Although I've done a few indoor shows near where I live -- Nashville -- I just now took the leap, bought a tent, and applied to a bunch of the bigger outdoor art shows around the country. I read all the reviews on here before applying to the fairs, and they were very helpful.
I just have a few questions, though, if you don't mind helping me out:
What are your particular favorite shows?
Where have you sold the most?
My art is on the pop/contemporary end of the spectrum. My website is BrianNash.net. I noticed that a lot of the art fairs skew towards abstract and traditional paintings; are there any shows that attract people more interested in pop art? or at least where they don't shun pop art? (I fear, for instance, that fairs in the more conservative states like Texas would be a bad fit for me. True?!?)
Any feedback and comments would be most appreciative.
I've only been painting for three years, and am looking forward to the art fair adventure!!
Thank you!
Brian
Comments
But just to clarify Matt Estrada's comment - the Inman Park Festival is not one of the AFFPS shows and is run quite differently! It's still a good show but as Matt mentioned, AFFPS is a class act as far as treatment of artists.
Welcome to the madness! I'm only 18 months into doing festivals but it has been fantastic so far. There have been a few dud shows but mostly they've been profitable. The Atlanta area has been great for me! I do several of the AFFPS shows. Patrick, Randall and their staff really treat the artists well! Definitely look into the Inman Park Festival for next year.
Thanks for the leads, Brian and Susan. I'll investigate those shows. I did already traverse your website again to look at your shows list, Brian, and had already searched for some of them. I saw that one in the Temple that said they aren't doing it anymore, plus another that is the last weekend in March and lists 70 artists attending. We might have tried that one, but we'll be at Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts instead. Gosh, their deadline looks to be in October for next year.
Thanks again! WOOHOO!
Yes, I'm very much interested in Georgia. I've applied to a few, and would love to hear of any more that might be good. A few I checked out looked to be a little more crafts than I want, but I'm keeping my eye open for other GA fairs.
I've done Harding a few times. I didn't get in this year!!! I'm surprised I didn't get in, but I've heard that they like for you to skip years if you've done it before, to keep the show fresh. The first year, I barely sold anything, but I sold over 5000 last year. It's large and there are a lot of tire kickers, but it's very well run, and the people are very nice. I hope you get in!
Hey Brian, Have you done the Harding show? I am on the wait list but doubt if I will get called up since everyone wants in. Any time you can do a private school show it's worth it. The money is there because 30 percent goes to the school so the parents feel like they are contributing. Even with the 30% is a good deal. Brentwood, as with any affiliated school is hard to break into with contemporary work....what can you expect...I steer clear. The Hermitage Show in the fall is new but I hope that it can become a great show....the first year was not great but it was the first year-they learned what no to do- good place for a show and I believe they will have better luck this year. I do wish the American Artisan Show would return...that one was a keeper. There are also some good Asheville Shows like the "Village " but skip Knoxville as the only fest there is the Rossini and while it is a fun event...nobody comes for serious art. The 4 Bridges Fest in Chattanooga, (which has a solid art scene) is good but uneven year to year....I got in but I am doing Woodland Waterways instead this year...have no idea what to expect. I wish there were more fairs in Tennessee but those are the ones that I know of.....This post has yielded some good solid information we all can use. Thanks for starting the thread.
Barrie -- There are a bunch of great indoor shows in Nashville. The Temple used to have an incredible one, but last year was its last. It's being replaced of sorts with "art on the west side" at the JCC. It's next week. I'm in it, and have no idea how it will be, since it's the first year. The University School has Artclectic, which is excellent, and their art leans towards the modern and pop art, which is great for me. It's also hard to get in, though, because it's very small. Harding Academy has a very large fair, and it's pretty good. There are all price points and quality. Brentwood Academy has one, and, although people say it's a good one, I've had TERRIBLE luck at it. It's a christian school, and most of the art had some sort of christian theme: still life of a church, angels, etc. And the crowd definitely likes more traditional paintings. I won't bother with that one again, but it's good if you paint more traditional paintings.
Well, I'm commenting once again since I'm still interested in hearing about indoor shows at Nashville. C'mon, newbie Brian Nash. Won't you please enlighten me about them?
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