dates & deadlines

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply. Application open January 6, 2026.

  • Applications open on January 20, 2026 and must be submitted through ZAPP. Applications submitted by any other method will not be accepted.

  • All applications for the Central Park Art Festival must be submitted through ZAPP by 11:59 PM ET on March 31, 2026. Applications are juried, space is limited, and artists are encouraged to apply early. Incomplete or late applications may not be reviewed.

  • Late applications may be accepted on a limited, rolling basis from April 1 through May 7, 2026, subject to availability. A higher application fee applies.

  • Artists who apply by the regular deadline will be notified of their application status via ZAPP by April 15, 2026. Late applicants will be reviewed and notified on a rolling basis, as space allows.

  • Accepted artists must submit their booth fee by May 15, 2026 to confirm participation. Booth spaces may be forfeited if payment is not received by this date.

  • Artists who cancel on or before June 1, 2026 will receive a refund of their booth fee minus a $100 cancellation processing fee. No refunds will be issued after this date.

  • All accepted artists must submit a valid Certificate of Insurance naming Emerald Creative LLC d/b/a Emerald Art Festivals and the City of Mishawaka, Indiana as additionally insured.

  • Booth setup will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 (morning only). All booths must be fully set up and ready by 9:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

    Detailed load-in schedules, parking instructions, and setup guidelines will be provided to accepted artists in advance.

Mediums

  • Painting

    MEDIUMS VARY

    This category includes original, hand-painted works created using traditional painting media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, and ink. Works must be primarily paint-based and executed by the artist. Mixed media works should be submitted under the Mixed Media category.

  • Mixed Media

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Mixed Media includes original works that combine two or more artistic materials or techniques, such as paint, drawing, collage, printmaking elements, or found materials. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and executed by the artist. Primarily paint-based works should be submitted under the Painting category.

  • ILLUSTRATION

    MEDIUM VARY

    Illustration includes original, hand-created works that emphasize drawing, line, and graphic imagery. Accepted media may include ink, pencil, charcoal, marker, or similar materials. All work must be original and executed by the artist.

  • COLLAGE

    MEDIUM VARY

    Collage includes original works created by assembling layered materials such as paper, photographs, fabric, printed elements, or found materials into a unified composition. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and executed by the artist.

  • PRINTMAKING

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Printmaking includes original works created by the artist using traditional print processes such as etching, lithography, relief, screen printing, monotype, or similar techniques. All work must be original, hand-pulled or artist-produced, and executed by the artist. Commercial reproductions are not permitted.

  • PHOTOGRAPHY

    MEDIUM VARY

    Photography includes original images captured by the artist using a camera and produced through photographic processes. All work must be original and executed by the artist, from image capture through final presentation. Digital manipulation must be artist-driven and may not rely on automated or generative processes.

  • DIGITAL / NEW MEDIA

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Digital / New Media includes original works created primarily through digital processes or emerging technologies. This may include digital illustration, digital painting, digital collage, video-based work, or other technology-driven media.

  • SCULPTURE

    MEDIUM VARY

    Sculpture includes original, three-dimensional works created by the artist using materials such as metal, wood, stone, clay, glass, or other sculptural media. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist.

  • FUNCTIONAL ART

    MEDIUM VARY

    Functional Art includes original, artist-designed works that serve a practical purpose while maintaining a strong aesthetic or artistic focus. Examples may include furniture, lighting, home objects, or utilitarian forms. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist.

  • FASHION

    MEDIUM VARY

    Fashion includes original, artist-designed wearable works such as clothing, garments, and accessories. All pieces must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and constructed by the artist. Mass-produced or commercially manufactured items are not permitted.

  • JEWELRY

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Jewelry includes original, artist-designed wearable works created using materials such as metal, gemstones, glass, beads, fiber, or other jewelry media. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist. Mass-produced or commercially manufactured items are not permitted.

  • Woodworking

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Wood includes original works created primarily from wood using traditional or contemporary woodworking techniques. This category may include sculptural, decorative, or functional pieces. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist.

  • Ceramics

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Ceramics includes original works created primarily from clay and related ceramic materials, using hand-building, wheel-throwing, slip-casting, or other ceramic processes. This category may include functional or non-functional pieces. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist.

  • Glass

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Glass includes original works created primarily from glass using techniques such as blowing, casting, kiln-forming, fusing, or cold-working. This category may include functional or non-functional pieces. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist.

  • FIBER

    MEDIUMS VARY

    Fiber includes original works created primarily from textile and fiber materials using techniques such as weaving, stitching, quilting, felting, embroidery, or fiber-based construction. This category is intended for non-wearable textile works, including wall hangings, tapestries, and fiber sculpture. All work must be original, primarily handmade, and conceived and executed by the artist.

Insurance Requirement

Insurance Requirement

Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026

All participating artists are required to carry their own general liability insurance. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming Emerald Creative LLC d/b/a Emerald Art Festivals (Central Park Art Festival) and City of Mishawaka, Indiana as additionally insured must be submitted no later than June 15, 2026.

Artists who do not submit a valid COI by this date may forfeit their booth without refund.