How to Join the Cherry Creek Arts Festival Denver

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of the most prestigious and widely attended outdoor art festivals in the United States, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually to the vibrant Cherry Creek North neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. Held each July, the festival showcases the work of more than 300 juried artists from across the country, offering a dynamic blend of fine art, live music, culinary experiences, and interactive installations. For artists, designers, and creative professionals, participating in this event is not merely an opportunity to sell work—it’s a chance to elevate their brand, connect with collectors, and become part of a legacy that has shaped Denver’s cultural identity for over four decades.

Joining the Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a competitive, structured, and deeply rewarding process. Unlike open-air markets or vendor fairs, this festival operates under a rigorous juried selection system that ensures only the highest quality work is presented. Success requires more than artistic talent—it demands strategic preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the application timeline, requirements, and evaluation criteria. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for artists and creatives seeking to become part of this iconic event. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time applicant, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and best practices to maximize your chances of acceptance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Festival’s Mission and Audience

Before beginning your application, it’s essential to understand the values and expectations of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Organized by the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, a nonprofit affiliated with the City of Denver and supported by local arts councils, the festival prioritizes original, handcrafted work. The emphasis is on artistic integrity, innovation, and technical excellence. Visitors are typically affluent, culturally engaged, and looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces—not mass-produced goods or commercial merchandise.

Review past exhibitor lists and visitor demographics on the official website. You’ll notice a strong representation of painters, sculptors, ceramicists, jewelers, glass artists, fiber artists, and mixed-media creators. Artists working in digital prints, photography, and limited-edition prints are also welcome, provided they are original and produced in small batches. Avoid submitting work that appears commercially replicated or licensed from third-party sources.

Confirm Eligibility and Requirements

Only individual artists or artist teams may apply. Galleries, resellers, and commercial vendors are not permitted. Each applicant must be the sole creator or co-creator of the work being exhibited. You must provide proof of originality, including images of your studio, tools, and production process. Work must be handmade, and no more than 20% of the finished piece may involve commercially manufactured components (e.g., pre-made frames, purchased findings in jewelry).

You must also be legally able to operate as a vendor in the state of Colorado. This includes having a valid business license, sales tax permit, and liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million. These documents are not submitted during the initial application but will be required upon acceptance. Keep them organized and ready for submission.

Monitor the Application Timeline

The application window for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival opens in early October and closes in mid-December each year. The festival takes place in mid-July, so the selection process occurs over the winter months. There is no late submission option—applications received after the deadline are automatically disqualified.

Mark your calendar: October 1 is when the online portal opens. The deadline is typically the third Friday in December. Results are announced in late February or early March. If accepted, you’ll receive your booth assignment and vendor packet by April. Do not wait until the last week to apply. The system often experiences high traffic near the deadline, and technical delays can occur.

Create a Compelling Online Application

The application is entirely online and hosted on the festival’s official portal. You’ll need to create an account using your legal name and contact information. The portal is user-friendly but requires careful attention to detail.

First, complete your artist profile. Include a professional bio (150–250 words) that highlights your training, influences, medium, and artistic philosophy. Avoid generic statements like “I love to create.” Instead, be specific: “My ceramic work draws from Japanese raku traditions and explores the impermanence of form through controlled cracking and smoke-firing techniques.”

Next, upload high-resolution images. You must submit at least 8 and no more than 12 images. Each image must clearly show one finished piece. Do not include photos of you at work, studio setups, or group shots unless they are part of the portfolio’s narrative. Each image must be labeled with the title, medium, dimensions, and year created. For example: “Whispering Winds

3 – Hand-thrown stoneware, 12” x 10” – 2023.”

Include one image of your booth setup from a previous show (if applicable). This helps the jury assess your presentation skills. If you’ve never exhibited before, submit a mock-up of your planned display using clean, professional photography.

Pay the Non-Refundable Application Fee

The application fee is $55 as of the 2024 cycle. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid via credit card through the secure portal. The fee covers administrative costs and jury evaluation. Do not attempt to bypass this step—applications without payment are not reviewed.

If you are a Colorado-based artist, you may qualify for a fee waiver through the Colorado Creative Industries grant program. Check their website for eligibility and submit your waiver request at least two weeks before the deadline.

Submit Your Work for Jury Review

After uploading your portfolio and paying the fee, your application is submitted to a panel of five independent jurors. These jurors are nationally recognized artists, curators, and arts administrators with expertise in diverse media. They evaluate applications based on five criteria:

• Originality – Is the work uniquely yours? Does it demonstrate a distinct voice?
• Quality of Craft – Is the execution technically proficient? Are materials well-chosen and handled?
• Visual Impact – Does the work command attention? Is there a strong aesthetic presence?
• Coherence – Does your portfolio show a consistent theme, style, or concept?
• Marketability – Is the work likely to appeal to the festival’s audience? Is pricing reasonable and competitive?

Each juror scores applications independently. The top 300–350 applicants are selected based on average scores. A waitlist is created from the next tier of candidates. Approximately 15–20% of waitlisted artists are offered spots if accepted artists withdraw.

Respond to Acceptance or Waitlist Notifications

If accepted, you will receive an email with a link to your vendor portal. You must accept your booth assignment within 72 hours. Failure to respond will result in forfeiture of your spot, and the next person on the waitlist will be offered the position.

If placed on the waitlist, you will be notified by email if a spot opens. This typically occurs between March and early June. Stay alert—some cancellations happen last-minute. You may be asked to confirm your availability within 24 hours. Keep your calendar flexible during this period.

If rejected, the portal provides a brief, generic feedback summary. While individualized critiques are not offered due to the volume of applications, you are encouraged to reapply the following year. Many successful artists were initially rejected before being accepted on subsequent attempts.

Complete Post-Acceptance Requirements

Once accepted, you are required to complete several administrative tasks:

• Submit your business license and Colorado sales tax permit via the vendor portal.
• Provide proof of liability insurance. The policy must name “Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Inc.” as an additional insured.
• Pay your booth fee, which ranges from $1,100 to $1,800 depending on size and location. Early payment discounts are available until April 15.
• Complete mandatory vendor orientation, held virtually in May. Attendance is required.
• Submit your booth layout plan by May 31. This includes dimensions, signage, and display equipment. No tents, canopies, or structures may exceed 10 feet in height without prior approval.

Failure to meet any of these deadlines will result in removal from the festival. Keep all documents in a digital folder and set calendar reminders for each deadline.

Best Practices

Develop a Cohesive Body of Work

One of the most common reasons applications are rejected is lack of thematic or stylistic cohesion. Jurors look for artists who have a clear artistic vision—not those who submit a collection of unrelated pieces. If you work in multiple media, consider applying under your strongest discipline. For example, if you create both jewelry and paintings, submit only your jewelry portfolio unless the painting series is exceptionally strong and thematically aligned.

Build a portfolio that tells a story. Are your pieces exploring environmental themes? Cultural identity? Abstract emotion? Let your work speak with a unified voice. This demonstrates professionalism and depth.

Invest in Professional Photography

Your images are your first impression. Poor lighting, cluttered backgrounds, or blurry shots can undermine even the most exceptional work. Hire a professional photographer if possible. If not, use a tripod, natural light, and a plain white or neutral backdrop. Shoot each piece from multiple angles—front, side, and detail shots if needed.

Ensure images are high resolution (minimum 300 dpi, 2000 pixels on the longest side). Avoid filters or heavy editing. The jury wants to see the true texture, color, and finish of your work.

Price Your Work Strategically

Pricing is a critical factor in jury evaluation. The festival audience expects premium pricing consistent with fine art markets. However, pricing too high without justification can deter sales. Research comparable artists at similar festivals (e.g., Santa Fe Indian Market, ArtPrize, or the Southwest Craft Fair).

A general guideline: jewelry under $500, ceramics and glass under $1,500, paintings and sculptures under $5,000. Exceptions exist for highly established artists, but first-time applicants should stay within these ranges. Include a range in your application if you offer multiple price points (e.g., “$120–$450”).

Prepare a Polished Booth Presentation

Booth design is part of your application. The jury considers how you present your work. A cluttered, disorganized, or unprofessional display can signal inexperience. Plan your layout in advance. Use clean lines, consistent lighting (LED spotlights recommended), and signage that includes your name, website, and social handles.

Include a small table for purchasing (with a card reader), a secure cash box, and a water bottle for yourself. Visitors appreciate comfort and accessibility. Avoid excessive personal items—your art should be the focus.

Engage with the Festival Community

Many successful applicants have participated in other local arts events, volunteered with arts nonprofits, or exhibited at Denver galleries. While not required, community involvement demonstrates commitment and increases your visibility. Consider applying for smaller local festivals first to build your resume and gain feedback.

Follow the Cherry Creek Arts Festival on Instagram and Facebook. Engage with their posts. Attend the artist meet-and-greets during the festival if you’re waitlisted. Building relationships within the community can make a difference in future applications.

Apply Consistently

Do not be discouraged by rejection. The average artist applies 2–3 times before being accepted. Use each cycle to refine your portfolio. If you were rejected, note the feedback (if any) and compare your work to accepted artists from the previous year. What’s different? Is your technique more refined? Is your concept stronger?

Many artists who were accepted in 2023 had applied in 2021 and 2022. Persistence, coupled with growth, is a hallmark of successful applicants.

Tools and Resources

Official Festival Website

The primary resource is cherrycreekartsfestival.org. Here you’ll find the application portal, detailed guidelines, past exhibitor lists, vendor manuals, and event schedules. Bookmark this site and check it weekly as the application window approaches.

Art Application Tracker Templates

Use a free Google Sheets template to track your application progress. Include columns for: Date Applied, Medium, Fee Paid, Insurance Status, Deadline Reminders, and Notes. Many artists use templates from Artwork Archive or Call for Entry to manage multiple submissions.

Professional Photography Services in Denver

Local photographers experienced in art documentation include:

• Studio 417 – Specializes in fine art and craft photography
• Denver Art Imaging – Offers flat-lay and 360-degree product shots
• Artisan Lens Co. – Works with ceramicists and sculptors

Many offer discounted rates for nonprofit or emerging artists. Ask about artist grants or barter arrangements.

Insurance Providers

For liability insurance, consider:

• Arts Council Insurance Program – Offers $1M policies for $150–$250 annually
• Hiscox – Specializes in artist liability and equipment coverage
• Chubb – Premium coverage with customizable options

Ensure your policy includes “special events” and “outdoor exhibitions.” Standard home or business policies often exclude festival participation.

Booth Design Software

Use free tools to design your booth layout:

• Canva – Create printable floor plans with drag-and-drop elements
• SketchUp Free – 3D modeling for complex displays
• Adobe Express – Design signage and promotional graphics

Upload your layout to the vendor portal in PDF format. Include dimensions and labeled zones (e.g., “Display Wall,” “Checkout Table,” “Lighting”).

Networking and Support Groups

Join these organizations for guidance and peer feedback:

• Denver Artists Cooperative – Monthly critique sessions and portfolio reviews
• Colorado Creative Industries – Offers grants, workshops, and mentorship programs
• Artists’ Network Online Community – Forum for juried show applicants

Attend their events. Many past Cherry Creek jurors are guest speakers or mentors.

Real Examples

Example 1: Jewelry Artist Accepted on Second Attempt

Jessica Lin, a metalsmith from Boulder, applied in 2022 with a portfolio of 10 pieces featuring recycled silver and engraved botanical motifs. Her images were poorly lit, and her bio lacked specificity. She was rejected with the note: “Lack of visual cohesion and unclear artistic intent.”

In 2023, she re-applied with a new series titled “Rooted in Memory,” featuring 12 pieces inspired by ancestral heirlooms and geological strata. She hired a professional photographer, refined her bio to include her training at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, and submitted images showing close-ups of texture and patina. She also included a photo of her hand-forging tools. She was accepted and sold over $28,000 in work during the 2023 festival.

Example 2: Painter Rejected for Commercial Aesthetic

Mark Thompson, a landscape painter from Aurora, submitted 12 oil paintings in 2023 that resembled mass-produced wall art sold in home decor stores. His work lacked brushwork variation and emotional depth. The jury noted: “Appears derivative of commercial print market; lacks original voice.”

He reapplied in 2024 with a new series titled “The Last Light of the High Plains,” which used impasto techniques and non-traditional pigments to capture fading prairie light. He included a statement on climate change and land loss. He was accepted and received a “Best in Medium” award.

Example 3: Ceramicist on the Waitlist Who Got In

Maya Rodriguez, a ceramicist from Pueblo, was placed on the waitlist in 2023 after a strong application with a focus on ancestral Puebloan forms. She received an email on June 12 that a booth had opened due to a last-minute cancellation. She responded within 90 minutes and was confirmed. She went on to win “Best New Artist” and was invited to return in 2024.

Her advice: “Don’t assume rejection is final. Stay connected. Check your email daily in March through June. One email can change everything.”

Example 4: Artist Who Applied with No Prior Experience

Daniel Kim, a former software engineer turned glassblower, had never exhibited publicly before applying in 2023. He had no sales history, no gallery representation, and no social media following. But his portfolio was exceptional—each piece was a blown glass orb embedded with suspended metallic filaments that changed color in sunlight. He submitted 10 images, a detailed studio video, and a compelling bio about his transition from tech to art.

He was accepted and sold out his entire inventory on the first day. He credits his success to authenticity: “I didn’t try to sound like an artist. I just told my story—and the work spoke for itself.”

FAQs

Can I apply if I live outside of Colorado?

Yes. The festival accepts artists from all 50 states and international applicants. You must be able to transport your work to Denver and be present for the entire festival (July 12–14, 2025). Travel and accommodation are your responsibility.

Do I need to be a professional artist to apply?

No. The festival does not require formal degrees or gallery representation. However, your work must meet professional standards in craftsmanship and presentation. Self-taught artists are encouraged to apply.

Can I sell prints or reproductions?

Yes, but only if they are limited editions (no more than 50 per design) and produced by you or under your direct supervision. Each print must be signed, numbered, and dated. No open-edition prints or giclées from third-party printers are allowed.

What if I want to apply with a partner or team?

Team applications are permitted if both artists are co-creators of the work. You must submit a joint application with both names, bios, and portfolios. Booth fees are shared. Both artists must be present during the festival.

Can I apply with more than one medium?

You may submit work in one primary medium. If you work in multiple disciplines, choose the one that best represents your artistic identity. You cannot apply as two separate artists under the same name.

How many booths are available?

Approximately 300–325 booths are available each year. The festival is highly selective, with over 1,200 applications received annually.

What if I can’t attend the entire festival?

Attendance is mandatory. You must be present for setup (July 10–11), the entire festival (July 12–14), and teardown (July 15). Failure to attend all dates results in disqualification from future applications for two years.

Can I apply if I’ve been rejected before?

Yes. Rejected applicants are encouraged to reapply. Many accepted artists applied multiple times before being selected.

Is there a fee to reapply?

Yes. The $55 application fee applies each year, regardless of prior applications.

What happens if I’m accepted but can’t afford the booth fee?

The festival offers a limited number of fee waivers and payment plans for artists demonstrating financial hardship. Contact the vendor services team via the portal to request assistance. Applications for aid must be submitted by March 15.

Conclusion

Joining the Cherry Creek Arts Festival Denver is more than a career milestone—it’s a transformative experience that connects you with a community of artists, collectors, and cultural leaders who value originality, craftsmanship, and creative courage. The process is demanding, competitive, and meticulous, but for those who approach it with intention, preparation, and authenticity, the rewards are profound.

Success does not come from luck. It comes from understanding the festival’s values, refining your artistic voice, presenting your work with professionalism, and persisting through setbacks. The artists who thrive here are not necessarily the most famous or the most connected—they are the ones who show up, do the work, and stay true to their vision.

As you prepare your application, remember: this is not just a submission. It’s a statement of your identity as an artist. Let your portfolio reflect not only what you make, but why you make it. The jury is not just evaluating objects—they are evaluating intention.

Start early. Stay organized. Be honest. Be bold. And above all, believe in the power of your work. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is waiting—not just for more artists, but for the next generation of voices that will shape its future.