MCLEAN HOLIDAY ART & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Founded in 1982, The McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival is a highly anticipated and much beloved indoor, juried show featuring art and crafts made by approximately 80 regional artisans, as well other holiday-inspired activities. These handcrafted works include pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decorations, mixed media, accessories, wood, fine art, artisanal foods, soaps and skin care, and more.
The festival focuses on fine art and crafts, welcoming both established and emerging artisans exhibiting innovative concepts executed with exceptional style and detail. Works in all media and price ranges are included. The goal is to create the most diverse show possible for our loyal and motivated attendees.
Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild (NVHG), manages the festival and proceeds from the Festival help NVHG provide scholarships to emerging high school artists and craftspeople.
In 2023, the McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival will be held December 1-3 in the renovated McLean Community Center (MCC) at 1234 Ingleside Ave., in McLean, Virginia. Food and beverages for vendors and attendees will be available, and the MCC is ADA compliant.
Booth sizes vary, but each booth averages approximately 80 sq. ft. Parking is available for vendors and attendees. Festival advertising uses a multi-media marketing approach that includes the Washington Post and other local publications; the MCC Program Guide; various social media; MCC, NVHG and other websites; regional email advertising; and postcards mailed to residents throughout the area.
Media categories include, but are not limited to:
Jewelry
Woodcraft
Painting/Drawing/Etching
Stone and other Natural Materials
Fiber and Textiles
Leather
Paper
Photography
Multimedia
Basketry
Soaps and Skin Care
Specialty Food
Candles and Wax Sculpture
Ceramics
Glass
Metalcraft
Holiday Decorations
The Festival is a juried show and submissions are reviewed by each juror independently, and given “scores” based on craftsmanship, creativity, originality and other criteria. Applications are now available through Zapplication.
