I've just come out of Naples, the 4th show there (at least) since Jan.. downtown.. and was lucky : -) enough to be next to the NYTimes hawker.. all day loooong to every single person walking by, he would call out, NYTimes 50% off.... I can save you money, sign up now, what do yo have to lose.. and it goes on and on.. After the first day, I was fed up and complained to the show director, (her first year.. she took over running the show for the museum.. and away from H. Allan).. she did what she could, had him face another direction, asked him to calm down, to no avail.. he was worse.. I was not the only one upset about hawkers, the lady behind me even had it worse,, some big give away for free, and 7 people in the booth, calling patrons in.. they were also tamed down, but still aggravated this artist all show long..
The NYTimes guy became a bit arrogant, I went over to offer him an olive branch near the end of the show, (why I dont know, just to be human) to no avail he would not be civil, I walked away.. Two H. Alan shows before that, one I was directly across from a radio station at Las Olas (ft. Lauderdale), complete with pull the handle on the slot machine and win $1000... and next to a laser vision eye doctor in Jupiter, enter here for a free drawing.. and the guy next to them was a framer passing out 30% off coupons. These promoters get much BIGGER booth fees from sponsors (they call them sponsors) than the artists.. and let them in and place them next to the artists.. and They call these an ART Show..
What can we do about the promoters doing whatever it takes to bring in fees, without regard to what it does to the quality of the show?
I'm sending my letter to the NYTimes, I can't believe they are sending a hawker, to badger people at an art show.. btw... He had 5 (FIVE) sings in various sizes ranging from 6' tall.. that read 50% off, plastered all over his booth... right next to my artwork! ( I have pictures of that, it's actually a comedy) wow! If an artist had the same behavior as this "sponsor", we would be shut down, the promoter actually told me to get over it, and tend to my booth.. i think she learned, and was caught in a tough spot, but that did not do us any good..
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I am new to doing shows in California. I do not know about you but I cannot afford expensive show so when you see a show that sounds good and in a good area plus the price is right I sign up for it. Like all applications you have to send pictures and web address to show the art so that they have proof as to that all is hand made. Then I come to the show and I am between two insurance booth. They are handing out free stuff and I am trying to sell my art but very little is made from that show because free stuff is more fun. Thats being a in a tough spot. I am one of those that smile and not to sweat at the small stuff.
Hi, Mark. Thanks for your post. Today is the deadline for the Downtown Naples show in March. Besides the trouble you had with the hawkers . . . how was the show? Did people come? Did you sell much? We're kind of hesitant to do a Florida show in March (is March really considered the "high" season?) but we have some holes in our schedule so we're thinking of applying. If you get this post today, please let me know how sales were! Thanks, and happy holidays,
Man, do I know what you mean! Hawkers are taking over the show circuit, and the patrons are taking notice. Case in point (ie, my story):
Applied and paid for a juried, fine art only show - Tapestry in Talent in San Jose, CA. Sounds good so far, right. Humpf. We get to the "show" and walk the area, as usual, to check it all out. We see the Oscar Meyer Wiener Wagon, and numerous other "sponsors" setting up. Not a good sign. But since we're artists and can't set up until 0:DARK:00 the next day, we go to have dinner at a local restaurant (cities should pay attention to the dollars we artists spend while doing their shows, but that's another topic). Being friendly folk, we struck up a conversation with a couple seated near us, they had the look of our demographic - well heeled, well educated, prosperous and interesting. Art buyers! We asked them about the show. Yes, they used to attend and buy at this event, but the hawkers and lack of original art in recent years turned them off. They no longer attend and neither do any of their friends. Needless to say, it was a long weekend. So much for original art only - the vendor next to us (can't use the term artist at this event) was so brazen she had her catalog out and was placing her order right there. I went to the show director, hopped into her little cart and made her drive the entire show while I pointed to buy/sell and hawkers. I even had the paperwork in my hand and pointed to the requirements I had to adhere to. All she could say was, "We need to fill the show". This show looks more like a Dollar store than an art show and the people wondering around definitely were not in our demographic. ARTISTS STAY AWAY!
I have heard all the following answers for your scenarios from very prominent and well-respected promoters and/or art show directors. Enjoy!
Yes. Start your own show. Learn what it's like to spot all types of B/S instantly. And know the difference between B/S and someone who has decided to compete with the B/S. Just because something is packaged, doesn't mean it's from China.
All work is to be original in concept and design without the use of kits or prefabricated parts. What sets the items in your booth apart from pre-made items or items made from kits. Were these items indeed made entirely by you?
Be prepared to have every jeweler tell you "But mine's different!" All work is to be original in concept and design without the use of kits or prefabricated parts. What sets the items in your booth apart from pre-made items or items made from kits. Were these items indeed made entirely by you? Were these items simply assembled by you?
If it rains, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements. If it snows, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements. If it's windy, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements. If it's hot, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements. If it's cold, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements.
If someone juries in with wood, and brings jewelry to add to the booth, it's your fault.
(To the Artist)I am sorry to tell you this, but you were juried in the wood category and I see you have jewelry here. You were not juried in the jewelry category. Please remove your jewelry from the booth.
(To the Artist Complaining about the Wood Artist Bringing Jewelry) Thank you for your help. We had a discussion with So and So and he or she will be removing jewelry from his or her booth. Again, thank you for your concern.
Ifyou don't advertize in the "right" places, you're a lousy promoter.
Thank you for your suggestion(s) we'll look into it for next year because we are always trying to improve our message regarding this event.
If you place an ad on the local adult station on the radio and some exhibitors listen to alternative rock, or vise versa, you didn't advertize correctly.
Thank you for your suggestion(s) we'll look into it for next year because we are always trying to improve our message regarding this event.
If your show is outside and the field isn't looking like the 18th green at the Masters, you don't know how to prepare the area.
Thank you for your suggestion(s) we'll walk the show today to make sure the environment is safe for the patrons and artists and we'll take a closer look at the venue next year because we are always trying to improve the show every year.
If there's ANY mud from a rainstorm yesterday, see item number one.
Thank you for your help in pointing out hazards in the show, we will place straw on the mud and have some volunteers sweep away mud puddles in the area as soon as the sun comes out and starts to dry things out this morning."
If you don't provide FREE coffee, FREE doughnuts, FREE water etc, you're a lousy promoter.
There is a Starbucks right across the street and a Dunn Brothers down the block. I trust you came to the show well prepared for the elements and for your own nutritional needs. We were able to keep the overall overhead costs lower by cutting back on amenities. I trust you will agree that sales are what matters most, right?
And last but not least, if every exhibitor isn't the center of attention it's all your fault for placing them off in no man's land.
1. We were not aware that this space was a problem in previous years. Let me check with some of the other show staff and I will get back to you.
2. Yes, apparently this was a problem last year and I was not aware of it. Would you like for us to move you to a better location? We can gather volunteers to help move you after the show closes tonight and we will refund half your show fee.
3. Yes, apparently this was a problem last year and I was not aware of it. We will place signs indicating the location of your area to encourage visitors.
4. This has never been a poor location in the past. Let me sit with you for a bit and observe the flow of the show.
5. I see you are correct, let's provide a free booth for you next year.
6. I do not agree. From what I can observe, your booth is receiving strong attention from the patrons.
Then look in a mirror and ask yourself "If I were a promoter, could I put up with 150 other versions of ME?"
I would look in the mirror and wonder if I could do any job that included criticism from co-workers, vendors, customers, etc. I would wonder if I could find a job that was insulated from other humans.
If so, then start your own shows. I guarantee you, it'll open your eyes.
No one held a gun to anyone's head and said "Start directing and promoting art shows." Bring your "A-Game" or go home.
Next?
Chris Hoyt said:
I agree. Larry's right.
If the shows are so awful, then do something about it! Start your own shows! I did. And I can definitely tell you your perspective changes! I do shows today knowing what the promoters go through to put on a sucessful show. Iknow where the app fees go in advance, and know why shows are put on in rain, or snow, or shine.
I can tell the difference between a profit driven promoter and an exhibitor friendly one. And they can be one in the same.
I have also learned to have great sympathy for what a promoter goes through, especially during setup, and I always try to be as accomodating as I can so there's less stress all the way around.
Yes. Start your own show. Learn what it's like to spot all types of B/S instantly. And know the difference between B/S and someone who has decided to compete with the B/S. Just because something is packaged, doesn't mean it's from China.
Be prepared to have every jeweler tell you "But mine's different!"
See firsthand what it's like to be blamed for every little thing that could possibly go wrong.
If it rains, it's your fault.
If it snows, it's your fault.
If it's windy, it's your fault.
If it's hot, it's your fault.
If it's cold, it's your fault.
If someone juries in with wood, and brings jewelry to add to the booth, it's your fault.
Ifyou don't advertize in the "right" places, you're a lousy promoter.
If you place an ad on the local adult station on the radio and some exhibitors listen to alternative rock, or vise versa, you didn't advertize correctly.
If your show is outside and the field isn't looking like the 18th green at the Masters, you don't know how to prepare the area.
If there's ANY mud from a rainstorm yesterday, see item number one.
If you don't provide FREE coffee, FREE doughnuts, FREE water etc, you're a lousy promoter.
And last but not least, if every exhibitor isn't the center of attention it's all your fault for placing them off in no man's land.
Then look in a mirror and ask yourself "If I were a promoter, could I put up with 150 other versions of ME?"
If so, then start your own shows. I guarantee you, it'll open your eyes.
If the shows are so awful, then do something about it! Start your own shows! I did. And I can definitely tell you your perspective changes! I do shows today knowing what the promoters go through to put on a sucessful show. Iknow where the app fees go in advance, and know why shows are put on in rain, or snow, or shine.
I can tell the difference between a profit driven promoter and an exhibitor friendly one. And they can be one in the same.
I have also learned to have great sympathy for what a promoter goes through, especially during setup, and I always try to be as accomodating as I can so there's less stress all the way around.
Yes. Start your own show. Learn what it's like to spot all types of B/S instantly. And know the difference between B/S and someone who has decided to compete with the B/S. Just because something is packaged, doesn't mean it's from China.
Be prepared to have every jeweler tell you "But mine's different!"
See firsthand what it's like to be blamed for every little thing that could possibly go wrong.
If it rains, it's your fault.
If it snows, it's your fault.
If it's windy, it's your fault.
If it's hot, it's your fault.
If it's cold, it's your fault.
If someone juries in with wood, and brings jewelry to add to the booth, it's your fault.
Ifyou don't advertize in the "right" places, you're a lousy promoter.
If you place an ad on the local adult station on the radio and some exhibitors listen to alternative rock, or vise versa, you didn't advertize correctly.
If your show is outside and the field isn't looking like the 18th green at the Masters, you don't know how to prepare the area.
If there's ANY mud from a rainstorm yesterday, see item number one.
If you don't provide FREE coffee, FREE doughnuts, FREE water etc, you're a lousy promoter.
And last but not least, if every exhibitor isn't the center of attention it's all your fault for placing them off in no man's land.
Then look in a mirror and ask yourself "If I were a promoter, could I put up with 150 other versions of ME?"
If so, then start your own shows. I guarantee you, it'll open your eyes.
Larry's right. Maybe you all should give it a go and become show promoters. No one knows what we artists want in a show better than we do. And no one but the show director knows how hard it is to give artists everything they want. I'm an exhibiting artist and show director. I try to be fair, to run the kind of show into which I'd like to be accepted, one where artists and art are the focus. If enough other good, smaller shows popped up all over, artists might think twice about shelling out exorbitant fees for shows with hawkers and others who distract from the art, and go with the smaller, higher quality shows run by people who do it because we love what we do.
Munks said:
Now you're talking. That's just gobs better than "Boycotting will never work because there are at least three or four artists for each space available."
The human spirit complete with ingenuity and tenacity tore down an Iron Curtain - but changing a relatively recent hybrid of art shows and community events into a more profitable experience focusing on art, patrons, and nothing else is just too daunting a task? I don't think so, but I suppose if one wrings one's hands and declares ideas and options as futile - well, by golly that's the spirit!
I hope someone does step up and run a show! I hope they put the handwringers and naysayers next to the ASPCA booths instead of innocent artists that played by the rules!
Pssst! (whispering) It's not rocket science or curing cancer or feeding the world people! It's making and selling art!
Larry Berman said:
Well actually there is a way to change the status quo. Become a show promoter and use your years of experience doing it the "right" way. There are a number of shows out there being run by former exhibitors and I wonder how they rank compared to other shows. Larry Berman Digital Jury Services http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Many of these events would never exist without these sponsors. Then, by definition they are not art fairs, they are community festivals focusing on whatever the theme is for that weekend. If the art show cannot exist without being subsidized by vendor booths and so forth, then it really is not an art show, it is an event where art shares the billing with the other ancillary programs.
Please think of it this way: You go to see what you expect to be a play. You get the tickets, you get the sitter, you go with your wife or mistress or husband or whatever and you settle down in your seat to watch the play. Granted, you have already purchased the art, but purchase the art you did and you would like to see the art. As you and your sweetie watch the play - orphaned puppies and kitties are passed around in the audience for you to consider adopting. A New York Times hawker stands on the corner of the stage yelling for you to come get your paper and sign up and so forth. Some cereal characters are throwing boxes of samples at people in the audience for them to try it, they'll like it. A window company has logo stickers on every damned window in the playhouse - on the windows, on the stage set, on the doors, and on your car door too. All this is happening while the play is going on. The producer deftly avoids all criticism of the distractions because it was a necessary evil to help grease the permit wheel or help pay for the production - because otherwise there would be no production. I am suggesting, there never was a production in this case.
Would you, me or anyone else want to go back or want to take the play seriously? Hopefully my parallel example will help some lurkers and others understand what is being said about the current state of some shows. None of them are too big to fail. Evolution is not a bad thing.
Oh, and let's add this: the actors start to bitch about the system in the playhouse and someone says that nothing can be done about it because 3-4 actors will take their place. Even better, the same person says that one of the actors should just run the playhouse if they know so much.
Hmmmm. What a world, huh?
It's all about balance.
Connie Mettler said:
Right you are, Larry. Many of these events would never exist without these sponsors. Myself, I'm not crazy about the bail bond salesmen or the replacement windows, but they help pay the bills and keep booth fees in place. The only thing I ask is that they are confined to their own area, which most shows do. Just as there is a food court there will be a sponsorship area. Granted, not all events handle it quite as well as others, but interactions with the management can help. I remember at Des Moines, when they used to have the event on the riverbank, one of the bridges was all sponsors and they competed with one another for attractive booths. In fact, I believe Des Moines had standards that the sponsors had to adhere to. A "sponsor driven" event does not have to be detrimental to an art fair. It just depends on whose vision is at work.
Now you're talking. That's just gobs better than "Boycotting will never work because there are at least three or four artists for each space available."
The human spirit complete with ingenuity and tenacity tore down an Iron Curtain - but changing a relatively recent hybrid of art shows and community events into a more profitable experience focusing on art, patrons, and nothing else is just too daunting a task? I don't think so, but I suppose if one wrings one's hands and declares ideas and options as futile - well, by golly that's the spirit!
I hope someone does step up and run a show! I hope they put the handwringers and naysayers next to the ASPCA booths instead of innocent artists that played by the rules!
Pssst! (whispering) It's not rocket science or curing cancer or feeding the world people! It's making and selling art!
Larry Berman said:
Well actually there is a way to change the status quo. Become a show promoter and use your years of experience doing it the "right" way. There are a number of shows out there being run by former exhibitors and I wonder how they rank compared to other shows. Larry BermanDigital Jury Services http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Well actually there is a way to change the status quo. Become a show promoter and use your years of experience doing it the "right" way. There are a number of shows out there being run by former exhibitors and I wonder how they rank compared to other shows.
Everyone be good little artists and some day you too will be in a booth next to the the NY Times guy!
But, uh, let's stop all this talk of change, shall we?
Most importantly, don't ever, ever, ever forget how well this shows are doing in the marketplace.
Oh, what's that? - Ok, well go ahead and ignore how these shows are doing relative to wayyyyy back when the focus was on art, patrons, and sales. Just remember to make sure you have a cohesive body of work in the correct format for the jury and say a "Hail Mary" that you will get to be next to the flute guy!
But, uh, no more of this talk of change for the betterment of your career and your work, ok?
OK then. It'll go better for you that way!
Trust me.
Larry Berman said:
Boycotting will never work because there are at least three or four artists for each space available. And face it, some shows will have commercial booths because they are community events. I'll even bet that some shows can't get permits unless they let in a percentage of local artists or local business booths. There are different levels of art shows and sometimes we can't be as selective as we want in choosing which show to apply to for any number of reasons, including that it may be local.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Replies
Hi, Mark. Thanks for your post. Today is the deadline for the Downtown Naples show in March. Besides the trouble you had with the hawkers . . . how was the show? Did people come? Did you sell much? We're kind of hesitant to do a Florida show in March (is March really considered the "high" season?) but we have some holes in our schedule so we're thinking of applying. If you get this post today, please let me know how sales were! Thanks, and happy holidays,
~Emily
Applied and paid for a juried, fine art only show - Tapestry in Talent in San Jose, CA. Sounds good so far, right. Humpf. We get to the "show" and walk the area, as usual, to check it all out. We see the Oscar Meyer Wiener Wagon, and numerous other "sponsors" setting up. Not a good sign. But since we're artists and can't set up until 0:DARK:00 the next day, we go to have dinner at a local restaurant (cities should pay attention to the dollars we artists spend while doing their shows, but that's another topic). Being friendly folk, we struck up a conversation with a couple seated near us, they had the look of our demographic - well heeled, well educated, prosperous and interesting. Art buyers! We asked them about the show. Yes, they used to attend and buy at this event, but the hawkers and lack of original art in recent years turned them off. They no longer attend and neither do any of their friends. Needless to say, it was a long weekend. So much for original art only - the vendor next to us (can't use the term artist at this event) was so brazen she had her catalog out and was placing her order right there. I went to the show director, hopped into her little cart and made her drive the entire show while I pointed to buy/sell and hawkers. I even had the paperwork in my hand and pointed to the requirements I had to adhere to. All she could say was, "We need to fill the show". This show looks more like a Dollar store than an art show and the people wondering around definitely were not in our demographic. ARTISTS STAY AWAY!
Yes. Start your own show. Learn what it's like to spot all types of B/S instantly. And know the difference between B/S and someone who has decided to compete with the B/S. Just because something is packaged, doesn't mean it's from China.
All work is to be original in concept and design without the use of kits or prefabricated parts. What sets the items in your booth apart from pre-made items or items made from kits. Were these items indeed made entirely by you?
Be prepared to have every jeweler tell you "But mine's different!" All work is to be original in concept and design without the use of kits or prefabricated parts. What sets the items in your booth apart from pre-made items or items made from kits. Were these items indeed made entirely by you? Were these items simply assembled by you?
If it rains, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements.
If it snows, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements.
If it's windy, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements.
If it's hot, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements.
If it's cold, it's your fault.
We of course cannot control the weather, I am sure you came prepared for the elements.
If someone juries in with wood, and brings jewelry to add to the booth, it's your fault.
(To the Artist)I am sorry to tell you this, but you were juried in the wood category and I see you have jewelry here. You were not juried in the jewelry category. Please remove your jewelry from the booth.
(To the Artist Complaining about the Wood Artist Bringing Jewelry) Thank you for your help. We had a discussion with So and So and he or she will be removing jewelry from his or her booth. Again, thank you for your concern.
Ifyou don't advertize in the "right" places, you're a lousy promoter.
Thank you for your suggestion(s) we'll look into it for next year because we are always trying to improve our message regarding this event.
If you place an ad on the local adult station on the radio and some exhibitors listen to alternative rock, or vise versa, you didn't advertize correctly.
Thank you for your suggestion(s) we'll look into it for next year because we are always trying to improve our message regarding this event.
If your show is outside and the field isn't looking like the 18th green at the Masters, you don't know how to prepare the area.
Thank you for your suggestion(s) we'll walk the show today to make sure the environment is safe for the patrons and artists and we'll take a closer look at the venue next year because we are always trying to improve the show every year.
If there's ANY mud from a rainstorm yesterday, see item number one.
Thank you for your help in pointing out hazards in the show, we will place straw on the mud and have some volunteers sweep away mud puddles in the area as soon as the sun comes out and starts to dry things out this morning."
If you don't provide FREE coffee, FREE doughnuts, FREE water etc, you're a lousy promoter.
There is a Starbucks right across the street and a Dunn Brothers down the block. I trust you came to the show well prepared for the elements and for your own nutritional needs. We were able to keep the overall overhead costs lower by cutting back on amenities. I trust you will agree that sales are what matters most, right?
And last but not least, if every exhibitor isn't the center of attention it's all your fault for placing them off in no man's land.
1. We were not aware that this space was a problem in previous years. Let me check with some of the other show staff and I will get back to you.
2. Yes, apparently this was a problem last year and I was not aware of it. Would you like for us to move you to a better location? We can gather volunteers to help move you after the show closes tonight and we will refund half your show fee.
3. Yes, apparently this was a problem last year and I was not aware of it. We will place signs indicating the location of your area to encourage visitors.
4. This has never been a poor location in the past. Let me sit with you for a bit and observe the flow of the show.
5. I see you are correct, let's provide a free booth for you next year.
6. I do not agree. From what I can observe, your booth is receiving strong attention from the patrons.
Then look in a mirror and ask yourself "If I were a promoter, could I put up with 150 other versions of ME?"
I would look in the mirror and wonder if I could do any job that included criticism from co-workers, vendors, customers, etc. I would wonder if I could find a job that was insulated from other humans.
If so, then start your own shows. I guarantee you, it'll open your eyes.
No one held a gun to anyone's head and said "Start directing and promoting art shows." Bring your "A-Game" or go home.
Next?
Chris Hoyt said:
If the shows are so awful, then do something about it! Start your own shows! I did. And I can definitely tell you your perspective changes! I do shows today knowing what the promoters go through to put on a sucessful show. Iknow where the app fees go in advance, and know why shows are put on in rain, or snow, or shine.
I can tell the difference between a profit driven promoter and an exhibitor friendly one. And they can be one in the same.
I have also learned to have great sympathy for what a promoter goes through, especially during setup, and I always try to be as accomodating as I can so there's less stress all the way around.
Yes. Start your own show. Learn what it's like to spot all types of B/S instantly. And know the difference between B/S and someone who has decided to compete with the B/S. Just because something is packaged, doesn't mean it's from China.
Be prepared to have every jeweler tell you "But mine's different!"
See firsthand what it's like to be blamed for every little thing that could possibly go wrong.
If it rains, it's your fault.
If it snows, it's your fault.
If it's windy, it's your fault.
If it's hot, it's your fault.
If it's cold, it's your fault.
If someone juries in with wood, and brings jewelry to add to the booth, it's your fault.
Ifyou don't advertize in the "right" places, you're a lousy promoter.
If you place an ad on the local adult station on the radio and some exhibitors listen to alternative rock, or vise versa, you didn't advertize correctly.
If your show is outside and the field isn't looking like the 18th green at the Masters, you don't know how to prepare the area.
If there's ANY mud from a rainstorm yesterday, see item number one.
If you don't provide FREE coffee, FREE doughnuts, FREE water etc, you're a lousy promoter.
And last but not least, if every exhibitor isn't the center of attention it's all your fault for placing them off in no man's land.
Then look in a mirror and ask yourself "If I were a promoter, could I put up with 150 other versions of ME?"
If so, then start your own shows. I guarantee you, it'll open your eyes.
Munks said:
Please think of it this way: You go to see what you expect to be a play. You get the tickets, you get the sitter, you go with your wife or mistress or husband or whatever and you settle down in your seat to watch the play. Granted, you have already purchased the art, but purchase the art you did and you would like to see the art. As you and your sweetie watch the play - orphaned puppies and kitties are passed around in the audience for you to consider adopting. A New York Times hawker stands on the corner of the stage yelling for you to come get your paper and sign up and so forth. Some cereal characters are throwing boxes of samples at people in the audience for them to try it, they'll like it. A window company has logo stickers on every damned window in the playhouse - on the windows, on the stage set, on the doors, and on your car door too. All this is happening while the play is going on. The producer deftly avoids all criticism of the distractions because it was a necessary evil to help grease the permit wheel or help pay for the production - because otherwise there would be no production. I am suggesting, there never was a production in this case.
Would you, me or anyone else want to go back or want to take the play seriously? Hopefully my parallel example will help some lurkers and others understand what is being said about the current state of some shows. None of them are too big to fail. Evolution is not a bad thing.
Oh, and let's add this: the actors start to bitch about the system in the playhouse and someone says that nothing can be done about it because 3-4 actors will take their place. Even better, the same person says that one of the actors should just run the playhouse if they know so much.
Hmmmm. What a world, huh?
It's all about balance.
Connie Mettler said:
The human spirit complete with ingenuity and tenacity tore down an Iron Curtain - but changing a relatively recent hybrid of art shows and community events into a more profitable experience focusing on art, patrons, and nothing else is just too daunting a task? I don't think so, but I suppose if one wrings one's hands and declares ideas and options as futile - well, by golly that's the spirit!
I hope someone does step up and run a show! I hope they put the handwringers and naysayers next to the ASPCA booths instead of innocent artists that played by the rules!
Pssst! (whispering) It's not rocket science or curing cancer or feeding the world people! It's making and selling art!
Larry Berman said:
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
There you have it kids.
Nothing's going to change, it's all set in stone.
Everyone be good little artists and some day you too will be in a booth next to the the NY Times guy!
But, uh, let's stop all this talk of change, shall we?
Most importantly, don't ever, ever, ever forget how well this shows are doing in the marketplace.
Oh, what's that? - Ok, well go ahead and ignore how these shows are doing relative to wayyyyy back when the focus was on art, patrons, and sales. Just remember to make sure you have a cohesive body of work in the correct format for the jury and say a "Hail Mary" that you will get to be next to the flute guy!
But, uh, no more of this talk of change for the betterment of your career and your work, ok?
OK then. It'll go better for you that way!
Trust me.
Larry Berman said:
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