ARTIST GUIDELINES & FAQs
Please review the Artist Guidelines and FAQs in full BEFORE applying to be a participating artist. Click on any of the links below to jump directly to that information.
About the Event
Application, Selection, & Fees
Space & Display Guidelines
ABOUT THE EVENT
A Taste for Art | Diamond State of Mind
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
6:00pm to 10:00pm
DuPont Country Club, 1001 Rockland Rd. Wilmington, DE
A Taste for Art is a well-established and more importantly beloved event that draws a loyal regional audience of more than 300 of Delaware’s most respected corporate, civic, and community leaders each year. It serves as the premiere annual fundraiser for the highly respected non-profit, Children & Families First, having raised over a million dollars since it's inception in 2008. For details about this year’s theme click here
The evening features…
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Local artists selling original works in a variety of mediums,
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High school culinary students serving themed small bites,
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An exclusive themed VIP reception 1-hour before the main event,
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Engaging themed vignettes and interactive displays,
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A high-end silent auction
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Open bar with themed special cocktail offerings
APPLICATION, SELECTION, & FEES
Artists are mindfully selected by a review panel to ensure the event highlights local artisans offering unique original works; showcases a diversity of mediums, styles, and price points; and balances both established and emerging artists, as well as returning and new artists.
How to apply: Please complete our online application by clicking the button at the top of this page.
How will I know if I am accepted?
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You’ll receive an email upon submitting your application to confirm it has been received.
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The selection panel will review your application and potentially reach out to you for more information.
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Although we do our best to respond quickly, the review process can take as long as 6 weeks.
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All artists will be contacted via the email you provide with a final decision.
What is the fee to participate?
We do not charge an exhibitor fee. Because this is a charity fundraiser artists must agree to donate 25% of their gross sales made during the event. Please review our purchase/sales and checkout procedures below.
SPACE & DISPLAY GUIDELINES
Artist spaces will be located throughout the main ballroom, along the upper terrace, and in the room directly adjacent to the ballroom. All spaces are assigned by the Event Committee with careful consideration given to display needs and the overall event flow. We are unable to fulfill location requests and final assignments/maps will not be available until your arrival for set-up on event day.
Please review the space measurements carefully, planning your display with respect for your neighbors and understanding that guest traffic will be exclusively along the front of your space in most cases. As an additional tip, be mindful that this is a four-hour event with approximately 300 guests moving consistently throughout the event space. Please ask questions if you need any assistance in planning.
What will the event provide?
Every artist is guaranteed:
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A dedicated space approx. 8’w x 8’d with no more than 2’ between spaces
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One linen covered 6ft x 30-inch table
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One chair
It is your option to request, but cannot be guaranteed:
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Electricity: you must supply your own power strip and extension cord(s).
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A 2nd linen covered table: This can only be used to create an L shape in your space. Requesting a 2nd table will not double the width of a space.
Other display and space details to note:
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You're encouraged to bring signage, tablecloths, decorations, and other items to personalize your space.
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Walls cannot be used to support displays in any way, nor can anything be attached, taped, or otherwise.
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Tents and canopies are strictly prohibited.
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Free-standing displays cannot exceed a maximum height of 6’.
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All free-standing displays must be pre-approved by the Event Committee.
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Displays cannot exceed the dimensions of your space, or they’ll be removed.
Do I need to be at my station for the whole event?
YES! Guests are excited to learn about your work, creative process, and inspirations. You or a representative must be present at your exhibit for the duration of the event. If you are coming alone, we have volunteers who can help for a short time, as needed.
ARTIST AMENITIES
Will there be food and drinks for the artists?
YES! You are welcome to enjoy the offerings of the evening, understanding that it is important not to leave your station empty.
Can I bring a guest?
Each artist has the option of purchasing ONE discounted ticket ($75pp) using a special link that we’ll provide closer to event day. Any additional guests will need to purchase regular event tickets.
What if I need help?
We will have volunteers available to assist you from the moment you arrive for set-up, throughout the evening, and all the way up until your vehicle is loaded back up and you’re safely on your way home.
ART SALES & YOUR DONATION
How will purchases/art sales be handled?
Exhibitors are responsible for their individual sales. You are welcome to accept cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, etc. BUT you must come prepared with technology, petty cash, etc. to conduct all transactions at your space. The event space does have free wi-fi and each artist will be given the access code.
How do I make my 25% of sales donation?
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We’ll provide each artist with a sales sheet to record all sales during the event.
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Sheets will be collected by event staff at the end of the night.
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Each artist will receive a copy for their records.
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We’ll use these sheets to tally your sales and calculate your 25% contribution.
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You can make your contribution by cash, check, or credit card before leaving.
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You will be mailed a tax-deductible donation receipt and confirmation.
What does my donation support?
100% of the net proceeds support the mission and work of Children & Families First.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Children & Families First is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Do I need insurance?
Although it’s not required, we strongly recommend you secure your own insurance. The event has general liability insurance, but it DOES NOT cover you or your work.
Do I need a business license?
No. We do not require any licensure, business, vendor, or otherwise to participate.
SET-UP & BREAK DOWN
When is set-up and how will it work?
Set-up is from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on event day. You’ll receive an email approximately three weeks prior to select your preferred set-up arrival time.
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Load-in, parking, and other relevant details will be sent to you via email the week prior to the event.
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Volunteers will be available to assist you upon arrival.
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All spaces must be fully set-up no later than 5:30pm on event day
How and when will the event close?
The event and all sales will end promptly at 10:00pm at which point you may begin packing up your space.
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For safety reasons, artists may not remove displays or pull their vehicles up to the main entrance until the last guest has exited the event successfully.
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Volunteers will help you pack up, transport, and load your vehicles.
QUESTIONS
For questions or support beyond the information provided here:
Sherry Brilliant, CFF Board President & Event Artist Lead
sherrybrilliant@gmail.com
302-438-9621