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  • It's all a matter of perspective and attitude. Is it a "cheapening" of the industry, or a great opportunity to meet new buyers? Seriously, I cannot imagine the stress of NOT having anything under $200 at an arts or arts and crafts event. I know the line - go big or go home, but why reject opportunity if you don't have to?
  • I'm with Alan on this one. "Under $200" initiatives are designed to bring new buyers into the market, and also to lure past buyers who maybe, post-recession, are trying to pay off debt and don't have the disposable income they used to. If I were doing a show that offered one, I'd be sure to have a couple of pieces at that price point.
  • Thanks, Alan. 

    Here is a newer link from the Des Moines Register. It includes the same video but it includes 10 activities to do at the festival. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2014/06/28/des-mo...

    And here is a link to "The Other Show": http://www.kcci.com/news/art-show-features-more-than-220-artists/26...!6olfg

    Hope everyone had a solid show.

  • I agree with Connie. Publicity is intended to drive traffic. It's up to us to sell our art. I don't care if they are there for the beer or the music or the art. As long as they show up, I will engage them. Sometimes us artists are too high minded for our own financial good.
  • I enjoyed the video, not sure how to weigh in on the rest, being inexperienced in that regard.  Loved the fiber artist's work though, very cool.

  • This article was not about the entertainment, or I'm looking at the wrong link. Oh, I see now -- I was looking at the video, not the rest of the article. Show directors do not have control over what the press reports. They can suggest, they can give lists, but mostly the reporters make their own choices. 

    The interviewer spoke with three artists. You may not agree with the interviewer's subject matter, or the art displayed, but the focus was explaining how artists made their work. The fiber artist was a throwback to the early days of art fairs, kind of fun -- hand weaving with fibers. You don't see much weaving at shows these days. The wood person, using electricity to create his work was an "Iowa artist". The DMAF makes a point of showcasing Iowans and has an area set aside for them. Smart marketing. It makes the community appreciate the artists among them. The clay was unusual and interesting and he told his story well. 

  • While I guess he can't control the press, one would hope that Stephen King, director of this show as well as a Board Member of NAIA, would want more emphasis on arts and crafts at this show.    This is the second year in a row that an article has been published giving short shrift to the art.

    The show has had a good reputation in the past, bad weather aside.

  • Sounds like "art festival" in name only.
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