How to Apply
Return to the Information Page for Artists
BEFORE YOU APPLY — MUST READ THESE 3 THINGS
- This is a juried fine art market — not open to everyone. Applications are reviewed and scored by our current participating artists. We accept only original, high-quality fine art that fits our established standards. About 70–80% of applications are not accepted.
- This is NOT a beginner or low-experience market. If you have zero to just a couple of outdoor shows under your belt, this is likely not the right fit yet. We expect professional booth setup, pricing knowledge, audience interaction skills, and a cohesive body of work.
- Read EVERYTHING before applying — seriously. Incomplete, low-quality photos, missing required items (WIP shots, booth photo, tax permit prep), or generic answers = automatic rejection. The $5 application fee is non-refundable.
Ceramics Medium Update
Important Notice: Ceramics is currently full for Spring 2026. We are not accepting new ceramics artists for this season. If you apply in ceramics, your application will be held and considered for the 2026/2027 season.
Thank you for understanding—we appreciate your interest in First Saturday Arts Market!
(Other mediums remain open and welcome.)
Welcome to First Saturday Arts Market – Houston’s Premier Monthly Outdoor Fine Art Event
Celebrating 22 years, we’re Houston’s longest-running monthly outdoor art market, evolving into a stronger fine art focus once we introduced artist-juried applications, where current participants review and score newcomers. We feature original, high-quality work in painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, wood, textiles, and more—while honoring a few legacy participants from our early days.
This is not a beginner’s market. If you have limited experience (zero to just a couple of shows), it may not be the best fit yet. Success here requires professional booth presentation, pricing knowledge, audience engagement, and a cohesive body of work. Our attending artists are seasoned—many juried into top competitive festivals nationwide—and they help jury new applications for originality, craftsmanship, and market fit.
If your work aligns with our fine art emphasis and you have the experience to thrive, we invite you to apply! Please carefully review our full application requirements and tips before proceeding.
Required Materials
- Booth Photo: A clear image of your 10×10 booth with art displayed, showing a professional presentation (white tent preferred).
- Art Photos: 5–10 high-resolution images of your work as presented to the public. Focus on individual pieces, avoid group shots or yourself.
- Work-in-Progress (WIP) Photo: A studio or workspace shot proving you create your work.
- Art Description: A concise explanation of your art, process, and uniqueness—sell us on it!
- For Jewelers: At least 50% of components must be artist-made or repurposed.
Pro Tips
- Use natural light and neutral backgrounds for photos.
- Contact Mitch for multiple mediums or submit separate applications.
- Keep booth setups neat (e.g., consistent heights, professional coverings).
What We Don’t Accept
- Mass-produced, cookie-cutter, or reproduced items.
- Works with trademarked/copyrighted material (e.g., icons, logos, derivatives).
- Manufactured, resold, or direct-sales products.
- Art lacking original intent due to trends or fads.
Important Disclaimer
No Food Booths Allowed: First Saturday Arts Market prohibits food booths. This is a curated art space—food trucks and musicians contact Mitch at artvalet@gmail.com.
Fine Art Definition: Fine art is original, creative work by artists, emphasizing aesthetic value, skill, and expression (e.g., paintings, sculptures, photography) for contemplation, not mass production.
Market Focus: Not a craft fair, reseller, or trinket market. We prioritize original, artist-made works. Artisan pieces are welcome if they reflect exceptional craftsmanship and artistic intent, distinct from mass-produced or commercial goods.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $5 fee is required to submit. It helps cover jury costs and encourages serious, prepared applicants. Pay securely via Stripe—upon success, you’ll be redirected to the application form. Proceed below!
Booth Fee
Upon acceptance, artists may select their preferred market month. A $100 booth fee per market month is required to secure your 10×10 booth space. Payment details, including deadlines and instructions, will be provided in your acceptance letter. The booth fee is processed via PayPal and must be paid prior to participation in your chosen market month.
We look forward to discovering new talent that fits our fine art community!
Booth Examples (people removed)
