Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT DATES updated for 2025:  

• • DEC 1: Applications available on Zapplication.
  • FEB 12: Applications and a $30 non-refundable application fee are due.
  • MAR 8: E-mail of Acceptance Notifications.
  • MAR 22: Artist Acceptance and booth payment including special requests are due.  
  • MAR 24: Status update for Wait List Artist
  • APR 5:  Late acceptance booth payments due.
  • Artist booth setup begins July 3rd, at 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and continues Friday, July 4th, from 7:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.  Food vendor setup begins Thursday, July 3rd at 4 p.m. and is scheduled with director.
  • Festival Dates & Times: Friday, July 4th, & Saturday, July 5th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., &  Sunday, July 6th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m

Can I send in my application, payment, and photos by mail?

No, applications are available thru Zapplication.  In Zapplication, you can apply, pay, and upload photos all in one convenient place.   2025 Application available thru Feb 12th, 2025 at: Zapplication.org

What if I don’t understand how to apply, pay, and upload photos online?

Zapplication has step by step videos to walk you through the process.

What kinds of photos do I need to submit? What’s the photo limit?

Submit your photos online thru Zapplication and label them as booth and artwork.  You will need 1 photo of booth setup & 5 photos of your artwork (If food artist or vendor, please submit diagram of set up, current food license. and menu as artwork)

Why do I need to send a booth picture(s)?

The goal of WAF is to deliver a top-quality arts and crafts show to our patrons.  If  we receive an abundance of artists in your category of similar quality, a good booth picture(s) may determine which artists are invited to the show.

How can I pay my jury fee?

Online using thru Zapplication using your Paypal account or debit/credit card.

Is my jury fee refundable?

No, jury fees are non-refundable.

Can I apply after the deadline?

Possibly,  most categories will be full but occasionally we have openings past the deadline.  No late applications for jewelry, photography, or canvas art will be considered.  Other than these categories, email director@whitefishartsfestival.org with details of your craft.  If you wish to be notified next year, add yourself to Zapplication and add Whitefish Arts Festival to your notifications.

What if I don’t see my art category in the list?

Either choose the category that most closely matches your work or select Specialty.

Where is the Fine Art category?

We’ve removed the Fine Art category as we are a show full of fine arts across the mediums. Canvas Art is the replacement category for canvas Fine Art such as painting or drawing on a canvas.

How should I describe my artwork?

Please be specific in your artist statement. Rather than wooden kitchen utensils say “handmade, wooden kitchen utensils like spoons, forks, spatulas, and ladles made of prehistoric dinosaur wood in a variety of stain options.” Help us avoid over-duplication of artists who make the same product as you.

When and how will Accepted Artists be notified?

By email thru Zapplication on March 8th, 2025 but you may also check your status on Zapplication.

What if I have emailed you and I did not hear back?

Try looking in your junk email folder.  Also, read thru the group emails.  If your same inquiry was made by several artists, I may have provided the answer in a group email.  As a last resort, call the Whitefish Christian Academy at 406-862-5875 and they will forward me your voice message.  All inquiries are generally responded to within one week.