Autumn Festival a Handcrafted Art Market

Autumn Festival: a Handcrafted Art Market

The IU Kokomo Autumn Festival will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For questions, please email LeeAnn Salmons.

We would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting IU Kokomo Staff Council. Please be sure to like our IU Kokomo Staff Council Facebook page.

About

Our Autumn Festival a Handcrafted Art Market (formerly the Annual Arts and Craft show) is a place where holiday shoppers can choose from the finest offerings of Kokomo-area artisans and crafters. Stop by and enjoy a dazzling display of treasures consisting of refurbished and handmade items. This unique one-of-a-kind show is sure to please everyone with more than 80 plus vendors. Parking and Admission are always free.

Proceeds go towards student scholarships, campus improvements, and staff professional development.

All applications, including those from returning vendors, must be submitted each year. Participation in a past show does not guarantee automatic participation. Your application must be submitted, and an email with your name and pictures of your crafts sent to iuksc@iu.edu. Photos may be used for advertising purposes on our Facebook event post. We reserve the right to limit the number of spaces in any craft category. Please remember to include an accurate description of your craft on the application.

We are accepting applications for:

  • Handmade Jewelry: Beautifully crafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made from a variety of materials like beads, metals, and gemstones. Each piece is unique and often tells a story.
  • Art Prints and Paintings: Original artworks and high-quality prints from local artists. These can range from abstract pieces to detailed landscapes, perfect for adding a touch of creativity to any space.
  • Organic Soaps and Skincare Products: Natural and organic soaps, lotions, and skincare products made with ingredients like essential oils, herbs, and botanicals. These items are perfect for those looking to pamper themselves with eco-friendly products.
  • Vintage Clothing and Accessories: A curated selection of vintage clothing, hats, and accessories from different eras. These items are perfect for fashion enthusiasts looking for unique and timeless pieces.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: Beautifully designed pottery items such as mugs, bowls, and vases. Each piece is handmade and often features unique glazes and patterns.
  • Hand-sewn Textiles: Quilts, table runners, and other textile items made with intricate patterns and high-quality fabrics. These items add a cozy and personal touch to any home.
  • Custom Leather Goods: Handcrafted leather items like wallets, belts, and bags. These products are made with durable materials and skilled craftsmanship, ensuring they last for years.
  • Garden Decor: Beautiful, nature-inspired items for your garden or outdoor space. Expect to find decorative planters, garden statues, and outdoor furniture that create a serene and inviting environment.
    • Plants and Succulents: A variety of potted plants and succulents that are perfect for adding greenery to your home or office. These plants are often easy to care for and come in unique containers.
  • Shabby Chic: Delicate, distressed furniture and decor items with a soft, romantic feel. Think pastel colors, floral patterns, and vintage-inspired pieces that add a touch of elegance and charm to any space.
  • Architectural Salvage: Unique, reclaimed architectural elements like old doors, windows, and corbels. These pieces are perfect for adding character and history to modern homes or for use in creative DIY projects.
  • Industrial Chic: Sleek, functional items with a raw, unfinished look. Expect to find metal furniture, exposed hardware, and repurposed factory pieces that bring an edgy, urban vibe to your decor.
  • Folk Art: Handcrafted items that reflect cultural traditions and artistic expressions. These can include colorful paintings, sculptures, and textiles that tell a story and add a personal touch to your home.
  • Country Chic: Cozy, rustic items that evoke the charm of rural living. Look for wooden furniture, gingham fabrics, and farmhouse-inspired decor that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • Cottage: Soft, comfortable items that bring the charm of a cozy cottage to your home. Think floral prints, wicker furniture, and vintage accessories that create a relaxed and welcoming environment.
  • French Country: Elegant, rustic items with a touch of French sophistication. Look for distressed wood furniture, toile fabrics, and ornate details that bring a bit of Provence to your decor.
  • Rustic Chic: A blend of rugged and refined elements. Expect to find reclaimed wood furniture, metal accents, and natural textiles that create a stylish yet comfortable living space.
  • Farmhouse Modern: A contemporary take on classic farmhouse style. Look for clean lines, neutral colors, and a mix of old and new materials that create a fresh, modern look with a touch of rustic charm.
  • Whimsical: Fun, playful items that bring a sense of joy and creativity to your decor. Look for colorful, quirky pieces that add a touch of whimsy and personality to your home.
  • Repurposing / Upcycling: Creative, upcycled items that give new life to old materials. Look for furniture and decor made from reclaimed wood, vintage fabrics, and other repurposed materials that are both stylish and sustainable. Innovative, eco-friendly items made from recycled materials. Expect to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are both functional and environmentally conscious.

Important notes about the show:

  • Because of procedural changes, vendors will not be able to sell any homemade food items without prior approval. Staff Council reserves the right to make necessary changes without prior notification.
  • We also require that all tables be skirted.
  • No IU trademarks can be displayed on your crafts unless you have bought the IU license through IU Bloomington. Any university trademarks (Purdue, Ball State, etc.) must have prior approval to use, and you must bring your license with you.
  • Please do not send any money with your application. If your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation letter with an invoice indicating the amount due for booth rental.
  • Please make sure to like our Facebook page so that you can share our events with your friends. IU Kokomo Staff Council

As a reminder, the only person who will reach out is LeeAnn Salmons at lmulkey@iu.edu or iuksc@iu.edu.

For more information about the fall and spring shows, please contact us at 765-455-9364 or email LeeAnn Salmons