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  Scott Geib August 20, 2015 at 11:41am

  I would like to address some of the comments that were made about our artwork and integrity.

   

  A poster wrote:

  "Second place went to a an exhibitor with a marvelous selection of giclee Photoshop prints on canvas and printed coasters. Their renditions of Maryland emblems and iconic Maryland seafood sold well to unknowing buyers who likely thought they might be getting an original photo copy or painting print."

   

   

  My Response:

   

   First of all, my second place ribbon was in the "photography" category, NOT painting. I sell photography as well as my mixed media work. I spent a considerable amount of time explaining the difference in my disciplines to the judge so that I would not be judged as a painter or that I would be judged in two different categories - both of which I knew would be unfair to others. My mixed media work is a blend of photography, painting, drawing, sketching, sanding, sprinkling with water or even Old Bay plus any other effects that I choose to obtain the desired results. Most of that takes place on my studio table and certainly not in Photoshop. My customers are fully aware of the fact that they are buying a reproduction of my original work. I have serious issues with the terms "Photoshop prints" and "unknowing buyer." The truth is that the poster has no idea how my creative process works or what my customers know or don't know, and he is only embarrassing himself in assuming that he does. I would never assume such an arrogant position as to pretend that I know how someone's artwork is created or how they interact with or educate their customers. Should we cross paths again at an art show, I hope that person takes the time to visit my booth where I will be more than happy to help him work through his self-imposed ignorance. 

   

  "original photo copy" - what does that even mean?

   

   At one point over the weekend, we were accused of being a "Buy and Sell." I would like to assure everyone that we are not. We create all of our own artwork and imprint every single item that we sell. Tens of thousands of dollars have been invested into the very best equipment and supplies, and I spend 80-90 hours each week making sure that everything is perfect before taking it to a show. So, again I ask that the accusers gather more information before making such a degrading statement. 

   We're also aware that some of the other vendors had a problem with us because it was perceived that we got a better spot or the spot that they wanted. That's interesting because we didn't arrive until late Friday morning and were in the last group to set up. In the future, if anyone feels that we got "their spot," please let us know and we'll most likely trade with you. 

  As for the show, of course there were some glitches. There always are. Promoters work very hard and do the best that they can but nobody can please everybody. Our feeling is that hard work can overcome most obstacles. I walk through shows and see people sitting in the back of their tent with downtrodden disgusted expressions on their faces two hours into the event. Or others that barely look up from their phones when someone walks by. Then comes the serial complainers that visit other booths and spread negative energy, and then the "bitch groups" start to form in the aisle ways. Our perception is that rather than playing the role of professional victim, many vendors world be much more successful if they stayed in their booths and figured out ways to make themselves better. Last winter during the Arctic blast, we arrived at a show and found that we did not have a spot due to a paperwork error. They offered us the coat room in the foyer of a volunteer fire department where it was 30 degrees. Through some creative thinking and hard work, we were able to turn it into one of our best shows so far this year. Don't always blame the organizer, find ways to work harder, find ways to think harder.

   

   

  Scott Geib
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  Mark V. Turner August 19, 2015 at 10:04pm

  The sad situation in this thread is that the people who need to make changes in the event are not acknowledging or correcting the problem that occurred during this year's event. When judges commit errors, event management needs to correct the mistake. It is one of the few occasions in which event management must become involved in a judging process.....when the judges don't follow the stated judging criteria.
  
  When traffic ingress and egress issues are noted, management should be responsive. They shouldn't try to cheap out on sanitation (port-o-pots). They need to maintain a presence during breakdown until the last exhibitor is packed down and gone. And they need to have an advertising plan with an adequate budget which covers their target marketing area. Exhibitors will pay more for a booth spot in a well marketed event which brings a crowd that spends. If you are half way between two cities of a minimum size, partition your budget accordingly.
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  Alan Anderson August 19, 2015 at 9:21pm

  Thanks, Becky.
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  becky blair August 19, 2015 at 7:56pm

  Alan, my bash/criticize/make fun of comment was not in reference to one of your posts.
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  Carol Larsen August 18, 2015 at 10:31pm

  You are right Becky. My response about the person was based on years of his behavior at countless shows we both attend, and you weren't aware of that.
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  Mark V. Turner August 18, 2015 at 9:15pm

  There's even more unprofessional behavior currently in the fallout. Not you Becky. But sometimes people in 'copy the mail' on one channel and use another to possibly stifle discussion. But then again, one could be in the vein of the recent Colorado show thread.
  
  In any event, another art show in this area thought the HDG art show submitted the press release I made on Friday with nobody else's help. I often submit announcements to my local paper telling them where I'll be. This other show 100 miles away thought that it was very unprofessional to try pulling attendees away from their event to an event less than an hour away.
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  Alan Anderson August 18, 2015 at 8:54pm

  Becky, you can be commended for giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.  Had the promoter given me, or anyone else that I spoke to that presented the challenges to her, any level of confidence that the concerns would be addressed, I would not have 'bashed and criticized' the event.

  My use of the terms like Mundane and Mediocre, as well as pedestrian, uninspired, run of the mill and similar terms, are completely in line when used with regards to judging for awards.  This is what sets the spectacular apart.  

  Your assumptions that all of the 'crafters' create from their soul is equally generous.  Far too many just throw stuff together in the hopes that someone will buy it.  I deal with this all the time, and while I am not the artist, I am my wife's partner, and can assure you that she does in fact create 'from her soul', I have purchased gemstones that have taken her years to get 'inspired' to create a finished piece with.  

  I further agree that unless deserved in kind, vicious attacks are inappropriate.  I think this forum is designed to help other artists, and hopefully at some point, save others from suffering the learning curve that others have experienced.  Sometimes it ain't pretty, sorry.
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  becky blair August 18, 2015 at 8:32pm

  I have copy/pasted my previous review to the Havre de Grace Seafood Festival review page where it belonged, along with an explanation... and I apologize again.
  
  Alan, you said you weren't sure what caused my distress. I thought my review was very straight forward and fully explained my concerns. The things you described as bothering you at the Arts Festival were exactly what I experienced at the Seafood Festival... including the lost map and management not being engaged or seeming to care. I tried very hard to write my comments based on facts and not feelings.
  
  My earlier use of the words "mean spirited", was in reference to personal attacks made in forum comments. Words such as "mundane" and "mediocre" to describe someone's work do not seems like the best choices on a forum where the person being spoken of may see themselves criticized. All of us, I assume, create from our soul, and none of us wants to feel an attack on our soul.
  
  Also, I take no issue with someone going to a promoter about a problem. I just don't see the need proceed further and bash, criticize, or make fun of that person publicly.
  
  A few months ago, on another thread, I was very disappointed to see a poster criticized in a vicious fashion. I was so impressed at how she kept her cool, becoming even self deprecating and poking fun at herself. I would have burst into tears had I been her. I am ashamed that I did not jump in and offer more support to her.
  
  I just think these kind of comments are not the reason this forum was established.
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  Alan Anderson August 18, 2015 at 7:21pm

  Rudy, if you think the show was fine, either your are close friends or related to the management or you need to do more shows.  It's not all about making money.  
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  Mark V. Turner August 18, 2015 at 4:58pm

  No, this thread is about the Havre de Grace Art Show. And the point was about hijacking the thread, not the site. The other thread was where the protestors popped up. That was the Havre de Grace Seafood Festival. And that is a different show. That's why I suggested it be discussed in either that thread or one of your own.