It's frustrating for me to be sitting here on the couch right now when I thought I would be on the way to an art show in Sarasota.
Why? The infamous "wait list" of Howard Alan events and the bottomless greed from applications they accept.
I applied to this show because another show I had scheduled for this weekend also fell through. I saw this one was still open and accepting applications and thought, "Great! This show is still open!" Since I had never been rejected from a Howard Alan show (and neither had anyone else that I knew of, they take anything it seems), I thought I could get in another quick show before I have to take a week off for personal projects. Long drive, but you do what you have to do.
Well the deadline for applications finally passes -- two days before the show is to start -- and I'm anxiously awaiting the notification of whether to pack and go or stay. I have already got a room reservation, so all I have to do is hit the road. I didn't think much of it, because I had applied and been accepted that late before.
I finally send a message asking about status, and I was informed that I applied to be on the wait list. There are currently 88 other artists on the wait list.
What the heck?
Howard Alan events kept accepting 88 applications for the wait list, even after the show was closed. They don't provide booth sitters, artist snacks or water. They expect setup for most shows to begin at 4am. But they took in an extra $3520 for no reason except for greed.
But, Florida is the only game in town this time of year. And this was a firm reminder of how much I hate their style of "promotion."
Comments
I can't help but agree with Joel's viewpoint that this is a purely greedy practice, having 88 people added to a wait list is absurd. We all know that one has ZERO chance of being called from such a lengthy list.
I have an additional example of greedy practices to air here: What is up with the show promoters encouraging artists to submit more than one application to a show? I understand if an artist is applying in more than a single category. Yes, of course, but here is a quote from the application page for ART IN THE PEARL:
"You can submit up to 20 applications for this show."
I got anxious after reading this as I felt that, at $35 per application, it"s $700 to apply 20X and if some artists are actually putting their art work in front of the jury panel 20 TIMES where does that leave the rest of us?
I could only draw the conclusion that whoever made the policy of allowing 20 applications, is doing so to encourage us to pay a hell of a lot more for applying and that it acts as an intimidation tactic to those of us who need to be more conservative with our spending.
A phone call to his office will always be handled in a fair manner. He couldn't have been in business all these years if he wasn't treating people well. All of their policies are well spelled out on their website. We had a credit with him for several years, we had to back out of shows at the last minute, they took the money and we used it down the road on another show.
The "no frills" works for most. I don't need the show to bring me water or even food ... I just need it to do the marketing and bring me customers. I'd check in there and get more info, Joel. I think his organization has customers for you.
You happen to be in the minority from all the artists that I have contact with. Howard Alan has a stellar reputation with most of the career, long time artists. He is extremely loyal to the artists who do his shows. You are talking about the St. Armand Circle show, which was last weekend. Keeping the time you can apply until the last minute insures a full show. Knowing that this is the last minute, you can easily call the office and find out where you would stand if you applied the week before. If you are a jeweler, everyone knows that you need to apply way, way, way, in advance. There are many other shows that have more egregious problems that you could be calling greed. I call it good business sense.
Which show are you talking about? The Sarasota show I know of isn't until Feb. 11-12.
Oh boy, Lynn. It won't surprise me to be punished for speaking the truth.
I applaud your nerve to post a true comment about shows and how they really are. I did it once and only once because I then got a nasty email from the people who ran the show telling me I was wrong (really..they told me my opinion was wrong) and that they would tell other shows not to let me in!
I only now saw this, Connie. A little too late to make the drive, but thanks.
Ooh ... for another year ... (really, Connie?) ... some artists led by Carroll Swayze run a very sweet little show in Englewood this weekend ... you might even check their FB page and contact Carroll to see if she has a space. This is not to say this is a crummy show, Carroll carefully selects who is there.
Englewood Bank & Trust Invitational Art Festival -- FB