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

Fletcher Dean Midland, MI United States Photography: Like

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Fletcher Dean's Discussions

Moving encaustic pieces to and from shows?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Randy Koepsell May 6. 2 Replies 0 Likes

Tags: set-up, transportation, encaustic

Would I be crazy ... ?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Leon Gibbs Jun 7. 8 Replies 0 Likes

I've been slowly trying to change mediums from photography to mixed media (encaustic). I recently applied in both categories to a local show where I typically have done well as a photographer. And I…Continue

New Booth Shot

Started this discussion. Last reply by Fletcher Dean Sep 19, 2020. 1 Reply 0 Likes

Hi guys.I'm changing mediums whenever we have art fairs again. Going from photography to mixed media.As a result, I'm trying out some new booth shots. Feedback on this one? Anything is helpful. My…Continue

Artlicious in Adrian MI - House to share

Started this discussion. Last reply by Meg Mettler Sep 4, 2019. 1 Reply 1 Like

I know this discussion board doesn't get much traffic ... but what the heck.I'm in Adrian Mi for the Artlicious Art Fair. It's a Friday/Saturday show and I have an airbnb house for that Friday night.…Continue

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Latest Activity

Cindy Welch commented on Fletcher Dean's blog post Catnip is Not Art

"Steiph, I don't do fine art shows. I sell vintage home decor and furntiure I've refinished/repurposed. Even the better shows we've done where categories are limited to a certain number of artists, you still find the made…"

Jun 14

Steiph Zargon commented on Fletcher Dean's blog post Catnip is Not Art

"For some reason, your story reminds of the tale of the "Foo Bird". Deep in the heart of the Amazon Jungle, three trepid explores all get S*it on by the giant Foo Bird... their subsequent experience is not unlike the one you had at…"

Jun 14

Connie Mettler commented on Fletcher Dean's blog post Catnip is Not Art

"I'm remembering a prizewinner at one of the "biggies" in Wisconsin: air plants."

Jun 10

Cindy Welch commented on Fletcher Dean's blog post Catnip is Not Art

"This show sounds like some we did in he beginning. I was afraid of the big shows starting out. We used these smaller dollar shows to get our feet wet so to speak, practice setting up on “game day”, and so on. The shows…"

Jun 10

Fletcher Dean posted a blog post

Catnip is Not Art

Can you come up with a better headline? Or perhaps we can use mine as the entire bottom line on the recent A.B. Dow Museum Summer Art Fair 2021 in Midland, Mich. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, at least for me. It was my second-worst art fair in seven years of doing shows. Here’s my short summary: The good, the bad, and the yucky. The Good: Relatively low booth fee. Relatively easy load-in/load-out. Plenty of free water which was great when the temps were 90+. Some artists told me they had ok…See More

Jun 8

4 Comments 4 Likes

Leon Gibbs replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"It sounds crazy, but I think it's possible. It depends on how many people will be there. And you will definitely need an assistant"

Jun 7

Cheryl Dorris replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"Thanks anyway! I know of another couple of shooters in the same situation, and it's not a fun one. And agree with having enough inventory right now to stock a tent. Alas. Good luck to you!!"

May 6

Fletcher Dean replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"That's a toughie. I'm in the same situation. I have enough framed photography - and bin prints - to easily stock a tent. And I love photography - bought by first camera more than 40 years ago with $$ from mowing lawns. But photography is…"

May 6

Cheryl Dorris replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"Similarly, but not, I'm trying to change mediums from photography to drawing (smaller pieces). While I haven't applied to a show yet in my new medium, I'm trying to figure out what to do/where to sell all my existing photography…"

May 6

Randy Koepsell replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Moving encaustic pieces to and from shows?

"I had to look up encaustic. It looks like a textured painting? I built large wooden boxes with casters. Inside I have thin hardboard dividers. The divider's are covered with cheap fleece and wide enough for two pieces. My artwork is slipped…"

May 6

Larry Berman replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Moving encaustic pieces to and from shows?

"Have you seen the gallery pouch from Frame Destination. Larry Bermanhttp://BermanGraphics.com412-401-8100"

May 6

Fletcher Dean posted a discussion

Moving encaustic pieces to and from shows?

I have my first show where I'm selling encaustic coming up next month. And I'm flummoxed about the best way to transport my work. I've moved photography in the past and have the homemade silver bags for those and they work great. But my encaustic?My work ranges from 4'x4' to 6"x6". Some is framed but even some of my large pieces (4'x2') are not. The small ones i can figure out - but does anyone have experience safely transporting encaustic work, especially larger pieces? Thanks! ~ FletchSee More

May 2

2 Comments 0 Likes

Richard L. Sherer replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"Sounds nuts to me but would depend on how much traffic you have at one time. Get help. Jean has been my helper for over 20 years. Eight hours to set up ($50K of merchandise including 600 belts on the walls) and about 4 hours knock down. Sometimes…"

Apr 30

Cindy Welch replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"I bribe my husband into helping me... I promise to feed him! LOL We always go for a nice dinner at the end of the day. The food usually includes a steak dinner one night."

Apr 29

Fletcher Dean replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"Words of veteran, Larry! I don't think I could do it alone. I'd have to have an assistant (which means I'd have to bribe my wife!). "

Apr 29

Larry Berman replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Would I be crazy ... ?

"Both in the same tent with clear separation would be a less expensive alternative. And you wouldn't be running back and forth answering questions. Larry Bermanhttp://BermanGraphics.com412-401-8100"

Apr 29

Profile Information

Your Medium: Photography

Years in the Art Fair Business: 7

First show ever: East Lansing

What is your website?: http://www.fletcherdean.com

What are the best things about art fairs: Meeting other artists who share the same passion of art.

Worst show ever and why: Anything with alcohol in its title.

Who referred you to ArtFairInsiders.com? Please be specific.: The Internet

What is one fun fact about yourself?: My day job is speechwriting.

Fletcher Dean's Blog

Catnip is Not Art

Posted on June 8, 2021 at 11:00pm 4 Comments 4 Likes

Can you come up with a better headline? Or perhaps we can use mine as the entire bottom line on the recent A.B. Dow Museum Summer Art Fair 2021 in Midland, Mich. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, at least for me. It was my second-worst art fair in seven years of doing shows. Here’s my short summary: The good, the bad, and the yucky.

The Good: Relatively low booth fee. Relatively easy load-in/load-out. Plenty of free water which was great when the temps were 90+.…

Continue

Comment Wall (5 comments)

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At 11:24am on September 9, 2020, Christopher Newell said…: Fletcher, iam in Seminole, Florida. Thirteen miles south of Clearwater

At 6:00pm on April 13, 2017, Fletcher Dean said…: ah-ha. That's good advice, Connie! Thanks for that ... and the welcome.

At 4:43pm on April 13, 2017, Connie Mettler said…: Welcome to Art Fair Insiders, Fletcher. We’re so glad you joined us. I hope you’ll find the site helpful and that you’ll share your ideas and experiences, ask questions and join the discussions. The site is only as good as the members make it. We have a lot to offer one another, experienced and newbie alike.

Please stop by the "Discussions" area to introduce yourself. Then read the "Getting Started" for tips to make the site easier to navigate.
Many topics have already been discussed. We suggest you try a search of your topic before you post your question. Click the SEARCH tab at the top of the page and “search” for your topic: tents, jury fees, Ann Arbor Art Fair, the name of a show, etc. You might find that someone has already asked and answered your question.
Check out our code of conduct to understand the rules of the site.

Each of us is unique and has a gift to share that can help someone else. We all look forward to your sharing on ArtFairInsiders.com.

Best wishes, Connie Mettler

p.s. The best way to make this system easy to use is to click on the "Follow-Email me" link at the bottom of each Forum discussion that interests you. That way the system will email you automatically whenever anyone responds. It's a great time-saver.

At 9:35am on April 12, 2017, Fletcher Dean said…: Thanks Christina! I'm a bit of a newbie - this is my second year. But I'm eager to continue up the learning curve and think this group can help tremendously! Best!

At 8:54am on April 12, 2017, Christina L. Towell said…: Hi Fletcher,

Welcome fellow Michigander! We're thrilled to have you joining us and hope you'll take advantage of all the helpful and entertaining information to be found here. Thanks so much for signing up and best of luck for continued success.