artists - Forum - Art Fair Insiders2024-03-29T14:32:12Zhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/artistsScam Alerthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/scam-alert2021-06-11T19:06:49.000Z2021-06-11T19:06:49.000ZJacki Bilsborrowhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JackiBilsborrow<div><p>I was working online looking for Art Show dates and I learned about a new way to scam artists. I was looking at an art show's facebook page for show dates and noticed a warning to artists on one show's page. </p>
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<p>The show had canceled this year due to covid. Scammers were claiming that the show was still on and were offering booths for $100. The scammers were actually posting that the show was still open and they were posting this on the show's facebook page! I can see how people could easily think that the show was still on and think this was legitimate since it was posted on the show's facebook page. </p>
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<p>When I am looking for show dates and show updates I have noticed that show cancellations are often very hard to find on some show's websites. Show dates often seem to be hidden from the public. I'm sure the show organizers don't even realize that their websites are not always user friendly. I have often looked all over to find show information with no luck. Then, I will google what I am looking for and many times the info is there but I couldn't find it until I googled it. I end up feeling like the show info was hidden somewhere on the website. Also, show don't always add the year with their show dates. I don't know if I am looking at old information. I don't know if the show has even been updating their website. If your show is June 12 & 13 and the year isn't included that show date could be several years old(just some critical info for show producers to take note of). </p>
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<p>With that in mind, you can understand that an artist may miss the fact that a show canceled several months ago. Scammers come on to the page and begin offering booth availability. Scammers may eventually get stopped but not before some artists lose some of their hard earned money. </p>
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<p>So, I just wanted to alert artists that scammers are always looking for a way to get your money. Always make sure you are dealing with show personnel. If booth prices seem to good to be true, it is probably a scam. </p>
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<p></p></div>Pro Panels & Accessories Extensions, Shelf, Desk for artists displays - $1,400 (Maxwell)https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/pro-panels-accessories-extensions-shelf-desk-for-artists-displays2020-08-30T20:25:06.000Z2020-08-30T20:25:06.000ZJan Pomeroyhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JanPomeroy<div><p><span>These are still available!!(April 19, 2021) I have 9 pro-panels-Oatmeal color 35" wide-$600 plus 9- 20" extensions-$400, Ladder shelf with 4 shelves-$200 and desk with 2 shelves-$200 and all the hardware that goes with it. I am willing to meet someone if not too far away. The extensions, ladder shelves and desk are new and only used at one art show-the pro-panels are older but still have life in them. I am willing to sell these separately too. $1400 for everything. A great set up for an artist for outside or inside shows! I am willing to drive some to bring them to you. My email is: jpomeroyart@gmail.com</span><br/> <span>Thank you</span></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871130059?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Booth shot showing ladder shelf.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871130086?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Booth showing extensions.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871130289?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Screen Shot 2021-04-18 at 2.19.32 PM.png</a></p></div>Lovely and Cheap Accomodationshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/lovely-and-cheap-accomodations2016-04-23T13:51:50.000Z2016-04-23T13:51:50.000Zkaren O'Lone-Hahnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/karenOLoneHahn<div><p>Just wanted to let my fellow art travelers know that if they are looking for nice, relaxing, cheap digs while traveling for shows in the tri state area of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, my husband and I are Airbnb hosts and would love to welcome other creative types to our home. (I am a painter/potter and he is a musician.) Since many of you might be making your show plans at this .time, thought I'd post. Here is a link to our Airbnb listing where you can read our reviews and see our property. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2387311">https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2387311</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870997876?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kaylas room airbnb.jpg</a></p></div>A silly poll for creative peoplehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/a-silly-poll-for-creative-people2016-04-04T16:22:29.000Z2016-04-04T16:22:29.000ZRoxanne Coffelthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/RoxanneCoffelt<div><p><span class="font-size-4">This is just silly, but I think this group is perfect for this. For months I have been dreaming about toilets. Today I googled it and have narrowed it down most likely a "need to create". Which begs the question, do creative people dream about toilets, and what do they dream about toilets?</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4">So I started a Facebook poll to find out. It's only one question, and you can find it here:</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://fans.vote/v/AClkD4JljJ8">https://fans.vote/v/AClkD4JljJ8</a></span></p>
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<p>Connie has set up a new group called Midwest Artists. This is a place where we can discuss shows in the midwest, maybe you need a place to stay and looking for ideas. So check it out. It cost nothing to join and you can get a lot of information about shows in the midwest of the USA. </p>
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<p>Just click on "Groups" at the top of the page and click on Midwest Artists. We look forward to talking with you there. </p>
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<p>B. David Kay</p></div>Something I've been Thinking Abouthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/something-i-ve-been-thinking-about2015-01-17T20:02:50.000Z2015-01-17T20:02:50.000ZBarry Bernsteinhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BarryBernstein<div><p>Last September I got into St Louis and last week I was accepted to Cherry Creek for the first time since the first show where people were personally invited after the committee went around to a few shows and invited people. There are not that many really great shows and there are a lot more excellent artists than spaces for them. Except for a few artists, people get rejected more times than they get in. I am friends with most of the people who do the best shows. However, in every category, there is a competition among friends, among people I really like. I wish everyone good luck, but, the acceptance and rejection at the major shows effects our incomes. So, if I get in, one of my friends, or, maybe not my friend but I respect their work a lot, doesn't get in and doesn't get a great payday. I'm sure people I know are saying to themselves and sometimes to others "How did he(Barry) get into that show, his work sucks?" I doesn't bother me because sometimes I think my work does suck, that I don't push the limits far enough, that I am capable of truly great work but always fall short. Admittedly, I've done that with others. I get jealous sometimes of friends success. Later, I realize that I didn't really mean it. I just wanted to be in too.</p>
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<p>How about you? How do you rectify the situation when your friends repeatedly get into events that you think you should be in too?</p>
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<p>I have two issues that are sort of related to each other, it's a bit complicated so please bear with me.</p>
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<p>I am a Dutch artist living and working in Canada, I create mixed media cityscapes, my work is a combination between photography and acrylic paints, it's very urban and contemporary. I have been approved for both the Northampton (May 2015) and Marlborough (March 2015) Paradise City shows next year.</p>
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<p>My first issue is that I will need to cross the border with my artwork, I was supposed to do the 2nd Arlington Art Fair in September but this post by <a href="http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profile/JeremyBrowne">Jeremy Browne</a> <a href="http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/border-crossing?xg_source=activity">http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/border-crossing?xg_source=activity</a> scared me. I didn't want to take the risk, can't afford to be stopped since I want to be able to apply for a green card in the future :) so I cancelled last minute and lost my entire booth fee which sucked but I'm guessing it's still better then being detained for 8 hour. I then did my research, I talked to multiple visa specialists and applied for a B1/B2 visa. I was told that I will probably be ok but it is still up to the border patrol officer to allow me to enter the country with my artwork. </p>
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<p>I would love to so both shows but that means I will have to pay the booth fee upfront, which is a lot of money. If I get stopped at the border for the show in March I will loose the full fee for that show plus 75% of the fee for the May show because I would be canceling after march 15. </p>
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<p>So here are my questions:</p>
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<p>Are there any other artists from outside the US who have experience crossing the border with their artwork?</p>
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<p>And if I have to choose between the Northampton and Marlborough shows which one has the better reputation in terms of sales? (I realize that this last question really varies from artist to artist and that your experiences might not apply to me but I figure hearing about other peoples experiences will at least give me something to base my decision on).</p>
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<p>I hope there's someone out there who is able to give me some more information, every little bit helps! I would really very much appreciate the help! Thanks in advance!</p></div>I have a great place to stay in Chicago.https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/i-have-a-great-place-to-stay-in-chicago2014-04-12T17:31:17.000Z2014-04-12T17:31:17.000ZCYNTHIA L. BOWMANhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CYNTHIALBOWMAN<div><p></p>
<p>I'm a jewelry designer in Chicago. and love to meet fellow artists. I have a GREAT space to stay while doing your Chicago shows. Prices range from $50-75 a night. See the complete listing at:</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2519442">https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2519442</a></p></div>Think you have a lot on your plate?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/think-you-have-a-lot-on-your-plate2013-10-05T03:27:05.000Z2013-10-05T03:27:05.000ZJacki Bilsborrowhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JackiBilsborrow<div><p>Many of the artists here at AFI have full time day jobs in addition to their art work business. Below are just a small portion of the artists at AFI who do something else for their day job. </p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-868a-20f4-4edd-02f0ca0f403f">Michelle James</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I work full time in IT and full time in Art Shows - she uses both sides of the brain.<br/></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-869d-4371-7c6d-4520d10fa048">Patricia Manus</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - My husband and I are both in IT for our day jobs - about as far removed from art as you can get!</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-869b-988f-7569-471a5804de22">Donna Jadis</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I’m also a musician, actress, singer, and fiction writer - as well as being a technical writer for IT security during the week.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-869a-14aa-32e3-7b15aa030ce6">Jeffrey W. Boswell</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I am a musician/music teacher learning to be comfortable in the visual arts.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-8699-6cff-1935-6fde47856eb7">Jennifer Mary Xerri</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I am also a Dj!</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-868b-70a9-9a15-cba8970d97db">Kim Shirley</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I work part time at an ice cream shop...one of the coolest jobs I have ever had(and so much fun!)</span></span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, Kim, your job sounds fun!</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-8690-0f68-bfbc-95b8184e45a4">Brittany Bindrim</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I am the vocalist and song writer for the band I:Scintilla.</span></strong></span></span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Look up Brittany's band. I googled it and found lots of info on her band.</span></span></span></strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-8696-0e33-84d5-91786d6bcd15">Cathie Shaffer</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - My dad gave me a typewriter and a sewing machine for Christmas one year and I now use BOTH. I do medical transcription (typing) by day and bridal accessories by night. I designed costumes for our theatre group in our area for 10 years</span></strong></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-8697-1f25-d306-25366f0d25af">Mary Jo Gardere</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - I’m a 30 year veteran elementary art teacher finally attempting to market my own art work. Hoping to be successful enough to finally quit my “day job”!</span></span></strong></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-868e-c2e6-1a7c-422fd902366a">Sue Cadamagnani</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - In college, I sold dog tags door-to-door.</span></span></span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I love the way Ilona describes her jobs. Sounds like a great Life slogan.</span></span></span></strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="docs-internal-guid-6c6c3177-868b-1d8b-1f10-4288ffdc8809">Ilona Pileika</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - Graphic designer by education, jewelry artist by heart, meat market owner by husband.</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What job are you juggling during the day to keep yourself afloat while you get established in the art fair business?</span></span></span></p></div>Naperville Women's Clubhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/naperville-women-s-club2013-12-30T18:25:04.000Z2013-12-30T18:25:04.000ZRoxanne Coffelthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/RoxanneCoffelt<div><p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Has anyone applied and gotten in to this show?</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">I applied last year and I didn't get in. Today I was reviewing my application in Zapp to see what photos I sent them. I see there is a link like "jury details" or something like that. I clicked on it, and it says 140 artists were invited without having to apply. It has in the comments at the bottom something about they like to invite lots of artists, because some won't show up and they like to have a large wait list.</span></p>
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<p>So I go look at the info for the 2014 show. The "jury details" link is empty this time. I had to look up their web page to find how many artists are at this show. According to their web site they have "over 100 artists". Yet they invite 140. I am not going to waste my money applying for this show any more.</p>
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<p>I did not notice that "jury details" link before, but if there's anything there, it can contain some valuable information on the jury process for that show. Too bad in the case of Naperville, it's apparently available only after you apply instead of before.</p></div>Halloween - Ghoultide Gatheringhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/halloween-ghoultide-gathering2013-01-31T00:51:43.000Z2013-01-31T00:51:43.000ZGloria Irla Marlowhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/GloriaIrlaMarlow<div><p>Has anyone here ever done the Ghoultide Gathering held in Chelsea Fairgrounds Michigan last year and previously in Northville Mi? I've been attending for three years as a patron and the list of artists is growing. When they held it in Northville it was in a little park filled with historical Victorian buildings where the artists were divided up and housed in different buildings all of which were decorated for Halloween. One house actually had a coffin with a covered manikin in the parlor for an old fashioned wake. It was wonderfully charming and atmospheric. But with the inclusion of new artists they needed a larger venue and moved to Chelsea and into a large building which was nicely decorated last year. All the artwork is Halloween related and the priced were on the higher side with many of the smaller ornaments averaging $50 - $100 and so on. All high quality work. Very unusual and extremely unique. You can see many of the artists on EHAG Emporium</p>
<p><a href="http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/">http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/</a></p>
<p>I've asked Ghoultide for information about applying for this September's show and I'm thinking of applying to EHAG as well. So I was just curious if anyone else here has done the show or seen the show and what your thoughts were.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p></div>Art markets, artists, and buy/sell vendorshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/art-markets-artists-and-buy-sell-vendors2012-06-06T13:58:42.000Z2012-06-06T13:58:42.000ZJane Brewsterhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JaneBrewster<div><p>Hi there, I've been following AFI for awhile and really appreciate the wealth of knowledge, information, and the imagination shared on this website. If you have any thoughts on this subject, I'd like to hear from you.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm a painter living in the New Orleans area, and pretty much make a living local shows and doing commissions for clients. I started freelancing as an illustrator/graphic designer in the late 80's, but it was almost 10 years ago that I started making a living full time as an artist. Never a dull moment, as you all know! After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we had a lot of new community art events and markets start up, part of the rebuilding of the city itself. Many people had lost all the art and decor in their homes, and so business was great!</p>
<p></p>
<p>In recent years, several local art markets have allowed more buy/sell (flea market) vendors, and I've noticed that their presence really hurt my sales. My tent is full of new original paintings and archival prints, but the person next door selling junk jewelry and candle warmers is selling hand over fist. Many reliable markets in the past are allowing more of these vendors in, and I have been forced out due to low sales. Last fall, a buy/sell vendor actually complained to me about "artists keeping HER out of markets, due to jurying..." But the jurying is inconsistent, even in the "higher end" art shows --- perhaps motivated by booth fees, or reluctant to draw a hard line.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As summer moves into Fall this year, I think about the art markets I used to during the Holiday Season, and am dismayed at how many are no longer on my list. Should I contact these art market managers and communicate my concerns? I know a lot of artists here that have been affected by this, but there are growing numbers of buy/sell vendors out there too that get upset at being marginalized.</p></div>We Are Listening: Directors and promoters, we need to hear from you - please.https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/we-are-listening-directors-and-promoters-we-need-to-hear-from-you2012-03-09T00:12:12.000Z2012-03-09T00:12:12.000ZRon Mellotthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/RonMellott<div><p class="Body"><b>This posting is for PROMOTERS and SHOW DIRECTORS only - please note all artist comments or responses will be deleted.</b> Connie has graciously consented to this. The goal is opening a dialogue with those who direct and promote art shows. Only promoters may post, unchallenged. We ask, encourage, hope they will read and respond. A dialogue is desperately needed.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Since starting art shows full-time about 13 years ago it has seemed, conceptually at least, that art shows, patrons, and artists walk the same path with interwoven objectives. Together we create the ‘fabric’, the tapestry of the art show world. It is woven of patrons wanting to purchase artwork to enrich their homes, their lives, or at least match their sofa. Of artists passionate about creating, turning their visions into tangible expressions of what they see and feel, at times allowing glimpses into who they are. At other sad times, in the most basal sense - it is for some to merely “make a few bucks” selling a product. </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Promoters have always been positioned in the middle. Sometimes artistic in their skill sets, interweaving artists and patrons to create a beautiful and powerful tapestry which we know as a successful art event. Other shows struggle to connect the dots, with varying degrees of success. Others annually and dogmatically perform rote activities without thought or concern for the consequences. Merely overseeing an event and raising some money, primarily from artists.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">In my relatively short time on the show circuit I have seen and learned the difference between an “event” and an “art show”. Between bodies and buyers. Watched the rise and eventual fall from grace of artist groups such as NAIA, PACA, CAFE, striving but generally failing to make substantive change. Witnessing groups such as Sunshine Artist and ArtFair Sourcebook struggle to find a path serving dual masters: artists and promoters. The annual Director’s Conference that seems such a potentially rich and bountiful source for discussion and interchange on what is happening in the art show world – usually poorly attended, deciding little, implementing less.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">The objective is to start close to the beginning of art shows, logistically-speaking. Ask questions of and seek responses about compelling up-front issues we artists struggle with these days. We ask you to consider our perspective and explain yours. Only myself or Connie will respond and then simply to clarify a comment. The objective is to hear and consider your responses and learn the how’s and why’s of your decision process. If you care what is happening to your show, about the artist community that provides your artwork and have concern for your patrons - please, respond. Discourse is desperately needed.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"><b>THEN AND NOW</b></p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">In the “old days” when I started doing art shows, jury dates were absolutes. Deadlines for application and booth payment were closer to the event. Wait-lists were small and for stronger shows usually no man’s land for one rarely was called off the wait-list. Jury fees were low although operating costs and labor for the jury procedure high as the process was manual, not electronic. Booth fees were far more reasonable and for the most part, shows were smaller. </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Nowadays, the opposite seems the norm and the situation worsening. Jury dates are ‘mobile’ many routinely extended. Wait-lists increase yet still in some instances gone through entirely with people contacted on the ‘reject’ list. Jury fees seem astronomically high for a process that is now electronically performed with most of the earlier labor and physical costs gone and akin to watching the rise of gas prices – except they never do go down. Rejection rates for many ‘veteran artists’ are astoundingly high and in many instances the same juror used by multiple shows. Jury scores and juror comments are rarely returned. And despite soothing words to artists about understanding how tough it is for us, that response is too often followed by increased jury and booth fees and more booths added to the events. Herein lies much of the disconnect.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Let us put aside political correctness and see if we cannot live with honesty and directness. Please do not be politically obtuse but respectfully to the point. There is too much at stake to play at word games, word-smithing and word-crafting. Ethics and honesty are all that ever count. For example, if you respond with a term such as “critical mass” assume we are clueless and explain your terminology. Please don’t just reply “yes” or “no” – explain why.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">I mean this last point sincerely - we want to know. <b>Not to criticize - to understand.</b> Eventually, to discuss. You may point out much we have not considered. Even at some point should we disagree, you will assuredly find many who see different perspectives to be a point of discussion and exploration for improvement. Things can - should - and must - get better. Discussing, listening, and considering will take us to that solution.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"><b>PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH</b></p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Theory A is that we are all connected, fellow travelers on this path, our goals interwoven.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">1. Do you agree that we are partners on this journey of art shows?</p>
<p class="Body">2. If yes, to what extent are art patrons, artists, and promoters linked? Do you feel the artist ‘voice’ or perspective is important to your event?</p>
<p class="Body">3. If we are not partners, why? Is this simply your event and we are granted an opportunity to participate when juried in for the cost of a booth? That we are free to disassociate ourselves at any time if the terms are not to our liking?</p>
<p class="Body">4. Where do the art patrons fit into the picture? Are they important to the success of your event? When they speak through buying, or not buying, or not attending, is that voice important to you? If so, how so? How do you monitor that voice and incorporate it into your decisions regarding your event?</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"><b>APPLICATION DEADLINES</b></p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">There is much inconsistency in the timing of deadlines prior to an event. At least one of the St. James shows sets their deadline about a month after their event putting it 11 months prior to the next year’s events. Many others have deadlines set 6-7 months prior to the event, some 1-3 months prior to their event. At least one promoter has a form of ‘rolling jury’ right up to the event. Such variability is confusing if shows are driven by similar forces (e.g., advertising, site licensing fees, artist applications). In this economy it has become difficult for many artists to pay booth fees, in winter, 6-7 months in advance of an event.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">As for reasons to extend the deadline, the only verbalization by a show I have received has been stated as the need to achieve a “critical mass”. That response begs the obvious question of what “critical mass” are they referring to! All others remain mute.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">1. What factors/needs drive your decision in setting deadlines (i.e., application deadlines, booth fee deadlines) prior to the event?</p>
<p class="Body">2. What do you feel is a reasonable time prior to an event for deadlines to be set?</p>
<p class="Body">3. Is the setting of the deadline for your event related to deadlines set by other events held on the same show date?</p>
<p class="Body">4. Over the years, have you lengthened or shortened the time period between deadlines and the event date? Why?</p>
<p class="Body">5. Do you ever extend your application deadline? If so, what drives your decision? Is there any ‘penalty’ for applying during such an extension? Why or why not?</p>
<p class="Body">6. Do you have a booth refund policy developed in connection with your booth payment deadline? If yes, what is it? If not, why? </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"><b>JURY & APPLICATION FEES</b></p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Jury fees have dramatically risen over the past 10 years. In the ‘old days’ fees were $10-$15 and the application/jury process manual rather than electronic. The application was far more complex with paperwork applications filled out by the artist, slides titled often with descriptions of sizes and prices. Often a hand-written or typed artist statement. Slides were mailed in plastic sleeves, taken out of plastic sleeves and put into projectors (thanks to NAIA for their #1 contribution to the art show world: the red dot!), removed from projectors, returned to the plastic sleeves and mailed back to the correct artist using SASE’s although acceptance and wait-list notifications were often hard-mailed. Shows produced hard-copy brochures describing the event that contained the application, these mailed through the post-office.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Nowadays most shows use electronic communication and jurying (i.e., ZAPP, JAS, EntryThingy) or direct-to-show mailing of CD’s. Material and labor costs seem to have dropped dramatically, yet jury fees have more than doubled (average $30-35 on ZAPP). Needless to say, many artists of a more ‘conspiracy theory’ bent believe that shows do this because (a) they can and (b) it is a revenue stream for the event that vastly exceeds the actual cost to jury the event. Go figure – conspiracy theorists!</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">1. What is your jury fee now? 10 years ago, what was your jury fee? </p>
<p class="Body">2. Is your fee based on actual costs incurred, or ‘fair market value’ for the service as established by other shows? Or some other factor?</p>
<p class="Body">3. Do you think there is an upper limit to what a reasonable jury fee is?</p>
<p class="Body">4. What has necessitated any increase to your jury fee?</p>
<p class="Body">5. If you use an online jury system, have your overall costs increased or decreased? Has your overall labor increased or decreased? In what ways?</p>
<p class="Body">6. A digital projector system for your jury process is more expensive than allowing jurors access to the images online. Given that premise, do you feel it is appropriate that jury costs should be the same regardless of the mechanics of the jury process itself?</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body"><b>JURY RESULTS</b></p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">This is a tough one. Admittedly, even in the ‘old days’ it was unusual for shows to return jury results, although some did. Various methods were used. UpTown in Minneapolis sent them on sheets of paper, Bayou City and Columbus Arts Festival in their letters, and Broad Ripple posted a spreadsheet with the average score for each of the four criteria used in the jury process. Bravo to all.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">These days, shows still are resistant to it. Just in my own experience in 2012, I have had responses that it is “unreasonable to expect any meaningful response”, or “we don’t have the time”, or “given the pace of the jury process there is no time for writing comments”, or simply - “we don’t”. I have even been told that “generally speaking you have to be above the average to be accepted.” Ouch! Mostly we are left with “please apply next year - we will have different jurors”. </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Most artists are somewhere on the scale of Perplexed to Infuriated by such responses. It seems inherently that if we pay for a jury process that by its nature provides a numerical set of scores used to determine our status (aka: fate), the issue is mechanically providing a means to release that information. An achievable endpoint given the models out there and the creativity that could be brought to bear in fine tuning those or creating new ones. For example, if ZAPP stores the scoring from separate jurors, it exists in their software. Perhaps a modification of the software to output it as individual juror scores is but a tweak away. On the surface, not doing so seems more a mindset against it or an unwillingness to spend the time and money. </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">That is the kicker - the mindset of why feedback to the artists is not considered relevant. In how many aspects of life does rejection or failure in the absence of information as to “why” make sense? I think the artist model of “success” is fairly straightforward: first, whether or not we get juried into shows we most want to participate in and next whether or not we sell to that audience. </p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Without feedback, how do we know why or how we ‘failed’? Were we close or not even? If rejection leads us to a conclusion change is warranted, without feedback, what direction do we take to change? How can we possibly strengthen our presentation? Was it our booth slide? A particular image slide? Booth hung too closely, booth too minimalist? One image not a good mesh with the others? Not a consistent enough body of work? If we are close, small changes, tweaks, may be all that is necessary. Not close? Especially for 2-3 years of different jurors? Obviously something more dramatic may be needed. How many years should we apply before we realize that perhaps the issue is given the types of jurors routinely chosen, our work may never appeal and we need to stop applying. Change merely for change is expensive and usually meaningless.</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">Probably should mention that here too, a chance the “conspiracy theorists” may pop up. Maybe saying, for the sake of example, a show charges a $35 jury fee and takes in 1000 applications - by simple math $35,000. To be told that there is no time or money to take down scores and juror comments and return those to the artists would be ..... Well ...... You know where THAT argument goes - revenue stream! Whatever! Pesky conspiracy theorists!</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">1. Do you believe it is important or valuable for artists to receive jury results? Why or why not?</p>
<p class="Body">2. Do you provide artists feedback from the jury process? If so, how? Individual juror scores? Average score? Juror comments?</p>
<p class="Body">3. If no, why? What should a rejected artist do in preparation for submitting next year to improve their chances of success?</p>
<p class="Body">4. Do you provide an online archive going back several years of the artists and their work juried into your event that might give artists an insight to the type of work typically juried in by your jurors? Similar to what Main Street, Des Moines, and Columbus and perhaps others do?</p>
<p class="Body"> </p>
<p class="Body">If there is going to be a start, let’s make it now. Share with us your thoughts, insights and perspectives. No feedback. Just listening on this end. Let’s start that discussion that is so sorely needed. </p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870897094?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Waterlily_LB_LABEL.jpg</a></p></div>Hello from the Handmade Artists' Shophttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/hello-from-the-handmade-artists-shop2011-11-22T00:24:43.000Z2011-11-22T00:24:43.000ZAndrew Kitchenhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/AndrewKitchen<div><p>Just joined the other day and got an email suggesting I introduce myself. I'm<br/> Andrew and I started in this business making chainmaille jewelry. We opened up a website Chainmaille by MBOI <a href="http://chainmaillebymboi.com" target="_blank">http://chainmaillebymboi.com</a>. Well we couldn't stop there, then my wife and I, my partner in crime, opened a forum devoted to handmade. The Handmade Artists' Forum <a href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com"></a><a href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/" target="_blank">http://handmadeartistsforum.com</a>. The forum and blog are devoted to supporting handmade artists form around the world. Then we went on from there, I guess you can't keep us down LOL and opened a shop. The Handmade Artists Shop <a href="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/" target="_blank">http://handmadeartistsshop.com</a> which is an online marketplace. The HAFshop as we call it is like an Etsy or Artfire marketplace but handmade only. We don't allow vintage, mass produced, or non-handmade supplies.<br/>
Now off to fill out my profile, may take me a while.<br/>
Anyway nice to meet everyone looking forward to being a part of this community.<br/>
Andrew</p></div>Artist studio space questionshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/artist-studio-space-questions2010-12-31T02:53:02.000Z2010-12-31T02:53:02.000ZArt on the Lawn: Barbara Berneyhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ArtontheLawnBarbaraBerney<div><p>This is not strictly an art fair issue, but it concerns artists in general, especially in economically depressed cities such as the Midwestern one where I live.</p>
<p>I'm an officer on the board of a local non-profit that's focused on the arts and reinventing our [dying] city as an arts destination. I am working on opening a community school of the arts and developing artists' housing and studio space. (We are currently working with Artspace, <a href="http://www.artspace.org/">www.artspace.org</a>, to build a dedicated artists' housing complex.)</p>
<p>I toured a building the other day that would be <span style="color: #000000;">*perfect*</span> for the school on the first level, and just as perfect for artists' studio space (or office space for arts-related organizations, on the second and third floors. At one time, it served as the local YWCA, so there are about 40 available spaces (dorm-type rooms), each with its own window and window AC. Most are between 150 and 200 square feet, not that large, but bigger than my home studio. We would have to do very little to turn it over into studio space, and there is a beautiful, large gallery area with wide glass doors at either end that could host local artists' exhibits, receptions, or meetings.</p>
<p>What I'm trying to find out is for those who rent space, how large is it, and how much are you paying? There are other studio spaces in town, none nearly as nice as this, nor as centrally located, and certainly without the amenities we would have. There is a coffee bar/cafe on premises, the pool is still open, there's a workout room and a gymnasium (all of which would be available at a modest extra cost). My office would have a color copier, printer and fax that would be available for resident artists' use. There are also spaces for a communal room on both the upper floors, where refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker would be available. We would wire the building for free WIFI. The building was remodeled nicely in recent years when another organization moved in after the YW outgrew the space.</p>
<p>I'm in the midst of writing the proposal and business plan, but as I'm running numbers, I'm curious to know what the going rate is in other comparable spaces. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from anyone with any insight or experience.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Barbara</p></div>Looking for Daytona Beach artistshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/looking-for-daytona-beach2010-02-26T19:14:33.000Z2010-02-26T19:14:33.000ZAlison Thomashttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/AlisonThomas<div>I'm doing an event with my Jeep club on May 8th and we're looking for a few more vendors. Sorry to call people vendors but this is not an art show. However, what is going to be there is mostly sponsors (Sprint, Coca Cola, Geico) and jeep parts, nothing for the women. My experience from going to Bike Week with my husband is that he is somewhere talking about horsepower and torque and I'm buying jewelry. So I'm going to set up with my photography and I'm looking for a couple other people to give some variety. It is being held at Bruce Rossmeyers Destination Daytona which does get a lot of traffic. It is one day and the booth fee is an item for the raffle. It's purely a crap shoot but if you are local and have decided, like me, not to bake by the lake this year it might be worth a try. Email me at <a href="mailto:AlisonT@SerenityScenes.com">AlisonT@SerenityScenes.com</a> if you are interested.</div>Vernon Hills Holiday boutique looking for a few more artists - One day - December 5thhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/vernon-hills-holiday-boutique2009-10-07T04:09:37.000Z2009-10-07T04:09:37.000ZLilahttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/Lila<div>Hi All,
I recently applied to a holiday boutique in to be held Dec 5th in Vernon Hills, IL. I just received an email from the organizer about the number of artists as opposed to jewelers (I am a jeweler). She said, "As of right now, we have enough artists in your medium. We had a large number of jewelry artists apply this year compared to artists in other mediums. If however, we expand the number of artists in other mediums, we will be able to accept one more jewelry artist (me)." Anyway, if anyone is interested in applying for this show go to:
<a href="http://www.hawthorn73.org/pto/page.php?id=1669_0_18_0">http://www.hawthorn73.org/pto/page.php?id=1669_0_18_0</a>
The entry fee is $60 and there is no commission.
They seemed to be careful about jurying the show so there may actually be a nice collection of artists at this one. Very different from other holiday shows that I have done with vendors like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and mass produced jewelry.</div>Tired of listening to complaints at shows...https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/tired-of-listening-to2009-08-13T17:32:41.000Z2009-08-13T17:32:41.000ZMichelle Sholundhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/MichelleSholund<div>Listen, it is natural that people love to mingle and talk about their last art fair experience. I truly get that. However, why does it have to be as soon as you pull up to your booth space and start erecting the canopy and unloading the first thing people have to talk about is how awful shows are, poo poo the fair before it starts and get all kinds of grumpy? Misery loves company - well, yes. But can't the subject be changed? Setting-up at shows can be frustrating - realizing you forgot something, issues with neighbors hogging extra footage or inches, or time issues ... Why add to it by talking about negative things? Traveling to shows I am trying to put myself in a good mood telling myself - I am going to do well - this time you will meet your sales goals! Forget about past yucky shows this is make up for them, all while listening to upbeat music too.
Am I the only one feeling this way? We all know shows aren't great - they haven't been for awhile. Complaining about it won't make it better, just jinx things in my opinion. So, I am opening the floor to you all - what are some great subjects you have talked about at shows? What makes for meeting great art friends at shows? And importantly, how do you deal with negative complainers at events?
I can tell you I deal with negative complainers by simply ignoring them and trying to not let them get to me. I had one at my last show and she would just barge into my booth and say things like "I still haven't made my booth fee" or complain about something else.</div>Call to Artists!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/call-to-artists2009-07-07T14:32:19.000Z2009-07-07T14:32:19.000ZHelen Day Art Centerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/HelenDayArtCenter<div><b>The Relentless Eye: Global Cell Phone Photography 2009</b>
Cell phone cameras are the relentless eye of the global simulacra. Simple and everywhere, cell phone cameras have transformed how photography is practiced. Helen Day Art Center announces the first of its kind international call to cell phone artists. We seek entries that reveal the creative mind through this ubiquitous medium for a ten-week exhibition opening September 25th, 2009. Entries will be juried by the acclaimed photographer, Eirik Johnson (<a href="http://www.eirikjohnson.com">www.eirikjohnson.com</a>). For detailed information and submission guidelines visit us online at <a href="http://www.helenday.com">www.helenday.com</a>
Deadline for submissions is August 31, 2009.</div>Have less artisans at shows affected sales?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/have-less-artisans-at-shows2009-05-28T02:45:44.000Z2009-05-28T02:45:44.000ZMichelle Sholundhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/MichelleSholund<div>I have only done one show this year with a bulk of my shows coming up this Summer (starting in 2 weeks) and early Fall. At the shows I participated in last year, you could see there were less artists filling up spaces. My question is, with some shows having less artisan exhibitors, has anyone noticed if this has any effect on "your" sales? One one side I am thinking if there are less exhibitors that increases the likelihood of more sales with those present, but on the other hand I am thinking customers may be displeased with the "lack of variety" deterring them from buying. Any thoughts?</div>