Illinois Artisans Program

The Illinois Artisans Program focuses national attention on the rich heritage of the fine crafting that exists in Illinois. The Illinois Artisans Program is continually looking for talented new artists. All areas of arts and crafts, including folk, traditional, contemporary, and ethnic, as well as fine art forms are eligible. Our juried artists participate in art sprees, craft festivals, exhibitions and other events held at our locations in order to promote their work. The Illinois Artisans Program markets crafts through four locations: Illinois Artisans at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, The Museum Store at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, The Museum Shop at Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown and the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center in Rend Lake.  Over 1,700 artists have been jury selected. Application deadlines are March 28th and October 12th every year and applications are available at www.museum.state.il.us/artisans.