The last time I exhibited at Images was in 1984 when I was a youngster, just testing the potential of art fairs for selling my work. I didn't do too well, but I was intrigued by the art fair culture. The last time I was in New Smyrna Beach was in 1985. This time, I was there as a television producer. I brought a crew and shot a documentary called "Art Fair." It aired on a few PBS stations around the country at that time and garnered an Emmy nomination in Chicago (I didn't win). Its still an interesting piece, but, a lot has changed since then. If you watch it, see if you can identify Nels Johnson. He has a bit part in this production. And, see if you spot any other artists who are still in the business. It's on YouTube:
Anyway, I've been curious about this show for years and I finally decided to give it a try for old times sake. But I have a question for those of you who have done this show. I requested and paid for a corner booth, but they mistakenly assigned me a non-corner booth on Riverside Drive. When I asked about this, they offered to create a corner for me on Canal Street. Any opinions on location on Riverside Drive vs location on Canal Street? I can have a non-corner booth on Riverside or a corner booth on Canal. Haven't done this show for about 30 years and not familiar with the layout these days.
Enjoy the video!
Comments
Unlike Barry and Nels, I only dabbled in art fairs in those early days. I couldn't sell enough to make a living so I took my meager talents to another medium... TV and film. Funny... I produced a film once for Motorola called "Adapt or Die." It was about the tech industry, but the lessons also apply to our industry. You gotta keep evolving to keep up with the changes that Nels and Barry have highlighted. When my media production business went south, I went back to my first love: fine art. And, this past year was my best year ever. So far, in the 12 or 13 years I've pursued this occupation full time, I've done better every year. Nels says he's 72 year old. I'm a year younger, but I'm getting ready to "adapt" again. I won't be doing as many art fairs this year... only the best ones (if I get into them), but I'll be opening a gallery in Douglas, Michigan as well. I'm hoping to eventually evolve out of the art fair business and get off the streets. I'll admit it, this art fair business is getting too physically demanding for this 71 year old body. Adapt or Die!
I remember Robert Forrest, the first person interviewed. We were friends.
The big three in Florida was Coconut Grove, Gasparilla, and Winter Park. You would fill in with the other shows. For us Northerners, it was a great way to escape the winter. A bunch of us would get campsites in Key Largo and then travel north for the shows on the weekends. Coconut Grove was the best show in the country, then. I didn't have a tent until 1986. I bought an original Craft Hut from the guy who made them. I picked it up on the way to the Grove. I still have parts sitting in my studio.
Just shows you how tough it is.
Yeah, none of those people are still around, except me.
I applied to New Smyrna, that year, but I didn't do it. That year I did Beax Arts, Las Olas, Coconut Grove, Boca, Gasparilla, and Winter Park. I loved the video, especially the no tents. This kind of proves some of the things I've been talking about for years. I didn't see anyone I knew, unless that was Nels in one of those first shots. Only a few of us from the '80's are still doing art fairs. Almost everyone realized they couldn't make much of a living doing art fairs. Secondly, if you noticed, one judge had a PHD and the other was the curator of the Walker Museum. Now it's the directors next door neighbor or someone equally unqualified to be a judge.
Merry Christmas to all.
HA! Sub-zero here. Snows every day. Images is my first Florida show, so I'll be here a while.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next