2026 Visual Artist Application

Thank you for your interest in the Driftless Area Art Festival. Our 22nd annual event will be held September 19-20, 2026 at Beauford T. Anderson Park in Soldiers Grove, WI. We are a juried art festival showcasing original works from artists in the mediums of of painting, ceramics, wood, glass, jewelry, photography, fiber, and more. 

We welcome applications from artists who live or create in the Driftless region of Southwestern Wisconsin, Northeastern Iowa, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northwestern Illinois.

Visit our Application & Guidelines page for more information about becoming an exhibiting artist. (Linked below.)

Our free, family-friendly festival celebrates visual artists, performing artists, culinary vendors, and an inspiring youth art tent- all set against the scenic backdrop of the Kickapoo Valley hills.

Please feel free to reach out to our Festival Coodinator, Kim Anderson with any questions at 608.433.8543 or driftlessareaartfestival@gmail.com.

Image Submission

File format: JPEG (baseline standard)
File size: 500k to 2 MG in size

Submit five (5) images in total. Four must represent the work you will exhibit (done within the past three years); the fifth must show your booth display with the work visible. The jury will consider the photo of your booth as part of the judging process. The photo should represent how your booth will look at the festival. Quality photos are essential; do not crop tight.

If you are submitting work in more than one medium, four (4) images of each medium must be provided to the jury. Your booth photo should display both medias. Only two (2) media per artist will be accepted. Only media accepted by the jury may be displayed at the festival. 

For advice on photographing your work visit: www.driftlessareaartfestival.com/applications--guidelines.html

Jury Process

Representative work of all artists will be juried for quality and originality. There is a non-refundable jury fee for each artist, even if sharing a booth. Please refer to the Jury Process for detailed instructions. 

The jury panel is composed of artists representative of various media. Images will be reviewed in a single session in a blind jury process (the artist’s identities are not disclosed to the jurors). Decisions of the jury are final. Artists will be notified of the jury’s decision by mail shortly after May 1, 2026.

Jury Fees Due March 13, 2026

Jury fees are due upon submittion of your application, though you may choose to mail a check rather than submitting payment electronically. 

Jury Fee - $25  (if mailing check, send separate from Booth fee payment)

After March 13 - $20 Late Fee (include with Jury fee)

Booth Fees Due June 20th, 2026

You may choose to submit your booth fee with your application, or wait until after jury decisions are made. Payment can be made electronically or by mailing a check. Checks will be held until after jury decisions are made.

Standard space (10’ x 10’)—$145           

Double space (10’ x 20’)—$270

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Mailing Address: 
Community Development Alternatives, Inc.
P.O. Box 72, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

I have read the Exhibitor Guidelines and agree to them. I agree to assume full liability for any injury or loss to me or my property during the event. I expressly release Community Development Alternatives, Inc. and its representatives from all liability, or for any loss or injury. Exhibitor agrees to pay for all legal fees and costs in any action resulting from the enforcement of this contract.