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What art fair would you like to visit?

Posted by Connie Mettler on October 15, 2011 at 10:00am in Art Show Information and Discussions

Even though I've been in this business since about four recessions ago I still love attending art fairs and when the weekends roll around I wish I was in Armonk, or Chicago, or Seattle or New Orleans, or Stamford. There are so many events of such different personalities. The one happening this weekend is Kentuck in Northport, Alabama. It is known for its "outsider art" and is supposed to be a collector's paradise. Here is a story about it: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111014/NEWS/111019851

How about you? Which one is attractive to you? There is nothing like a busman's holiday.

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Tags: Kentuck, visiting art fairs
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  • Ann Marie Crosmun October 20, 2011 at 6:50am
    We've decided to walk a lot of shows next year. Need to find a better show circuit for my work. I've outgrown my present circle by uping the quality of my jewelry, changing up my presentation, and increasing my price points. So, gonna walk Dogwood, Gasperilla, Artisphere, 4 Bridges, maybe even Coconut Grove....any other suggestions?
    Annette-we spent a month in Austrailia, New Zealand & Tazmania (it was our honeymoon). We were totally enthralled by the quality of work done by the Maori People. What gorgious carvings! And, your country-we made sure that we did as much local touring as possible-not the tourist spots-(only went to one tourist spot-had to see 'the flying turtle'--the Opera House). Very impressed with the wooden nails that hold the interior sections together. Wish we would have thought of looking for art shows. Driving was quite the experience (my husband is right-handed, and I'm left-handed)-it was fun. When is your show season? What type of shows are down there?
    • Connie Mettler > Ann Marie Crosmun October 24, 2011 at 11:07am
      Where do you live, Ann Marie? I've got huge lists of shows worth visiting... would love to help you find better venues.
      • Ann Marie Crosmun > Connie Mettler January 23, 2012 at 8:54pm
        Connie-sorry it has taken me sooooo long to reply. We live in North Carolina. We don't go south any more-it's too hard of a sell with my price points. We have gone as far as Cape Cod-but are willing to go further.....and willing to go 'westward'.
        Any help/suggestions are more then appreciated!!!
    • geri a. wegner > Ann Marie Crosmun October 21, 2011 at 11:10pm
      I remember buying a pair of earrings at some kind of festival in Melbourne but it was so long ago, I can't remember what the festival looked like.  Melbourne had some of the most wonderful galleries when we were last there about 20 years ago.  In addition to good quality, there is the wonderful Aussie sense of humor also found in their work.  I have an Australian "footie" player made out of clay with his private parts peaking out of his uniform.  You have to smile every time you see him.  We found wonderful ceramics in Sydney also.  Other than snow globes, the best souvenirs of a place are from the artists who live where you are visiting.
      • Connie Mettler > geri a. wegner October 24, 2011 at 11:10am
        Absolutely, Geri! One of a kind goods from around the world do make the most wonderful souvenirs. I was in Eastern Europe last fall and there was very little fine art, hardly anything in the way of painting or drawings (except for the fabulous Mucha Museum in Prague - but out of my price range), and I bought amazing earrings from a gallery in Szetendre, Hungary -- still feel guilty when I wear them though as all of my jewelry comes from art fairs ;)
  • Susan Thornton October 18, 2011 at 5:35pm
    I just did the Kentuck show this weekend and it is folk and contemporary (50:50). It is one of the best shows I have done this year as far as the mix of work. I am a jeweler and was really glad to see that the jury really picks high caliber work and the mix of media was wonderful. It reminded me of the old days when every booth was interesting and diverse.
  • Melanie Rolfes October 16, 2011 at 11:22pm
    I lived in Sausalito and Ann Arbor when I was college age.   I wish I knew then what I know now ;)  I volunteered and was a patron at both.  I sort of realized  I was at something special back then, but my eyes are different now.   I just finished a show today (report tomorrow) and an artist from Belgium had her first show in The States.  I use to live in The Netherlands and had a home in each of the Benelux countries so we had a connection.  I was to young to think about how art shows worked, besides the Montmartre touristy stuff.  I was really wishing I was back at a Contenintal show.  Nice topic Connie.  Annette I am still hoping to make it down to your area this year.  I would love to come when there is a good Festival to attend.  Where can I find an Art Festival Calendar for down under? 
    • Annette Piper > Melanie Rolfes October 17, 2011 at 6:42am

      I'll have to see if I can find one Melanie - each regional art group puts out a calendar - but I don't know if there is one for the whole of Australia, or even state by state.   I'll enquire though...

       

      • Connie Mettler > Annette Piper October 17, 2011 at 3:59pm
        Ah, ha, Annette -- here is your niche opportunity. That is how I got started in this online business - I put together a nationwide calendar for the US -- and I know you like to be online.
        • Annette Piper > Connie Mettler October 17, 2011 at 5:37pm
          Just got to find the time now... ;)
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