Calls for Artists

Merry Marketplace 2026
Call for Artists

Celebrate the season with Merry Marketplace, Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City's annual holiday art market featuring original, handmade artwork by talented regional artists. From unique stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind statement pieces, Merry Marketplace has become a favorite holiday shopping tradition for our community—and an exceptional opportunity for artists to showcase and sell their work.

This year, artists may participate in one or both of the following opportunities, creating multiple ways to connect with holiday shoppers throughout the season.

Option 1: Expanded Holiday Gift Gallery

November 13 – December 12
Cornwell Gallery

Be part of a month-long holiday shopping experience featuring a curated collection of juried, handcrafted artwork in all mediums. The Cornwell Gallery will be transformed into a festive holiday gift gallery showcasing unique, affordable artwork priced between $6 and $100—perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Artwork Drop-Off: October 26–30

Accepted artists will complete an electronic inventory form prior to artwork drop-off. Detailed instructions will be provided upon acceptance.

Option 2: Merry Marketplace Pop-Up Art Market

Friday, November 13 | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Saturday, November 14 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Kick off the holiday season during our signature two-day indoor holiday art market! The entire arts center is transformed into a vibrant shopping destination featuring artist booths, festive décor, live holiday ambiance, and hundreds of handcrafted treasures.

Visitors are invited to browse original artwork, enjoy wine, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats, and experience the joy of supporting local artists while finding meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts. It's a festive weekend that celebrates creativity, community, and the spirit of the holidays.

Whether you're looking to fill your booth with holiday shoppers for the weekend or have your work available throughout the season, Merry Marketplace offers a wonderful opportunity to share your art with thousands of holiday visitors.

EVENT INFORMATION

Crooked Tree Arts Center’s 2026 Holiday Bazaar is a showcase of original art available for purchase during the winter holiday shopping season. The juried exhibition will be installed and available for sale in the CTAC galleries Artwork displays will be set up by CTAC’s Visual Arts staff.

GENERAL INFORMATION

EXHIBITION CALENDAR

• Exhibition runs November 13 - December 17, 2026
• Apply on-line: August 21 - October 9, 2026
• Notification of acceptance via email: October 13, 2026
• Accept Invitation by October 17, 2026
• Drop-off: October 27 - November 3, 2026
• Pick-up: January 5 - January 9, 2026
• Opening Reception: Friday, November 13, 2026

OPEN TO

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be a US resident
• Must submit a minimum of 10 images of items representative of the work that will be exhibited
• Must include price points
• 2D and 3D work accepted
• All media are eligible

APPLICATION FEE

• $15, non-refundable

EVENT INFORMATION

​Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, Michigan, is now accepting submissions for the exhibition quiet hours: nocturnes, an exhibition exploring the beauty, mystery, and atmosphere of night. We are seeking contemporary works that capture nocturnal scenes, moments of reflection, and the interplay of light, shadow, and environment through a variety of artistic mediums.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Applicant Calendar

• The exhibition will be on display in CTAC-Petoskey’s Atrium Gallery October 24 - November 28.
• Submit entries online September 21 - October 4, 2026.
• Notification will be sent by email on October 6, 2026.
• The artist is responsible for transporting work to and from Crooked Tree Arts Center (Petoskey), either through shipping or in-person drop-off and pick-up.
• Work must be delivered to Crooked Tree Arts Center (Petoskey) by Monday, October 19, 2026 during posted CTAC gallery hours.
• If shipping artwork, the artwork must arrive with a return shipping label.
• Unsold artwork must be picked up during gallery hours on December 1, 2026 or by appointment.
• Works delivered with return shipping arrangements will be sent by December 3, 2026.

​Eligibility

This opportunity is open to local artists living within Emmet, Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Mackinac Counties. Works must be original works of art. Works of all mediums are eligible.