Can't win them all, but getting closer........

Comment by Larry Berman on September 22, 2011 at 11:28am

Are you talking about a company or a person? Is the same name (showing the same drivers license) applying to all these shows?

If it's different people applying and showing up to different shows, isn't that proof enough?

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Comment by geri a. wegner on September 22, 2011 at 11:39am

The watch people are a company but they apply to festivals as individuals.  I don't know all the names being used to apply to festivals but they use the company name in their booth.  That is why I suggested pictures of the people in the booth to see how many different individuals we are talking about.  I think it is similar to the time you had the same booth image for two different artists when you were helping a festival out with their entries.

Comment by Lois Songer on September 22, 2011 at 11:51am

At our show, neither Juan or Daniel showed.  It was two other guys, this was found out towards the end of the show as well, (had a helper at registration and these guys slipped in without showing ID... they are very slick and low key)  Every press release and bit of google info I can find talks about a "company" and a "line" of watches etc.  Tons of "new" retail outlets are being talked up.  If the show has rules that the artist must show up and that the art must be made by the artist then I think they could pull them from the line up based on it being at a minimum a production shop. 

"Dear Mistura People,

You have a lovely, sustainable, fashionable and well designed product.  However, our show features artists who handmake their own work for sale.  It does not appear that your work meets that criteria and we are withdrawing our invitation for you to show and your check and materials will be returned.  Your store at the Merchandise Mart is definately a better fit for your "product."

Director

Comment by Amy Furgiuele on September 22, 2011 at 12:21pm

Amen on that one, Lorie!  LOL! 

 

Geri, if your friend is the promoter and has any pull on the show, I think Larry's comment is a great "go around" the issue.  If "Bob and Tom" are working the booth (and feel free to have someone go up and check their licenses!  More shows, thankfully, are requiring them at check-in, so if they didn't check in and just started setting up, your friend ought to go right over to them and ask to see ID.) but "Bob and Tom's" names aren't on the application, then right away they are violating the show agreement.  Also, I would have your friend respond to the letter from Mistura asking who actually "owns" the company, if it is not mentioned already.  If the "owners" are not the same as the "artists" showing up at the shows, again, your friend has grounds to rescind the show's invitation.  Lois' letter above states a very good response that could be used...

 

Bravo, at least, for trying!  Efforts are appreciated!!

Comment by Amy Furgiuele on September 22, 2011 at 12:27pm

I have a question... Maybe you all know or not, and not that I would ever have the huevos to do it, but for "known" b/s individuals like Mistura, what would happen if a patron stood nearby their tent with a sign that said "Mistura watches are NOT art but bought and sold merchanidise!  Do not support a non-artist!" or something similar?  They wouldn't have to say anything or be confrontational... Just be there with additional info (pages from the internet, etc.) should a patron be interested.  Is that illegal, or "protected free speech"?  I bet most patrons don't know they aren't "real" artists and if I saw someone holding a sign, at least I'd ask an additional question or two!  Just curious!

Comment by Amy Ikenn on September 22, 2011 at 12:38pm

The "buy/sell" tag just made me think of something.  These guys are not buying something to sell - it does sound like they are involved in the manufacturing.  They are a production shop which is equally offensive to most artists but a different category.   Not sure if it makes any difference where this discussion goes but it just occurred to me.

Comment by geri a. wegner on September 22, 2011 at 12:48pm

Amy, most festivals don't allow production, per se or items made from a kit.  They are also not making all the parts (not the mechanicals) themselves, others are doing that.  They are not involved in every watch that is sold other than opening a box and taking it out.  That also is contrary to the rules of most art festivals.

Comment by Terry McCray on September 22, 2011 at 1:01pm

Maybe the legal system is the right way to go.  A good look into their taxes and payroll might prove interesting and may put more eyes and closer scrutiny on their business than they want.  The legal threat is probably no more than a bullies bluff and someone needs to call that bluff.

Comment by Amy Ikenn on September 22, 2011 at 1:26pm

Geri,  I do realize they are breaking the rules either way, but if you are getting into any legal discussion (lawyers or free speech) I tend to split hairs.  Didn't mean to imply anything else.

Comment by geri a. wegner on September 22, 2011 at 1:42pm

Amy, no problem, I misunderstood what you were saying.

If anyone knows a lawyer that wants some pro bono work, then maybe it would be a good idea to call their bluff.  

Their twitter account is a fun read.  They get more on air publicity than any artist I have ever known that does art festivals.  They seem to be big at trade shows too.  

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page