Art (273)

Art Show Reviews written by You

I just want to thank Jeff Gracz for submitting several show reviews this month.  He wrote reviews for several west coast shows.  We are always looking for some west coast shows to help out artists on the west coast. 

You all know how important it is to have an idea of what to expect before applying to an art show.  Nobody likes to be blindsided once you get to a show and find out it is nothing like you hoped it would be.  That is why art show reviews are so important.  You can find art show reviews at www.Artshowreviews.com.

Here are a few west coast shows that we really could use a few more reviews for.  So, if you have done any of the shows listed here we would love you to review one or a few of them.

Bigfork Festival of the Arts - Montana

Proctor Arts Fest - Washington

Sequim Lavender Festival Street Fair - Washington

RAGS Wearable Art Show - Washington

Urban Craft Uprising - Seattle

Lake Chelan Fine Arts Festival - Washington

Bellevue Festival of the Arts - Washington

Woodland Hills Art & Craft Faire - California

America's Clay Fest III - California

We would also be happy for anyone to review any other show that you would like to.  If you want to review a show not on our site, that is fine.  Just submit it and I will get it added for you.  Then, you can add your review once I get it posted to the site.

To write a review or to submit a show just go to www.Artshowreviews.com

And once again, thanks so much Jeff Gracz for all of your help.  It was so appreciated.

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June 11 & 12 15576181-5857-4756-809c-7a25e1d581b7.jpg?width=114
Royal Oak, Michigan
Presented by: Chamber of Commerce
Sat. 10am-7pm; Sun. 11am-5pm
125 Artists
Deadline: February 28
 
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The Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show celebrates 22 years of showcasing fine art and craft made from minerals and heat.  This show attracts an educated audience who enjoy collecting art.  
 
With 120 artists from across the country there is an incredible variety in the three mediums. The show takes place outdoors on the city streets in Royal Oak with its good shopping and great restaurants.

When artists first hear about a show with only Clay, Glass and Metal they worry about too much competition. Actually it's an advantage. You are not competing with prints, photos and corn dogs.  Everyone there is interested in your artwork. Patrons are astounded by the variety and depth of possibilities.  Artists report that it is a pleasure to work with customers that already have an understanding of the medium.

The Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show provides:

  • c5f849d9-3197-4c1a-b74f-a98b9cb4d421.jpgQualified buyers
  • cash awards
  • overnight security & free parking
  • Artist breakfast
There is a three year jury rotation system. If you have participated in the last three years you are automatically accepted when you send in your booth and application fees by deadline.  Why shouldn't artists be able to plan their year?
 
The Art Fair is organized by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows, a veteran organizer of metro Detroit events.
Apply:  www.zapplication.org   
open only to artists working in clay/glass/metal

Mark Loeb, Integrity Shows President, has been producing and consulting with events since 1982. Integrity Shows offers artist friendly policies such as a three year acceptance system, helping to create a less stressful experience and allowing artists to plan their show schedule.
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Call for Artists: 50th Edina Art Fair

8869165499?profile=originalJune 3-5 
Edina, Minnesota
50th & France, downtown Edina
280 Exhibitors
Deadline: February 21

10 a.m. to 7 p.m - Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m – Sunday
Extended music, food and craft beer garden hours on Friday and Saturday evening until 10pm

The Edina Art Fair has grown to 200,000 visitors throughout the 3-day weekend, while displaying 280 artists diverse collection of art, entertainment, kids zone, craft beer garden and community art project.

The Edina Art Fair is the first art fair of the summer and is rated one of the top 50 art festivals in the nation. The fair is held annually in the streets of 50th & France in downtown Edina. 50th & France is the pre-eminent shopping destination in the Twin Cities; known for its luxury and lifestyle boutiques! This unique neighborhood has a reputation for bringing a lifestyle that caters to distinction– a distinction its members take pride in.

  • Celebrating the 50th annual art fair in 2016
  • The First Official Art Fair of the Year
  • Top 50 fine art festival in the nation
  • Over 200,000 in attendance
  • Discounted hotel rates, and free artists parking
  • 24 hour security
  • Artists sales averaged $4,500 in 2015
  • Featuring the top 280 fine artists from Minnesota, the U.S and Canada
  • Artist amenities include booth sitters, helpful volunteers and organized staff, load-in /load-out assistance available, free water throughout the weekend, and a complimentary light breakfast Friday through Sunday.
  • Marketing outlets are through several channels of social media. The Edina Art Fair creates an Event Pamphlet with the largest local Minneapolis publication and is distributed to over 500,000 homes before the event and on-site to visitors.  Ad space is available at a low cost to artists. We work with a local PR firm that gains many radio, TV, print, artists features, and social media exposure, valuing over 1 million dollars.

Additionally, the event offers a community art project lead by a community artist, a large Kids Zone, booths featuring young artists, Music, food, and entertainment.

Testimonials:

It was a great weekend and I did very well. Edina has always been my favorite fair to do. Thanks for your efforts. Job well done!!!! ~Joy Mardo King

Had a great show, many returning customers and new ones. ~Sharon Burns

Hats off to the fine folks of Edina that volunteer and financially support the Edina Arts Festival. We travel throughout the U.S. and always look forward to your well run event! We had a great show! It is a festival of UnCommon Merit! ~ Bill and Lauri Keitel

Now accepting applications until Sunday, February 21, 2016

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=4307

Information and application:  www.edinaartfair.com 

Contact:  Rachel  Thelemann, director@50thandfrance.com

Phone:  (952)922-1524

 

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I know I know, I should have written it sooner but oh well. School can get in the way too as does life.

 Let me start out by saying that I teach Talented and Gifted Elem. and a few art classes too. My girlfriend who also accompanied me on this trip also teaches but up in St. Paul MN. After finding out that a booth space was won in the pledge drive raffle I was very excited. I called her and we both decided to take two personal days from school to therefore make a long weekend vacation out of this sale. We not only geocached along the way but had friends in TN so the drive was fine. Some info about the spaces: We decided to camp in the local camp ground of the state park instead of getting a hotel room in a town maybe fifteen minutes away. It was a little chilly but we like adventure so it worked out great. The ranger was nice when someone accidentally took over our spot from the first day. Although he camp sites are fairly expensive they do have lots of other "amenities" for campers AND we both agree those were some of the cleanest camp ground bathrooms ever which is a bonus.

Weather- First day was pretty much all rain. That plus the somewhat cooler temps did not help anybody. everyone had very very little sales that day. I think I sold one one dollar clay pig ( I sell ceramics mugs, bowls, cups, vases, and acrylic paintings). Second day weather was ok. a little drizzley but it held off and foot traffic did increase but not greatly.

Space- This camp ground was in the middle of a state park so the trees and back drop were beautiful. However the somewhat constricted roads then lead to longer set up times. We had decided to drive to Nashville on Friday night. Then leave Sat morn and cut our drive down a  bit. We arrived on time and in a perfect world would have been ready to go quickly. but rain, cars ahead of us etc... slowed us down. On their forms they stress that if you are not set up by a certain time then you won't be asked back. I don't think many people "made the dead line". Either way we unloaded and my girlfriend was nice enough to go park the car for me and take their provided hay ride type shuttle back. Totally understandable that you want artist cars out of the way for more attendees. there was a little bit of disorganization when we were in line in our car in the beginning. One lady told us to wait at a corner so she could get another guy who had been waiting to go through...she walks away...another volunteer organizer guy comes and tells us to move please...We explain what the first lady said...He still tells us to move...So we move...first lady then comes back after a few minutes with a somewhat funny look on her face. We told her we were just following directions and to go talk to that other guy. Neither was rude or angry but I felt a lot of stuff was tricky that day for them.

Sales- I once had done a small town art fair where  one lady cleaned house and everyone else sold nothing. She had no tent and totally set up form the back of her car last minute. Her stuff was also super less expensive than those around her. We all sold barely anything that day. I say this because this time a man selling crafty bird houses cleaned house. BUT his work was actually very nicely made and he sold at a fair price. It was clearly what people wanted. That's totally fine so I am not salty about this one. There were other sales too. I had a handmade furniture couple to my right and a wooden sign slogan lady to my left. Funny enough another tent was the wooden signs across the way. (They kind of battled each other. On Sunday one put out a 50% off sign and very soon the other one did too) Again with the weather sales were very small.To be honest I didn't make very much money at all. I kind of suspected this going in and therefore treated it as a mini vacation in the first place. Ps I also traded cars with a friend to use his suv to transport metal grid walls and such instead of renting a van. so really it only cost me travel expenses and food and such on our way.  Was it worth it? Probably not. But it was still a fun four day weekend adventure.

Philosophies- I have hinted at the disconnect between what makes a craft show a craft show and an art show art etc... I also understood that even though this had submitted images for entry it was still even titled a arts and craft show. I once did another craft show and quickly learned that my art does not fit there. Ok this time I had some smaller priced cups and things around 5, 10, 15, and mugs for 20 dollars. I figured that if someone wanted a 65 dollar painting they would get it. If not, I had small stuff  just in case.  I must say that the differing styles and craft were well represented. I know my post is probably negative sounding but they did do a good job of having different artists there. One lady took plastic grocery bags and turned them into jackets. Or painted cigar boxes talking about die-ing off species of bugs like bees and butterfly. That's cool. there was your typical wooden cutting boards, glass blown pieces, no buy and sell tents which was nice. all in all even though they were art and craft I still felt ok being there. However it was more of a crafty crowd I would say.

One final thing- We had heard from patrons that it had taken them at least forty minutes to be able to park. Then, they were finally able to get one of the shuttles into the sale area. A combination of weather and parking closed out this show for me. I am glad I had the experience and the four day vacation so to speak but I would not return.

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May 21 & 22 0f390434-6000-4f8f-bf2b-d47eb71c590c.jpg?width=168
East Lansing, Michigan
Downtown Streets
180 Artists
Deadline:  January 31

Application Fee:  $35
Booth Fee:  $335 (10'x10') $670 (20'x10') $50 added for corner

Established in 1964, the East Lansing Art Festival (ELAF) kicks off the festival season each spring in the beautiful streets of downtown East Lansing.  The popular fetival attracts 80,000-70,000 attendees.  In addition to the 180 juried exhibitors, the ELAF encourages future artists through the Emerging Artist Program.

640a6786-25c2-4486-b790-8bb3642abd3b.jpg?width=300 This non-profit event is beloved in the greater Lansing area and attracts devoted art buyers from across the state of Michigan as well as Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Informally known as the "City of the Arts", East Lansing welcomes the finest artists in North America to exhibit at this highly promoted event.

East Lansing is a charming university town with a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries.  The beautiful Michigan State University campus is right across the street, which is now home to the renowned Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum.

a93ba255-8c4d-4531-ad56-ba06afa2822c.jpg At the ELAF-ranked #50 by Sunshine Artist Magazine-exhibiters can expect:Well-educated visitors, including professional people from state government and the university

  • friendly volunteers who welcome artists and make load-in and load-out run smoothly
  • booth sitting services and Friday set-up as well as free artist parking, coffee and welcome dinner
  • affiliation with local public TV and radio-bringing the right people to you
  • eclectic live music that enhances the art rather than distracts from it
  • international flavors in a unique food court
  • a festive mood-this is the kickoff of the local festival season
"I just wanted to thank you for a great experience in my first juried art festival this past weekend! Thank you also for stopping out to meet us individually during the course of the weekend. I have been attending the festival as a visitor for years, and this was my first time as an exhibitor. I appreciate everything you did to make the experience a positive and memorable one."


Learn more:   www.elartfest.com 
www.facebook.com/#!/ELArtFest
info@elartfest.com
<                              Phone:  (517)319-6804
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Does anyone have feedback, pro or con, on Howard Alan Shows? I'm trying to figure out what to expect and if I should look for alternatives. I create original copper overlay and etched art glass, and most of my work is in the $150 to $1000 range.

I'm looking to escape Michigan's winter for a month or so in Florida and have applied and been accepted into the 10th Annual Coconut Point (Bonita Springs) Feb 20,21; Stuart 26th Annual Downtown Festival of the Arts, Feb 27,28; and West Palm Beach 6th Annual CityPlace March 5,6. What are your thoughts on these or other Howard Alan shows? What FL shows do you recommend? Thanks!

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Notes from the St. Louis Art Fair Mock Jury

Late in 2015, after I'd been rejected again from some of the top shows in the country, I was on a different forum, moaning about my plight. Someone said that the best insights I could have would be to sit in on an open jury. 

A few days later, the mock jury presentation opened in Zapp. I was one of the first 150 who applied, and so I was accepted. I could hit St. Louis with only a slight detour on my route to Arizona to visit my dad and participate in the Tubac Arts Festival. 

I went with some trepidation. I'm self-taught, started painting 10 years ago when I was 50, and so I am relatively new to the art festivals. I have self-doubt from those situations and from a lifetime of self-doubt, and so I was quite nervous about putting my work up for critique in such a public forum, while I was in the room. But this is the year I stop hesitating because I'm afraid, so off I went. 

The event was held in the conference room of a Budweiser distribution company. There was room for probably 50 attendees, but only 15 or 20 attended. About a dozen emerging artists attended, as well. Many of them, interestingly, were in their 50s and above. 

SLAF President and Executive Director Cindy Lerick and Deputy Director Laura Miller organized the presentation, greeted us cheerily and dealt with all the technological particularities (they were doing a webinar for the first time). 

In a typical SLAF jury, there are five jurors. For the mock jury, there were two - Steve Teczar,artist and retired professor of Art at Maryville University in St. Louis; and Peg Fetter, jewelry artist and metal smith. 

Typically, a SLAF jury would receive 1281 applications and choose 150 from them. The waiting list is another 11.7 percent of the total. Missouri applicant make up 8 percent of the total, Lerick said; first-time applicants make up 25 percent of the total. 

The SLAF jury process is three rounds, Lerick said. The first two are yes/no/maybe and it takes a unanimous five "no"s to drop an applicant. In the third round, jurors slow down a little, comment and wrangle. Peg said that when she participated as a juror, the process took 27 hours, and was more than a little contentious at many points. 

The mock jury presentation was set up as the SLAF jury is set up, i.e., five slides - four of work and one of the booth - are shown at the same time. In the regular jury process, they said, the jurors look at the work for about 10 seconds before voting. 

Generally, in my opinion, the work that was submitted was good, though I have to say that I found only a handful of the entries actually exciting. The jewelry category had the best work overall, in my opinion. To my eyes, the sculpture category was the most uneven, with many artists making similar work (small, eccentric, amusing pieces made with reclaimed materials). The sculptors who made different work stood out astonishingly - to me, at least. 

Over the course of the day, several themes emerged. In general, the booth shots were where much of the focus was directed. I was amazed at the many booth shots that were just horrible. EZUps put up crookedly, with the sides open, junk piled in front and a standing fan in the middle. Sagging walls with drooping fabric on them. "Booth shots" that were just tables set up in a gymnasium - or basement, or garage - with chairs and boxes visible in the backgrounds. Booth shots with sunshine slicing across the ground and up the wall, obscuring the work. Booth shots obviously (to the experts' eye) photoshopped. 

Like everyone, I've wondered at the stress that's placed on the booth shot, and now, I understand it a little better. It's incredibly difficult to cut 1281 entries down to 150. I think that the standout work declares itself - at least it did, to my eyes, during the presentation. The truly bad work - and there was some of it, in my opinion, in the presentation - also declares itself.

And then there's the rest of it. If a lot of the work is sort of typical, middling, seen before, this is where the jury shot makes the difference. 

So, people, don't send terrible booth photos to juries. Set up your booth in the back yard, in the driveway, somewhere where you can find even light without bright sunlight or dark shadows. Don't clutter your booth with too much work. That was one of the themes. Again and again and again, the jurors said the booths were cluttered. They wanted to booths to be elegant, spare. "Galleristic" is the word they used. Put up the work then take a third of it down. 

They hated nearly all the booths with brown as the background. Oatmeal-colored backgrounds often got "anemic" comments from the jurors. Peg did not respond well to white or black backgrounds generally, though there were many exceptions; she was not just against white or black, but to her eyes, these colors either washed out the work or were too bleak for the work. A medium gray was what these two jurors suggested repeatedly. A number of times, Steve suggested using a color - not red! - on one wall. 

A few random observations...

  • The jurors - and even the audience, after seeing about 50 entries - could tell professional photography from homemade shots, especially in the jewelry category. 
  • Do not include frames in your images. 
  • Surprisingly, at least to me, the jurors were accepting of some shots I'd not have expected they're like. Jewelers who sent photos with multiple pieces in the same shot, that was OK. One sculptor sent a shot of a couple pieces on the wall, and included the edges of two chairs, to give a sense of scale. That was fine. One box-maker had a photo that showed the box at the top, and a detail of the box at the bottom. And re the recent discussion here about detail shots, these two jurors were OK with several detail shots that artists entered. 
  • Work on your 100- or 200- or 300-character descriptions. The SLAF jury reads these out loud, on the third round (I believe). Just because Zapp implies that you should be giving technical details of the work, that doesn't mean you must. And if you enter two bodies of work, tweak your description. Don't just send in the same one for both bodies of work.
  • If your booth shot is photoshopped, and the jurors realize that, they will toss you out. 

As for my own work, I got no life-changing comments from the jurors, but that was OK. I got a lot of ideas over the course of the day, and understand much better now how to make my entries stand out from the pack. 

The most important thing I took away from this event came from Cindy and Laura, the organizers. They stressed that we, the artists, are the stakeholders, and that they, the show organizers, are happy to help. We should call with questions about our art, our application, our booth, anything. They are there to help us! 

So, thank you, SLAF. You have definitely helped me see my art in a different light. 

8869166877?profile=original

Above, the jury looks at work by jeweler Cynthia Battista

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bb6830d6-89d8-43c5-a7be-43ee36834f89.jpg?width=650

 
Calling all experienced artists and gallery owners: Are you eager to get your artwork in the spotlight? Apply to exhibit at Spectrum Indian Wells, a four-day fine art show in the beautiful Coachella Valley featuring world-class contemporary art, special events, and exclusive parties.

  Find Out More >  


Reach A Global Audience

f074d5bc-f630-46ea-92bd-c29a126a783d.jpg?width=650
Spectrum Indian Wells takes place during the final weekend of the renowned BNP Paribas Open, which draws hundreds of thousands of affluent tennis fans from around the world to Indian Wells each year. Not to mention, the region is already teeming with art aficionados; in fact, the Coachella Valley is known as a haven for sculpture collectors. In addition, our presenting sponsor, UBS Financial Services, will be inviting their best clients to early viewings and private parties within the show. Don't miss this unique opportunity to expand your reach and connect with high-net-worth collectors! A wide range of booth spaces is available, starting at just $1,500 for sculpture space and $2,495 for a Rising Artist exhibition wall.


  See All Booth Options >  


Who Should Apply

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We're currently accepting applications from established artists, galleries, and publishers representing masterworks and modern or contemporary art. While we're looking to represent artwork in a wide range of media, including sculpture, painting, photography, installation art, and glasswork, we are especially interested in seeing work from sculptors or galleries with a sculpture focus. We do not accept jewelry, tapestries, or arts-and-crafts work. Submit an application today to be considered for booth space or Sculpture Garden space at Spectrum's gorgeous, gallery-style venue located at the luxurious Renaissance Indian Wells Resort. We look forward to seeing your work!

  Apply Now >  

We'd be thrilled to have you join us at Spectrum Indian Wells this spring. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Call Rick Barnett at 831-747-0112 today to reserve your space.

Sincerely,
The Spectrum Indian Wells Team
www.Spectrum-IndianWells.com
 

CONTACT US:
sales@redwoodmg.com

Redwood Media Group

  SIW on Twitter SIW on Facebook
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Looking for your best art fair story

Metalsmith David Bacharach and jeweler Valerie Hector are compiling a book, "Craftspeople In Their Own Words." Do you have a personal story about working in a craft discipline or some great photos to include? 

Please share your stories, I know you've got them! Profits from the book are going to CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). Send your stories and photos to valeriehector@sbcglobal.net or mail@bacharachmetals.com

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Estes Park is the gateway to the east side of Rocky Mountain Park and this year was its 100th anniversary.  There are many summer homes in the area and it is a destination for a broad spectrum of nationalities, income levels, and interests.  I started doing this show in 2010, and I have done it every year since then.  I also do the Memorial Day show in Estes Park.  Gross sales at the September Labor Day show since 2010 have been in the $3-$5K range, and I have considered it a good solid show.  The show is produced by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary, Inc. and they do an all-around EXCELLENT job!!!!  The town is packed for the weekend, and leading up to the show there was a lot of promotion on Facebook.  The show is setup with 103 booths set up around the perimeter of Bond Park and in the parking lot for the town hall.  Clean, indoor, accessible restrooms are in the town hall.

SETUP AND TAKE DOWN.  Set up officially begins at 9:00am on Friday but Rotarians are present to check you in as early as 7:30am.  If you are early you can park at your site to unload.  Street parking is available within a block of the show, but oversize vehicle and trailers have to park at the fairgrounds.  Free shuttle service is available from there, and in town.  Volunteers are available to assist with unloading and set up.

     Takedown begins at 3:00pm on Monday and volunteers were there to help.  Like set up, traffic was controlled and vehicles were not allowed in until you were ready to load.  After paying your sales tax, you get a yellow ticket.  When your booth is knocked down and you are ready to load you get a blue pass to bring your vehicle in.  We loaded around 7:30pm.

WEATHER.  Temperatures were in the 70’s.  There were brief showers Sunday.  An unweighted booth went over in a gust of wind Friday night and another had breakage knocked off a wall. 

 THE SHOW.  The town was packed with people and thousands went through the art show.  There was seldom a time when people were not in my booth, and I had several repeat clients.  Belts were my top seller, with holsters, suspenders, spur straps, and several custom orders thrown in.  My sales were in the $4-5K range, and my largest sale was $475 for a silver mounted headstall and two breast collars (horse gear).  There was a good balance of all art/craft mediums including edibles like jellies and salsas.  There is no buy/sell at this show.  Nuts and bolts for the show are in www.artshowreviews.com.  The Rotarians have coffee and goodies in the morning, and booth sitters. All taxes are paid to the Rotary at the end of the show.

ANALYSIS.  I have come close to hitting the “home run” of $5K gross sales at this show a couple times.  My inventory of flasks and checkbooks was pretty lean by this, the last shown of the season.  Most of the belts sold were plain, and only a few were the more expensive carved with or without silver buckles.  I sold out of some sizes and some styles of buckles but didn’t loose and sales because of that.  The Estes crowd is definitely middle class and families visiting the park.  It is also a destination for Denver motorcycle clubs making the run up Big Thompson Canyon and over Trail Ridge Road.

THE OTHER FUN STUFF.  There were lots of different dog breeds and babies at the show.  Interacting with both was fun.  We were able to rent our favorite cabin that is just up the hill from Bond Park.  It was built in 1898 but it is modern and cozy. The hot tub is great after a day on the street.  Our son and his family came up for a cook out Saturday and we got to visit with our college and high school age grandsons.  Tuesday after the show we headed to the park and drove up Fall River Road (one lane dirt one way) up to Trail Ridge Road.  We saw elk and mountain sheep.

I cannot emphasize enough the need to be in top physical condition for doing shows.  I will be 72 in a couple weeks and Jean is 68.  Set up takes us 7 1/2 hours of steady work and take down is 4 1/2 hours.  We don’t diddle around, but we have lots of inventory.  At the end of the days we are still energized and not exhausted.  We do yoga 1-2 times a week and work out with a personal trainer once a week.

            

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8869164700?profile=original8869165055?profile=original8869165263?profile=original8869165097?profile=original8869165456?profile=originalPhotos:  1. Setup Friday morning, Longs Peak. 14,259’

             2. Saturday crowd

             3. A pampered dog with green paws, pink and purple tail and ears.

             4. Fall River Road

             5. Longs Peak from Trail Ridge Road

             6. Bull elk 

             7. Bear Bottom Cabin  

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and the Golden Dolly Goes to ...

8869163886?profile=originalArts, Beats & Eats - Royal Oak, MI - Labor Day Weekend

Some of you may know that I used to be part of the "Art" at Arts, Beats & Eats. I came from a background of being the schlepper at the art fairs as my husband showed his work. One day when I was helping run the show I watched a fine man sweating his a__ off pushing a dolly up the street laden with his wife's art. 

How many times had I done that? That winter someone left a dolly behind at an art fair so I confiscated it, painted it gold and added "jewels." We presented the 1st "Golden Dolly Award" (plus a check) to that man. The next year it went to Mike Strailey, then Carol Weber, etc. You never heard of those folks? That's because they are the "woman behind the man."

Each winner added his/her touch and this year Nate Burch (assistant to photographer Jan Kaulins), last year's winner, did it up very well and presented it at the Artists' Breakfast to Jeff Kutno who hauls his brother's (Phil Kutno) "stuff" at the shows. 

Many thanks to all those wonderful people who help us look good. Congrats to this year's winner.

The rest of the prizewinners at Arts, Beats & Eats:

Best in Show:  Carl Crawford, Columbia, SC - Mixed Media  

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1st. Place:  David Barkby, Dover, PA - Wood

2nd. Place:  Michael George, Scottsdale, AZ - Sculpture

3rd. Place:  Sidney Carter, Powder Springs, GA - Painting

5 Awards of Excellence:

1.  James Parker, Rochester Hills, MI - Photography 

2.  Don and Serena David, Cleveland, OH - Jewelry

3.  Jack Valentine, Akron, OH - Ceramics

4.  Meredith Kuntsch, Lago Vista TX - Painting 

5.  John Wayne Jackson, Black Mt. - Sculpture 

Spirit of the City:  Debbie LaPratt, Commerce Twp., MI - Ceramics

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Golden Dolly (Best Helper):  James Kutno, Phil's brother, Tucson, AZ

Street Judges:  Sara Shambarger, former Director of Krasl Fine Art Show, St. Joseph, MI

George Barfield - Former Consultant from Krasl also

Jurying for a total cash amount of $7,500 spread over all categories.

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My 2K FB 'likes' Thank-you letter ^_^

Well I had a pretty cool day yesterday. I am just about a week away from my first anniversary of starting Lemon Drops Art. My FB page reached 2 thousand likes and I created my first ever 'tutorial' (I'm still uploading said tutorial...this part takes forever apparently but I will post a link when its all finished....that is, if I haven't slipped into a coma waiting for this thing to upload. In which case please send coffee!)

I wanted to share with you guys my "Thank You" post from my fb page. Here we go:

Yay...!!! Today Lemon Drops Art hit 2000 LIKES!! You guys are just amazing and I LOVE you! This comes just 5 days from the first anniversary of Lemon Drops Art! How cool is that? (It's cool right? I'm not just being weird like 'OMG OMG 2K OMG!' ) So... I have been trying to think of what to say to all of you in a way that expresses my gratitude for you and your support in my first year on this way cool adventure.

I could say I am humbled by your support, I could say I never thought I'd be looking back on the past year and realize just how far the LDA has come. I could mention that the friends I've made and the talent I've met on our art forums are absolutely top notch and I can't wait to see what the next year holds, but what I really think I want to say is thank-you.

Thank you for bearing with me on my first few fumbled online auctions. Thank you for graciously answering all of my relentless questions throughout the year. Thank you for allowing me to blow up your walls with 500 pictures of the same art piece 'just because' I wanted to be sure I got the best angle/light/color & the planets were aligned properly. After all, I work for like, ever on it and I want to show it off damnit!

Thank you for being you. I couldn't be here without you... Well, ok... I 'could' but it would be very lonely... and I would have waaaay too many little creatures in all of the nooks and crannies of my house, which would probably lead to my husband wanting a divorce because he couldn't cope with so many little 'eyes' watching him from every where in the house, and that would cause me to be destitute seeing as I spent ALL my monies on art supplies! Which might lead to my daughter dropping out of high school to get a job to help mom pay the bills and turn to a life of stripping because it was easy money and the next thing you know I have grand babies before I turn 39! *YIKES* So thank you for not making me a 38 year old destitute divorced grandma! Ya'll are the best!!

Whats the BEST part of a 2K Likes day???? DUH! FREE-STUFF!!!!! Every person who likes/ comments on this post between now and Friday at 7pm EST Will be entered into my 2K drawing for this little Unicorn! She is super-sweet =)  I haven't given her a name yet, so if you're bored (not sure how you can possibly be considering this post is a MILE long) leave a comment with name ideas. If I chose the name you post, I will also send you a 'free-beeeee' unless you win the unicorn, then I will send you the unicorn  XoXo~ Alicia 

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Call for Artists: ArtFest Fort Myers

6deded93-94cb-4631-bbe8-784732df59d9.jpg 

February 6 & 7, 2016

Downtown Fort Myers, FL

9 am to 5 pm

215 Artists

Option to participate in Opening Night - February 5, 2016

Deadline:  September 14, 2015

 

ArtFest Fort Myers works year-round to produce the best fine art festival in Southwest Florida and many artists agree that this fine art festival puts all the right components together to create a very successful weekend for artists!

 

Ask the artists - - -

 

"ArtFest Fort Myers was, by far, one of the top shows we have done in the past several years." Debo Groover, a MM2D artist who participated in ArtFest Fort Myers 2015. 

 

ArtFest Fort Myers has a comprehensive marketing campaign targeting art buyers throughout Southwest Florida and beyond.  Between TV, radio, newsprint, billboards, glossy magazines, ads in theatre & symphony programs, as well as a vigorous social media presence, they concentrate on bringing art savvy, motivated patrons to you.  Their web site is mobile friendly and the on-line Artist Gallery gives buyers a sneak peak at your work, in anticipation of your arrival!

 

"Thanks for hosting a terrific show - I have done your show five times, and this year was my best ever. What a great way to start a new year." Michael Brown, a digital artist from the 2015 festival. 

 

fe010881-0a3f-447a-894d-873ae69e7c30.jpgThe ArtFest Fort Myers professional staff works year-round to create a community-based event, free to the public, with an established reputation for bringing the best-of-the-best arts to all.  An environment that includes a wide boulevard with ease of patron flow of artist booths, flanked by a beautiful riverfront park and yacht basin is just the beginning. 

 

The on site art-related activities are designed to bring an income appropriate, broad aged range audience - an audience that is encouraged to linger, spend the day, be engaged and buy more art.  The loyal base of VIP's, patrons and sponsors wait all year to support this fine art festival and it's distinctive artists.

 

"This was one of the most well organized art shows I've had the pleasure to be involved with." Greg Turco, a photographer who participated in ArtFest 2015. 

 

The ArtFest Fort Myers staff joins forces with a great volunteer Steering Committee of community "movers and shakers" who oversees the weekend, insuring that artist needs come first:  

  • drive up access for staggered Friday set up
  • a great complimentary artist breakfast that includes eggs, yogurt, fresh fruit & juice, muffins and coffee/tea
  • reserved artist parking, discounted hotel rates, weekend booth sitters and indoor restrooms 
  • your every comfort is considered, so you can concentrate on sales 
These wonderful amenities are one of the reasons that so many experienced artists want to be a part of this event - and isn't it fitting to be surrounded by artists with the caliber of work that you want to be associated with?

 

"I was absolutely thrilled when Sharon McAllister told me that I had been selected," said Ellen Negley about her 2015 experience. "The Poster Unveiling Party began a month of great exposure to a Fort Myers community that truly sustains the arts! Between robust coverage in the media, a supportive festival committee and a very busy festival weekend, I feel incredibly lucky to represent ArtFest Fort Myers!"

Additional opportunity: Submit your work for the 2016 ArtFest Fort Myers Poster/T-shirt Competition.  The winner will be featured in a broad range of advertisements plus have a free booth space at the 2016 festival, a complimentary weekend stay at the host hotel and so much more! Click here for the details.

 

Apply now for ArtFest Fort Myers, through ZAPPlication, to make ArtFest Fort Myers a key part of your successful winter season in Florida!  A true community event, ArtFest Fort Myers is free to the public andincludes art related activities to attract the best audience in a wide age range. Plan now to be a part of this fabulous Fort Myers art experience!  

For more information visit ArtFestFortMyers.com

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Digital Art vs. Photography Categories

Is the digital art vs. photography line moving and isn’t it time the shows updated their categories?  I do heavily digitally modified photography.  Recently I was faced with this choice:

Digital art - Two-dimensional work created by the artist using computer technologies. May include scanned images, from the artist or other sources that have been non-trivially modified through the use of computer programs.

Photography - Two-dimensional work created by the artist that includes digital and film photography that has not been manipulated to achieve results beyond what could be produced in a traditional dark room. Hand-colored photography and emulsion transfers are accepted in this category. 

I applied in digital art and the show disagreed.  On one of our emails back and forth the show person put forth this description – “ I personally feel that you should enter under photography since your work takes a photograph and enhances it through digital means but does not totally create a new image from the photograph.  I see the digital category as taking parts and pieces from different sources and creating something new with them, or creating an image using only digital programs from scratch.”  What a wonderful clear description that puts me into photography which I ultimately applied in.

When I first started applying to shows, digital photography was brand new and most shows didn’t really recognize it.  In fact, to a lot of them, digital was a bad word.  There was certainly no digital art category.  Photographers who heavily manipulated were placed into categories like print making or lumped in with photographers

Then shows started adding a digital art category which in the vast majority of shows looks like this – “Any original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using a computer.  Work in this category must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival quality materials.  Traditional photographs taken with digital media should apply in the photography category.”  In my opinion this puts me in digital art, which I usually apply in because I am manipulating source material with a computer.  But that word “traditional” can go either way so I am always questioning if it is the right category for me.

At that time (8 or 9 years ago) I don’t know of anybody who was doing pure digital art not involving photography of any kind.  But – the tools are better now, art that is being created today with computers and no photographs at all is very impressive.  And I believe that most photographers, even if their images look completely unmodified, are making use of techniques that could not be done in the darkroom. 

The line is moving and I think shows need to take a good look at their categories and make that division more distinct.

Tell me what you think that description should be.

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I won a great prize for doing something I should have been doing for years -- I made a small contribution to support Art Fair Insiders / Art Fair Calendar this year. Given how much I get out of the Calendar and Insiders, the call for artists, show reviews, etc., I wish I could have done more.

I am so appreciative of all that goes into running these sites/services and providing the wonderful support to artists across the country.

I won a free show from AFFPS (Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces)! They contacted me immediately with instructions on how to redeem it. Love those folks, always so professional and always doing something to help the arts.

Thanks to everyone who donated prizes, thanks to Constance for all she does.

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We like breaking records here at AFI

If you missed the Daily Tip a few days ago you may not know that we broke a record here at AFI.  We broke our record for the number of art show reviews submitted during a one month period.  In April we had 56 reviews submitted!  That was simply amazing. 

Everyone realizes that it is a real help to have a place where you can check a show out before you apply.  Nobody likes to go into a show blind.  Artists also hate to waste the jury fee if you find out later that the show just isn't a good fit with your art work or that there is something just not right about a certain show.  It is always good to be able to do some research before you apply to a show. 

We also try very hard (and it is quite an undertaking) to keep www.Artshowreviews.com up to date and ready to use.  Not only do I add the reviews people write to our site but I also try very hard to make sure all the other show vitals are current.  It is nice to find jury fees, booth fees, application dates and show venues all right there to help you with making your decisions. 

We have over 200 shows on our site now.  Plus, we keep adding new shows every week.  We also try to make sure that we have a good variety of shows on our website from all parts of the country.  There are so many art shows up and down the eastern half of the country that our website would be full even if we only included shows from that side of the country.  But, we don't want that.  We want our website to have a great variety of shows from one side of the country to the other to help artists everywhere.  However, to be able to provide that service to artists that requires your help.  That is why Connie put out a post asking for reviews.  Artists make our site what it is today.  That is why we often times will ask people to review a show they were just in. 

So, getting back to our record, you might like to know just how big this record break was.  Our previous record was set about 2 years earlier.  Our high point had been 40 reviews in a month.  That, in it self, is a lot of reviews, too.  I am the person that gets the reviews added into the site and I was so busy this  past April that I decided I needed to check out how many reviews I had been working on.  I counted up over forty reviews.  That was around April 20th.  So, I set out asking a few more people to submit  a couple more reviews.  Many people responded and the reviews kept coming in.  I didn't tell Connie I was working hard to get a few more reviews.  I wanted it to be a surprise when she saw our new record posted as the tip of the day. 

We all know that records are made to be broken.  We can break that record again with your help.  Quite often we hear artists say how thankful they are that they can have the use of a site like Art Show Reviews.com.  If you use our website and you like it, please take a few minutes to write up a review.  It really only takes a few minutes and the information is so useful and helpful to so many people.  How about this, if our website was useful to you could you add one show review as a way to say thank you.  This plea is for those who have never written a show review before.  Of course, we also won't turn down any reviews that are submitted by those who help us out regularly.

We really appreciate the many artists who have helped us over the last few years to make Art Show Reviews such a helpful site.  We could not have done it without you.

Let's go for another record!

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May 2 & 38869133269?profile=original

Sanford, Florida
Historic Downtown Sanford
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
125 Artists
Deadline: March 21
Applications on ZAPP
 

$15,000 in Awards $3,000 Best of Show

 

A NEW art festival experience...

"where the artistic process comes alive before your eyes"

 

We are very excited to announce our 4th annual event, rapidly becoming one of the South's premier outdoor fine arts festivals. A different festival experience awaits you!
 

Throughout the festival there are 12 demonstrating areas for artists selected through our jury process. These artists will have adjacent spaces to demonstrate their artistic process along with their finished artwork to sell.
 

Our plans to make this an exciting successful event for you:

  • Our Patrons Program offers ART-BUCKS to be spent on your artwork
  • Fine art judges are top quality and between them, knowledgeable in all categories
  • Easy Check-in and exit at the end of the Festival
  • Comprehensive broadcast, print and electronic/digital media coverage
  • Artists who apply early may be showcased in the media spots
  • Booth numbers and artist information in the festival program and website
  • Convenient parking for Artists
  • Artist Retreat with breakfast & lunch on Saturday and Sunday
  • Frequent visits by the Artist Support team. Booth sitters. 

WinterParkCrowd

Anticipated attendance: Approximately 20,000 visitors over the two days
 

Entertainment: Soft acoustical music artists perform throughout the festival footprint.

 

 

Jury Fee: $35.00 - Booth Fee: $225.00

 

Contact Information: riverartfest@gmail.com
Phone: Director/Artist Support - Kim House: 407-416-1779
Alt Phone: Liz Darwick, 407-314-6809
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more 2015 festivals looking for you: www.CallsforArtists.com
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8869159696?profile=originalJune 19-21
Alpine, Wyoming

Presented by Alpine Solstice Events
Nordic Inn Park Grounds
50 Artists
Deadline: May 20

Application Fee:  $25

Booth Fee:  $250 for 10'x10'

The Alpine Solstice is a juried art event to showcase fine handmade original artwork in the categories of:  Drawing & Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, Photography and Fiber.  The categories are general and subject to juror approval.  This event is located on the park grounds of the Nordic Inn, a 5-star restaurant with exquisite indoor and outdoor seating residing at the base of majestic Fairy Peak and overlooking the scenic Snake River.  The event is held in a grass area near the main road measuring 300'x200' and will contain up to 50 booth spaces.  

Alpine Junction is located 35 miles southwest of Jackson Hole on US Hwy 26. It is a mountain town with approximately 800 residents.  There are 3 rivers that converge at this point and flow into Palisades Reservoir adjacent to the town.  The river valleys are surrounded by majestic snow capped peaks covered with spruce, pine and aspen stands.  Alpine is a visitor-friendly destination with ample restaurants, hotels, motels, and camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, horseback riding amenities.

Testimonial:

"Although the Alpine show was in it's first year, we decided to take a chance on it.  The low numbers of attendees was discouraging, until we noticed the very high percentage of those that did attend purchased.  Mark took VERY Good care of us artists.  Easiest set up of our summer circuit!  Lunches provided, and quickest tear down!  We will certainly be returning.  Thanks again. TJ and Lori Thompson

Apply:  www.Zapplication.org/event-info_php?ID=4040 

Website:  www.alpinesolstice.com

Contact:  Mark Marino, alpinesolsticeart@gmail.com

Phone:  (307)413-9911

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This week I traveled to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the Garage Sale Art Fair put on by Bonnie Blanford and Michael Kifer.  I ha8869155896?profile=originalve attended this show several times in the past but this was the best one yet. 

The place was packed.  There were lots and lots of shoppers.  There were 138 juried artists with amazing art work.  Most of the artists had art work that they wanted to sell off before the spring shows start.  They were cleaning out their inventory.  However, the art all looked like it was in great condition.  There were deals there to be had and the shoppers were in a buying frenzy.

I tried to talk with a few of the artists but they were kept pretty busy by shoppers.  I don't recall any artist just sitting there without several shoppers in their booth.  I even heard some shoppers talking about the fact that it was hard to just leisurely stroll into the booths because they were so full of shoppers.  Many of the artists could barely bag up the sales fast enough to get to the next shopper.  What a problem, eh?

We arrived early to the show.  I think we got there about half an hour after the place opened.  8869156093?profile=originalThere were lines already to pay to get into the building.  It cost $5 to get in and that didn't seem to bother anyone trying to get in to this show.  This show has a great reputation in the Kalamazoo area for good deals and this show has a great following of loyal customers.  

There are lots of people helping to make sure this show runs off well.  There were workers helping in the coat check room, at the door when you arrive, in the lobby, and inside the show area selling bags to carry to shoppers to carry their purchases in. Event staff was everywhere. 

People were allowed to check their purchases at the coat check room so that they didn't have to lug early purchases around with them all day.

Shoppers could also enter a raffle to win money to spend at the show.  Every so often they drew someone's name and the prize was $19 because it was the 19th anniversary of this show.  That is always a hit with the crowd.
8869156854?profile=originalThis show goes til 4 pm.  I saw at least one artists had completely sold out by about 1:30 and he was packed up and gone.  Yeah, it was the yard sculpture guy and everybody seemed to be walking around with a piece of his stuff. 

But, by 2 pm you could really tell that the shopping frenzy was settling down.  By 2 pm there were also some artists that were offering a little bit better deal to entice those final sales before it was time to pack up and leave. 

There were some AFI artists there, too.  Barry Bernstein was there but he was too busy to talk to.  I saw Vinnie Sutherland walk by.  Vinnie has been to this show before.  Gayle Weiss finally got in this year after being wait listed.  She had some gorgeous jewelry that she rarely marks down so shoppers were getting a deal.

Connie also found Steven Huyser-Honig at the show.  8869156300?profile=original
Sometimes I lost track of Connie because she
was always busy checking in with artists. She still managed to score some great deals as she made her way through the booths.

If you keep your eyes open you can find a few things you would never expect to see at an Art Fair.  This year's crazy find was a microwave someone was trying to get rid of.

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The best deal for me for the day was I finally got to meet Photographer Jim Parker.  I have read his posts through the years and it was nice to meet him in person and his lovely wife.  Jim gave Connie and I each a photo!  Connie got a gallery wrap of Jim's famous "Dune Girl" and I got a framed "Dune Girl."  Jim has great work and I enjoyed looking at his display as did many other customers who kept Jim busy all day. 

This is a great show to clean out your old stock.  The shoppers are hungry and they were making multiple purchases.  This would be a great show to kick off the start of a new show season to make room for new stock.   Bonnie Blanford and Michael Kifer did a great job with this event as they have also done in past years. 

(Disclaimer) These photos seemed a lot sharper on my phone.

 

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I had the fortunate chance to attend the Chastain Park Art Festival when I was in Atlanta for my son's Law School graduation.  His graduation was on Monday so we decided to go check out the Chastain Park Art Festival on May 9th.  The show ran from May 9 through to May 10th. 

The weather was wonderful, that coming from someone who just left the frozen tundra Michigan had been fighting off all spring.  It was so nice to be able to stroll along the artist's tents without being bundled up in warm winter coats.  There were people out looking for Mother's Day gifts as well as art for themselves.  People were able to stroll along the booths without having to worry about cars and traffic because this roadway was closed to any traffic.

The first booth we happened upon was the lovely Melanie Rolfes and Michael Zavison.

8869160873?profile=originalThey had a great spot as people seemed to enter the row of booths from the side of the show they were on.  They had a huge booth with all these great large paintings that would look great in those gigantic homes that bordered the park.  Melanie lives in the Atlanta area and she said she loves this show.  She said the Spring show allows crafts for Mother's day purchases but the Fall show is all Fine Art. I did see some crafts but didn't think I saw any junk.

Next we came upon Joel Lockridge who makes fine wooden pens.  My husband seemed to be very interested in owning one of those.  I think that may be my first Christmas gift purchase of the year.  Joel wasn't too far from Melanie's booth.  As you can see, Joel had a great looking booth.                                                                                

 8869161262?profile=original                                                                                

Not too far from Joel we found Ruth Jellema.  I never saw her art work before and she had some great pieces.  Her work is so unique and any one of her pieces would look great in someone's home.   It was great getting to meet Ruth.

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We walked the complete length of the show and finished up by stopping by the Chastain information booth to meet up with Randall Fox and Patrick  Dennis.  They were both great guys.  Randall treated us to a great lunch on the grounds.  It was the best pulled pork BBQ lunch.  We loved it.  Thanks Randall, we appreciated trying out the great Atlanta cuisine at the show.

Randall told us that the people around the Atlanta neighborhoods tend to stay in their own communities and don't go off into the other ones.  Chastain Park didn't really have an Art Show for their own area.  That is how they decided to start up the Chastain Park Arts Festival.  That seemed kind of strange about the neighborhoods but I heard that from someone else not connected to the show, too, later that weekend.  The Chastain Park area had big gorgeous homes bordering the park and I saw something that I never see in Michigan anymore - new home construction!  New homes are always a good sign of the economy of an area.  And those new homes will need some art work soon!

8869162254?profile=originalThere was plenty of room for storage around the artist's booths.  They had lots of room on each side and lots of room behind the booths.  The show was one long giant strip with no one behind the booths.  Having the extra room on all 3 sides was nice as I think it was a bit of a walk to the artists parking area.  The weather was gorgeous and sunny which would have meant very hot in Atlanta.  But, this show provides plenty of shade with the park's large trees all along this road way.  This looked like a great place for a show.

I don't know how sales were as I was there first thing Saturday morning.  Hopefully, someone will let us know how things went for them.

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