Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals

Connie Mettler Female Michigan United States publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com… Online Now: Like

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Midwest Art Fair Business

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SW Artists

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Connie Mettler's Discussions

Any ideas on how to change demographics at the art fair?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Larry Sohn on Friday. 28 Replies 2 Likes

The Grand Secret Santa 2019 Wrap-up

Started this discussion. Last reply by Cindy Welch Jan 25. 10 Replies 1 Like

Here Comes Santa! Part II - 2018

Started this discussion. Last reply by Roxy Lentz Jan 27. 113 Replies 0 Likes

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Connie Mettler's Page

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Connie Mettler commented on Connie Mettler's blog post Review: Facebook Marketing Strategy Session - 3/7/19

"Fwiw, just now I listened to this podcast and followed along to create an ad for one of my advertisers, Canopy Weights. Now, we'll how this works for me and the Canopy Weights people. "

1 hour ago

Connie Mettler replied to Debbie Schneidewent's discussion Art show has me on wait list and I'm puzzled by their reply.

"This is not standard procedure. It is unfair. Perhaps you should tell them, "no thanks." Fine if they want to continue their application procedure, but your on time application plus being on the wait list should precede any later…"

3 hours ago

Cheryl Hewitt commented on Connie Mettler's blog post Review: Facebook Marketing Strategy Session - 3/7/19

"I thought this was an excellent podcast with information one could immediately apply. Thanks for doing it. :) "

4 hours ago

Connie Mettler commented on John Leben's blog post Six Florida Art Fairs for this Michigan Artist

"Thanks, John. Another great review. Many people appreciate your candor. Interestingly, my experience with the Florida shows is the same as yours ... Atlantic buyers much better than Gulf Coast buyers, but I think we are the exception. For us…"

6 hours ago

Connie Mettler commented on Connie Mettler's blog post Review: Facebook Marketing Strategy Session - 3/7/19

"Thanks, Judy. I keep hoping to implement some of those tips myself ... never enough time."

7 hours ago

Judy Christian commented on Connie Mettler's blog post Review: Facebook Marketing Strategy Session - 3/7/19

"I listened to about 10 minutes last week. I thought it was going along well and plan to listen to all of it when I am back in my studio. I am having some really "off" time right now, as in everything is really off! Moving, plus a family…"

7 hours ago

Larry Sohn replied to Connie Mettler's discussion Any ideas on how to change demographics at the art fair?

"If it is really a "Blind Jury" yet many of the "old artists" are getting in. Perhaps that is because those old artists are very talented, skillful and diligent with their work. They know how to present it, do the best artist…"

Friday

Linnea Lahlum replied to Connie Mettler's discussion Any ideas on how to change demographics at the art fair?

"If it's truly a blind jury, why are all old artists consistently getting in? You'd think it would be the best work getting in regardless of history. In the interest of new blood, don't reinvite anyone, not even award…"

Friday

Profile Information

Your Medium: publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com & ArtFairInsiders.com; art fair organizer and consultant

Years in the Art Fair Business: 30

First show ever: Royal Oak, MI, and the following weekend the State Street Show in Ann Arbor. Baptism by fire!

What is your website?: http://artfaircalendar.com

What are the best things about art fairs: When you go home with fat pockets.

Best show ever and why: Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair 2001 - best sales ever at an art show, lots of money flowing in the streets of Ann Arbor. We went home and paid all our bills!

Worst show ever and why: As beginners, grasping at anything, got talked into an "art show" at Boysville, a fundraiser at a rural boy's reformatory. The first day we pocketed $5 in sales. Instead of spending the night we cancelled our hotel reservation and went home.

Who referred you to ArtFairInsiders.com? Please be specific.: I started ArtFairInsiders.com to build an online community around the nation's art fair business so artists and others could connect with one another for mutual support and fellowship.

Here is a recent interview "about me" http://boomerwizdom.com/2012/07/connie-mettler/

Another one on Barney Davey's Art Business Blog: Art Fair Insiders - Connie Mettler - the Real Deal: http://www.artprintissues.com/2012/08/art-fair-insiders-connie-mett...

Learn more "about us" at this link: http://www.blubrry.com/kjmastaw/745687/connie-mettler-art-fair-cale...

Here is my story in the ZAPP News, 8/1/13:
Industry Spotlight: Connie Mettler, Creator of ArtFairInsiders and ArtFairCalendar
https://www.zapplication.org/news_post.phtml?post_id=507

Interested in learning more "about us"? Click on the blue player below to listen to our live online broadcast about ArtFairCalendar.com and ArtFairInsiders.com.

Connie Mettler's Photos

Connie Mettler's Blog

Review: Facebook Marketing Strategy Session - 3/7/19

Posted on March 8, 2019 at 11:00am 7 Comments 3 Likes

Have you been to any art fairs lately and asked yourself, "what am I doing here?" Have you spent four days including travel time and you've barely broken even? You know I'm talking about art fair alternatives and learning to use online tools to show, share, sell your fine art and craft. …

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Call for Artists: Marshalltown Art Festival - 1 day to deadline!

Posted on March 6, 2019 at 6:08pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

July 20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Downtown, anchored by the beautiful, historic courthouse square.

Presented By: Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance…

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New! Apps for Art Festivals

Posted on March 4, 2019 at 12:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes

A sponsored…

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Next Podcast - A Strategy Session: Profiting from Facebook

Posted on March 3, 2019 at 11:03pm 6 Comments 1 Like

Thursday, March 7, 6 pm ET: Part II - Using Facebook to connect with your buyers and sell your work.

Back by popular demand artist Dave Emmons joins me to talk…

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Call for Artists: Prairie Village Art Show - 2 days to deadline

Posted on February 18, 2019 at 12:18pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

May 31 - June 2

Prairie Village, Kansas

Presented By: The Shops at Prairie Village

100 Artists

Deadline: February 21…

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Comment Wall (1,342 comments)

At 2:01am on June 17, 2008, Connie Mettler said…: Isn't this cool? Time for the art fair artists community to REALLY enter cyberspace. Social networks aren't just for those kids anymore!

At 7:53pm on September 24, 2008, C. L. Cunningham said…: Hi Connie -- It's the number one entry if you google my name (C. L. Cunningham) and links dirrectly to the website. No biggie, but please make sure it is available on this site and linked as you think best so it won't be confusing to others. Thanks and good luck with this exciting new venture!

At 8:14pm on October 2, 2008, carlye crisler said…: when things change significantly. But I miss the contact with other artists doing shows and this will be a good replacement for the short term.

At 12:11pm on October 31, 2008, Kayte Strong said…: Dear Connie
Yes, we are all aware of each other and most of us started during the 90's as I did. There's probably 30 of us still rotating through the circuit, reeling from the double whammy of a slow economy and music industry CD sale declines--however there are still some of us who just love doing what we do and are dedicated to toughing it out. The most well-known singers on this circuit include Pacific Coast's Jean Sidwell and Pat Surface--and I see both of them each winter in Florida. I personally sing and keyboards are my first instrument, but I also contribute guitar to my albums.

Thank you for respecting music as a part of the Art Show Community!! It is an honor to start this group and to gather information about the state of music retail at the shows--- we can help each other find and choose good venues, and how to support the artist community at large.

Thank you Connie!

I used to do 47 shows per year (no kidding) but I cut back this year and "only" am doing my best 30. I did Grand Haven/Muskegon/Orchard Lake as my Michigan tour and really enjoyed all of them. I have spent the extra time at home working for the mainstream Country Music Publishing industry here in Nashville and working on new music.

Things are looking better here in Tennessee as we have at least one city with gas prices at $1.95/gal!

At 5:47pm on October 31, 2008, Connie Mettler said…: I run Arts, Beats & Eats in Pontiac and Russell has been there just about every year. The Sidwell's were there for the first time this year and I didn't get a chance to visit, but stopped by their booth several times to listen. Very nice.

I believe the musicians add an ambiance to the festivals that is refreshing, sort of a like a medieval street fair, especially at evening events when the music swells up out of the night.

Any chance you have these other's email addresses? It would be great to add them to this community.

Since you live in Nashville, any chance you know my good friend, Jack Stoddart?

At 3:28am on November 1, 2008, Sherri Westfall said…: Thanks for the heads up on my video I was in youtube pulling videos a few nights ago.I may have accidently put that one private I'll try and fix it tomorrow. I'll let you know when I do.
You must be a night owl too:)
Looking foward to meeting everyone, and learning what I can about art fairs!

At 1:11pm on November 10, 2008, Christine Kloostra said…: Funny how quickly things get around... I had a handful of artists at the Washington Craft Show also mention it to me on Friday. For the most part, it seems to have been widely appreciated.

At 3:29pm on November 10, 2008, laurie m said…: Hi Connie--I am an EarthAngelsToys.com artist but of course have a lot of other friends in the folk art (or whatever you want to call it) world--and also a lot in the altered art world. I'll be sure to blog about this site and I'll bet we can get others interested... thanks!