Eno Arts Mill Studio Guidelines

The Eno Arts Mill is located within the historic Eno Mill in the West Hillsborough neighborhood. The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) currently occupies two spaces that contain eleven artist studios, a gallery, classroom, and the OCAC offices. Click here to view a map.

All studios include 24/7 access (workspace only), wifi, utilities, opportunities to exhibit work, communal gathering and workspace, and access to a loading dock and restrooms. Both spaces are on the first floor of the mill.

Applications are accepted from artists, designers, and craftspeople looking to further their professional careers through dedicated studio practice. Studios will be awarded based on criteria listed below.

The OCAC is looking for creatives who:

• Are community-minded and will benefit from a co-working, semiprivate studio environment
• Display commitment to their craft through an existing body of work
• Create original work
• Are willing to participate in monthly public events, such as First Friday Art Walk. The space will not be open to the general public other than during special events and by appointment with studio tenants.

Tenant Selection Considerations:

• The OCAC seeks to represent a variety of artistic disciplines.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying levels in their career.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying ages, races, and backgrounds.
• Will this person’s practice work within the space available? 
• Does this person already have a place to work?
• Will this person use the space regularly? Will they participate in open studios and other public events?

Important Information:

• Filling out an application does not guarantee studio space.
• The Mill Studios are work only, we do not provide live-work spaces.
• A security deposit of one month’s rent plus first month’s rent, which may be pro-rated, are due at lease signing. The lease and payments are handled electronically.
• To ensure the safety and security of all tenants, accepted tenants must be willing to undergo a criminal background check.
• All tenants must hold a minimum $1M general liability policy showing Orange County and Hedgehog Holdings (owners of the Eno River Mill) as additional insured. You can anticipate this costing between $200-$500 per year, or approximately $20-$50 per month. Certificate of Insurance must be on file before the lease is processed. The OCAC can connect you with a local insurance agent to assist you, if needed.  Please note: this is a liability policy ONLY; it does not protect your artwork in the event of damage, theft, or natural disaster. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to insure their artwork and belongings through a separate policy.
• Tenants are required to sign a one-year lease which may be renewed annually for up to three years. 
• Tenants are required to agree to our Tenant Agreement Code of Conduct.
• For studios that do not have access to natural light, interior lighting has been installed which mimics natural light (5,000 kelvins).
• Equipment or materials that produce excessive fumes requiring special ventilation, smoke, fire, excessive dust, noise, or permanent damage to the facilities are not appropriate for this space. Preservatives/solvents including turpentine, ammonia, sodium fluoride, phenol or mercury compounds, as well as spray paint/spray fixative and dry pigments are not allowed. Only low-odor or odor-free mineral spirits are allowed. All solvent-soaked rags must be placed in a self-closing waste disposal can and emptied on a regular basis.
• Tenants must possess awareness of the health, safety, and hospitable working environment of other artist tenants and a respect for the upkeep and preservation of the facilities. This includes but is not limited to noise pollution (eg: loud equipment and music), use of toxic materials, and the use and proper disposal of studio waste (eg: solvent soaked rags, hot wax, turpentine, acetone, etc) and keeping common areas clean. Artists will also avoid unsolicited critiques and only offer feedback when asked.
• Only the Back Studios (studios 1-6) are equipped for ceramics. 
• Pets are not allowed.

 

The Town of Hillsborough, in partnership with the Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) and Orange County Arts Alliance (OCAA) present:

Together We Are America 

A celebration of our community, history, and culture

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | River Park, Downtown Hillsborough

Craft Show hours 10am - 5pm 

Important Dates

• Application Window: Wednesday, April 9 -  Thursday, April 30, 2026. 11:59PM EST
• Notification of Acceptance No later than Monday, May 11, 2026 
• Booth Fees due (if accepted): Monday, June 1, 2026

Event Overview

This is a juried showcase of high-quality fine arts and crafts from Orange County NC and the surrounding region.  The daytime event will also feature live entertainment, demonstrations, and activities celebrating our local cultures. 

The event is free and open to the public. 

Eligibility

• Artists must live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, or Georgia.
• Preference will be given to artists living/working in Orange County, NC.
• All work must be original and handmade by the participating artist.
• The artist must be present throughout the entire event.
• Work displayed must match the images submitted with the application.
• The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) reserves the right to remove work that does not meet guidelines.
• OCAC reserves the right to refuse any vendor without explanation.

Booth Requirements

• BYO Booth spaces are 10 ft x 10 ft.  “Big Tent” Spaces are 6’x6’.  
• Booths must be fully stocked and open during all event hours.
• Booths may not be shared or transferred without prior approval.
• This is an outdoor daytime event. Lighting is not required.
• The site is a natural lawn area. Ground may not be level. Bring materials to level displays.
• Artists must provide all booth equipment: tent, tables, chairs, shelving, tent weights, shims, shade, tarps, etc.
• Tent weights are required. Tents without weights will not be allowed.

Demonstrations & Electricity

• Craft demonstrations are encouraged.
• Electricity is limited and is only available by prior agreement.
• Contact event organizers in advance to discuss electricity or other demonstration needs or ideas.

Allowed Mediums

All work must be original and handmade by the artist unless otherwise noted.

Casting

Original works created by pouring or pressing material into a mold to form a finished piece. Materials may include metal, plaster, resin, concrete, wax, or similar substances. Molds must be designed and created by the artist. 

Clay

Hand-shaped and fired clay or porcelain (functional or decorative). No commercial molds or mass production. Jewelry excluded. Repeated designs must be signed.

Consumables

Handmade artisan foods, lotions, soaps, or candles.   Additional Requirements:

• Liability insurance naming Orange County and the Eno Mill as additional insured
• Allergen signage
• Food must be prepared in a health department–approved facility

Digital Art

Original artwork created or manipulated digitally by the artist. Must be signed, numbered limited editions on archival materials. Digital photographs belong in Photography.

Drawing

Original works using dry or fluid media (pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, etc.).

Festival Fare

Vendors wishing to provide fee-based activities such as: Henna, Fairy Hair, Caricature, and Face-Painting should apply using the crafts artist application, below. 

Fiber / Leather

Handcrafted wearable or decorative fiber or leather work. No mass production. No factory-made items

Furniture

Original handmade furniture. No kits or altered ready-made furniture. 

Glass

Original kiln-formed, blown, molded, or cast glass. No mass production.

Jewelry

Hand-designed and handmade jewelry. No commercial kits, molds, or mass production. 

Mixed Media (2D & 3D)

Original work combining multiple materials. Garden art and folk art may apply here.

Painting

Original paintings using watercolor, acrylic, or oil. Excludes henna and face painting.

Photography

Original photographs processed by the artist or under their supervision. Artist must disclose their creative and printing process. Work in this category must be in limited editions, signed and numbered by the artist.

Printmaking

Hand-pulled prints using traditional methods (etching, engraving, lithography, silkscreen, woodcut, etc.). Work must be issued as limited editions (max 250), signed and numbered. No digital reproductions. Prints must be matted and properly displayed.

Sculpture

Original three-dimensional work in any material.

Wood

Original woodwork excluding furniture and sculpture. Includes toys and puzzles.

Venue Information

Location: River Park in Downtown Hillsborough

Admission: Free

Parking:   Public and vendor parking available throughout Downtown Hillsborough.   On-street parking near the Courthouse is reserved for vendors during load-in.

Electricity: Limited; may be available by prior agreement.

Load-In:

 Begins at 7:00am, Saturday July 4, 2026

 All vendors must be fully set up by 10:00am when the event opens 

All vehicles must be removed from the site by  9:45am.

Rules & Regulations

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online by Thursday, April 30, 2026. 11:59PM EST.
• Artists will be notified of acceptance status by Monday, May 11, 2026.
• Accepted artists must pay a nonrefundable booth fee. Event will be held rain or shine.
• Electronic payment preferred, a payment link will be sent upon acceptance.
• Checks payable to Orange County Arts Alliance.   Mail to: 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd, Box 27, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Artists may apply in up to three mediums.

Each medium requires four images.

Selection Criteria

• Applications are reviewed by a jury panel.
• Artists are scored within their media category.
• The final show will reflect quality and balanced representation across mediums.
• The OCAC is committed to non-discrimination and equal access.
• The OCAC reserves the right to refuse any vendor without explanation.

Applicants needing accommodations due to disability should contact OCAC at 919-245-2129.

Weather Policy

This is a rain-or-shine event.

• Refunds will be issued only if the event is fully cancelled.
• No refunds for delayed opening or artist withdrawal.
• Artists who leave early may jeopardize future participation.

Security

Artists must staff their booth at all times.  The Festival is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Booth Guidelines

• No “SALE” signs.
• No signage extending beyond booth space.
• All signage must look professional.
• Artists must remain for the full event. No early breakdown.
• All vendors must be fully set up by 10:00am.  Late arrivals will not be allowed to set up and will not receive a refund.
• Animals are not allowed in booths, other than service animals.

Fees

• Single Booth Space (10' x10')  $100 Orange County Residents / $125 Non-Orange County Residents (Artist provides tent, displays, table, chairs, etc.)
• Double Booth Space (20' x 10') $175 Orange County Residents / $200 Non-Orange County Residents (Artist provides tent, displays, table, chairs, etc.)
• Big Tent Space - Single (6'x6'  plus 2' clearance on each side) $125 Orange County Residents / $150 Non-Orange County Residents (Artist provides: displays, table, chairs, etc.. Space provided under large tent with other artists.)
• Big Tent Space - Double (12'x6'  plus 2' clearance on each side) $225 Orange County Residents / $250 Non-Orange County Residents (Artist provides: displays, table, chairs, etc.. Space provided under large tent with other artists.)

Questions?

Greg Bell, festival planner

Email: greg@artsorange.org