2026 New Artisan APPLICATION INFORMATION

Tour Dates: NOVEMBER 14-15, 2026

Times: 10am-5pm both days

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, and surrounding counties

Application Fee: $30

Note: This tour is open to Virginia Artisans only.

 

The Artisans Studio Tour jury process has two steps.

First is the image jury. If accepted through the image jury, the artisans will be asked to submit three objects to be evaluated by an accredited juror. Note - artisans will be responsible for delivering and retrieving their work for the Object Jury.

Artisans who are not accepted may reapply for future Tours.

We encourage ALL Virginia craft artisans to apply and if you reside outside of the Charlottesville and surrounding area you will be placed as a guest in a host studio.

Final decisions about host studio locations and guest artisan placements will be made in June, after the new artisans' work has been juried and applicants have accepted our invitation to the event.

 

Dates for the 2026 Artisans Studio Tour jury:

Application & image submission received by April 15, 2026; Notification sent by April 29, 2026.

Object Jury submission due May 10, 2026; notification sent by May 30, 2026.

 

Note: You can apply with separate applications for up to two different mediums.                     -------------------------------------------------------

Submit one image each of FIVE pieces, representing your current work similar to what you expect to show on the Tour. Images are to be a minimum of 300 dpi at a print size of 4"x6". Be sure to include your last name and first initial in the title of your images.

 

Helpful tips: 

It is very helpful to have images ready prior to starting the application.

Have your list of image descriptions on hand.

You will need an Artist Statement of 250 words max.

 

Upon successful completion of the jury process, your completed Artisan Participation Form should be submitted with payment by June 8, 2026.

***Please note that the $30 jury application fee is separate from the annual Tour participation fee of $400.

The Artisans Studio Tour was founded in 1994 by a group of Charlottesville area artisans to enhance the community’s awareness of the craft makers living and working in the region. The Studio Tour provides Virginia artisans of fine craft with an opportunity to educate the public while promoting and selling their work. Last year’s 30th Annual Tour showed our continued growth with 49 artisans in 25 studios.

The Tour attracts craft enthusiasts from the local communities as well as greater Virginia, D.C. and surrounding states. Our publicity includes print, local radio ads and social media. 

Our roughly 9,500 full-color glossy brochures with tour descriptions, artisan images, directions and a map are mailed each year using the collective mailing lists of all participating artisans. An additional 4,500 brochures are hand-distributed by artisans and through area businesses. Community calendars and online listings, along with press releases add to public awareness of the Tour.