Midsummer Makers Market 2026
Participation Guide
We're excited to host the Midsummer Makers Market 2026 in the Plano Art Association Gallery at The Shops at Willow Bend!
REGISTER HERE
This summer market will showcase handmade artwork, artisan goods, and creative gifts by Plano Art Association members. Running throughout the month of July, the market will provide gallery visitors with a unique shopping experience featuring one-of-a-kind items created by local artists and makers.
Location
Plano Art Association Gallery at The Shops at Willow Bend
6121 W. Park Boulevard
Plano, TX 75093
Market Dates
July 1 – July 27, 2026
Our goal is to create a cohesive, boutique-style shopping experience that complements the gallery environment while giving artists an opportunity to sell smaller works, gifts, and handcrafted items. The Gallery's point-of-sale system will be used to allow patrons to easily purchase works throughout the duration of the market.
Display Space & Setup
Each participant will receive 1 shelf, maximum of 20 items on a shelf. You MUST fulfill one shift per shelf. If you do not sign up for your shift by July 8th, then your items will be pulled from the sales floor.
Display options may include:
- Fold-down shelves at the back of the gallery
- Small card towers
- Small display racks or trees
- Secured cases for small, high-value items such as jewelry
- Wall Display
Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We are striving for a curated artisan boutique and museum gift shop feel.
Once displays are set, please do not move items without discussing changes with the Gallery Director or a PAA Executive Officer. We operate as a cooperative and want every participant to have the opportunity to succeed.
Item Guidelines
- All items must be handmade by you.
- No mass-produced goods will be accepted.
- Prints of your original artwork are welcome.
- Items do not need to be "fine art."
- Handmade crafts such as knitting, crocheting, fiber arts, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, mixed media, journals, cards, home décor, and wearable art are encouraged.
- Summer-themed creations are welcome.
Pricing & Sales
Plano Art Association (PAA) will retain 10% of each sale to help offset credit card processing fees and administrative costs.
Example:
A $10 item sale results in $9 paid to the artist and $1 retained by PAA.
Sales tax will be collected, reported, and remitted by PAA.
Artist payments will be issued monthly, contingent upon receipt of funds, to simplify accounting and avoid multiple small payments.
Merchandising Tips
To create an appealing display:
- Group similar items and colors together
- Create a focal point
- Use varying heights and layers
- Avoid overcrowding
- Keep displays neat and well-stocked
Remember: shoppers are more likely to purchase when they can easily browse and appreciate your work.
Inventory Management
Artists are encouraged to replenish inventory throughout the market.
If inventory is not replenished and a display appears significantly depleted, PAA reserves the right to reassign space to maintain an attractive and shoppable market experience.
Shift Requirements
To help support gallery operations during the market, participants must work a minimum of one (1) gallery shifts per shelf or shelf-equivalent space during the Midsummer Makers Market.
Artists are encouraged to volunteer for additional shifts and demonstrations.
Want to know a secret? Your work often sells better when visitors meet the artist and see the creative process in action.
Sign Up for Shifts HERE
How to Participate
You must be a current Plano Art Association member to participate.
To reserve your space, email president@planoartassociation.org no later than:
Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM
(NO late entries, NO exceptions)
Include the following information for each item type:
Item Name
Example: Hand-Poured Resin Journal by Jane Smith
Quantity
Total quantity available. If selling sets, indicate that in the item name.
Price Each
Example: $15 each or $40 per set.
JPEG Image
File naming format:
item.lastname.jpg
Example:
journal.smith.jpg
Each item must have a sticker containing:
- Item Name
- Artist Name
- Price
Key Dates
Sunday, June 20, 2026
Call for Participation Opens
Friday, June 26, 2026 – 11:59 PM
Submission Deadline (No late entries, no exceptions)
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Drop-Off & Setup
Monday, June 29, 2026 | 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Drop-Off & Setup
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Midsummer Makers Market Opens
Monday, July 27, 2026
Midsummer Makers Market Closes (Could possibly be extended)
Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pick-Up of Unsold Items
Monday, August 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Pick-Up of Unsold Items
Important Gallery Closing Notice
As many of you know, the Plano Art Association's final day in the Willow Bend Gallery space will be August 31, 2026.
All artists are responsible for retrieving any remaining inventory, display materials, artwork, or supplies no later than the designated market pick-up dates listed above.
Any items left in the gallery after August 10, 2026, will be considered forfeited and may be discarded, donated, or otherwise disposed of at the discretion of Plano Art Association.
Unfortunately, PAA will not have storage space available after the gallery closes, so please plan accordingly.
Thank you for helping us make the most of our final summer at Willow Bend while ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved.
Participation Acknowledgment
Participation in the Midsummer Makers Market is at your own risk. While PAA will make every reasonable effort to protect artwork and merchandise, Plano Art Association is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage.
By participating, artists acknowledge and agree to all guidelines outlined above.
