shows - Forum - Art Fair Insiders
2024-03-28T16:16:55Z
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/shows
Scam Alert
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/scam-alert
2021-06-11T19:06:49.000Z
2021-06-11T19:06:49.000Z
Jacki Bilsborrow
https://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>
<p></p>
<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>
<p></p>
<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>
<p></p>
<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>
<p></p>
<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>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>
Practice Safe Art - How to handle an art fair in 2020
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/practice-safe-art-how-to-handle-an-art-fair-in-2020
2020-06-02T15:02:27.000Z
2020-06-02T15:02:27.000Z
Mark Loeb
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/MarkLoeb
<div><p>It appears that restrictions are starting to be lifted. By next week in Michigan, we will be allowed to have events of up to 100 people. I am hoping to have a larger limit by the end of July when our first (remaining) show is scheduled.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Below is my first draft of a letter to artists to help them prepare for the show. </strong> I would love some feedback and suggestions. Note that we will only have a show if it is practical under current state regulations. <strong>(Feel free to borrow ideas, though if you extensively use the material, reference Integrity Shows as the source.)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Practice Safe Art</strong></p>
<p> We all are learning how to prepare for a show in these times. I would like to advise you of some steps we are taking as well as some suggestions. Please let me know if you have additional suggestions or questions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>We will:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Add extra potties and have a crew member sanitize between uses.</li>
<li>Have sanitizer stations at various points in the show.</li>
<li>Require patrons to sign up for a specific time slot. We will send you information so that you can encourage your best customers to sign up early and get their preferred times. While we will remain free admission, we will be adding a small fee to those who want preferred slots. Your customers may have a discount code to register for those slots at no charge.</li>
<li>Patrons arriving without a time slot will be asked to line up. We will have 6’ markings so that they can do so safely. Our staff monitors crowd size and will allow additional shoppers as it can safely be done.</li>
<li>Please note that on the attached site plan each artist has three sides open on their booths. While you don’t need to leave your walls down on all three sides there are some advantages-<ol>
<li>By having your art visible from multiple directions, people can see it without congregating.</li>
<li>The wind will help to disperse any unwanted germs and viruses.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>We suggest that you:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Leave your sidewall rolled up and invite the public to shop from outside the booth.<ol>
<li>I have some mesh hanging walls and can rent them to you for $10 each for the mesh (Hand on your tent) or $30 for mesh and hardware (looks betters, straight, but you need at least 7’ high walls to fit it in).</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Discourage shoppers from touching your items (unless the tactile element is essential). If so, sanitize between customers.<ol>
<li>Jewelers and others with nonporous items may consider using rubbing alcohol (if it won’t affect the materials. (Please don’t waste perfectly good gin on this).</li>
<li>Fiber artists will need to research the best way to handle their fabrics.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>A few items to add to your packing list:<ol>
<li>Masks (including extras)</li>
<li>Hand Sanitizer</li>
<li>Small signs- <em>Please do not touch</em>, <em>Please remain outside of the booth</em>, <em>You must wear a mask to enter</em>… We will also have some available.</li>
<li>Gloves</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> Together we can stay safe and make this work. We appreciate your trust and look forward to seeing you (though the hugs may need to wait).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>© Mark Loeb</p>
<p>Integrity Shows</p></div>
Show sends email saying they will refund, then only refunds 50%-BEWARE
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/show-sends-email-saying-they-will-refund-then-only-refunds-50
2020-04-13T15:24:20.000Z
2020-04-13T15:24:20.000Z
Judy Christian
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JudyChristian
<div><p>I received an email some weeks ago from the Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls, which is Cleveland area, OH, saying that we would receive a refund if the show was cancelled.</p>
<p>That relieved me so much that I posted it here on this forum.</p>
<p>Today- they have officially cancelled the show, which is in June-- and only refunding 50% of booth fee.</p>
<p>SO EVERYONE, PLEASE BEWARE OF WHAT THE WORD- REFUND- ACTUALLY MEANS.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>
Images and Booth Shot Tip
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/images-and-booth-shot-tip
2020-03-09T21:42:00.000Z
2020-03-09T21:42:00.000Z
Barry Bernstein
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BarryBernstein
<div><p>The difference between getting into a show and not getting into a show could be having professionally shot or edited images and an excellent booth image. I want to heartily recommend Larry Berman to all of you. Twice, now, he has fixed my booth shot with excellent results. He has shot my work in the past. Because of Larry, I have gotten in to all the major shows, St Louis, Ft Worth, Cherry Creek, Artisphere just to name a few. He is the best in the business. Thank you Larry Berman.</p></div>
Good shows getting stale?
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/good-shows-getting-stale
2019-05-20T20:39:53.000Z
2019-05-20T20:39:53.000Z
Morgan M. Harris
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/MorganMHarris
<div><p>Hi everyone. I am a crystalline glaze potter in North Carolina and am in my 6th year of doing shows...so still a newby. </p>
<p></p>
<p>My question/inquiry deals seeks to get advice on what to do about shows that have been good up until this year and so far sales are down sharply. Three larger shows that I've done for several years and sales have been increasing every year, this year are about half of last year. I did raise my prices very slightly this year (1/4%), but I wouldn't think that would account for the disparity. I have introduced new product, and new glazes but have kept the better performers in the line. My pricing structure goes from around $30 to $500 with the median about $90.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Verdana',sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Two of the shows are close to each other geographically, the third is around 100 miles from the other two. All are in generally affluent areas.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Should I lay off of those shows for a year or two, or doggedly stay with them? I'm very open to any suggestions from the veteran's here.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Morgan</p>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>
Help Wanted to Set up Tent/Booth Phoenix & Tucson, AZ & Indian Well, CA
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/help-wanted-to-set-up-tent-booth-phoenix-coachella-valley
2019-02-02T21:28:57.000Z
2019-02-02T21:28:57.000Z
Bettie Grace Miner
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BettieGraceMiner
<div><p><span>Help Wanted! I need someone to set up/break down my booth in Phoenix, AZ on 3/1 & 3/3. Also looking for help in the Coachella Valley, CA.</span></p>
<p><span>I have a problem with my hands and I'm having surgery on both (one at a time), with the first one on February 4th. So, I won't be able to handle much weight or gripping of anything. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>UPDATE:Also lookin for help in Tucson, AZ, March 28 & 4/1/2019. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Experience with Trimline is plus! </span><span>I will pay and maybe even buy lunch!</span></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871082675?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miner Booth with Logo.jpg</a></p></div>
Application fees
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/application-fees
2018-08-24T15:10:00.000Z
2018-08-24T15:10:00.000Z
Kathy Klenk
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/KathyKlenk
<div><p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I've been a lurker since I joined art fair insiders and have learned so much and have enjoyed so much of the information. This is truly a wonderful community.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I realize there is never any guarantee but I was wondering also what the consensus is about spending upwards of $100 for an application for an event. So far I've done shows only $15 - $35 and admittedly only had a few where I sold anything. The others I did not sell anything or maybe just 1 or 2 pieces. </p>
<p>Have you found a correlation between a show being able to charge a lot because the vendors tend to make a lot?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks and really glad to be here.</p>
<p>Kathy</p></div>
ProPanels for sale
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/propanels-for-sale-2
2018-01-23T17:17:47.000Z
2018-01-23T17:17:47.000Z
timothy johnson
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/timothyjohnson
<div><p>i have 12 2 piece propanels for sale. They are 30" wide and 7' tall when stacked. They form a corner that is 7.5' by 7.5'. They are dark grey and in perfect condition. Comes with interlocking connectors and braces for sides and corner. Also comes with an extension bar to go from one end to the other for added stability. I am asking $700.00 for everything. Local pickup only. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago.</p></div>
Newer Artist Looking for Good Mid-level Show in Ohio
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/newer-artist-looking-for-good-mid-level-show-in-ohio
2017-12-13T16:59:43.000Z
2017-12-13T16:59:43.000Z
Sonja Jones
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/SonjaJones
<div><p>Hello All, I'm relatively new to showing. I've done fours shows, but all have been small, local art and craft type venues. I'd like to tackle a more art dedicated show at a mid-level, but not sure where to start. Can anyone recommend a good one in the Ohio area? My focus is on wildlife and pets, and I have had my art displayed in a juried gallery show before. I have an EZ up tent, a professional banner, and a table; but no show panels yet - so I know my display probably isn't up to the level expected of the higher level shows. Also, I have a good number of original paintings in both acrylic and watercolor, but my largest pieces are only about 12" x 12" or 11" x 14" framed. I also offer prints and stationary, which have sold well at the smaller shows, but which I know are frowned upon at the higher level shows. Unfortunately, I'm finding that my originals do not sell well at my current venues, as I think the price point is too high for the venue. People keep picking up my paintings, remarking on how lovely they are, then they turn it over for the price and walk on! Thus, I think I need to move up to a better venue where people are shopping specifically for art and aren't shocked by the price tag. Typically, I charge $ 45 - $ 90 for my pieces, matted and framed in the case of watercolors, on canvas for acrylics. I've included a few samples of my work - I do a lot of birds and small animals. Thanks in advance for any advice!</p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871038463?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jones_S_1.Fierce.Pen_and_Wash.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871039294?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snowblown.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871039499?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IMG_0997.jpg</a></p></div>
Trailers
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/trailers-2
2017-08-06T15:10:47.000Z
2017-08-06T15:10:47.000Z
Janice Tayler
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JaniceTayler
<div><p>Can anyone tell me a great trailer for art shows? I have a jeep compass so it has to be a size suitable for this. I would need it big enough for pro panels 7 feet and large paintings 6 ft.</p></div>
Florida In January
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/florida-in-january
2017-08-02T18:13:35.000Z
2017-08-02T18:13:35.000Z
Denise Johnson
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/DeniseJohnson
<div><p>We're headed to Dunedin Florida for the month of January - something we've never done before. Wisconsin winters are kicking my butt. In looking at shows on the Gulf side, I see Howard Alan Events - anyone had any experience with this promoter that you'd care to share? Any other show recommendations would be very much appreciated! Thanks</p></div>
Need Canadian show reviews
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/need-canadian-show-reviews
2017-04-05T15:31:57.000Z
2017-04-05T15:31:57.000Z
Jacki Bilsborrow
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JackiBilsborrow
<div><p>We have now added a place at Art Show Reviews for Canadian show reviews. As of right now we don't have any reviews. We also only have one show listed. If you have done some Canadian shows could you be so kind to submit a few reviews for us. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.Artshowreviews.com" target="_blank">www.Artshowreviews.com</a> is a very useful site that can help you decide if a show fits your needs. We need new reviews for Canad and any other show you would like to review. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Please submit a show review or two.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks</p></div>
Items for Upsale in Craft Booth
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/items-for-upsale-in-craft-booth
2017-03-26T18:54:59.000Z
2017-03-26T18:54:59.000Z
Cindy Welch
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch
<div><p>I am offering my question here because I believe y'all are true professionals at selling at art or craft shows. I believe I can get serious replies.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Let me start by saying I do shows that usually offer some art but a lot of crafts. What I sell is on the crafts end. I do travertine coasters and have a couple coaster holders I distress and otherwise add some color to. A couple are bought and sold in the original finish. I find it is an easy up sell to offer the coaster holders as an accessory to the coasters customers are already buying. Those that are not altered are not eligible for Etsy so they are not on my shop. My question will be pertaining to my booth at shows.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I have started chalk painting home décor. I do a lot of vases, bottles, candlesticks, etc. They are made up of a variety of materials ... glass, ceramic, wood, resin, metal, etc. 99% of the chalk painted items are one of a kinds. They are usually flea market or thrift store finds that I upcycle and repurpose.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Now to my question. I am trying to boost my sales averages. I realize one way to do it to the up sells. For example, the coasters and holders. My difficulty is finding something I can offer as up sells for the chalk painted items. I believe this could add a good bit to my end of day total if the right thing(s) are available for up sell.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Do you have any suggestions for up sell additions for my booth at craft shows? I am including a link to my shop so you can get an idea of what I sell.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cynthiawelchdesigns.ocm" target="_blank">Cynthia Welch Designs</a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>
Vintage Market Days
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/vintage-market-days-1
2016-12-11T19:20:00.000Z
2016-12-11T19:20:00.000Z
Cindy Welch
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch
<div><p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I have applied to a couple of shows put on by the group <a href="https://www.vintagemarketdays.com" target="_blank">Vintage Market Days</a> . I found out a few weeks ago that I am waitlisted for the spring 2017 show in Amite, LA (3/10-3/12, 2017).</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">However I just got notification yesterday afternoon of acceptance at the one in Brandon, Miss., just outside Jackson. This is one is a couple of weeks after the one in Amite (3/31-4/2, 2017).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I am wondering if any of have done any of their shows? What should I expect? Any advice?</span></p></div>
Vintage Market Days
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/vintage-market-days
2016-08-06T23:25:21.000Z
2016-08-06T23:25:21.000Z
Cindy Welch
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch
<div><p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I am wondering if anyone here has done this show in one of their many venues. I picked up a postcard at a resale/vintage store today with their website. They are doing one in Louisiana and it's 3 days. I am wondering if it's worth it, one to pass on, etc.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;"><a href="https://www.vintagemarketdays.com" target="_blank">Click here for their website.</a></span></p></div>
now SOLD - Flourish mesh walls, tent - full set up for sale
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/flourish-mesh-walls-tent-full-set-up-for-sale
2016-04-06T21:04:07.000Z
2016-04-06T21:04:07.000Z
Anne Jenkins
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/AnneJenkins
<div><p>Flourish mesh walls, stay-bars, weights, EZ UP 10x10 white tent plus 4 white walls - the tent is the slightly older version when they made them good and strong. It's a lucky tent with many happy memories!</p>
<p>$550 ono all reasonable offers considered</p>
<p>I am in Central Delaware, so pick up only - call (302) 393-6629</p>
<p>thanks - I am sad to see it go but I am getting too old for outdoor shows! :)</p></div>
What are you doing this weekend, March 4-7?
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-march-4-7
2016-03-03T16:02:36.000Z
2016-03-03T16:02:36.000Z
Cindy Welch
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch
<div><p>I know around here craft shows and car shows are cranking up big time. It seems everyone and anyone putting on any kind of show wants to be the first one out of the gate.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am going to do a show at Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia, LA. It has been going on a long time and the booth fee has been kept surprisingly low. Like many other plantations that put on these shows, this is a fundraiser for the plantation. The organizers have worked hard to make sure that everything sold is handcrafted. This show they have added a few more booths in a space that had previously been unused for booths. Booths will number a little over 100.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am including their website for those who may want to visit this plantation either this weekend or another time. You may also want to check it out to have a booth there in the future. Shadows has a show in the spring and the fall. For informational purposes, New Iberia is about 30 minutes from Lafayette, a couple of hours from New Orleans, and about an hour and 20 minutes from Baton Rouge. This could make it worthwhile for having a booth at Shadows and do some shows in one of these other cities, especially if coming from out of state.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.shadowsontheteche.org">http://www.shadowsontheteche.org</a></p></div>
Steinhauer Productions
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/steinhauer-productions
2015-12-09T15:15:00.000Z
2015-12-09T15:15:00.000Z
Cindy Welch
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch
<div><p>I am wondering if any of you have ever done a show with Steinhauer Productions? I believe they mostly operate in Louisiana. I have heard from one friend that she will not do any more of their shows. She makes and sells pepper jelly, sauces, and pickles from family recipes. I have included the Steinhauer link below.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.steinhauerproductions.com" target="_blank">Steinhauer Productions Link</a></p></div>
Midwest Artist Group
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/midwest-artist-group
2015-12-16T03:46:11.000Z
2015-12-16T03:46:11.000Z
B. David Kay
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BDavidKay
<div><p>Hi to all artists out there.</p>
<p></p>
<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>
<p></p>
<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>
<p></p>
<p>B. David Kay</p></div>
Mystic and SoNo, CT, shows 2015
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/mystic-and-sono-ct-shows-2015
2015-08-22T12:50:39.000Z
2015-08-22T12:50:39.000Z
carrie jacobson
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/carriejacobson
<div><p><span class="font-size-3">These Connecticut shows take place on consecutive weekends, and both involve Saturday-morning set-ups, which I despise. This year, that was about the only similarity between them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">I'm a repesentational oil painter with pieces ranging from 10 inches by 10 inches and $100 to 48x72 and $5500. I paint with a palette knife, and my pieces are bright and heavily textured.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">The Mystic show is a big one, stretching down the main street in town and along a few side streets. The Mystic River divides the town and the show. Traffic continues on the main street during the show, and a drawbridge in the middle of town stops traffic throughout the show.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">Booths are $270. On the east side of the river, in the commercial area, the tents are cheek to jowl, facing the sidewalk and stores. On much of the west side, the tents are also cheek to jowl, facing a narrow sidewalk and a hedge.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">I was living near Mystic when I got into the Mystic show for the first year. The person who decided the layout was my neighbor, and gave me an excellent spot, on a corner of a side street closed to traffic, with enough room to hang paintings outside as well as in. If you do Mystic, you might ask to be on one of the side streets. They have a little less traffic, but they won't have a crush of people so big they push would-be buyers right past your tent. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">A side note: A number of businesses in town rent their parking lots to artists and crafters. These areas are not part of the Mystic show, but patrons don't know that. This can make for some odd inclusions, including some buy-sell. But if you're in one of these spots, you can generally set up Friday night. And you get all the traffic of the show as a whole. A friend did this this year; the booth fee was higher than the show fee, but was still reasonable, and she did well.</span></p>
<p>In most of the booths in the formal show, there is no storage space. Parking is an absolute nightmare. I rented space from a merchant near my booth, and that was $50 very well spent. There are pay lots to support local nonprofits, but barely any street parking, and most spots will be a long hike from your booth.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">The show is put on by the Mystic Chamber, and I think they do a fair amount of advertising; the show is generally very well attended. This year, the crowd seemed smaller than average, but there were still plenty of people - including AFIer Greg Little and his wife Carol, in Connecticut from their home in Louisiana! It took me a moment to comprehend what I was seeing, but then I remembered that Carol grew up in New London, as did I.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">The Chamber supplies volunteers, and this year, they were very helpful during set-up. I didn't see anyone available for booth-sitting, but I had friends nearby and really didn't need a booth-sitter. There is an awards breakfast, which is usually bagels and coffee, but I didn't make it this year. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Usually, the quality of the show is pretty good. This year, the little I saw of it, the quality of the work seemed to be down. I saw a lot of the same thing, and saw a number of booths with work that just did not seem well done. On the other hand, the high-end stuff seemed better and more interesting than ever.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I sold two large paintings - one to friends who'd been wanting to buy another of my paintings for a while - and three small paintings, for a total of about $4000. This is a very good show for me, and I was pleased. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062694637?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062694637?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3">AFIers, Greg and Carol Little in Mystic</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">**********</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">SoNo, in South Norwalk, has been a solid show over the past five years that I've done it. It's in a funky, artsy neighborhood of a town near the NY border. It has always featured excellent art, and has been well-organized and well-attended. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">This year, it was so disorganized that I became convinced that it wouldn't happen. The call to artists included a quite unclear sentence intimating that if you'd been in the show in any of the past three years, you were in this year. But there was never a response to my application. I had no response when I sent in my booth fee, either, though I sent emails to various people, until I messaged the show on Facebook.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The SoNo Arts webpage did not work. There was never a list of artists or vendors, and there were never directions to the show. The call to artists stayed up during the show. <span style="font-size: 13px;">We received our booth numbers after midnight on Saturday morning, and even then, no location was provided. We left my friend's house at 5 a.m., arrived at 6 and were told by an artist that if we were in the show last year, we should just go to wherever we were, and set up then. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">The show was at least 50 percent smaller than it had been, and the quality was just gone. There were many, many vendors, selling olive oil and popcorn, "this way to the beach" signs, and more. I saw one ceramist, and only two jewelers! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">With so many fewer participants, load-in and load-out was easy. The booths faced the street, which was closed, and there was tons of storage behind my tent. (I had a Dollar Store and methadone clinic behind me, just FYI). I lucked out and got a space with shade, but people on the other side of the street were in blazing sun the entire time. Parking is easy, in a large municipal lot near much of the show. You have to pay, but it's $7 a day. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">I do not do well with uncertainty, and as the show started, I was nearly apoplectic. I would never ever do this show again, I said, unless my biggest painting sold. Unless I had a killer show. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">And, you guessed it, I had a killer show. Well, I had a killer Sunday. By the end of Saturday, I'd sold only two $100 pieces, and I felt happy to have done that. I was nowhere near the $350 booth fee, but I felt lucky to have not had a zero show. Then on Sunday, a woman walked in and bought my three biggest paintings. And I had several other sales, as well. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;" class="font-size-3">So instead of continuing to grouse and complain about SoNo, I'm going to contact the organizers and see what I can do to help. </span></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870982265?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greg and carol little mystic.jpg</a></p></div>
Art fairs Florida Panhandle
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/art-fairs-florida-panhandle
2015-09-20T15:28:43.000Z
2015-09-20T15:28:43.000Z
C Z Williams, Painter
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CZWilliamsPainter
<div><p>Has anyone done any art shows in the Florida Panhandle? I will be moving to a rural farm area (yes we were farmers and want to get out of hectic south FL) there early in 2016 and I know there are several large shows in Panama City Beach, Pensacola and Tallahassee with some smaller ones scattered around. I know there are fewer shows, but I'm hoping they are fairly good being that they haven't been oversaturated as they are where I live now in south Florida. I'm hoping some of you have done some of these shows and can give some input. I am a painter. </p>
<p>Thanks, Carole</p></div>
Does anyone know anything about the Zapp event "Artnado"?
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/does-anyone-know-anything-about-the-zapp-event-artnado
2015-01-05T05:58:38.000Z
2015-01-05T05:58:38.000Z
E. Lee Wilson, Jr.
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ELeeWilsonJr
<div><p>I saw a listing on Zapp for an event called "Artnado" in West Palm Beach that occurred in November of 2014, and is listed again for November 2015. It is an indoor event, and sounds really interesting. Does anyone here know how it well it went, and if it is worth applying to for 2015?</p>
<p></p></div>
Unique, new, otherwise good art shows...
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/unique-new-otherwise-good-art-shows
2015-01-25T14:25:16.000Z
2015-01-25T14:25:16.000Z
Tim Dardis
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/TimDardis
<div>I am doing more and more shows and find that the florida/ south market is overly saturated in some areas. There are so many shows within a few miles on nearly every weekend of the "season" I only see the same buyers and the same sellers over and over.... The number one question I get in my booth is "will you be at (the next) show?" Yeah, it may be just a new " be back" comment but it gives me pause and makes me look for new and unique shows. I found a small company called TNT events.. Their web site is not good but they seem to do a lot of shows. Does anyone have any experience with them? Does anyone have any suggestions for shows in the south market? Florida in the winter and the Carolinas and Georgia for the summer? Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you!</div>
Much Bigger Show, Much More $$
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/much-bigger-show-much-more
2015-01-24T01:50:54.000Z
2015-01-24T01:50:54.000Z
Cindy Welch
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch
<div><p>Okay, I have some questions on going bigger, and hopefully better, as far as shows. Most of my shows' booth fees have been in the $60-$150 for 1-2 day shows. I did Oak Alley last spring, which turned out to be their last show and it was over $200.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am really wanting to do a show that is about double (or triple/quadruple) what I have routinely paid. I am believing it would give us a lot of exposure. It is in Shreveport, LA so it would easily draw people from Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, possibly even Oklahoma. Link for show, which is for arts and crafts .... <a href="http://www.redriverrevel.com">www.redriverrevel.com</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p>This show has been around for about 40 years & runs 8 days. An artist/crafter can apply for a single booth (single artist) for:</p>
<p>* all 8 days, $900</p>
<p>* first 4 days (Sat.-Tues.), $450</p>
<p>* last 4 days (Wed.-Sat.), $450</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am not even considering the whole 8 days. I am considering 4 days. Dh has said that IF we apply, and that is a BIG if, we should apply for the first 4 days because it give 2 weekend days (Saturday and Sunday) for shopping. The last four days only gives Saturday.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Our distance is such that we would have to go up the day before and stay an extra night. We are about 5 hours away from this event, have no real family to stay with so a hotel would be in our plans. It would pretty much be our "vacation".</p>
<p></p>
<p>What I am asking of y'all is this .... when you want to make a step up to a much bigger show, how do you make that decision? What factors do you consider besides the obvious expenses such as booth fee, hotel, gas, food, etc.? How do you know when you are personally ready and when your business is ready for a show that costs so much more than what you've done before? How would I figure stock for such a big scale event?</p></div>
Check your ZAPP profile please
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/check-your-zapp-profile-please
2014-10-05T17:02:12.000Z
2014-10-05T17:02:12.000Z
Bonnie Blandford
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BonnieBlandford
<div><p>Suggestion for all artists: please go into your ZAPP account and make sure that you've capitalized those letters that need it and haven't used all CAPS. It's not cute and gets you noticed for all the wrong reasons. What it means is that the show has to change it every single time they want to use a downloaded artist list or it looks like they are sloppy. I know I say this every year but it continues on. And we're just a tiny show so I can't image a show that gets 1,000 apps dealing with this.</p></div>
fire compliance for indoor show
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/fire-compliance-for-indoor-show
2014-10-24T15:06:12.000Z
2014-10-24T15:06:12.000Z
Elaine Clapper
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ElaineClapper
<div><p>I am doing my first indoor show at Winterfair in Columbus in Dec. The info says cloth on display tables must be fire retardant. The skirted tables are 100% and the table cloths on top are just tablecloth fabric I bought at JoAnns's. Do I need to spray them with some type of fire retardant? any recommendations on where to purchase that? Any advice on applying it?</p>
<p></p></div>
Sunshine Mag top 100 organized by month
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/sunshine-mag-top-100-organized-by-month
2014-08-20T15:37:09.000Z
2014-08-20T15:37:09.000Z
megan mckinnon
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/meganmckinnon
<div><p>Here is an excel file of the sunshine artist top 100 Fine art shows organized by month with the show dates, locations and deadlines (on some of them) <br/>I know I wish I'd had this information before signing up for shows this past year. There are a few shows I added that dont have a # next to them that had high rankings from artists here on Art Fair insider blogs or reviews as well. <br/>Enjoy!</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062631598?profile=original">art shows organized by month in an excel file</a></p></div>
Recommendations for Art Shows
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/recommendations-for-art-shows
2014-01-23T15:40:47.000Z
2014-01-23T15:40:47.000Z
Barbara Pitorak Bloom
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BarbaraPitorakBloom
<div><p>Hello from snowy cold Cleveland Ohio. This is my 4th year of planning my year of art shows, and submitting my applications. Until now I have been basing my plan of events around the northeastern Ohio area... but to be honest I tried venturing out of my market, and into southern Ohio to discover good success. That said I am looking for recommendations for art shows in the Michigan/Illinois/Indiana/Pennsylvania and Ohio area. My medium is hand dyed silk. I practice Shibori, which is the Japanese method to create resists through binding and stitching. When the dye is added there are distinct patterns created. My partner and husband, Steve, makes cold processed hand crafted soap... vegan, organic, wonderful stuff. I would value your suggestions and recommendations. </p>
<p></p></div>
Ejection of Buy/Sell from art shows
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/ejection-of-buy-sell-from-art-shows
2014-01-28T04:30:40.000Z
2014-01-28T04:30:40.000Z
Jacki Bilsborrow
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JackiBilsborrow
<div><p>After reading through many posts here I have read many complaints about buy/sell getting into shows. I just thought I would start a discussion on shows that have ejected buy/sell from their shows once they have managed to get beyond the jury process. Have you been in any shows and seen any evidence of buy/sell being asked to leave? Did the buy/sell leave without incident? Did the promoter have to call security to get rid of the buy/sell? Did the promoter remove the buy/sell because of your complaint or because of an artist that you know lodged a complaint?</p>
<p></p>
<p>We hear so much about buy/sell being let into art shows that I wanted to start a discussion on the shows that are doing a good job of putting a stop to it. Weigh in here. Who or what shows should get some props?</p></div>
Have A Hyundai Santa-Fe
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/have-a-hyundai-santa-fe
2013-11-08T16:20:50.000Z
2013-11-08T16:20:50.000Z
Bob Lawson
https://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BobLawson
<div><p> Has anyone used a smaller vehicle to work with the Knockdown Propanels. I have just started back to do shows and sure am not ready to make too many major purchases until I test the waters again. I have artwork, mostly framed and am a pretty good packer If nearly everything is standing in the van I would think I can get everything in.</p>
<p></p></div>