Arts in Central Park

September 15th – 17th, 2023
Central Park, Downtown Decatur
Friday, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Held each summer in Central Park, Downtown Decatur, Illinois, the Arts in Central Park outdoor art fair is organized as a collaboration between the Decatur Area Arts Council and Gallery 510. The 2 entities have worked together on this art fair for approximately 25 years.  An Art Fair has existed in Central Park since 1962 but has only been a juried fair since 1995. 2022 will mark the 60th anniversary of a juried art show in Decatur, Illinois.

Gallery 510 and Decatur Area Arts Council invite you to Arts in Central Park in downtown Decatur’s beautiful Central Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, 2023, as well as Friday evening, September 15, VIP preview party. Approximately 50 booths will be open with artists from throughout the Midwest exhibiting a variety of artwork for sale, including jewelry, pottery, metal sculptures, glass, fiber arts, paintings, and more.

Enjoy a festive weekend, including a few new activities.

  • Kids’ art activities with the Children’s Museum of Illinois.
  • A special Kids ArtShop for children 12 and under to buy art inisde the Transfer House. Live music with Sidewalk Stompers and Red Wheelbarrow.
  • Public Painted Pianos Project in Macon County in the park for folks to play.
  • Food and drink available for purchase.

Arts in Central Park hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Kids art activities and Kids ArtShop open at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

VIP Preview Party for Artists/Patrons – Friday night from 5-7 PM

To “kick off” the weekend is the ever popular Preview Party on Friday evening, September 16, from 5-7 pm. This is our special thank you to those who commit to purchase at least one piece of artwork from the participating artists during the weekend. The selection and price is up to you.

Application Process

The Decatur Area Arts Council is now accepting applications from artists to participate in Arts in Central Park (AICP) 2023.

Arts in Central Park will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A VIP preview party will be held on Friday night, Sept. 15 from 5–7 p.m.

The application fee for artists is $25 and the booth fee is $150 for a space that will accommodate a 10’ x 10’ tent.

All artists must apply with images, however, artists accepted by jurors in 2021 and 2022 will bypass the jury process, be automatically accepted, and will be invited to purchase a booth in June/July.

Artists MUST apply using ZAPP by June 1, 2023. Click HERE to access.

Artist Space

One 10’x10’ space is provided for each artist.  Spaces vary in clearance height due to trees.  If you use a canopy, please indicate height on the application so the committee can assign you a suitable location.  Special requests will be considered when possible.  Please note on application.

Hospitality

Complimentary coffee and refreshments are provided for the artists both days of the art fair.  Assistance is available for set-up and take-down Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Booth sitters will be available for breaks each day.  Security provided on Friday and Saturday nights.  Lunch options include vendors on the grounds and nearby restaurants.  Monetary awards and ribbons, determined by qualified judges, will be presented for Best of Show and in each of the 6 categories.  Number of places in each category based on number of artists in each category.