art - Blog - Art Fair Insiders

Summer fun in WA state

Posted by Tim Wistrom on June 7, 2010 at 6:00pm

I'm staying a bit closer to home this summer as dictated by the economy and travel costs. And while I'm keeping busy with art shows and festivals in Washington state (check out my calendar page on my website), there are numerous weekends with nothing going on.

EXCEPT for Art in the Park in Leavenworth, WA. (show website, town website), this is the longest running outdoor art festival in WA. state, and they welcome newbies as well as us old-timers. Sign up for 3 weekends or the entire summer.

This event runs every weekend from May to October, and is situated in the center of a tourist town that actually advertises on TV (among other places). The show is run by artists who know what it means to set up in the early hours, and that are so personable, friendly, and helpful.

Check it out. Call Mary @ 509-548-5809 PST for more info.

Crested Butte ?

Posted by Mark Yearwood on April 27, 2010 at 6:29pm

Hi,

I just jumped into this forum and there is a load of info here!

I will be doing Crested Butte this year and it will be my first real outdoor show of the summer.

What are the experiences there? I paint abstracts (all originals) on canvas and planned to take some large show pieces and lots of small to medium work. What price range is typical buyer in CB looking for?

I'll be doing just a few festivals this year and I'm trying to get into decent ones. I sell pretty good locally, in my galleries and from my website and blog. I run a graphics business full time and wife is a professional so I don't have to sell tons to support my art habit just yet.

I'm wondering if I'm nuts to start going to festivals, but a couple of small ones have given me the bug.

Thanks!

Mark

Kari Ferrell vs. DJ Mayonnaise Hands: New York Art Fairs Volume Number 2

Posted by gary c on March 6, 2010 at 8:30pm

Kari Ferrell and DJ Mayonnaise Hands tour the 2010 New York Art Fairs Volume Number 2. In this edition Kari Ferrell the so called " Hipster Grifter" and DJ Mayonnaise the so called "good for nothing demi god" tour Fountain Art and the Murder Lounge.
let me know wat you think,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt7HzCK9png

My observations - the art festival attendance equation

Posted by sandhi schimmel gold on March 25, 2010 at 10:17am

After standing in many 100 square foot spaces in countless shows in several states over the past couple years, I have come to a few conclusions/observations.

I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic.

Of all the people that attend art festivals and art fairs - from parking lot shows to the top 10 in the country...

69% of the attendees are artists, crafters, wanna-be artists and their spouses and children and friends. The artists are looking at what's being sold, what is relevant, what is new and are looking for ideas for techniques, materials, etc.
25% of the attendees are our "accidental" tourists; visiting the area, looking for something to do while on vacation, at a conference, etc. If it is a free event, it's a day out. Sometimes they're just there for the entertainment/music/food and the art festival is the side show.
1% are trying to sell the artists something - plexi card holders, advertising, web sites, etc.
5% of the attendees are actually looking for art.
- most of them have a small budget and won't actually buy anything or will buy a small print or bowl or ornament
- most of them don't have any room for more art
- many of them will buy jewelry because they don't have any room for more art
- some want to get a deal and want to bargain with you
- and of those left...that actually know about art, want to know where you show your work, want to see your portfolio, discuss your inspiration, etc.
- - only a few of them can make a decision [with their spouse] to buy something at that moment
  - even fewer have the means to do so.

Of all the artists in any given show, on any given day, in any medium, of any price range:

100% of them are there to sell their work.

Good luck to all of us!

I put Fine Art Registry security tags on the back of all of my paintings...

Posted by Joseph & Sari Grove on March 5, 2010 at 8:08pm

Just before I left them at a health food store called Water Lily, last December 2009...

Well, January 4th the lawyer for the landlord apparently escorted Water Lily's owner out, for non-payment of January 1st rent...

To boot, all goods were going to be sold & the monies were going to be divied up between sales tax, the landlord & other creditors...

My 4 oil paintings (24 x36) were still on the wall...On consignment...But how to get them out?

Well, the key to proving the art was really still mine was those security tags. I had ordered them from a

website FineArtRegistry.com & when they had arrived in the mail, I had dutifully stuck one on the back of each work, photographed the paintings front & back, & uploaded that to the Fine Art registry website...

I also had taken a minute before bringing them to Water Lily to make a note of my plans, in the description section of the webpage...

So...When the lawyer for the landlord said what proof do you have that those paintings are your etc. etc., I sent a link in an email to the web page which showed those 4 paintings, descriptions, size, medium, style, & details of the show & where & when...

Not only that, the inventor of those security tags was able to vouch for me that I had uploaded all of this information just before December 1st, so the timeline was correct.

Even more powerful, was when the lawyer got to be difficult, I listed those paintings as "Stolen" which is a special button you can activate- seeing as the way I saw it, they had my paintings, knew they were mine & didn't want to give them back...To me that meant "stolen"...

Teri Franks, of FAR (Fine Art Registry) told Mr. lawyer , in no uncertain terms, that if he attempted to sell my paintings they would come up as stolen to the international fine art community...

No title, no-one would buy them or could ever sell them...

Powerful stuff...

Anyways, I am writing this because I am so grateful to FAR for all of their hard work in getting my paintings back...

I did get them back on Wednesday February 24th- took me about a month of hard fighting...But we won...

I said to Teri, how can I ever thank you? She said, tell people... So, I am telling people...

Teri is going to court March 15, in Michigan, to fight a very big gallery who has been selling fakes & forgeries & other bad stuff, & they sued FAR for publishing that truth...

If anyone is in Michigan round that time you are welcome to support FAR by showing up to the trial or hearing or whatever they call it...More can be read on the FAR website...(fineartregistry.com)

Sari Grove

p.s. sorry this sounds kind of like an ad- it is really the truth, it's just coming out a bit corny I don't know why...?

p.p.s. Today I brought a painting to show a brand new gallery called Lane Gallery, so maybe they will take me...We'll see...(They really liked the story about the security tags though, smart & cool & tech, & a great way to follow where your work ends up-the ownership transfer thing is a neat way to track provenance, plus you can get COAs (certificates of authenticity) just for marketing support...

Fantastic Gallery Sales!

Posted by Heather Jordan on April 2, 2010 at 12:23pm

I know that this is a web site for art shows, but I must share outstanding experience with one of the galleries I work with. We artist can make a paycheck with art shows and galleries. The gallery I work with pay’s a monthly check that is comparable to a good show. So, I don’t discount them and truly hate the 50% split.

Last I week went humming down the coast to bring artwork to 2 galleries that represent me. They have been really hurting this past year due to the economy. The artist that they will hang onto are ones that understand the winter months are slow and differ payment until February, heck it is only 2 months and we don’t show until April anyways. It is a great boost to get supplies.

I walk up to the gallery with one of my fish paintings and WHAM! A lady with a camera scream’s “There she is!” She runs up to me with the gallery owner following her and is absolutely giddy. I proceed to back up slowly and want to run in the opposite direction. She is waiting to see the new artwork and want’s a photo with the artist. Now, my husband has watched the entire situation unfold. He is laughing so hard he can’t breath and the children’s eyes are as big as Oreo's. My son (8yrs) says,” Hey, Dad since mom’s famous can I take her for show & tell next week?”

The gallery owner is waving his hands with a check wanting more artwork. He is
stating that the sales due to the weather warming up have been outstanding. The medium priced work does very well. (Note He is not accepting any artist at this time, his wife paints and has 70% of the gallery, my stuff is in the back. This is ok because the mindset is the expensive work is upfront and the work they can afford is in the back, I love it.) I unload the car with only 8 pieces and watch out of the corner of my eye as a man picks one up being inventoried. My heart is beating outside my chest with adrenaline due to shear shock of such interest. I sit in the car thanking my father up stairs for the gift to paint. I have a check in my hand worth at least 2 shows. That old SUV couldn’t get home fast enough to hit the canvas, the idea’s were running in my mind.

So is the recession over? Or do people have the mind set change of season change of environment. Did they save over the winter to be able to spend or are the tides changing economically? I am not sure but, I will be riding on the high of that experience for years! Again, sorry to post about a gallery vs shows. Thought the positive note may be a glimmer of hope in the art business.

Happy Day!
Heather

40 Questions Blog Series: Questions 15 – How has Gen X and Y's affect how people shop at art fairs?

Posted by Michelle Sholund on April 9, 2010 at 8:25am

I am sure those of you reading this are either a Gen X or Y or knowsomeone who is through family relation, friends or workingrelationships. Most don't understand Gen X and Y's or have a hardtime relating to them. There is no denying though, they are a forceto be reckoned with when it comes to shopping. I have been reading agreat book called Gen Y Buy and it is a most fascinating read. Ifyou are curious about what direction today's society is heading,especially when it comes to retail and shopping, do check out thebook. This leads to Question 15 and want to touch on it because GenX and Y's do have a huge influence on how art fairs are run and howwe can learn from them when it comes to managing our own artbusinesses.

Question 15 – How have Gen X and Y's affect how people shop at art fairs?(How can we capture their attention too?)

Instead of going into depth about the “nature and behavior” of Gen X andY's, as I am a Gen X myself, I am going to highlight some key pointsthat I feel best answers Question 15.

Full Steam Ahead. We can thank the today's generation for pushingartists to create new pieces of art. With Gen X and Y's drive forseeking new and improved stuff, this carries over to their parentsand even grandparents especially when it comes to technology, homeimprovement, and decorating one's apartment or home, or evenvacation home. It isn't enough to offer one size 2D art, but postcards, note cards, even coffee table books are just one of ahundreds of examples that can be attributed to today's youngergeneration need for variety.

Credit Cards. If it weren't for credit cards our sales at art fairsconsiderably lower than what they are today. It is not the norm anymore to carry cash with a few exceptions. When it comes to artfairs, it is now more important that ever to accept credit cardsbecause show patrons expect it. The benefits of bringing in moresales far outweighs the minimal monthly fees or possibility ofrunning into a declined card.

Computers and The World Wide Web. Computers are here to stay and since theybecame mainstream, it has opened many doors for artists. Someexamples range from digital art mediums, email – an instant formof communication, social networks to keep in touch with customers orpromote ourselves at upcoming art shows, software for trackingsales, access to better raw material suppliers, to the NEW businesscard – personal art business websites. The value computers haveis immeasurable and if you don't agree, try living without one for24 hours, on a work day.

Word of Mouth. Granted word of mouth advertising is nothing new.However, Gen X's and Y's have taken it to an all new level. All ittakes is one Gen Yer to fall in love with something that they haveto take a photo of it and show their friends or blog about it.Within minutes that thing the Gen Y loves is now apart of a viralword of mouth advertising campaign to her friends and family. Themore art fairs and artists harness this power of free advertisingthrough social networks and other word of mouth advertising, theeasier it is to attract new customers and art fair patrons.

Developing Personal Relationships. There is a strong desire for those whoappreciate art, with the help of Gen X and Ys, to want to learneverything they can about art. Due to art funding in schools havingbeen cut and combining that the desire of being connected topeople, there is more of a push for artists to be more willing toeducated and entertain show patrons. Don't confuse this withcarnival type of entertainment. What I am merely saying is thepressure is now on for artists to shine revealing theirhumble/personal side, through humor or through demonstrations, aswell as uncovering the veil of what it is like to be an artist. Theone on one experience can be long lasting and turn a looker into abuyer once they learn more about you, and vice versa, and your art.

Charity and Causes. Charities such as breast cancer awareness, HurricaneKatrina Relief organizations and the local Humane Society are alwayslooking for donations and volunteers. Helping those who seekassistance makes us feel good about ourselves, and this plays a bigpart in building Gen X and Y's self esteem, often being the drivingforce behind these organizations. Their desire spills onto theirfriends and family members trickling into the art fair world. Thishas crept into art fairs because patrons are more likely to attend ashow knowing if there is a discount off admission if a personbrings in canned goods to support a food drive, for example. Someartists are even support their own choice of charitable organizationby donating part of their sales to that organization. This is a winwin for everyone.

I can go on and on about this topic, but to keep these blog posts “quick”I don't have all day. While there are issues artists have when itcomes to hiring Gen X and Ys and how to make items that appeal moreto them, I am hoping towards the end of this blog series I can tacklethis questions. If any of this interests you there is moreinformation in books, magazines, and other resources. Did I missanything you think is worth sharing – let us know and use thecomment button. Next I will be review the past 15 questions and thentackle the question, what does it mean when a customers says “___”? Have a great weekend !

- Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com. Check out my craft business' website –www.bythebaybotanicals.com.

Call for Artists: Artsfest '10 in Maryland

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 19, 2010 at 3:30am

September 18 & 19

Solomons, Maryland
Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center
In Association with the Smithsonian Institution

Saturday 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
September 19, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
150 artists (140 outside/10-12 inside)

Application deadlines:

Artists: March 31

Performers: June 30

Food Vendors: June 30

Organizations: June 30

Established in 1993, Artsfest is an annual juried arts festival organized by Annmarie Garden - a public sculpture park located in Solomons, Maryland - about an hour from the Baltimore-Washington Metro area.

Recognized as one of the top /font>

outdoor arts festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region, Artsfest will bring together some of the country's most accomplished artists for a weekend of art, music, food, wine and micro brews at beautiful Annmarie Garden. Bands and entertainment acts perform
continuously throughout the Garden. Artsfest has a loyal crowd.

There are three booth areas - the Tent Circle, the lovely Wooded Path, and indoors in the award-winning Arts Building. Booth space prices range from $25 up to $150. The event is well run with great volunteers who are available to booth sit. We hope you will make Artsfest a must-do on your list of shows!

To apply download the application form: http://www.annmariegarden.org/Events/Artsfest/index.htm

40 Questions Blog Series: Question #13 What is Customer Service?

Posted by Michelle Sholund on March 28, 2010 at 8:51am

I think I beat the topic of product development to the death. So lets moveonto a topic that is more lively: customer service. I don't thinkthere is a time we don't talk about customer service – good or bad.However, have you ever really thought about what customer serviceis all about and how it impacts craft artists who sell at shows?Well, now is the time.

Question #13 What is Customer Service?

How would you define “customer service”? Think about all of yourretail and restaurant experiences. A simple definition might be theattention and activity that is intended to ensure thatcustomers receive the goods and services they desire to satisfy theirneeds or wants in the most effective and efficient manner possible . However is it really that cut and dry? When you see a sales personcommunicate with a customer there is one thing that is clear –customer service is all about language, both body language as well asverbal communication. The way you stand, the tone of your voice,your facial expressions and energy level all plays into itty bittycues that signal to customers what a pleasant place to shop and wantto come back again. Don't forget that customers judge you and yourbusiness based on how you carry yourself when interacting withcustomers, its just human nature.

Although most people think of customer service as what happens during a sale,but really customer service occurs before and after the sale too.From the greeting, to interacting with the customer in identifyingtheir needs, to packaging their purchase and asking if they wouldlike to be on your mailing list before they leave is all apart ofcustomer service. It is essential to recognize that withoutcustomers we have no business. The sooner craft artists realizethis, the easier it is to transition oneself from being an artist whocreates great work to a sales person who can also sell your own worktoo. It is also important to ask yourself if you think you wouldmake a great sales person. Sales people should be bubbly, open,outgoing, helpful, insightful, and enthusiastic. If you don't seeyourself as a sales person, then you will need to hire someone orrecruit friends or family members who exhibit these qualities.

The topic of customer service is a big one, and since this is a “quickcraft artist tips” blog, I intend to devote a great deal of timeto the topic with this blog series. I'll be answering questionssuch as what do customers want, how have Gen X and Y'ers affected theway people shop, why do some customers buy while others don't, doeswhat customer say mean more than one thing, what are some tips ondelivering good customer service, and much more. If you have everwondered why sales are lacking, you can't afford to miss the nextseveral posts as it will shed light on how to improve your customerrelations skills to increase profits. Michelle,www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

Food for Thought: Can Art Save the Mall?

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 23, 2009 at 2:59pm

Thanks to my friend, Denny Schroeder, for sending me this link from Sunday's Parade Magazine: Can Art Save a Mall? When too many stores came up empty at a large mall in the St. Louis area the owners decided that instead of demolishing it they would offer the spaces to artists for their use at $100 per month, plus utilities. You'll enjoy reading the various uses to which it has been put: art gallery, dance studio, museum, etc. Not only does it give the arts groups a home but it also increases traffic in the mall for the other stores and restaurants. There are lots of empty spaces in the nation's shopping centers this season and entrepreneurial artists are taking advantage of this empty real estate. The organizers among them have rallied their friends and acquaintances to fill the spaces for the holiday time. My brother, Michael Mettler, is hanging his photos in a gallery at Jefferson Pointe along with about twenty five other artists. This is a "lifestyle" mall of upscale stores in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The gallery is next to the Barnes and Noble, a nice location. My friend Donna Beaubien, has gathered the work of around forty artists to fill a lovely space at the Village in Rochester, MI, including my husband (Norm Darwish) fine art photographs. Donna reports sales were being made before they had even opened. Now neither of these places are going to become arts districts, but we all know, where the artists settle gentrification occurs and their appearance is often the prelude to better days for the nieghborhood. Don't believe me? Then read one of my favorite books, Richard Florida's, The Rise of the Creative Class. Are you participating in one of these "temporary" galleries this season? Tell me about it and I'll add the info to ArtFairCalendar.com.

2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling

Posted by Funky Finds on January 22, 2010 at 10:10am

The 2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling is an indie craft fair to be held on March 13 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.The event will feature the work of over 120 artists, crafters & designers from various states. The first 50 attendees to purchase a minimum of five $1.00 raffle tickets will receive a hand-crafted swag bag full of goodies.All raffle proceeds benefit the Humane Society of North Texas and CASA of Tarrant County. The FREE indoor event is family and pet-friendly!

Questions 1&2 of New 40 Question Blog Series - Developing Your Booth Display Style

Posted by Michelle Sholund on February 11, 2010 at 2:39pm

40 Questions Blog Series: Question 1&2 – Developing your Booth Display Style

To kick off the Blog Series called 40 Questions, the first several questions will cover the area of boothdesign. Booth design covers style, function, cover/protection, andso on. The following questions are all about finding your ownpersonal style which should flow into branding your art/craftbusiness. Do follow along, using a piece of paper or journal andwriting down the questions and answer them as honestly as you cantaking your time when answering them.

Question 1: Picture yourself with a limitless amount of funds to spend however you want.Using that money describe how your ideal booth would look like?Think about color, texture, fixtures, what you have seen atshows that stood out, whatever...

Question 2: Because we all budget our money, are there still ways you can make your dream booth become areality?

I first did this exercise when I worked for Starbucks. I was goingthrough a management program and in efforts to attract more peopleinto the store we were asked how would your ideal store look. Withworking with others in this exercise ideas ranged from having agarden like courtyard cafe seating, aesthetic aquariums, messageboards to promote a local dating service, live entertainment areas,and funky furniture. I still use this exercise and have applied itin designing my own booth display. My current booth design beganwhen I looked at my logo, a dew kissed green leaf with a light bluebackground – tranquil colors. The name of my craft business is Bythe Bay Botanicals and focuses around products that promotetranquility. Staying with this theme it was clear the design neededto be natural, showing off my craft, but still be true to theme. Ishopped for natural pine shelving displays and incorporated two tables, whichI already had. I bought white table coverings that went to theground and a short table covering of ocean blue as well as covered the pine shelves with patio furniture fabric that matched my theme colors. With the additionof some silk flowered vines and lighting I created a display thatmatched my products. This new display not only allowed customers to shop freely and allow more room display my craft, people remembered my business name better and could easily find me at shows at it stood out from the crowd - all that was accomplished through a little bit of change into my booth display.

As you look at your current display you may find you are happy withits design, but need to tweak it a little. Working with dimension, having your work visible at different eye levels can be a great solution. It is a great remedy if you find customersfeeling cramped in your booth. Shelving or stacked crates are just two ideas that can createdimension and doesn't have to be expensive. Think about color –customers are attracted to color and if every booth is acookie-cutter white booth with white table covering (one after another)you will loose to those that embrace color.You want to create an identity that is all your own. I have seensome great ideas where one used tulle in 1-2 colors wrapped about thepoles of their canopy or incorporated astro turf into their displayto sell garden art.

My final thoughts. In designing your booth, it is important to havea booth that regular customers will recognize, but at the same timecreates a buzz that your items are fresh and that you do offer newart/craft work at each show or it varies from season to season. Think back to past shows and booths you have seen. Are there booths that seems stale because it doesn't change.Don't you get the impression that they sell the same thing over andover, year after year because their booth display is the same year after year? Don't be the owner of the boring booth! The next question in this series divesinto developing a booth theme as well as how to find booth displayfurniture and what kind is ideal for each medium. Stay tuned...

New Blog Series for Art Fair Insiders: 40 Questions to Identify and Solve Problems Craft Artists Have Today

Posted by Michelle Sholund on February 10, 2010 at 3:45pm

New
Blog Series: Forty Questions - Identifying problems and issues and
tips on solving them.

Buckle your seat belts as over the next few weeks, with the support of Connie Mettler, I will be doing a blog series regarding my 40 questions method in helping to identify problems craft artists have today and offer ideas on how to solve them. This series will be posted via my own blog, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com as well as here on Artfairinsiders.com . I encourage all to add your thoughts regarding each topic covered that will be posted either every day or every other day.

First,here's a bit of background about myself as well as how I came up with
these 40 questions...

Back in 1997 I was involved with a groupof crafts people who all shared in a need to want to do more in getting
the word out on how to become better business people, but gear it to
craft artists who do art fairs and other similar events. Through
sharing our frustrations, ideas, tips, etc. I started the Mid-Atlantic
Crafter Expo which was like a typical expo but for craft artists. What
made the event what it was is that we had 15 different exhibitors from
website designers, promoters, jury slide photographers, and two keynote
speakers and 7 other mini speakers talk about tips on designing a
website, how to organize one's workshop, report on trends of what was
going on at shows (back then), and so much more. This event helped so
many people, but due to funding I couldn't afford to do a follow up
event. Regardless this opened the door for me to do consulting work and
give talks at seminars on how to not just be a great artist but be a
great business person too. It was at this time I developed a 40
question survey to learn a little about the clients I was working with
to help identify what they their needs and problems are to come of with
some effective solutions.

At this time, Feb 10th, 2010, I am snowed in in Maryland and I have nothing buttime to share my tips, for free, on this topic. As Spring art fairs and
festivals will be around the corner (which can't come soon enough!) and the beginning of a new decade,
it is clear folks are looking for answers now. This is the best time to
work together on these questions, using both my personal experiences
and others, to share with those who follow my blog regularly as well as
with folks on
www.artfairinsiders.com .

Starting today I will be postingthese 40 questions and doing my best to answer them, not only from my
own perspective with my own business, but open it up to you, my friends
and colleagues to share your thoughts as well. I suggest answering
these questions yourself and keeping a record of your answers as we take
this adventure together in finding more about ourselves as artists as
well as being better business people too. Again, please stay tuned
every day or every other day for new blog posts and if you have any
questions yourself that you would like me to address, please email me at
mksholund@gmail.com !

St Stephen's Art Festival

Posted by greta anthony on February 17, 2010 at 9:20am

So this was my first year at St Stephen's. My van was giving me problems so I left for coconut grove much earlier than I needed to I got to the show very early and of course I got a little lost. I truly hate a downtown area. Called the phone # that came with the paperwork and got a hold of Daisy the new show director and she was able to get me unlost with good directions. I found a pay parking lot close to the show and decided since I was early I'd walk St Stephen's, see where my spot was and how things were going. Found my spot right away and a friend of mine was setting up only 2 booths away from me so that was an added bonus. Our set-up time was 12pm and I starting walking the show about 11am, apparently the staff knew about the bad weather coming and were letting us early birds get our booths unloaded and set up before it got here, Which I thought was very considerate of them. Also the spots were clearly marked with the corners outlined and arrows as to where to start the booth, very nice. So I pull in was able to get right next to my spot. Put up my tent but didn't raise it all the way, left it at halfmast unloaded the display and boxes then parked the van back in the same lot which was about 1 1/2 blocks from the show. Set up my shelves and curtains put all of the boxes inside, weighted the corners and also tied down to the heavy parking stones behind my booth, still leaving it at halfmast. I stayed with a friend about 20 mins from the grove got there about 3pm and we watched the weather with our fingers crossed, having done everything I could to protect my booth I tried not to stress about it too much and it was just fine in the morning when we got there to finish setting up.

At first I didn't like my spot and thought since this was my first year I was paying my dues with a bad spot. I was wrong, sales on all 3 days didn't really start until after 1 and then it was hard to get a break, as a nod to the bad economy I made a lot of the smaller pieces, should have made more bigger ones. Sold out of all my big dragons on sat, sun found one in the overstock boxes that I'd missed while setting up, put it out and by 2pm it had found a home. There were bathrooms real ones just for the artists, coffee and breakfast stuff all 3 mornings. A spaghetti dinner Sunday night, which we didn't go to, had other plans. A staff member came by at various times during the show to see how things were going. The judges actually came into the booths and talked to us. We were given breakdown instructions, lo and behold they stuck to them, had to breakdown your booth completely including the tent before you got a load out pass, then I just drove in and loaded up. What a pleasure, but then of course I had to navigate the downtown area to get back to 95 but I survived it. The staff at St. Stephen's did a good job and were available and friendly. I also liked the fact that when a patron came into the show they each got a program right away, with a map of the show included. Did see some buy sell but not a lot, overall the quality was good.

I walked the Grove show on Monday morning while my friend took care of my booth. First if you wanted a program you had to hunt one down, there was some very impressive art at the show and there was some not so great. I was surprised to see hammocks, wooden utensils, the obligatory Peruvian art which seems to be at every show, so so beaded jewelry. A friend was at the Grove show and blamed the doctored pics that were sent in. Also she noticed that none of the committee was comparing the zapp pics with the set up booths, which they do for Melbourne and Virginia Boardwalk. $800 is a hefty fee, surely for that kind of money they can do a better job at policing the exhibitors that they let in.

So to wrap things up I truly enjoyed my first St Stephen's experience, set up was a breeze, breakdown went smoothly, sales were good my own fault they weren't better. Will bring more bigger pieces next year and only got lost once. Oh and the van with over 423,000 miles on it didn't break down, a big plus any day.

Michigan art fair news: Arts, Beats & Eats moves to Royal Oak!

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 8, 2009 at 6:11pm

Breaking news -- it's official -- the hugely popular art, music and food festival held on Labor Day

weekend is leaving its birthplace, Pontiac, MI, to move to a new address -- cool, captivating, hip downtown Royal Oak. Jonathan Witz, producer of ABE, made the announcement this afternoon at Sangria Tapas Cafe in Royal Oak. I've been part of the arts of this event since its inception 12 years ago and have seen firsthand what was a very promising and exciting and financially rewarding event full of the nation's top artists slowly become a victim of the huge shoulder to shoulder crowds and the crumbling local economy. What had started out as a happy "Ann Arbor alternative" for those who were tired of the AA crowds lost much of its luster. Heck, it's been tough in Michigan for a long time now. The recent recession where the rest of the country seemed to be slipping into hard times was nothing new to people in business in Michigan. Therefore, this is great news! Royal Oak is a lovely residential suburb, full of young families, excellent schools, cool restaurants and good shopping. It is going to be really interesting to see how the huge event adapts to this new footprint, but I'm telling you, that if anyone can make it work it is Jon Witz, a man with more ideas, moxie and readiness to make things work than the average guy. Here's wishing you good luck on the move, Jon. Thanks to the city fathers of Royal Oak welcoming the event. Stay tuned for a solid economic turnaround. Read the announcement in the Royal Oak Tribune.

Atlanta Arts Festival Fall 2009

Posted by R. Michael Wommack on December 5, 2009 at 12:10pm

I am a pastel artist and I wanted to share info about this show, which is a fairly new show I believe. It takes place in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, and have been told it is similar in layout to the Dogwood Festival in the spring. Piedmont Park is a beautiful setting, and with the rains in the summer, it has been reopened to festivals. The way the show is laid out, there seem to be no bad spots. The circular nature is very democratic. Load in is notoriously bad, because there is only room on the road for your booth, and a vehicle, but no room for any one to pass. The show directors had sent out specific times for the artists to set up, and it was important you be there on time. We caravanned in, and we had an hour and a half to unload. It was enough time to set up your tent, and get everything in, and then we caravanned out. I would like to have returned and continued setting up, but I could find no parking on the street, and the artists lot wasn't available until Saturday morning, as it was next to a school football stadium adjacent to the park. I was told by a returning artist that the lot usually used in the park was under renovation so we were stuck with this lot outside the park. It was way too far from the show, and as I needed to get larger drawings out of my van 'cause I had no storage space behind my tent. (I was one of the unlucky artists to be next to a construction fence. They are renovating the Riding Club building at the north end of the loop.) I really hope they have closer parking next year, and I hope the construction fence is gone.The crowds were okay. I kept hearing from other artists that the Dogwood show is much more crowded. I also heard patrons that the word had not gotten out about the show, some of them stumbling on it by accident. This said, I had a really good show. I have only been doing the art festival circuit for 3 years, so I missed the go-go days, but at over 6K, it was good for me. In my short experience, I have noticed the South, excluding Florida, has been less affected by the economic downturn. In Atlanta I found enthusiastic buyers, all whom had never seen my work before. Now I have to say not everyone shared a similar experience. My booth neighbors both didn't meet expenses, so you may need to take this review with a grain of salt.Load out was not that smooth. Getting in the park was not bad, but getting out was horrific. We broke down and put our stuff to the side, so there would be room to pass, but there is always someone who doesn't care , and blocks the whole road.I will try to get in again next year.

How to become an expert of doing "Bad" art fairs.

Posted by Michelle Sholund on October 26, 2009 at 8:09pm

I just had a bad show this past weekend. Maybe you, yeah you, the one reading this did too. I have had quite a few of them this year with some glimmer of hope shows in-between to make me think, ok, maybe the economy isn't all doom and gloom. So, with my experience of having several bad shows under my belt - bad meaning not profitable - I feel I can add this to my expertise book too - an expert on doing bad shows. However, I want to illustrate that just because a show isn't profitable doesn't mean it has to spoil the whole day. There are actual good things that come out of bad shows, but you have to open your eyes and mind to see them. Here's a list of things I have learned that can make a bad show kinda fun and still walk away with a smile at the end of the day.First, I want to make it clear I am disappointed as others in my position when it comes to doing a bad show. Aside from theft or having your work destroyed, one of the worse things that can happen is not turn a profit - not be compensated for all the hard work in making the art, but go through all the motions to sell it too. So, in hopes of trying to make a bad situation better, please consider the things you can still be thankful for, no matter how rough a show can be.1. Stock. I labored until 12:30 the night before this past show, which took place in a mall, to make sure I had enough stock. After all you never know - people should be planning ahead for the holidays or take a mental note to find you again when the holidays get closer at future shows. In making extra stock, you always think - whoo hoo, I won't have to haul it all back home, it won't be as heavy then. That is something I always forget, because if a show is bad you still have to haul it all back home and sometimes more difficult to get back into the car. The good part - I don't have to make any more stock for the next show! Think about how nice that is for a moment. The simple notion of all one needs to do is simply load everything back into the car when the time comes, well, puts a big grin on my face. Perhaps you too? This is why I do not recommend putting things on sale at the end of the day to hopefully move it all is selling yourself short. Why discount your work, that is in perfect condition, so you merely have to go home and slave away to make more for the next show? Not only that, people start to expect you to discount your work at every show and will only start shopping when you lower your prices. Totally defeats the purpose, right?2. Down time = networking time. There are only so many things a person can do when there is down time at a show - rearrange your display, do an inventory check, tidy things that may get misplaced... Take this time as an opportunity to learn a little about your neighbors. Just as you have a fascinating story about how you got involved in doing art shows so do the countless others you are selling next to. You may find they have advice for you, live just minutes from where you live now or when you were younger, offer info on up-coming shows, maybe even buy from you because you never know. This past show I learned a fellow exhibitor had a birthday and a small group of us surprised her and sang Happy Birthday - she was surprised. I didn't know her, but she was so tickled to know that there are some great people out there willing to do something as simple as wish her a happy birthday, probably made her day. I also learned another vendor is from Hawaii - as I am part Hawaiian, and the last 2 hours of the show we talked about food, places, jokes, all that stuff. If I was in my 10x10 the whole time ignoring the world around me, I would have never had a good time meeting nice people, learn about how others are fairing at other shows, all making the hours pass like minutes.3. Breakdown. The first thing you think of, when you have a bad show, is how much longer before I can pack up. Maybe the thought would people notice if I pack up early creeps in your mind too? Well, most opt to pack up early. I even did - the show ran until 9:00 p.m. and I started packing at 8:00 - consolidating overstock and turning lights off. However others were out by 7:00 p.m. While you take your time breaking down and others are rushing to get out of there you realize two great things. A) You still get a few sales as the show is still open and people will only buy from those still open. B) After these people leave, it frees up a closer parking space (loading space near the entrance) where you can just pull your vehicle up without traffic congestion and get in and get out in no time.4. Doing bad shows forces you to be more observant. When I say observant I am referring to watching what others are doing and learn a little more about the lifestyle of how things work in the environment you are selling in. So many people, who have a short fuse when they have a bad show quickly blame things on everyone else. But what I saw are little things that could be improved and an even bigger picture that "fate" is out of your hands. What I saw that could be improved was that there were no real signs within the mall to let patrons know there is a craft show going on TODAY. IT was a first time show and something so obvious was just overlooked by the organizer. The show took place inside an abandoned dept. store - big and in a great locale (very secure and great access to all things like being near the food court and movie theater). However those who come to the mall on a regular basis will always assume it is a vacant area UNLESS they see something somewhere that tells them otherwise especially those who may have seen some advertising and get there and think the event is canceled because there are no obvious signs a show is going on. You also see that people don't go to a mall - or ART SHOW - and buy from everyone. They have a plan to seek the place they need to go to and if there is time, see what else there is - maybe a sale, a new shop, a new style of clothing for the season attracts your eye... So many artists/crafts people believe that every patron shops at every place - impossible! I have never seen this as what each artist offers isn't what EVERYONE needs at that very day. This is why some shows are better than others (where some shows offer such variety and attract so many people that you are bound to have good sales) or why some locations are better than others. You also pick up on tidbits regarding your target market - and in other instances who will never be a customer of yours and why. This will help you down the line when planning shows - which merchandise might move more (depending on the show) as well as focusing your work to a better line of what is more likely to sell, purging older works at the same time. In other words, having some down time really allows you to really see things they way they really are than how we all assume how things probably are.5. Count your blessings. I always think it could have been worse. I could have paid a whole lot more for the space and lost even more money - the space this past weekend was very cheap. Hind sight is always 20-20 and you learn from your mistakes, it makes us smarter for the next show we do. I was so happy it was an indoor show as it was a horribly windy and rainy day where I could have lost stock and possibly catch some sort of cold verses being dry and warm inside with a decent selection of food. I did have some sales - I probably would feel even worse if I spent the whole day not making one sale than the 5 very small ones I did have. These could very well be trivial to you all reading this, but I am a thankful person. It keeps me going. I realize that everyone isn't guaranteed the best show ever bringing "my" whole stock and at the end of the day left with a pile of money. It isn't realistic during any type of economic climate. But it makes you want to do even more at the next show - be more outgoing, set-up earlier to get some quick morning sales from some early shoppers, and of course realize what happened in the past doesn't determine how things will go at the next show (it's in the past and today is a new day).I open this up to you all - what have you learned from a bad show that has made you a better person/artist at more recent shows? Thanks and have a good week! - Michellewww.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com and www.bythebaybotanicals.com

Michigan Art Fairs

Posted by Sheldon Park on September 20, 2009 at 9:49pm

On September 26 & 27*Clinton Township Festival of the Senses Saturday 10 to 7; Sunday 10 to 5 200 ExhibitorsLive entertainment, taste tent and children's activitiesSeptember 26 & 27* Birmingham Art in the Park Shain Park, downtown Birmingham220 Artists Saturday - 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday - 10 am to 5 pmShain Park plays host to the original Detroit area art fair to benefit Common Ground Sanctuary. This is a lovely park with excellent artists. If you haven't had your fill of art fairs for this season you must attend this event which has a strong reputation among artists as the place to be on this weekend. Good food, kids activities and music will round out your visit.September 26 & 27*Lowell Fallasburg Fall Festival Historic Fallasburg Park Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm 80 Artists The Fallasburg Fall Festival is a unique event that develops the potential of its' extraordinary historical setting. It is held in a beautiful park with an old schoolhouse, a covered bridge and takes advantage of this lovely setting to present a small art fair that just suits the setting and its' community.If you want to spend a fall day outdoors, shopping for art, eating homemade food from local churches, watching artisans create craft objects...I'm telling you this is the perfect place. There is art for the sophisticated as well as the craft admirer. Pick up a fine etching or a dried flower wreath for your front door.For more details, kindly visit this site.

Finding the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork

Posted by WholesaleFrameCo on August 12, 2009 at 7:00pm

An artist always wants to show off their talent with highest quality and detail. A special framework is always required to display a masterpiece. A perfect frame for your artwork not only enhances its beauty but can also bring mesmerizing attraction to your piece.There are various types of artist picture frames available in the market. You can find huge contrast in the frame features, like size, texture, quality, and craftsmanship, so picking the perfect frame for your special piece of art is very important, in some ways finding the frame is an art itself. A painting is not just a piece of art; it is a culmination of emotions and thoughts, leaving an immense impact on individuals.Before you buy a frame to preserve your art, you should have an idea about the type of frame that would magnify your artwork. Wooden frames always make the artist work look very elegant. You can shop for artist pictures frames as per the size of your pocket. Apart from the material, color of the frame is also a very crucial factor. This has the potential to make your art look ordinary or extraordinary. Sometimes, looking for a frame is exhausting within itself. It's difficult to find the right frame which speaks to you. Different types of emotions are attached with each painting, so you'll need to find the frame which compliments your emotions. Sometimes it's advised that you choose your artist frame before creating your masterpiece, because the exquisite reminiscence of the frame can provide inspiration for creating your art.In many cases you'll need special frames to highlight your work. Your art may be displayed at an art gallery, auction house, an art showcase, or an ART FAIR in these special cases you'll need a special frame that stands out amongst the crowd. So, to preserve any special art for art galleries, one should opt for antique frames. Your exceptional art indeed deserves a grand treatment. An artist can leave his artistic taste on the frame work also, by making his own art frames. These frames may or may not be as spectacular as ready made frames, but such frames make any fabulous piece of art fantabulous in terms of its sentimental value. The finishing touch to art picture frames is given by glazing. It can be done by glass or acrylic. Glass offers superb scratch resistance but is heavy where as acrylic is lightweight and gives the art a superior quality.An artist cannot leave his creation to be eaten by spiders. In addition to, amplification of an artist’s work, frames act as protection force also. Art is sandwiched between the mat board and mount board. This prevents your precious art from getting damaged. An artist’s art is not meant to be stored in a box. It is meant to be framed and hung, so that its beauty and charm can be manifested. For hanging frames you'll need sturdy and strong frame hardware which will support your artwork.An artist’s work is the affirmation of his ideas and imagination, which portrays their vision and passion towards their aesthetical world. So, to scatter the beauty of their philosophy, the artist artwork must catch the eye of the spectator. Once it strikes the eyes, then it would create the magic, leaving a soothing impact on the viewers’ soul. You can easily use frames to capture the attention of your audience which will draw them to your artistic masterpiece.Wholesale Frame Company is an online store where artist can purchase wholesale frames, plein air frames, artist frames, and picture frame hardware.

If I knew now what I knew then...

Posted by Michelle Sholund on September 6, 2009 at 10:15pm

If I knew now what I knew then... Ever said this? Personally, I think I have said it too many times. Despite that, we all learn from our trials and tribulations as well as things you wouldn't change for the world when it comes to learning the ropes when it comes to selling at art and craft fairs.I have to say there is a pattern many fall into from their first year to their second and so on down the line. If you don't mind taking a stroll down memory lane with me, here's how I see "the pattern" and how some of it relates to my experience - can you relate?The first year. Have you ever met a craft person who isn't more motivated to want to start their own art/craft business than during your first year? "You" are gung-ho! Motivated! The more research you do the more you find yourself believing you are on the right track or finding the tools to be on the right track as things fall into place. Then you apply for your first show and get in! The first show is the most nerve racking experience you have ever been in your life thinking "will I make money, will people buy my stuff, and worrying if you are prepared enough". Then you get there, set up and it is one of the most eye opening experiences. First, you pinch yourself - you've made it selling at a show with other people who have "made it". The next thought? Wow, there are some other displays that are much better than mine and you start talking to neighbors who are more than kind enough to play mentor to you as you take mental pictures of displays and craft objects. Third, you make your first sale! While holding in the excitement, your first customer is proud to be your first customer too (as usually you have to let them know they are your first customer). You might make a few more sales, but end up with a whole lot of compliments - a real ego booster. Then at the end of the day you are tired yet pleasantly happy it is over ... and can't wait to do another show. As you get more shows under your belt you feel more at ease talking to show patrons, talking and getting tips from your craft show neighbors, your products are improving and incorporate those mental photographs of displays to your own display.The good and the bad of "year one". The biggest lesson is learning about how shows are run and that each one is different - different size booth spaces, the "ease" of loading and unloading is different, learning how to properly price your work, and the list goes on. Another lesson is finding out all this info is something you just can't learn in a book, but have to experience. Why, because each person and their art work is different with the results being as equally diverse - there is no cookie cutter, sure fire way to get rich quick. You find that when you thought shows would be easy, just isn't as easy as you first thought and underestimated the stresses that can occur (like making stock up until midnight the day before the event or the frustrations of packing a car last minute).After my first show, I was bit by art and craft show bug. At that show my husband helped me out - I was nervous. I ended up selling out of many things - I first started out selling my homemade jams, bread and butter pickles and pumpkin and apple butter (it was during Fall show season). I did two other shows that year - both street festivals. One was good with a nice visible space but the other was in a gutter like alley and no one was able to approach my table. It is embarrassing to look back on what I considered a "good booth". One of my early embarrassing photos of my display is the one featured with this blog post. But with getting bitten by the bug you then get a sense of over confidence - wanting to apply to A LOT of shows without taking the time to know what they are really about as well as adding to your expenses - wanting better displays and so on.The second year. Most exhibitors learn what a vendor show is compared to an art and craft show put on in a high school as well as art festivals and street fair craft shows, as they branch out to try and find more of a niche. Also you start seeing hearing about shows called "juried shows" and want to learn what they are all about, if you haven't already. What usually takes the cake though is deciding if branching out to do out door fairs is worth while and the old question - which canopy should I buy enters in. Another realization is networking at shows and on craft/art websites becomes a staple in your everyday life. Meeting new friends, reading reviews of shows, learning more about the medium you work in and finding new shows to apply to, and a chance to vent or share frustrations with "on-line co-workers" helps you feel connected and not alone in woes or joys.How does this experience par with your own? Similar? Maybe in some parts but not others? So, as I am in my 7th year of doing shows, if I were to do things differently, I would probably do a little more research into shows before signing up to them. Because of this I am a big advocate in telling people check shows out first. Go to them, read reviews, email/talk to past exhibitors about their experiences - not only can you save time (wasting a day at a lousy show), you can save money too (money that can go into buying more supplies or a different show). I wish I had better table coverings than cheap cloth from Jo Annes fabrics - bed linens, professional table covers, and other similar products work so much better. Anticipating my expenses more, would be another thing I would have paid more attention to because I fell into a category of - awesome I have money, now I MUST spend it. Aside from a few shows that were truly bad, I can't say I have any regrets. I love my life of being my own boss - yes the days are longer than first expected, but the work is fun and rewarding. I have met so many awesome friends and peers that have made some of the worst show dates delightful and we look out for each other too - suggesting shows and truly getting to know each other (even their families).I hope this stroll down memory lane is either educational or at the very least entertaining. I think we all have moments of - why did I do that and learned from those experiences. Please share any of your experiences here (or on my official blog - www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com). Have a great Labor Day weekend - don't work too hard! - Michelle

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.