Hill-Stead Museum’s The Art of Shearing: A Sheep to Shawl Festival is looking for high-quality and distinctive vendors for the festival, to be held on April 7, 2024.

We look forward to showcasing artisans and artists who design and create their own exceptional work. Our goal is to partner with a diverse and manageable number of vendors to coincide with fiber demonstrations, resulting in an enjoyable event for all to learn and explore fiber production and goods.

All applications must be submitted by February 16.  We will notify applicants of the number of vendors allowed at the event by February 21.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the application below or fill out this form and email it to Megan Olver (olverm@hillstead.org) or mail it to Hill-Stead Museum, ATTN: Art of Shearing, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington, CT 06032. Your application will be reviewed promptly. Approved applicants will receive a contract to complete via email.

Festival Facts

Where? Art of Shearing will take place indoors and outdoors at the museum. Vendors and demonstrators will be inside the Carriage Barn Visitor Center complex and the shearing event will take place down at the Red Barn. Transportation will be provided to and from the barn. Food trucks will be onsite, and activities will take place throughout the day.

Fees? The fee for a single space (8 x 8 ft) is $100. You can purchase more than one space. The museum does not take a percentage of vendor sales.

Set-up? The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm on April 7. Set up will take place on Friday, April 5 from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday, April 6 from 11 am to 4 pm and Sunday, April 7 starting at 7:30 am. All vendors are required to staff their spaces for the entire event and to handle their own sales.

Extras? We have a limited number of tables to rent to vendors at the rate of $10 each. You must request these in advance. There is electricity available. Please let us know if you need additional accommodations.