I need some of the Art Fair Insider veterans to explain something to me...
I am currently waitlisted for the Columbus (OH) Art Fair. I have been dutifully checking the site, etc., and recently noticed that three of the five printmakers that have been accepted are also listed with another medium -- either 2-D mixed media or painting.
How does this work? I'm assuming they are not having two booths -- so do they take up a slot in each category?
I will keep checking back, but will also be making some fun family plans for that weekend. But I would love some insight into this.
Many thanks,
Elizabeth
Replies
Often when you are accepted in two categories the show will give you the choice of exhibiting the work in one or two booths. Usually, but not always, an artist chooses one booth.
Thanks David and Barbara for your wisdom. I learned last night that our local juried fair (Bloomington (IN) Fourth Street Festival of Arts and Crafts) allows people to be juried into two categories, so they may display both in their (one) booth. The variety of rules and traditions for art fairs is amazing. Always something new to learn.
Best,
Elizabeth
Lived in Bloomington for 12 years and would move back in a heartbeat if I thought I could make a living there!
When an artist applies in two categories, his or her entry is judged as two individual entries. Sometimes, an artist will be accepted into one category only, and will be invited in that category, but rejected in the other. In that case, they may choose not to attend, or to attend and only show the one category.
Artists who are rejected in one of the categories are subject to removal if they show both categories in their booths. I have only rarely ever had this happen, and I settled for him removing the offending items.
We do score very similarly to what David Bjurstrom describes. As a theoretical example, we have six spaces available in jewelry and 22 applications. Scores are tabulated and the top six entries are accepted. Anything that falls below the lowest score of those six is rejected.
It pays to fill out your application exactly as instructed; to have professional photos that show your work to its best advantage (one item on a neutral ground); and to make your check payable to the proper payee. You'd be surprised how many people don't bother to read. An incomplete application and/or bad photos can keep you out of a show, even if your work is better than someone else's.