FAQs from Shoppers and Artists
For the Shoppers
What is Handmade Neighborhood?
A sale of locally produced, high quality, handmade goods from independent artisans. Over 24 artisans have boutique quality booths on two levels of the Winona County History Center.
Where and when will the sale take place?
Handmade Neighborhood takes place annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Winona County History Center, located at 160 Johnson St., in downtown Winona. The building has restrooms available and is handicapped accessible. While you are there check out the exhibits in the museum and their awesome gift shop. Map and Parking
What sort of items will be for sale?
Our top juried artisans will offer a unique selection of handmade items that include jewelry; all‐natural soap and skin care; paper creations; a variety of accessories; aromatherapy lotion & soy candles; pottery; Winona area photography and cards; repurposed vintage and up‐cycled home décor & gifts; art glass; fiber arts and so much more! Vendors are selected based on what they create, their creative process, and variety for the many tastes of shoppers. The HMN sale strives to offer items that are unique and are original to the artisans who created them.
Will I be able to use my credit card for purchases?
We encourage our artists to accept credit cards or checks, however some do not have that capability. This decision is up to the individual artist’s discretion. Please be prepared to pay in cash for most items. There are several bank ATM’s within a few blocks of the History Center. Each artist handles their own sales, there is not a central register.
How can I find out about future sales?
We hold the sale annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving (mark your calendar). We’ll also promote the sales on our Facebook page, with regional media and here on the website.
For the Artists
Am I eligible?
We require that all items sold at the sale must be designed and handmade by you and your group/guild/collective, and that it be locally produced in Southeastern MN or Southwestern WI. Preference is shown to work that is original to the creator rather than assembled. The artist must be in attendance to sell their wares.
How do I apply?
Handmade Neighborhood artist applications are only accepted online annually August 1 - 31. Application information can be found on the Apply page. Complete applications are then juried for selection and artists will be notified by September 15 via email if you were selected for the sale or not.
When is the deadline to apply?
Entries are due by 11:59p.m. on August 31. Late entries will only be given consideration if spots are unfilled after the original due date.
How much does a booth cost?
It is free to apply, then if accepted through the jury process, vendors pay a $55 booth fee by October 1 to seal the deal.
What does “juried” mean?
Each completed application is evaluated by an organizing committee that it meets the requirements. Applicants are judged first and foremost on the quality, creativity and originality of their wares. Secondary consideration is given to maintaining an eclectic, complementary mix of local artists and artisans; the Handmade Neighborhood team is committed to curating a diverse and interesting market to draw the largest number of serious customers. Finally, keeping it local is of great importance to us, so applicants residing within driving distance of Winona will be given preference.
What is the jurying process?
Selections are based on the artistic process, originality, and quality of handmade, locally produced items. To offer a wide variety there are limited spots for similar products. While we'd love for everyone to participate, we are limited by space and want to ensure a high quality, varied, and unique event. Being a past vendor does not guarantee selection, we give equal consideration to all applicants each year.
If I'm not accepted, is there a wait list for vendors?
Yes. We pick a small number of applicants for our wait list. Applicants selected for the wait list will receive more details in early October and will be notified of any booth space that may open up.
Can I share a booth?
Each booth comes with a space approx. 6 x 8 ft. It is encouraged that one booth is used by an individual artist, or a guild/group that are selling collectively. If you feel you need more space you can request more than one booth space within the application.
Anything else you want to know?
Email us using the form on the Contact page.
What is Handmade Neighborhood?
A sale of locally produced, high quality, handmade goods from independent artisans. Over 24 artisans have boutique quality booths on two levels of the Winona County History Center.
Where and when will the sale take place?
Handmade Neighborhood takes place annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Winona County History Center, located at 160 Johnson St., in downtown Winona. The building has restrooms available and is handicapped accessible. While you are there check out the exhibits in the museum and their awesome gift shop. Map and Parking
What sort of items will be for sale?
Our top juried artisans will offer a unique selection of handmade items that include jewelry; all‐natural soap and skin care; paper creations; a variety of accessories; aromatherapy lotion & soy candles; pottery; Winona area photography and cards; repurposed vintage and up‐cycled home décor & gifts; art glass; fiber arts and so much more! Vendors are selected based on what they create, their creative process, and variety for the many tastes of shoppers. The HMN sale strives to offer items that are unique and are original to the artisans who created them.
Will I be able to use my credit card for purchases?
We encourage our artists to accept credit cards or checks, however some do not have that capability. This decision is up to the individual artist’s discretion. Please be prepared to pay in cash for most items. There are several bank ATM’s within a few blocks of the History Center. Each artist handles their own sales, there is not a central register.
How can I find out about future sales?
We hold the sale annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving (mark your calendar). We’ll also promote the sales on our Facebook page, with regional media and here on the website.
For the Artists
Am I eligible?
We require that all items sold at the sale must be designed and handmade by you and your group/guild/collective, and that it be locally produced in Southeastern MN or Southwestern WI. Preference is shown to work that is original to the creator rather than assembled. The artist must be in attendance to sell their wares.
How do I apply?
Handmade Neighborhood artist applications are only accepted online annually August 1 - 31. Application information can be found on the Apply page. Complete applications are then juried for selection and artists will be notified by September 15 via email if you were selected for the sale or not.
When is the deadline to apply?
Entries are due by 11:59p.m. on August 31. Late entries will only be given consideration if spots are unfilled after the original due date.
How much does a booth cost?
It is free to apply, then if accepted through the jury process, vendors pay a $55 booth fee by October 1 to seal the deal.
What does “juried” mean?
Each completed application is evaluated by an organizing committee that it meets the requirements. Applicants are judged first and foremost on the quality, creativity and originality of their wares. Secondary consideration is given to maintaining an eclectic, complementary mix of local artists and artisans; the Handmade Neighborhood team is committed to curating a diverse and interesting market to draw the largest number of serious customers. Finally, keeping it local is of great importance to us, so applicants residing within driving distance of Winona will be given preference.
What is the jurying process?
Selections are based on the artistic process, originality, and quality of handmade, locally produced items. To offer a wide variety there are limited spots for similar products. While we'd love for everyone to participate, we are limited by space and want to ensure a high quality, varied, and unique event. Being a past vendor does not guarantee selection, we give equal consideration to all applicants each year.
If I'm not accepted, is there a wait list for vendors?
Yes. We pick a small number of applicants for our wait list. Applicants selected for the wait list will receive more details in early October and will be notified of any booth space that may open up.
Can I share a booth?
Each booth comes with a space approx. 6 x 8 ft. It is encouraged that one booth is used by an individual artist, or a guild/group that are selling collectively. If you feel you need more space you can request more than one booth space within the application.
Anything else you want to know?
Email us using the form on the Contact page.