2026 Emerging Artists
Artist Statement: Oil paint possesses what no other medium does. Its colors are rich and luminous, and thick paint records the physical movement of a human hand. I want that connection with viewers. The slow drying time of oil paint also suits the careful, deliberate way I think, one mark at a time. What am I after? Beauty that endures. In painting, my hands can play a song that lasts. Each canvas is a letter I am writing to the people I love, and to whoever comes after."
Artist Statement: Starting at the young age of eight, I began winning drawing contests and earning art awards. Named after my father, Martin, I grew up playing sketching games with him where we challenged each other to create images from a single curve or twirl. That simple game became foundational to my creative process and is something I now pass on as I teach students a wide range of drawing and painting techniques.
The Emerging Artists Program
It's not easy, becoming a working artist.
Through the Emerging Artists program, student artists and underrepresented artists are given the opportunity to sell their work alongside the festival's slate of professional exhibitors. If accepted into the program, Marion Arts Festival covers the booth & application fees. Two artists will be selected from the community and will have 10x10 booths on the festival street.
Once selected, artists can expect to be walked through the process & mentored by one of our Advisor Committee Members, who are artists & teachers themselves, on how to prepare to sell at a festival.
The Emerging Artist Program’s aim is to build up aspiring creative professionals seeking to grow and work in the art scene. This program provides a platform for showcasing the work and connecting with a broader audience of art enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Mentorship will include:
-Help guiding you in the process of building out your body of work for the festival
-Booth design
-Planning ahead for festival set up & festival day
-Guidance in pricing your work
-Assistance filling out necessary paperwork such as liability insurance, indemnity form, & sales tax.
Additional Criteria:
Applicants must be 18+, living in Iowa and actively seeking a career in the arts. We recognize there are many pathways to becoming a professional working artist and encourage anyone to apply.
Please email MAFdirector@marioncc.org with any questions.
Application deadline: Friday, March 6th
Jurying: Tuesday, March 10th
Notification Date: Friday, March 13th
Mentor program - Tuesday, March 17th - Tuesday, May 19 (two months)
Festival Date: Saturday, May 16th | 9:00a-5:00p
If selected, artists will be asked to submit a sketch of their proposed booth layout & plan. Liability insurance will be required (we will direct you on the how).
