Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals
Why didn't you apply to this art fair?
Here's the scenario:
If you lived in a 150 mile radius would you apply? Why? Why not?
I'd love to hear from you. (Please no replies that are just negative whining.)
The event is the Blue Water Art Fair and a few spaces are still available. The applications are still open at www.theBlueWaterFest.com
- new art fair in Port Huron, Michigan
- small (60 exhibitors)
- on a weekend (July 16 & 17) when there are few art fairs in the region
- part of a new festival (music, food, art & yachts)
- being held on the most highly trafficked weekend of the year, which is the annual Port Huron to Mackinaw Boat Race, a large regional draw
- producers of the event have an excellent history of bringing people to their events, e.g., Arts, Beats & Eats
- really good fees - $10 for application and $190 for booth
- this is high tourist season, beautiful days in East Michigan, along Lake Huron
- the event will draw large crowds
If you lived in a 150 mile radius would you apply? Why? Why not?
I'd love to hear from you. (Please no replies that are just negative whining.)
The event is the Blue Water Art Fair and a few spaces are still available. The applications are still open at www.theBlueWaterFest.com
Tags: Blue Water, Blue Water Art Fair, Michigan art fair, Port Huron, call for artists
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on -
The weekend before Ann Arbor is the biggest art show weekend of the year with approximately ten major shows to choose from. They might do much better actually going up against Ann Arbor because the artists would love an alternative. Or the week after trying to catch artists on the way home.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on -
I do totally get that, about Ann Arbor and the smaller events, Larry. That is seriously the elephant in the art fair booth! But everyone is NOT going to be in Ann Arbor. There are many artists who don't or won't do AA...actually we can't change the date either - the Port Huron to Mackinaw Boat Race has actually been around longer than Ann Arbor!
But you are right I was focusing on everyone going to AA and forgot about what else is going on that weekend. Like what?
Larry Berman said:The weekend before Ann Arbor is the biggest art show weekend of the year with approximately ten major shows to choose from. They might do much better actually going up against Ann Arbor because the artists would love an alternative. Or the week after trying to catch artists on the way home.
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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A partial list of shows I can remember being the weekend before A2 depending on how many weekends there are in July.
Madison
State College
Wyandotte
Krasl
Westerville
Cain Park
Wickford
Guilford
Medina
Westport
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on
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That's what I thought Larry when I learned the date -- amazingly July has five weekends this year and most of those events did not choose July 16 & 17. What a missed opportunity for events who are tired of elbowing the others out of the way for exhibitors.
Larry Berman said:A partial list of shows I can remember being the weekend before A2 depending on how many weekends there are in July.
Madison
State College
Wyandotte
Krasl
Westerville
Cain Park
Wickford
Guilford
Medina
Westport
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on
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Make no mistake about it, Leo. As you say this is not an art fair per se, but a festival that includes an art fair. Yet, it seemed to me that the for sure things that will happen: lots of people, nice weather, good location, good fees, accessibility for lots of regional artists would make a difference.
Of course established events such as the ones you are doing would always trump the points above.
That is great that Medina is not the day after Ann Arbor this year.
Leo Charette said:Hi Connie,
I'm actually doing two, one day shows on that weekend: Willoughby ArtsFest on Sat. July 17 and Medina Art in the Park on Sun. July 18. About Blue Water Fest: It would seem the logo and title of the show should have something in it about art. The show seems to focus more on music, tall ships and food. These large community fairs are tricky for artists to know how much the art is the focus and not just a side show. Even the description of the Art Fair on the web site starts by talking about the other events. Booth pricing is good, though.
Cheers, Leo
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Permalink Reply by Jacqueline Webster on -
I would definitely consider doing this festival if:
1. The drive was reasonable - 150 miles seems good
2. This were my target market in all ways. If I had work that might appeal to the crowd I'd skip it.
3. Other costs like food, gas, and lodging were reasonable enough that they wouldn't eat into my profits too much. Like if I could crash with a friend or relative to make it really cheap.
I feel that shows without a track record are dicey, but I do have an application out for a new one in Denver this year because it would be a home show for me and I wouldn't have to travel. Plus it's a four-day show in a trendy area so there's potential. The whole issue in this discussion to me is: Is the described show your market? Even though this is my first year out, I take that question seriously. And after getting that first show under my belt (farmers' market = not my market) I am much more conscious of needing to do my homework before I apply, and that I need to take my lessons from this year (trying a bunch of different venues) and learn just who and where my market really is.
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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on
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You are definitely a fast learner, Jacqueline. Those are the perfect criteria when evaluating whether or not to put down your money and time. This is not a "high rent" district and I think that exhibitors will not be too much out of pocket...plus....there are many who could stay at home and come in for the day.
Jacqueline Webster said:I would definitely consider doing this festival if:
1. The drive was reasonable - 150 miles seems good
2. This were my target market in all ways. If I had work that might appeal to the crowd I'd skip it.
3. Other costs like food, gas, and lodging were reasonable enough that they wouldn't eat into my profits too much. Like if I could crash with a friend or relative to make it really cheap.
I feel that shows without a track record are dicey, but I do have an application out for a new one in Denver this year because it would be a home show for me and I wouldn't have to travel. Plus it's a four-day show in a trendy area so there's potential. The whole issue in this discussion to me is: Is the described show your market? Even though this is my first year out, I take that question seriously. And after getting that first show under my belt (farmers' market = not my market) I am much more conscious of needing to do my homework before I apply, and that I need to take my lessons from this year (trying a bunch of different venues) and learn just who and where my market really is.
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Permalink Reply by Nels Johnson on -
I might consider it Connie, but first, it is a new art show-most of us seasoned vets stay awAy from them like the plague, with good reasons, very few new shows are ever a hit. Second, it is in Michigan, the most radioactive state besides Fla. to do shows in. But, it sounds like you say, a great opportunity, being by the water, near an established event and in height of tourist season. But you have to factor something else in. Too many readers out there have not done the circuit long enough to remember that there was actually a week in between the Madison-type shows and Ann Arbor. And if you were a big seller, and needed to pump out a lot of inventory, you appreciated having that week to make work in. This year is an anomoly, I personally love it. It means I can come back from a big show in Madison and still have a week to make work( lots of $25 widgets) for Ann Arbor
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Permalink Reply by Nels Johnson on
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I just checked the website for the show. Why do you need ashow going to 8pm at nite. No way.
Nels Johnson said:I might consider it Connie, but first, it is a new art show-most of us seasoned vets stay awAy from them like the plague, with good reasons, very few new shows are ever a hit. Second, it is in Michigan, the most radioactive state besides Fla. to do shows in. But, it sounds like you say, a great opportunity, being by the water, near an established event and in height of tourist season. But you have to factor something else in. Too many readers out there have not done the circuit long enough to remember that there was actually a week in between the Madison-type shows and Ann Arbor. And if you were a big seller, and needed to pump out a lot of inventory, you appreciated having that week to make work in. This year is an anomoly, I personally love it. It means I can come back from a big show in Madison and still have a week to make work( lots of $25 widgets) for Ann Arbor
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Permalink Reply by Jan Raven on -
Two primary reasons: 1. I only found out about this show a month ago. 2. I applied to a different show on that weekend two and a half months ago (got in, too). I think the smaller shows can have a higher return on investment, but this one is far enough away from me (a day and a half), that I would want a little feedback on it before applying. I am willing to try first year shows if they are close to me and seem well organized.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Hoyt on -
Nels Johnson said:I just checked the website for the show. Why do you need ashow going to 8pm at nite. No way. That would be a dealbreaker for me right there. NOBODY buys after 5 PM. They're just there for the food.
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Permalink Reply by Oscar Matos Linares on -
It is a new show in Michigan. It may be the only time that will able to do the show. Michigan shows are the type of shows that you need to several times in order to become a strong show. I base from Chicago for at least one more year.
It had the potential of become a good show plus if you are doing Ann Arbor it will put in the area already and reduce the traveling.
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