The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, one of the country’s leading juried shows of fine art and crafts, is now accepting artist applications in all mediums for its festival in Gaithersburg, MD, October 11-13, 2013 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Jurying for the show begins January 18, 2013. Spaces fill up quickly in some media so artists are encouraged to apply early.

This show will feature hundreds of experienced and accomplished artisans and craftspersons showcasing their hand-made and unique work. Exhibition space is available at every show in all categories, including fiber and fashion, photography, fine art, furniture, ceramics and pottery, blown and leaded glass, jewelry, metal, leather, and functional and decorative wood.

Craft industry publications regularly rank Sugarloaf Craft Festivals among the top fine arts and crafts festivals around the country. Sunshine Artist Magazine named eight of Sugarloaf’s shows in its list of the 2012 “100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows.”

Artists benefit from participating in the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival because of the high-traffic location in an affluent market and convenient access to enthusiastic customers. The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival provides significant support for its artists including an aggressive marketing and advertising program, an easy on-line application process, free VIP tickets for artists to distribute to their best customers, and discounts for artists at hotels convenient to each show venue. Artists can receive discounts on booth fees through a number of flexible payment options.

Artists can apply online at www.zapplication.org using the search term “Sugarloaf.” To download an application or sign up to receive an application by mail, artists can visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com/becomeex.html. For information about Sugarloaf Craft Festivals, visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com.