I've applied to Artisphere for the past three years, and have been rejected each time. I get into some very good shows, and whenever I'm in a show anywhere near Greenville, people tell me that my stuff would be great in Artisphere. But I haven't been able to get in.

This has mystified me. So this year, when the call came out, I wrote to Liz Rundorf Smith, the program director, and asked her for any advice she might have. I sent her a few photos of my work and a booth shot. I added that I understood that she might not have the time or inclination to respond. 

But she did respond, with ideas and pointers a document that had additional ideas. She answered a series of questions, offered to talk with me on the phone, and really spent a great deal of time and energy on me. 

I was surprised by some of what she said. My display includes landscapes, florals and what I call cowscapes. In my applications, I have always included one painting from each content area. She said this was weakening my applications, and that I should pick one content area, and apply with only those paintings. The fact that my booth shows a wider range than the application is not a problem, she said. I'd always thought you had to show your range, and reflect your booth. Interesting!

So I just want to put in a good word for Liz here. She didn't have to help me, she didn't have to take the time, and she didn't have to be nice; I'd have applied anyways. 

I find I have pretty good relationships with most show organizers, but Liz Rundorf Smith really went above and beyond, and I am grateful. 

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  • Thanks for this endorsement, Carrie. I've worked with her also and she is professional and great to work with. They are very serious about making this a top show as you can see by their excellent publicity work. 

    Also, good for you for calling to find out (and not on the last day of the application process). Shows do want to help artists. They want to find the best artists out there and they do want to hear from you. 

    Now, are you surprised at what she told you about what you are sending? You shouldn't be. We've been preaching this idea of consistent imagery, a theme, at you for years now ... ;) Love to find out how changing what you send ups your chances of getting into the shows you want to be in.

    • I've never had less than a very pleasant and helpful exchange with Liz

    • I am surprised! I really thought the jury wanted to see the range of work. Somehow, I missed that. Guess I should be even more thankful that I've gotten in the shows I've gotten in! 

      • Im not surprised that you are suprised -  The shows always state they want to see a range of work.  I think that's just to cover their arses if someone is way out of line. Your booth shot however is for the jury.  They just want to be impressed.  Usually, i believe, that is accomplished by a group of work in which each piece is reinforcing the others.  

      • and here is the podcast we did about what the jury wants to see: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs/2012/11/21/how-art-fairs-choo...

        and any of Robert Wallis' thorough posts on AFI about what he learned at the St. Louis Mock Jury

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