DAAF Young Artist Registration
Young Artists - Huge Impact.
We are excited to present the second annual Young Artists – Huge Impact Market at the 2026 Durango Autumn Arts Festival (September 19-20, 2026). We will be hosting 20 young artist booths, offering goods for sale to the public. The Durango Arts Center, with support from the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado, is proud to support and mentor youth artists 12-18.
Applicants will be reviewed by a panel of judges using the following criteria:
- First time arts fair applicants (any fair) and returning artists from last year
- Age 12-18. Artists under 18 require an adult 18+ at the arts fair booth 9/19 and 9/20 from 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Resident of La Plata County
- Quality of art
- Variety of art medium to balance out the show
- Enough inventory for a two-day festival
Benefits to the Youth Artists:
Benefits to artists accepted into the emerging artist category include but are not limited to:
- Participation in the Durango Autumn Arts Festival as a young artist
- Opportunity to exhibit work to an energetic, buying clientele
- Assistance with filling out sales tax forms
- Reduced booth fees – $30 (instead of $400)
- No sales commission split – artist keeps 100% of sale proceeds
- Display equipment assistance
- Equipment such as tents, walls, weights, tables and chairs will be provided free of charge to emerging artists, artists are required to put up and take down their own tents.
- Mentoring relationships
- Young artists will benefit from the guidance of local art fair veterans
Selected artists will provide:
- Original art
- Payment system – cash, CC on phone, etc.
- Display materials to enhance the booth
- Water and snacks – though some will be provided to vendors
- Presence in booth with an adult over 18 the entire time, though volunteers are provided to assist with bathroom breaks throughout the two days. Load in and load out times as well. These are two full days.
- Enthusiasm and teamwork for the entire Young Artists – Huge Impact space
- No electricity or access to water will be provided
September 19 & 20, 2026
East Second Avenue
Durango, Colorado
Deadline to apply: August 4, 2026
Notifications: August 8, 2026
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