KALAMAZOO, MI.- The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts will hold its 58th Annual Art Fair on Saturday, June 6, 2009, and artists from the United States and Canada are invited to apply for entry.

The first Saturday of June has marked the unofficial kick-off of the summer season in Kalamazoo for more than half a century, and the KIA Art Fair is a highlight of that weekend. The second oldest, continuously running art fair in the nation, it features the work of 200 artists and each year attracts 50 to 60 thousand visitors.

The KIA Art Fair "is a well organized one-day event, with very respectable sales," says the Art Fair Source Book. Artists can expect a "well-educated audience, and a very helpful and supportive staff."

The KIA will accept artist applications through Monday, March 2, 2009. An anonymous jury of art professionals will review all submissions and select exhibitors for the fair, based on the creativity, concept and craftsmanship of their work.

The fee to apply for the Art Fair is $25 (non-refundable). If an artist is selected to exhibit and sell work, the exhibit fee is $125. The KIA takes no commissions on sales.

Cash prizes are offered for first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place, as selected by a guest juror, as well as additional category prizes.

Application forms are available online at www.kiarts.org/AFapp09.pdf.