Portland, OR - August 28 & 29, 2014
The Zapplication conferences always start off with a keynote speaker whose message extends beyond the art fairs. This year it was Russell Willis Taylor*, whose general message was, "we live in a world where the pace of change is only getting faster, yet some things, such as the enduring value of art and the unique role that artists play in our society, has not changed much in more than 2000 years. The Arts make life worth living."
Two days of speakers and workshops ensued. About 100 artists and show directors from across the country attended. Bev Ringenburg from the Cedar Key Arts Festival came the farthest. But show directors were there from S. Carolina (Artisphere), a bunch from Texas, from across the Midwest and many from the West Coast.
Here they are, the two women who manage the ZAPP system and make sure all runs smoothly for you: Christina Villa, ZAPP manager and Ruby Montana, ZAPP Program Associate.
How many show folks can fit in the elevator? On the left Bev Ringenburg, artist Kathleen Eaton, Sara Shambarger from the Krasl Art Fair and Mo Riley from the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair ...
On the left (who can help me out on her? Definitely a show director) and on the right Jenny Wright from The Woodlands Waterway Festival in Texas
Probably the most anticipated part by artists is the Public Portfolio Critique where a panel of professionals critique jury images submitted by participants
Experts presented useful information including:
- Barry Fell: Problem Solving for Events and Strategic Media Planning
- Chris Dahlquist: The Growth in the "Maybes"
- Alyson Stanfield: Websites that make sense and How to charge more money for your artwork
- ZAPP Symposium moderated by Stephen King/Des Moines, a thought-provoking session for discussing larger themes, including those in the greater arts and culture field
- Eve Connell: Content Matters, The Art of Pitching Messages and Effective Interpersonal Communication
- Creating an Art Fair Experience, presented by Patrick Flaherty/Broad Ripple Art Fair and Carla Fox/Art in the High Desert
Connie Spickelmier and Jean Schaffer from the Creative Arts League of Sacramento and Terry Adams from the Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Kelly Smith Cassidy (artist and Tahoe Art League) and Erin Hartz from Chicago's One of a Kind Show, in the background Brad Anderson and Grace Peterson from the Salina, KS, Arts & Humanities Commission
Artist Alyx Morgan who won a free pass to the conference in the AFI Birthday Party Pledge Drive.
Great to meet you, Alyx!
Many show directors: Sara Shambarger/Krasl, Patty Green from Clute, TX (starting a new show there in 2015), Kerry Murphy/Artisphere, Mo Riley/Ann Arbor Street, Bev Ringenburg/Cedar Key, Liz Runforff Smith/Artisphere and ??
*Russell Willis Taylor's presentation was exciting and thought provoking. In need of a good book to read? She recommends Daniel Pink's A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future.
