Short Description
CherryArts is an art-focused nonprofit that provides access to art experiences and supports arts education for all in Colorado. We work all year long to integrate art in the classroom by providing a variety of art education programs to more than 40,000 Colorado students each year. Each summer, we host the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, one of the country’s largest art festivals, which showcases both worldwide and local artists.
Media Categories
Media categories are used by the CherryArts as a tool for organizing artists' images into related groups for the jury's review. While a balanced show that equitably showcases both works of fine art and fine craft, as well as diversity among media, is a principal objective, CherryArts establishes no quota or entitlement by media category.
Ceramics: All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed each piece must be signed.
Digital Art: This category includes any original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using a computer. Artwork must be in signed and numbered limited editions, on archival quality materials. Traditional photographs taken through digital media should apply in the photography category. Work generated by or with assistance of Artificial Intelligence is prohibited.
Drawing: Works created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush are to be entered in this category.
Fiber: All work crafted from fibers including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry and papermaking. This can be wearable or non-wearable. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns or other forms of mass production are permitted. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited.
Glass: No forms of mass production are permitted.
Jewelry: All jewelry, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other material,s must be entered in this category. No commercial casts, molds or production studio work is allowed.
Metalworks: Includes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Mixed Media: This category includes works, both 2 and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material to produce. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist.
Painting: Works created in oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc. are in this category.
Photography: Photographic prints made from the artist’s original image, which have been processed by that artist, or under his or her direct supervision, are included in this category. Artwork must be in signed and numbered limited editions, on archival quality materials. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes.
Printmaking: Printed works for which the artist's hand manipulated the plates, stones or screens and which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition may be entered in this category. All photogravure, photocopy and/or offset reproductions, will be rejected. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional original work done in any medium.
Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved are accepted in the wood category.
Eligibility
1. All work must be original, handcrafted work. Artist guarantees the accuracy of the description of the works presented and the authenticity of the work as the creation of their own hands.
2. Work done by a production studio is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist.
3. No more than two artists may collaborate on artwork. Both must be included on and sign the application. Both must be present at the CCAF.
4. Artists must be present with their work for the entire three days of the CCAF. Representatives may not attend in place of the artist. CCAF requires photo identification at check-in to ensure compliance.
5. Artists may only show work in the discipline and style of the body of work within the images submitted and selected by the Jury. All work exhibited must be of the quality, category, style, and body of work of that shown in the images juried.
6. Absolutely no reproductions are allowed (see special notes per media category).
7. Artwork produced with commercially acquired casts, molds, prefabricated forms, studio volume production or other commercial methods will not be permitted.
8. Evolving Artwork: The CCAF allows for a small portion (no more than 15%) of ‘new work’ as a gesture to allow artists to keep evolving into other bodies of work.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
Each year, the festival welcomes 150,000+ visitors and offers artists an unparalleled experience, including:
- Strong art sales potential (2025 Artist Survey reported an average of $17,470 per artist)
- Consistently high national rankings
- On-site artist amenities
- A new jury panel each year for fresh perspective
Purchase Awards: Over $30,000
$5000 Grant Opportunity for the Emerging Artist
The Emerging Artist Program is designed for artists at the beginning of their careers with limited experience exhibiting or selling their work. The application process is the same as the general show; however, accepted Emerging Artists receive:
- A reduced booth fee of $350
- A provided tent
- Workshops and artist mentoring
- Support for lodging
- The opportunity to showcase and sell their work at the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Entry Fee
$45 early application fee apply by November 24th , $55 regular fee November 25th – December 1st
Booth Fee: 10’ x 10’ space $900 for a Row; $1,100 for a Corner; $350 for Emerging Artist Program, limited number of Double Booths available for $2,300. Payment Plans are available.
Location
Denver, United States
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025