No. 1 in Fine Art & Design Columbus Winterfair
When Columbus Winterfair was established by Ohio Designer Craftsmen in 1976, it was seen as a way to make the work of the nonprofit organization’s members accessible to a larger audience.
“Being voted Sunshine Artist’s No. 1 Fine Art & Design show on our 50th anniversary was a joy to celebrate with our team! Ohio Designer Craftsmen (ODC) takes great pride in the work we do to help ensure a successful show for over 350 artists. We strive to make each year better than the last. Receiving this honor on our 50th anniversary was the cherry on top,” said Fairs Coordinator Roxanne McGovern.
The nonprofit was founded in 1963 to give Ohio craftspeople stronger state representation and to promote craft as a fine art form. “Our mission is to engage and enrich the community through high-quality exhibitions, education programs, and support/promote the professional development of fine craft artists,” she said.
McGovern said artists should carefully read the show’s prospectus on zapplication.org to make sure their work fits the criteria. “High-quality images of artwork with simple, uncluttered backgrounds are crucial. The booth image should be well lit, captured from the front, and show all three sides with the art displayed,” she said. “If artists live in the area, we invite them to check out the Columbus Winterfair themselves before they decide to participate.”
Images are reviewed on ZAPP by a panel of five jurors composed of art professionals with a range of knowledge, including artists, gallery/museum directors, and art fair personnel. Submissions are anonymous. Each juror views and scores them independently.
The jurors consider quality, presentation, originality, and booth display. “Accumulated scores are ranked in descending order in each of the 23 categories. Exhibitor numbers in each category are limited to ensure a balanced show,” McGovern said.
The categories of work include ceramics, glass, fiber art, metal, wood, 2D/3D mixed media, jewelry, printmaking, painting, and drawing, as well as a gourmet marketplace. Six awards of excellence and one best booth award are chosen by an independent judge for a total of $1,400 in awards.
ODC has a dedicated staff that is a phone call, email, or direct conversation away before, during, and after the fair. “We are always happy to share our experience and knowledge to help artists and their artwork shine. We field questions about booth display, lighting, setup, social media, etc.,” McGovern said. “We want artists to feel confident that when they arrive to set up, our staff is professional and fully prepared for the event.”
The floor plan is designed with four artists’ booths forming a quad, with an aisle between each quad. This allows every artist to have a corner booth free of charge. Free electricity is provided, so each artist has the best possible chance for a professional, well-lit display at the show.
ODC offers an Emerging Artists program that provides free booth space for up to six artists. “This gives them a chance to experience a three-day juried art fair and to talk to other professional artists for little cost,” McGovern said.
She said several factors contribute to artists’ success at Columbus Winterfair. “By the time the show opens, we have distributed 10,000 bookmarks and mailed 65,000 postcards. Television, social media, and Spotify ads, along with email blasts, build excitement for weeks before the event, and an online Directory of Artists teases who will be there,” McGovern said.
ODC staff and volunteers arrive days before Columbus Winterfair opens to decorate dozens of Christmas trees and wreaths; dangle crystal bead curtains, snowflakes, and lights from the ceiling; and lay out red carpet.
Artists have an entire day — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — to set up their booth. Staff are on hand to answer questions, direct artists to resources in the building, and ensure every detail is in place for opening day and the entire weekend.
An all-day complimentary tea, coffee, and water station is provided during setup. Volunteers help artists take breaks throughout the weekend. “We have a dedicated staff phone number and an information booth to reach staff during the event at any time,” McGovern said.
Approximately 15,000 people attend the show over the course of its three days. “When customers arrive at Columbus Winterfair, we want them to feel as if they are entering a festive wonderland full of art, creativity, and holiday cheer,” McGovern said.
They are greeted at the door and given a free Artist Directory with floorplan and a paper tote bag to fill with art. A coat and package check makes shopping easier.
There is a wine café with acoustic music, rest areas, a variety of food, and free make-and-take art projects. Free return passes are offered all weekend.
“Columbus Winterfair is the perfect show for artists to wrap up their sales season. Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant, art-loving city,” McGovern said. “The fair is a holiday tradition for many loyal visitors who come from across the state to shop for gifts.”
She said it is important for artists to gather shoppers’ email addresses to stay in touch with them and give them a glimpse into their artistic journey. “Let them know you look forward to seeing them at Columbus Winterfair before the event, and you will see them return and become collectors of your art!” McGovern said.
2026
No. 1 in Fine Art & Design
Columbus Winterfair
Columbus, OH
Ohio Designer Craftsmen
winterfair.org
Exhibitors: 350
Show Month: December
2027 Show Dates: Dec. 3-5
Application Deadline: 7/1/2027
Estimated Attendance: 15,000
Years at Site: 50
2025 200 Best Rank: FA7
