Artist Information

Children’s Tent Information

Welcome to the Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair! We would like to invite you to participate in our unique experience for children ages 2 – 15 years. The purpose of the Children’s Tent is to expose children to art beginning at a young age to develop their appreciation of art as adults. We have heard from some of our SOCAF Board Members who went through the tent as a child and have collected an impressive art collection by the time they leave for college!

The Children’s Tent is an open air tent staffed by SOCAF volunteers, and it showcases artwork provided by you, the exhibitors. Children go through the tent with a volunteer (no parents allowed!) to select and purchase your artwork at a very nominal price. This artwork must be representative of the art sold in your booth (no “rejects” or “mistakes”). We encourage you to visit the Tent during Fair weekend to see the process and the excitement in the children’s eyes as they start their art collection!

Here is how it works from the exhibitor’s perspective:

When completing your Children’s Art Fair entry form, please note how many pieces you plan to submit or donate (1–100).

  • If you’re selling your artwork: all profits go directly back to you, the artist.

  • If you’re donating your artwork: proceeds support SOCAF student scholarships and are tax deductible.

Artwork should be turned in at check-in on Saturday morning of the Fair. Our SOCAF volunteers will handle setup and display throughout the weekend. More details will be mailed to participating artists in early May.

Children’s Tent Judging Details

  • You’re invited to enter one judging piece for the Children’s Tent (participation is optional).

  • To be eligible for an award, you must submit or donate at least 10 additional pieces to the Tent, not including your judging piece.

  • Clearly tag your judging piece, which should reflect the same quality as your other artwork.

  • All judging pieces will be sold in the Children’s Tent after judging, regardless of award status.

  • Winning artists are recognized at the Artists’ Party and receive an automatic invitation to next year’s Fair.

Awards

  • 1st Place – $500

  • 2nd Place – $400

  • 3rd Place – $300

Children’s Tent Packet & Check-In Information

In early May, participants will receive a packet with important details for the Children’s Tent. The packet will include:

  • Inventory Sheet:

    • Must be completed and turned in with your artwork at Saturday morning check-in.

    • Used to verify the number of pieces submitted and determine sales at the end of the Fair.

  • Artwork Tags:

    • Tags (with your booth number) are provided to mark the price of your artwork.

    • You set the price of each piece at $4, $5, or $6.

    • Attach the top portion of the tag to your artwork and keep the bottom portion for your records.

    • All artwork must be tagged before check-in — untagged items will not be accepted.

After the Fair:

  • Tent reimbursement checks will be mailed 4–6 weeks after the Fair to the address on your inventory sheet.

  • Unsold artwork must be picked up Sunday between 4–5:30 p.m. at SOCAF Headquarters (south of the Tent, see booth map).

  • Any artwork not claimed during this time will be donated, and SOCAF cannot store or deliver unclaimed pieces.