WELCOME TO THE 2024 DRAGON ART FAIR & SILENT AUCTION

The 2024 Dragon Art Fair is organized by the Dragon Arts Group, a 501c3 non-profit organization DeForest which raises funds for arts program scholarships by coordinating arts related events, in coordination with the Village of DeForest. Our goal is to make this fair the one everyone, artists, guests and volunteers, are proud to say they were part of! DeForest’s Fireman’s Park provides a layout that gently meanders with plenty of room for everyone to have a great experience. Amenities include grass and hard surface booth space for up to 140 booths, designated artist parking, shelters for the silent auction & information booth, a variety of food vendors w/seating area, a band shell for our entertainment and restrooms. Please review the information below thoroughly and contact us with your questions before applying.

General Information:

• Accepted Works: Participation is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. The Dragon Art Fair presents only the artist’s hand-crafted art works of original concept, design and execution. Artist must be present & only the type of art depicted in the application photos may be offered for sale.
• Not Accepted: Work of mass production studios or commercial craft kits/patterns/plans, “buy & sell items”, direct market vendors, or business/political organizations. The organizers reserve the right to refuse exhibition of work which they feel does not meet the event criteria. If you are not sure your work qualifies, please contact us before submitting an application.
• If you are not sure you will be attending, please do not register “just in case”. “No-shows” look bad for everyone and we will have turned away another artist to provide you with space. Cancellations must be made in writing.
• Booths are assigned based on type of media presented within a layout designed to provide a great experience for all artists. Requests • for specific booth locations are reviewed/considered, however, there is no guarantee a request will be granted. Examples of a valid request include (1) garden décor display which works best with a grass site (2) display includes heavy items which need a site that allows ease of unloading or (3) locating next to specific artist. Indicate these or similar reasons on your application.
• The fair is held regardless of weather. We require tents, a white Easy Up or similar, with substantial weights and constructed in a manner to protect against our unpredictable Wisconsin weather, i.e. wind and rain. Electricity is not available.
• Pets are not recommended.
• The organizers assume no responsibility for lost, stolen, damaged goods or exhibits.
• Payment can be made either by check or via credit card thru the Square website. Indicate your preference on the application form.
• All applications must include your WI tax ID form. More info at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb228.pdf.

Set Up/Loading/Unloading/Parking:

• IMPORTANT! Upon arrival to the site, artists must proceed to the information booth to check in. A booth assistant will guide you to your site and provide set up instructions based on your booth location. You may not begin setup prior to receiving this information.
• Set up is available (encouraged) on Friday evening between 4:00-9:00 PM-not before. Security is provided from 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM. Saturday set up is from 6:00-8:45 AM. Vehicles may be brought on site during set up after receipt of final info packet and as directed by the booth assistant. Artists are expected to provide labor and necessary materials to set up their own booth space. When you have completed unloading, please be courteous and move your vehicle as soon as possible. Parking is available on nearby streets or designated parking lots. Details will be provided in the information packet sent in May. Tear down begins at 4:00 PM, no earlier. Please have teardown completed before bringing your vehicle on site. All trash must be • cleared from your space. Not doing so will affect your future registration status.
• Booth Assistants: After check in, a booth assistant will guide you to your site and advise you on set up procedures. Booth assistants are available throughout the day for breaks, etc. - don’t be afraid to ask, they are there to help you have a successful day. Please be sure to indicate on your registration form if you require help during set up or tear down so we have enough volunteers available.
• Refreshments: Once you have checked in and set up, stop back to the Information Shelter for complimentary homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit, coffee, water and juice. A variety of food will be also be available for purchase adjacent to the main park shelter.
• Silent Auction: The silent auction is held in the pavilion at the center of the park. If you plan to donate, your item can be taken directly to the pavilion or one of the volunteers can take it in for you. Funds raised by the auction go toward arts scholarships. Please include a suggested minimum bid to provide a starting point for the auction.

Calendar:

• January 5, 2024 Early Bird Applications Due.
• March 1, 2024 Application Deadline.
• May 1, 2024 No credits/refunds after this date
• May 31, 2024 Set up 4:00-9:00 PM Security on-site 9:00PM - 6:00 PM
• June 1, 2024 Set up 6:00-8:45 AM Fair Hours 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tear down 4:00-6:00 PM

Contacts:

• Julie Wills 608-846-8891 dragonartsgroup@gmail.com
• Merry Poast 608-692-7795 merrypoast@yahoo.com

For Additional Information, go to the Dragon Arts Group Facebook page for updates.