The 45th annual Suttons Bay Art Festival, a cherished local tradition, is now co-managed by Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) as part of a multi-year transition. Since its founding over 50 years ago, CTAC has been a cornerstone of the arts community in Northern Michigan, offering educational programs, exhibits, and events that celebrate creativity at all levels. By 2026, CTAC will take full responsibility for managing the festival, ensuring that its legacy of high-quality art and community engagement continues. We are thrilled to continue working with renowned juror Donna Popke, maintaining the festival’s excellence and connection to the vibrant Northern Michigan arts scene.

Each year the first weekend of August finds thousands of art lovers flocking to the Suttons Bay Marina Park to shop for fine arts and crafts. This unique region is a popular resort area drawing people from all over the country. There are an abundance of retirement and second homes as well as an eclectic year round population.

Suttons Bay is in an area of the country where an enthusiastic and sophisticated appreciation for the arts is the norm. The quality of our exhibitors and extensive regional marketing makes our show a destination for both visitors and residents. The fair is set in our Marina Park area next to our beautiful Lake Michigan beach. The stunning location makes the event a fun and profitable artist-friendly event. 

A group of seasoned jurors select the exhibiting artists. A portion of revenue is donated back into the Suttons Bay Community to support the arts.

Our show offers approximately 100 artists along with community groups, food vendors, the annual library book sale, and a children’s art area, making this a perfect place to spend an art-filled weekend at the beach. 

Applications must be completed online on ZAPP. 

Media:  Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Fiber Arts: non-werable, Fiber Arts: wearable, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry: Gold & Silver, Jewelry: Other, Leatherwork, Metal: Non-Jewelry, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture and Wood.

2025 Fees (same as 2024!)

• application fee $25-$35; Guild members receive a $10 discount.  Coupon code must be applied before submitting. No refunds are available after submitting through ZAPP.  For code please check AGM email or call 231-941-9488.
• single booth $350
• double/unique space booth $650

Submission Guidelines

Each applicant must apply through ZAPP and submit four digital images, including three of current work and one of a fully-stocked booth. 

Artists understand that by applying to the Suttons Bay Art Festival they are agreeing to these specific rules:

• Artist must be present for the duration of the show and shall represent only his/her own original work.
• Reproductions are limited to a single bin. Unframed originals may be included in the bin along with reproductions.
• Booth appearance and work must be consistent with images submitted for jurying. 
• Absolutely no buy-sell is allowed.
• Commercial molds, patterns, kits, copies, etc. will not be accepted.
• Artists selling jewely in addition to their main media must jury it separately.
• Artists may not drive a vehicle on the marina park grounds, so be prepared to carry/cart your artwork and display. Some carts will be available.  Some artists will be on the street above the park, so packing in and out may be less difficult.
• No overnight camping/sleeping in the marina, village parking lots or anywhere in the village.
• No dogs allowed in the marina park.
• No refunds for cancellations after June 1st.
• We view your application as a serious commitment to participate.