Detroit Urban Craft Fair

Well, I went, I saw, I was underwhelmed...not to say that there wasn't some really unusual, creative and interesting stuff there, there was but as far as fiber artists, I only saw one booth that had something similar to what I do - felted flower pots and bowls that were really quite nice.

The other fiber artists that were represented were mostly making crocheted infinity scarves and hats, which are nice, but pretty common these days and unremarkable.  There was one artist with hand-spun, hand-dyed yarns that were gorgeous and another booth with crocheted critters of all kinds.

There was a huge crowd on Sunday, when I was there, and I spoke to someone who said they had 5,000 people come through on Saturday...so, no shortage of customers apparently.  The same woman, a jewelry maker named Courtney Fischer, told me that she sold so much on Saturday, she had to make more jewelry Saturday night to sell on Sunday!

The crowd was made up of mostly "hipsters" and they did seem to be enjoying the scene, the wide range of art and the on-site cafe.  I did pick up some great display and merchandise ideas with a nod to next year...thinking I may try again to get in, if nothing else it just looks like so much fun!

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  • Thanks, Lynnea...as I said in my blog piece, I've spoken to several artists who said they also didn't make the cut, one even reported that the jurors/organizers were kind of "cliquey"...so who knows?  What path are you on now?  I'd be interested in hearing about it...

  • I banged my head against the wall trying to get into some Indie shows and finally said.. you know what.. even though I hear .. "your stuff would sell so well at X show" I don't need the rejection from the hipster organizers.  If you get in and it is your thing HOORAY!  But I'll stay on the path I am on for now.

  • Sounds great! Thanks, Connie...

  • Well, you're in the right place for getting your jury photos correct. Lots of good helpers here.

    I just came across this link about another Indie show in Ypsi that maybe you should put on your calendar? http://www.heritage.com/articles/2014/12/14/ypsilanti_courier/news/...

  • Connie, yes, it's held at the Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit, it's a two day show with a wonderful mix of paper, photography, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, vintage clothing, etc.  It is the show I didn't make it into but I've spoken to several other artists who said they didn't make the cut either, which helps my bruised ego a little bit.  People did seem to be buying and there was just a bustling, cozy, hip vibe throughout the place that I think everyone got caught up in. I think my work would be a nice fit but we'll see what shakes out for next year...I'll have to keep "young and hip" in mind when creating new pieces and I really need to step up my jury photos...so plenty to work on this winter...

  • Thanks, Jacki!

  • Great review, Tina.  Sounds like you took notice of everything.  I hope you get in next year.

  • This is a pretty cool event held at Detroit's Masonic Temple.  It features many of the same artists as the DIY Show in Ferndale.  I did not make it there this year but have previously.  I remember lots of photo, jewelry, functional and printed cards.  Maybe it's been updated since then.  Great attendance of young buyers.

  • So Tina, is this a show that you were rejected from? You think your work was better/different? How did you apply, was it digital? or was it a paper application? How did you send them your work?

    What media was there besides fiber? Did you see buyers? What was the price range in general? Where was the show held?

    (enough questions?)

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