.00
- Full-table (3'x6') - $85.00
- Full table plus hanging wall space (4'x6') - $105.00
Clay Arts Guild members and current Community Arts instructors will receive a discounted space fee as follows:
- Half-table (3'x3') - $50.00
- Full-table (3'x6') - $70.00
- Full table plus hanging wall space (4'x6') - $85.00
Can I apply for more than one table?
No, artist vendors are allowed to apply for one table max per person. Artist vendors can apply to have a hanging wall space as well for an additional fee. Hanging wall space is limited and not guaranteed.
Can I apply for just hanging wall space?
No, hanging wall space is not available on its own for this year's sale.
If I am accepted, what does my fee cover?
Your vendor fee will cover the cost of your display space including tables, tablecloths, cashiering and promotional material.
How do I submit my application fee?
Application fees can be paid online through our registration system or by phone. Please call (925) 295-1490 to pay by phone.
What is the payment deadline?
Fees are due on Sunday, October 18 along with your inventory sheet a completed W-9 form.
Does Center for Community Arts receive commission?
Center for Community Arts will deduct a 25% commission from the sale of your items. CAG receives the 25% commission for all CAG member sales in place of Community Arts.
Do I need a business license to sell at this event?
No, Community Arts will be handling all of the cashiering and sales for this event. However, all artist vendors must submit a W-9 form in order to participate and received payment for sales from this event.
When will I receive payment from Community Arts for my sales?
Payments to artist vendors from Community Arts will be sent in the form of a check by mail in mid-late January 2026.
When and how will I know if I am accepted?
You will be notified of your acceptance by Friday, September 18. Submissions that are not selected will receive notifications by this date as well.
How is the sale marketed to the public?
Center for Community Arts uses a variety of outlets to promote the sale including but not limited to postcards, posters, poster distribution services, giveaways, community calendars and social media. Participants are encouraged to help spread the word through postcards and social media. This is a team effort, the more you share – the more successful the sale!
How many people attend the sale?
In past years, typical attendance averaged 1,000+ attendants throughout the course of the weekend.
