Welcome Craftsmen!

Join Us at 74th Annual Holiday Fine Art & Craft Festival

 

November 2 & 3, 2024

Kutztown University, O’Pake Fieldhouse, South Campus Drive, Kutztown, PA 19530

Are you a talented artisan looking to showcase your craft to a discerning audience? Look no further! Our guild invites you to apply for our upcoming juried show, where artisans like you can exhibit your finest work and connect with fellow craftsmen and enthusiasts.

Our guild is dedicated to promoting excellence in craftsmanship and fostering a supportive community for artisans of all backgrounds. We believe in the power of craftsmanship to enrich lives and inspire creativity.

Artisan Application
Student Artisan Application
Contact Us

FAQ’s Reading-Berks Guild Fine Art and Craft Festivals

Who is eligible?

Submissions representing the finest quality craftsmanship are welcome. Juried members of the Reading-Berks Guild and PA Guild of Craftsmen have first priority. Non-members can apply as well but their work must be show juried. If you are accepted into any show, we encourage you to become a member of the Reading-Berks Guild. If you would like your work chapter juried, consider applying for juried status. Get information about jurying, or come to a meeting the first Tuesday of each month. Chapter membership includes membership in the PA Guild of Craftsmen.

Do you have opportunities for emerging artists?

We accept college students and art center students of all ages. Students may set up at no charge depending on the show. We supply tables, pipe & drape. Students will be in our program booklet and also in our advertising. This is our educational mission for the Arts.

How soon is the Application available?

The Holiday Festival application is usually available in February or March, and the May spring show application is usually on the website by January. All show applications will be available in a timely manner, ahead of each event.

What’s involved in the application process?

If you are a new applicant, provide us with details of your craft including type and process. We require four high quality images of your work, and one of your booth. If accepted, you will be notified via email.

What are your image requirements?

We choose the very best work to use on our promotional materials. Send fresh, professional quality images each year. Images must represent current work being displayed. No names, faces or overlays should be on the images, including the booth shot. Poor images are the number one reason applicants are not accepted for our shows. Make certain your images are as good as your craftsmanship. Your images may be used to promote the show.

  • Submit four images of your work and one booth image for each category you enter.
  • We accept images that have been prepared for ZAPPlication, Juried Art Services and other online jury systems.
  • Save each image as a .JPEG or .JPG. When possible, name each as “LastnameFirstname1.jpg ( i.e. SmithJohn1.jpg), using 1 to 5.
  • Email your images to: images@rbcrafts.org</p>
How are applications reviewed?
Our standards committee will review your application. We limit artists of each medium to 15% of the exhibitors. After that, you will be wait-listed. Our Juried Guild Members have first priority.
When are the Booth payments due?
Payment should be included with your application. Deadlines will be noted on the application and may be subject to late fees. Declined checks are fined $25 per incidence.
What is included with my booth at the Holiday Fine Art and Craft Festival?
The basic show booth has a 10 x 10 ft. footprint (see the application for other booth sizes). This includes three sides of pipe & drape with 240 watts of electricity. Storage space behind your booth is generally available. You are required to provide everything else, including display and tables. Tables are available for a rental fee, see application. No displays may exceed 8 feet tall without prior approval. Nothing (chairs, display and stock) may extend beyond your booth footprint. Do not hang anything from the pipe & drape.
Can I share a booth?
Yes, you may share a booth with a friend, spouse and or a fellow chapter member. Both participants have to apply independently and be juried, noting their wish to share a space with the other applicant.
What about deadlines?
Deadlines are included on each application form. There is a $25 late fee for applying after the deadline.
What are the standards for displayed work?
All items displayed must be the work of the craftsperson of record and must conform to the Reading-Berks Guild standards: excellence in craftsmanship, resolved design, and a unique voice or style. All work must contain the maker’s signature or hallmark. Our shows feature original work by professionals; assemblages, embellishments, commercial products, AI generated art, and work made from commercially available kits are not eligible. Consumables such as, but not limited to, vinegar, soaps, perfumes and candles are generally not eligible, unless used in the work of art. Prints may comprise up to 20% of the display, and must be clearly marked Print, on the product. No “seconds” or “sale” signs are permitted. All shows are floor juried. Work displayed must be representative of your submitted application or you will be asked to remove it. Failure to comply with stated rules or a misrepresentation of your work may result in expulsion from the show.
What about my attendance and set up?
The craftsperson of record (as listed on the application) must be present during the entire show. Booths must be set up, staffed and open on time. All loading and unloading must be done during specified times. Exhibitor vehicles must be parked in specified locations. Be aware of the parking restrictions, exceptions are made for handicap parking. No early breakdowns are allowed!
Do you accept Food Vendors?
No, the contracts for our shows prevent us from providing external food.
What about taxes?
Each vendor is responsible for having their own Pennsylvania Tax ID Number. Each vendor is responsible for collecting and
reporting their own Pennsylvania sales tax.
Places to stay

Our Recommended Lodging:

  • Hampton Inn at Kutztown:  15080 Kutztown Road, Kutztown PA
    • Phone number is 484-641-8800 or it can be booked on Hampton.com
  • Holiday Inn Conference Center: 7736 Adrienne Dr., Breingsville, PA. 18031 610-391-1000, 888-452-5664
  • Holiday Inn Express at the Reading Airport Rte. 183 2389 Bernvill Rd. Reading, PA. 19605 610-372-0700
  • Hampton Inn Allentown 7471 Keebler Way Allentown, PA. 18106 610-391-1500
  • Hampton Inn Reading 1800 Papermill Rd. Wyomissing, PA 610-374-8100
  • Days Inn 910 Woodland Rd. Wyomissing, PA 610-374-1500
  • Best Western Allentown Inn & Suites 5630 W. Tilghman Street Allentown, Pa. 18104 610-530-5545 * 1-866-530-5505
  • Country Inn & Suites 405 N Park Rd. Wyomissing, PA 484-334-2545
  • Microtel Inn & Suite Hamburg Rt. I-78 & Rt. 61 Hamburg, PA. 19526 610-562-4234
  • Hawthorn Suites 7720 Main St. Fogelsville, PA. 18051 610-366-9422 * 800-527-1133
  • Campus Inn 15080 Kutztown Rd. Kutztown, PA. 19530 610-683-8721
Waiver of Liability
In no event shall the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen officers, directors, representatives, volunteers and agents be held liable for refunds, claims or any other liabilities for failure to produce the show due to circumstances beyond its control including, but not limited to: weather, fire, acts of God, strikes, legal action, site damage or cancellation, governmental actions, or other causes. Insurance for loss, damage, injury or liability is your responsibility.
Can I bring my pet to the show?
Pets are not allowed unless used as part of your craft. Service dogs are allowed.