Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals
Have Art Fairs Lost Their Value?
Okay I have been reading through a lot of the discussions and the wants and why of the “Art Fairers” as a job title and seems to me that the art fairs have really lost their value as an art fair. Back many years ago (early 70’s) the art fairs were another place for artist to show and sell their ART work. Now it is a business for many just to go to the art fairs and sell their product and not their art work. What I mean by this is that how many of you just make a product to sell at the art fairs? Are you making the same things over and over again because it is what sold before? Have you lost your creativity doing this? Do you still think that you as an artist are you making beautiful, interesting, mind provoking art? Are you too worried about just making the sales and not the art? And we wonder why the crowds are not buying and why less people are going to the art shows. Sure there are many excellent artists out their going to the fairs but what my take is that these excellent artists are not just relying on the income from the art fairs, they are making art. They as an artist have other mediums for selling their art work because people will buy their art.
Art fairs are getting boring and the public know this, they have lost the incentive to go and buy, same old things as last year or too much of the same stuff. From some of the discussions it seems to be very competitive on who has the best booth display, who can haggle sales, why promoters do not do a good job for the artist and where my booth is located. Let’s get back to making art and not just a product. I hate hearing the mind set “I go to just to sell”, sure but what are selling?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Munks on -
Standing at my easel reading this post . . . dabbing a tear from my eye -
"Someone out there gets it! - Great message Warren Townsend! Well done!!"
and now I turn back to my painting with a renewed sense of hope that there may be a few more out there that "get it" . . .
"Nice writing, very nice!"
PS: Holly, the preceding comments written by me above are meant to be a true compliment regarding Mr. Townsend's thinking and opinion as evidenced by his writing.
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Meriash on -
Thanks Warren for taking the time to share this.
I am a photographer and mainly show in galleries but love to use the art fairs to introduce and "test" new work and meet potentially new clients. And while the economics of the fair is important I feel that many artists have let the "gotta cover my shows" take away from the quality of their work.
I truly believe that new and growing work will always sell...esp if it's not "what they saw last year". My biggest frustration at times has been seeing the same...and I mean EXACTLY...the same work shown by many artists year after year.
Especially in the medium of photography...at one of the biggest shows in Colorado I could probably memorize the booths of several photographers because the images are the same every year and practically set up the same way every year. I am amazed sometimes that the jurors continue to pick the exact same work year after year.
It would be great at the jury level if the emphasis was on providing the art fair visitor a new and quality experience every year. I agree with you that as artists we should always be growing and adding to our standards...so that we and our customers look forward to a wonderful new experience every year. Thanks again!
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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on -
The juries don't pick the exact same work year after year. What you see in the photographers booths may not be the pieces they jury with.
Some thoughts on picking jury pieces. A great many artists spend their entire careers putting together the perfect set of jury images. Each time they come up with a new image or piece that better completes the jury set, they eliminate the weakest and add the new piece. This goes for many different mediums, not just photography. And on the other hand is the artist who creates a new body of work and replaces all of the jury images every year or so. The third type of artist has used the same images for thirty years because they get into every show they apply to because their work is that good.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Linda Anderson on -
Clearly the answer is Yes - with a few qualifiers however.
From my perspective: During the last few years:
- There have become too many Art Fairs (it's become a hugely profitable business for many promoters/organizations)
- It seems as if EVERYONE thinks this is easy therefore the number of "artists" has increased to include many that in no way should consider themselves "artists". These are the ones who typically only do art shows as extra income, something to do on a weekend etc. Many of whom likely began due to loss of job, need of additional income, and my favorite: "oh wow... I got this new camera and my snapshots are great therefore I must be an artist".
Is it no wonder art patrons are bored? It has become boring to me! This year I am cutting back on the shows I apply for - I think many are. Of course, that leaves holes for the "I think I'm an artist therefore I am" types to be accepted by those promoters looking to fill a 10x10 spot and obtain the jury/booth fee - contributing to the first claim of mine that there are too many art shows..... it's all become a catch-22.
My entire income comes from my artwork. This is not to say those that do this part time are not artists. I do think however this committment perhaps contributes to my focus on the art. It is my life. It is what I do not only for income, but also enjoyment. I take my photos for me. The fact that others want to pay money for them - that's the bonus. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked by those viewing my local gallery or even my website "I'm trying to find a picture of xxxxx, can you take one for me?" I'm always amused but never produce anything that does not interest me. As you've likely noticed from other posts Warren...... I'm not a people pleaser in that respect. I don't need to perform to other's expectations to feel fulfillment.
Don't get me wrong - I do need income from art shows/fairs to continue my current lifestyle. Lately however, I'm exploring other avenues for exposure. I would certainly hope in the next couple of years they become exciting again - for both the artists and the patrons.
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Permalink Reply by Munks on
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You are missing the point.
One of the most profound statements Warren made is as follows: "Art fairs are getting boring and the public know this, they have lost the incentive to go and buy, same old things as last year or too much of the same stuff." Sharon M. then very eloquently added: "It would be great at the jury level if the emphasis was on providing the art fair visitor a new and quality experience every year."
Despite the fact that any reasonable person would question a system that allows people to jury into a show with work they no longer sell - it would stand to reason that the juries are perpetuating mediocrity and the "same old, same old" by jurying in the same "vendors" year after year whether they are "just that good" or not. The jurors don't matter, what matters is the buyers and the buyers are telling the market (and that includes the jurors) - that the work is just not that good - no matter how good the images look on Zapp to a jury. I've heard the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result - these shows are going to change whether people want them to or not. The art market itself, not me - is saying so.
Larry Berman said:The juries don't pick the exact same work year after year. What you see in the photographers booths may not be the pieces they jury with.
Some thoughts on picking jury pieces. A great many artists spend their entire careers putting together the perfect set of jury images. Each time they come up with a new image or piece that better completes the jury set, they eliminate the weakest and add the new piece. This goes for many different mediums, not just photography. And on the other hand is the artist who creates a new body of work and replaces all of the jury images every year or so. The third type of artist has used the same images for thirty years because they get into every show they apply to because their work is that good.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on
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I'm not missing any points. I didn't even read the other posts. I was responding to the comments about jurying.
Back to the issue. What makes you think art fairs weren't always like this. When I started doing shows 33 or 34 years ago, I used to do all the mall shows in the NYC area, I used to see the exact same artists with the exact same artwork week after week. The difference was what they were selling was something you couldn't find in the stores. Today's issue is that the same people who used to go to the shows to find different work to hang on their walls now stay at home and shop on line. And that's where you can find a lot of what's now sold at shows. The only difference now is the fulfillment factor.
How often do you actually see something so different and original that you can honestly say you've never seen or thought of it before? It's exciting when that happens but it doesn't happen often enough.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Meriash on
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Some really good points esp about photography...i have a feeling we both have a few good chuckles to ourselves at every festival.
Linda Anderson said:Clearly the answer is Yes - with a few qualifiers however.
From my perspective: During the last few years:
- There have become too many Art Fairs (it's become a hugely profitable business for many promoters/organizations)
- It seems as if EVERYONE thinks this is easy therefore the number of "artists" has increased to include many that in no way should consider themselves "artists". These are the ones who typically only do art shows as extra income, something to do on a weekend etc. Many of whom likely began due to loss of job, need of additional income, and my favorite: "oh wow... I got this new camera and my snapshots are great therefore I must be an artist".
Is it no wonder art patrons are bored? It has become boring to me! This year I am cutting back on the shows I apply for - I think many are. Of course, that leaves holes for the "I think I'm an artist therefore I am" types to be accepted by those promoters looking to fill a 10x10 spot and obtain the jury/booth fee - contributing to the first claim of mine that there are too many art shows..... it's all become a catch-22.
My entire income comes from my artwork. This is not to say those that do this part time are not artists. I do think however this committment perhaps contributes to my focus on the art. It is my life. It is what I do not only for income, but also enjoyment. I take my photos for me. The fact that others want to pay money for them - that's the bonus. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked by those viewing my local gallery or even my website "I'm trying to find a picture of xxxxx, can you take one for me?" I'm always amused but never produce anything that does not interest me. As you've likely noticed from other posts Warren...... I'm not a people pleaser in that respect. I don't need to perform to other's expectations to feel fulfillment.
Don't get me wrong - I do need income from art shows/fairs to continue my current lifestyle. Lately however, I'm exploring other avenues for exposure. I would certainly hope in the next couple of years they become exciting again - for both the artists and the patrons.
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Permalink Reply by Munks on
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I never said the shows weren't always like this. 30some years ago, the people that could not sell their art in the market either got better, or they simply went away and did something else. Outstanding original work does still happen, but it truly doesn't happen enough, and it is not encouraged to happen by the current system. The current system of juries, cronies, bribes, favorites, gimmicks, and pure lottery-style luck rewards consistency and mediocrity and guarantees nothing - including sales. But, it does rather falsely imply that success will be achieved and an artist's ego will be stroked if they are in such and such show, festival, fair, or gallery - or if they contribute to this or that charity or cause. Again, the reality is - artists should be focused on making art not "products" just as Warren so marvelously stated. (If you haven't read the entire thread, at least take a moment to read his post.) The current art market is sending his message pretty clearly. Why do I give a damn? - Well, how can I get better as an artist if I have no sense of competition? If I set up in a show full of b/s or just plain old crap or reruns or some other permutation thereof - what is my motivation to get better - to move my work up to the next level? Hmmm?
Larry Berman said:I'm not missing any points. I didn't even read the other posts. I was responding to the comments about jurying.
Back to the issue. What makes you think art fairs weren't always like this. When I started doing shows 33 or 34 years ago, I used to do all the mall shows in the NYC area, I used to see the exact same artists with the exact same artwork week after week. The difference was what they were selling was something you couldn't find in the stores. Today's issue is that the same people who used to go to the shows to find different work to hang on their walls now stay at home and shop on line. And that's where you can find a lot of what's now sold at shows. The only difference now is the fulfillment factor. How often do you actually see something so different and original that you can honestly say you've never seen or thought of it before? It's exciting when that happens but it doesn't happen often enough.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Meriash on
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Well said Munks!
Munks said:I never said the shows weren't always like this. 30some years ago, the people that could not sell their art in the market either got better, or they simply went away and did something else. Outstanding original work does still happen, but it truly doesn't happen enough, and it is not encouraged to happen by the current system. The current system of juries, cronies, bribes, favorites, gimmicks, and pure lottery-style luck rewards consistency and mediocrity and guarantees nothing - including sales. But, it does rather falsely imply that success will be achieved and an artist's ego will be stroked if they are in such and such show, festival, fair, or gallery - or if they contribute to this or that charity or cause. Again, the reality is - artists should be focused on making art not "products" just as Warren stated so marvelously stated. (If you haven't read the entire thread, at least take a moment to read his post.) The current art market is sending his message pretty clearly. Why do I give a damn? - Well, how can I get better as an artist if I have no sense of competition. If I set up in a show full of b/s or just plain old crap or reruns or some other permutation thereof - what is my motivation to get better - to move my work up to the next level? Hmmm?
Larry Berman said:I'm not missing any points. I didn't even read the other posts. I was responding to the comments about jurying.
Back to the issue. What makes you think art fairs weren't always like this. When I started doing shows 33 or 34 years ago, I used to do all the mall shows in the NYC area, I used to see the exact same artists with the exact same artwork week after week. The difference was what they were selling was something you couldn't find in the stores. Today's issue is that the same people who used to go to the shows to find different work to hang on their walls now stay at home and shop on line. And that's where you can find a lot of what's now sold at shows. The only difference now is the fulfillment factor.
How often do you actually see something so different and original that you can honestly say you've never seen or thought of it before? It's exciting when that happens but it doesn't happen often enough.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Warren Townsend on -
Munks, hey man I really appreciate your attitude, I know some have slammed you for your points but I just snicker and wish I said what you said.
And that is what I am trying to get across to the juries the promoters and the artist. Heck does it matter if you have the same booth spot every year, do you think that the jury wants new art, do the promoters have to give you a bottle of water during set up? I mean crap quit acting like we are owned something, make art and let the art sell.
About someone complaining about jury fees in another post. Have you entered very many local jury shows and spend $30 just to enter a couple of pieces and then pay a 35% commission if one sells? Art fairs are cheap enterprise for the artist compared to dealing with art dealers and galleries. Try going the public art route and spending hours and hours on your proposal and not even get an email back. Selling art no matter how you look at it, it takes time and capital.
I love making art, I am committed to making art, my day starts with thinking about creating. I only do the art fairs because I have a mass inventory of art form many years of creating and not having the wiliness of getting out and selling it. Now the places like art fairs to sell are a racket and a circus.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on -
I agree with a lot of the postings here, but what is so lightly touched on is what do people want in art? It seems to me people really don't know what they want any more or what they want is far to specific. I see some people selling the same thing over and over at a show year after year for at least 10 years straight - whether it works for them or not, I cannot judge. I also see artists selling at shows and it seems like their work is cutting edge each time. With the way the economy has been people are cutting back, yet they are still buying, just not as much. However, what is desirable among art fair buyers is something I just can't put my finger on as each person seems to be partial to some medium or another. Also with the past two years especially, it seems there are more people looking for a deal too - they can spot beautiful art, but then it becomes a "is that the best price you can do"?
Regardless of whether the art being presented is 10 years old or 1 day old, it seems to sell anything it is all about telling the story behind the work and give reasons why others buy it and why they should too. I do shows, but also have the insight of working in a boutique where people choose to come in either due to driving by the shop and they have the time to check us out and decide to come in as well as have a specific item in mind they want to buy, yet curious to know if "we" carry it. We get a lot of people just saying "I need a gift for "xyz", but I don't know what to get..." Whenever I get those comments it is like hearing I like what you have, but am overwhelmed, help me filter out somethings so I can get something I know "xyz" will like (that won't break my budget too). While many businesses are suffering, we are maintaining a good flow of customers - despite this time of year always being a slow time.
Regardless of my ramblings, I feel that perhaps as artists it is very important to stay true to our art and our creativity and use that as the driving force/reminder of why we do what we do. To share our work, and ultimately selling it, we must realize that there is more to just being creative, but you have to be a sales person too. There is a thrill that comes to selling ones work just as there is a thrill to finish a piece that you have put a lot of heart and time into it too. Furthermore, if the goal is to sell our work so we can get back into the studio to make more, then we need to be open to what our customers are saying otherwise we'll have garages and attics full of finished work collecting dust and broke, right?
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Permalink Reply by Chris Hoyt on -
You mention the 70s. That was a different time. We boomers were just setting up households and we needed "stuff" for our walls and we needed decorations too. I remember the plethora of potters at the shows. Everybody was selling pottery. And macrame' was selling because we neded a system to hang those pots! Painters were doing well also because we had to have wall art. And baskets! Lots of basketmakers.
We didn't have canopies because they weren't invented yet, so everybody had an original booth including the covering. Exhibitors slept in tents behind their booths. Music came from a 6 volt transistor radio tuned to the local AM station. If it rained, that just added to the experience. The meek didn't want any part of doing shows outdoors.
But these shows were never mainstream. And nobody really got rich. Some made enough to lead a Gypsy lifestyle, but little more. How many lived in their Microbus? More than we know.
You got show information by word of mouth. And many would travel across the country on some stranger saying "the Veeblefetzer Festival in Des Moines was great!" Getting there and doing the show was the fun part, and money was secondary.
Then we started to grow up. Canopies were becoming available. I bought my first canopy in the mid 80s from Elaine Martin, inc for $700. PLus $70 per side. I still have it. It's a steel KD Canopy and weighs 70 lbs.
More canopies came on the scene. Prices were coming down too. So more people started doing shows. When times are good, the money is too. So the industry started evolving as all things must. More promoters came on the scene. Schools, churches, and service organizations were starting to realize the potential in selling spaces for $25. They could raise money. Exhibitors also saw the potential of doing more shows. Many found their true passion. Just like the "Gypsies" during the 70s. But we had kids, mortgages, car payments, etc to consider.
So in order to follow our dreams, many exhibitors turned their passion into a business. And businesses exist to make money. So more and more artists and craftsmen did less "creating" and started selling that one item the customers wanted at all the shows. Less "art", more "business".
So what we have today is the "business of art". With some exceptions, those carefree days of the past generation are over. But there are still a lot of us out there who still feel doing the show itself is a big part of the fun of the business. Because I remember those days.
Maybe that's why I can't understand why some exhibitors have an absolute cow when it rains.
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