This will be Howard Alan's second year in Virginia Beach. Did anyone do this show last year and can comment on it. We are heading down to this show this coming week and would like an idea of what to expect. Many thanks!
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Finding nothing on the web including at ArtShowReviews.com...I have to ask: has anyone here done the Wayzata Art Experience? I can't believe this show isn't on the radar for a bunch of great artists. I know nothing about this show but as a native to Mpls-St. Paul, I certainly know that Wayzata is pretty much Money Central in this town. All else being equal I'd assume this could be a good show.
So: Anybody have any experience with this one?
Lawrence Sawyer
The time has arrived when I must reduce significantly the number of Arts & Craft shows that I will be able to do. The reasons are two-fold – one is that I have reached the age of 72 with a bad back (metal rods, screws, fused vertebra etc.) and driving long distances for a show and setting up is becoming much more painful and difficult. The primary reason, however, is that my dear wife has been diagnosed with dementia and I can only go to a show if I have someone to stay with her. Shortly, I fear, I will not be able to leave her at all. (Our 50th anniversary is this June -1966-2016). This begs the question – what now?
The “what now” is that I will do a few shows (which will be posted on the “Show Schedule” on my website) and I will try to sell more of my instruments from my web site. (My website is being adapted to make this process easy.) Please understand that I will make instruments as long as I am able – I just will not be able to do as many shows as I used to. I will really miss seeing all of my friends, but “time waits for no man” {or woman}.
I have been so very fortunate to have had the blessing of doing the work that I have wanted to do – be it teaching or making instruments. Would that all persons could experience that, because if you do what you want to and are drawn to, then it is not work, it is expressing yourself and sharing your passion with others. People have written to me or called to thank me for the workmanship and love that has gone into the instruments that they have bought or inherited and the pleasure that they and their families have received from instruments that I built with my own hands. Imagine the satisfaction and pleasure that that affords especially considering that the goal that I strive to achieve with my work is to bring pleasure and joy to those who play and to those who hear my instruments (to say nothing of the fact that my instruments will continue to bring pleasure and joy to people long after I am gone).
Bottom line – I have had (and am having) “a good run”!
Blessings upon all!
Archie
For most artists, I suppose, this drive is something that we simply cannot ignore and our happiest hours are often those spent in our studios doing “what we do.”
But, what if something happens that threatens “what we do?” Case in point – ME. In August, 2012 I was happily working along cutting our parts for my psalteries on my table saw as I had done so very many times before when suddenly (and don’t ask me how because it happened so fast that I really don’t know) the back of my right hand bumped the 10 inch, 40 tooth carbide steel blade that was spinning at 1725 rpm. (Do NOT Try this at HOME. It is NOT Recommended). Three fingers were cut off through the knuckle and the little finger was just chewed up. I say “cut off” but the blade cut through the knuckles and the fingers were dangling by strips of flesh.
The surgeon was a miracle worker and worked all night trying to get my hand put back together. (I was concerned that he was working so late because I was afraid that his mother would not let him stay out that late.) The end result was that he could not save the middle finger and took it off at the hand. On the index and ring fingers he cleaned out where the knuckles had been and reattached them by fusing the bones together with metal strips and screws to hold them together until the bones grew together. The little finger he sewed up and put in a splint.
This fixed up my hand, but did not “fix” my drive to create. What to do? My middle finger was gone and the index and ring fingers would no longer bend. (Initially I was fearful that I would no longer be able to communicate forcible with my right hand, until I realized that I could raise my right hand and tell people to “read between the lines”.)
How was I going to “feed” that drive with a screwed up (literally) hand? Enter the unbelievably remarkable and resourceful brain. If you are determined to do something, the brain will figure out how to do it in 95+% of the cases. So I was able to figure out how to make my instruments – albeit somewhat slower and with less efficiency than before, but I COULD do it including the delicate inlaying process. (To this day, the most difficult thing for me to do is to button my shirt because my fingers will not bend. Isn’t it wonderful, under the circumstances, that the thing that is most difficult for me to do is so trivial?)
Ok, I am back feeding that creative drive although slower than before when I encounter another threat to the “care and feeding” of my creative drive. I have had lower back problems since I was young, as had my father. In July, 2014, I had my fourth – and most serious – back surgery in which the surgeons fused five vertebra in my lower back with metal rods and screws. (Once again have I been screwed.)
This time recovery is going to be longer because of the trauma to the body with the seriousness of the surgery which is now exacerbated by age – 70 then, 72 now. At this age one simply does not heal as quickly and I was in pain – sometimes better, sometimes worse but –thank goodness- controllable by medication for about a year. The pain for this long has the tendency to “take the wind out of your sails” and I have had to cut back seriously on the number of shows that I am able to do, to say nothing of being able to “scratch that creative itch.”
As I was recuperating, reality reared its ugly head and “smote me about the head and shoulders” with the true realization that I would not be able to do this forever. While I did recognize this as truth, it was a bitter pill to my ego. This is something that everyone must “come to grips with” but, it seems to me that artists would be particularly sensitive to this as it directly threatens their ability to feed the creative drive. Those whose creative work requires less physical activity will not be forced to deal with this “multi-headed monster” as soon as those of us who have a more demanding physical activity involved in our creative process. However, the time will come to all of my generation of “senior artists”- some sooner and some later, but it WILL come.
The question now becomes, how will we deal with, not only our diminishing physical abilities but our ability to feed the creative drive? We will miss our long-held friendships with friends on the art fair “circuit”. Thank goodness for email! It will be hard to let go of our show canopy and supplies, to say nothing of the faithful van that has carried us so very many miles and of which we have so many memories.
We MUST find another suitable outlet for our “creative juices” that is compatible with our abilities.
I might take up writing. It is interesting to type with a right hand that has one missing finger, two fingers that will not bend and a little finger that will not straighten. ( I mack mamy tiping miskates amd eros)
Archie Smith
Archie Smith Instruments
October 1 & 2 
Williamsburg, Virginia
downtown historic Williamsburg
145 Artists
Deadline: April 30
Application Fee: $35/Booth Fee: $275
An Occasion for the Arts (AOFTA) is held each year on the first weekend of October on the streets of historic downtown Williamsburg, a popular destination for people from around the world.
Our ambition is to be the best show possible for those artists exhibiting with us, and our commitment to our exhibitors is to balance the show in a way that showcases your work as unique and provides the potential for sales. We purposely keep the show small, 140-145 artists.
Potential for sales:
- The median household income for James City County and adjoining York County is $79,516, one of the highest in Virginia.
- Housing starts are on the Rise. Residential areas of Williamsburg are experiencing strong growth. Several new neighborhoods have emerged in the last year.
Our marketing plan includes an extensive utilization of media, including:
- An artist's directory on our website to introduce artists to our patrons well in advance of the show. Artist's information remains on our web site months after the show for patron access. (Visit our website today to learn about the artists who were invited last year)
- Customized e-Card for each artist to send to his or her patron email list.
- Promotional art show booklet distributed to over 16,000 homes and businesses listing artists and their mediums, includes full color images, booth map and helpful information for festival goers.
- A free shuttle service providing easier access for patrons
- Social Media ... with nearly 3,500 followers, our Facebook Page is an important component for us when reaching our patrons and introducing our artists.
Participating artists can look forward to:
- Early set up on the Friday with curbside
unloading and loading - Free Artist-only parking within walking distance of the show
- Artist reception and award Ceremony on Saturday evening with complementary adult beverages...cash awards for winning artists and acceptance to next year's show
- Overnight security
- On-demand booth sitters to assist the artists
AOFTA is a community show that is entirely supported by dozens of volunteerswho love the arts and diligently work to make the show a success.
Learn more: www.aofta.org
Contact: Leo Charette, aofta.artists@gmail.com, (757)565-7585
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more art fairs looking for new artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
September 10 & 11
Lincoln, Nebraska
50th Annual Festival of the Arts
50th Annual Festival of the Arts
Presented by: Cathedral of the Risen Christ PCCW
55 Artists
Deadline: June 3
Application fee: $20/Booth fee: $100
The Festival of the Arts at the Cathedral of the Christ is held inside at the Cathedral. The Cathedral is located in southeast Lincoln Nebraska and the event attracts patrons from the entire city as well as regionally as one of the longest running Art Shows in the area.
The Festival of the Arts at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ began as an idea of artist Julie Saski's in 1966. It has evolved into today's festival through Julia's work in the first 15 years and continues through the work of many of the women in the Cathedral Parish who work every year to bring art to the Cathedral.
New this year:
- Red Carpet Gala Saturday night with Wine and Beer pairings.
- Youth Art Event for emerging artists has been added this year.
Learn more and apply:
Contact: Mary Volkmer
Just got back from Lubbock Arts Festival. This is a three day indoor show where Friday night is a "Patron" night. The weather was nice but they had expected bad weather. There was a Texas Tech Spring game scheduled that was cancelled. It was also Dad and Daughter's weekend at tech.
Load in/load out. The load in times were Thursday 12-7 and Friday 12 -4 with the show starting at 6 on Friday. I much would have preferred an earlier load in time on Friday so I wouldn't have to drive in and stay another night in a hotel but was concerned if I could get in and set up in four hours. Or, even have a later set up time on Thursday. Load in was easy as there are side doors where you can park close and dolly in. No volunteers that I could see to help on Thursday but wasn't looking. On Friday, there were a few teenagers offering help. Load out on Sunday was quick and easy as well as once again was able to park close enough to dolly everything. There was a small line for those wanting to back up to the main loading doors but most people were just dollying.
Patron Night Friday night is Patron night where the local patrons buy tickets and get a dinner buffet. They feed the artists' first at 5 before doors open at 6. Food was great but get in line early. I am from OKC where the art patrons pledge to spend $500 on art. This is not the case here. My impression was that it was a social event for people/businesses that want to active in the community. Lot of socializing but no one buying or carrying art around. I sold 2 prints to one person during the three hours. Most people seemed more interested in talking to their friends than actually visiting the booths. Several performances by kid's groups were held and I suspect a large amount of the crowd were parents watching their kids. After the kids finished and they presented some award...the crowds all went home.
Saturday/Sunday Very slow Saturday. At times it seemed the aisles were empty. Show starts at 10 and goes to 7 pm. They brought a ticket by where you could go get a chick-fil-a box lunch and a water. Not sure why they didn't just bring the box lunch to us. Around 5 they came by offering water and a bag of chips/trail mix. On Saturday, it seemed the crowd was mostly lookers. No one seemed to be engaging in the art. I speak to everyone that comes into booth and generally can get them, talking about location or process. I also generally have lots of people going through my print box. Not this crowd. Would just look quickly and move on. Sunday, the crowds seemed more engaged and more talkative. Sales both days was about the same. This is the first show that I have done where I did not cover expenses.
Artist Mix Seemed like a pretty good mix of mediums without any one medium being over represented. They were promoting the show as art with a fine food twist so there were two bakeries plus some booths selling olive oil, bread mixes, margarita mix but were all more artisan type. Did not see any buy and sell. The company that sells the metal pac man type items was present. I have been next to them before and the artist was not present (not even in the same state as show)and the guy working the booth told me they have a shop where several people produce the work to the artist's specs as they are also going to wholesale markets. The artist's were all very friendly and seemed like a mix of experienced full time artists and less experienced part time artists. Every artist I talked to reported lower than usual sales and pretty much experienced the same as myself.
Repeat? Not sure if I will do this show again. Price seemed high ($475 for corner booth) as compared to the crowds there. The returning artists I spoke with said that this year was off but that it was an "OK" show the years before and most seemed to use as a filler show. People were very nice and welcoming and they took good care of us but they weren't spending money.
July 9 & 10
80 Artists
Deadline: April 26
Booth fee: $330
Corner add $75
Corner add $75
The 3rd annual "Salida Arts Festival" is located in one of Colorado's premier arts destinations. Salida was rated #30 in John Villani's book "The 100 best art towns in America." The fair is located on, and visible from one of the major east/west highways in the state and held at the height of the tourist season. The town typically draws thousands of destination tourists in the summer and they all will drive past the show location.
The show is all about 2D and 3D art. The Arts Fair is run by and for artists. The director, Jerry Scavezze has done (and is still actively doing) shows for over 20 years. It is promoted and managed by artists with more than 50 years experience participating in juried art festivals. They understand the needs of artists and the importance of a show's location.
The Show would make a nice add on to Cherry Creek or Breckenridge over the 4th of July, or Boulder or Ft. Collins the following weekend.
We are committed to major and wide-spread advertising. The County Visitors Bureau and Salida Chamber of Commerce are promoting the event as well. We promote the show both in print and on NPR, in nearby tourist towns and in cities with established art festivals.
Changes for our third year (per artist suggestions):
- some acoustic music
- an upscale food truck or two so people don't have to leave the event for lunch
Participants said of the inaugural show:
- Congratulations on pulling off a hugely complicated and difficult task. I believe you will succeed and show others what a fair with heart looks like.
- Normally I never do a first year show, but I wanted to support a fellow artist trying to create a venue with heart. You came with very positive feedback from my fellow artists that I respected, so I took a chance and really did well.
- Two of my biggest customers were tourists who saw the show from US 50 as well as the signs posted on the highway.
Contact: Jerry Scavezze, jerrysaf1@SalidaArtsFestival.com
Phone: (719)539-2971
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more art fairs looking for you: http://www.callsforartists.com/call-for-artists.html
October 8 & 9 
Sedona, Arizona
Presented by: Sedona Arts Festival
126 Artists
Deadline: May 15
Application Fee: $30/Booth Fee: $390 or $450
The Sedona Arts Festival is a favorite in the Southwest during the busy fall tourist season. Sedona has a fairly affluent retired population that enjoys the festival and comes to spend. During the busy fall tourist season it is usually cool and dry with temperatures in the mid 70's.
With Sedona's spectacular red rocks as a backdrop and glorious fall weather to compliment the event, the festival attracts approximately 3,000 seasonal and year round residents and tourists. The festival showcases fine artists from around the country, as well as a Gourmet Gallery. KidZone offers activities for children. Raffle prizes, live music (no lyrics), and a variety of food and beverages are available as well.
Please note:
The Sedona Arts Festival is an intimate show. It does not have tens of thousands of attendees - we average 3000 for the weekend. We offer a friendly, well-organized show with engaged and eager buyers. Attendees are, on average, a 50/50 split between Sedona tourists and Sedona locals. Our field of artists is comprised of 50% returning artists and 50% new artists to keep our show fresh and interesting year after year.
Marketing:
Print ads in local newspapers for 4 weeks prior to festival- Feature stories in local papers including the cover of the Art Scene
- Cover of Red Rock Rewards - Coupon book distributed to every household in Sedona, Verde Valley, and Flagstaff
- 10,000 rack cards distributed to every hotel, motel, and B&B in Sedona as well Phoenix/Scottsdale
- Facebook posts with 3000 followers plus paid Facebook advertising
- 20 banners hang along Hwy 179 and 89A
- Coordination with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce (Facebook, Twitter, press releases) as well as the Uptown Visitor Center (sandwich board, rack cards, at-the-counter information)
- More ....
Sedona is very limited in allowing signage along the roads or banners across the streets, so we do our best to promote the festival through the methods listed above.
A testimonial:
Thanks so much for an expertly run event. The Sedona Arts Festival is the best run, most artist friendly event I have ever done. I first began doing art fairs in 1967. In 1985 I took a 25 year hiatus and restarted a couple years ago. I have done ACE shows, big events like Old Town in Chicago and the original Ann Arbor street fair, 4th Ave in Tucson, Tubac and both indoor and outdoor venues. The level of communication with the artists by you and obviously the background workday the staff and volunteers, is second to none.
Apply: www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=4529
Website: www.sedonaartsfestival.org
Contact: Lori Reinhart, director@sedonaartsfestival.org, (928)204-9456
Just got back from 4 Bridges Art Fair in Chattanooga,Tennessee tonight. When I pack up from a show and drive home I can never get to sleep that night...I don't know what it is...I'm always beyond tired but jazzed also. Anybody else have that problem? Anyway, while I'm staring at the walls... I thought I would do a review of this lovely mid-sized show.
Friday is set up all day, the committee is there to give you the packets from 8 a.m on. A.V.A, the group that has put on this festival for the last sixteen years is incredibly organized and pro-artist. It certainly is great to be part of a show that treats us so well. The venue is in a large open but covered pavilion. (no rain problems) So, there is a considerable dollying in situation. The right far side of the pavilion is car accessible, the middle and the left hand side are a much longer distance, depending where your booth is. There is great back of booth storage space on either far wall but if you are in the middle it can be a tight fit. Corner booths are the exception as there seemed to be more space around the side for them.
Some artists put a tent up so that they could cover their work at night but many just left the work exposed. Nothing, (I heard) was taken or messed with.The security was top notch. I put up a cheap pop up that I had when I first started, and it served the purpose. if I get in next year, I will probably just leave my work out and not worry about it.
This show feeds you and feeds you really well.....Friday night was the Patron Party and we were served a great dinner before it started. Also, we were given free drink tickets and beer on tap throughout the whole show for artists....not too shabby (Nels, take note) !!!
The Patron Party...ah, well, it was from 6 until 10 and we were all pretty tired by the end. I realize these parties are a thank you to supporters and volunteers but an hour shorter would have helped. I didn't see much go out that first night...but that is usually the way it is. My friend Matt sold the heck out of his bird houses though...so I stand corrected. From my vantage point...I didn't see too many packages go out the door.
Saturday was sunny and solid. Everyone around me did really well. The crowds came and came inside each booth- which makes a big difference. There were very few tire-kickers here and lots of engagement from people. That could be because of the ten dollar (I think that is how much) entry fee. It didn't stop the crowd...It was busy most of the day. The show went to 7p.m. It quieted down around 6-ish but fifteen minutes before the end I had a $450 dollar sale-so go figure. And, we were served breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There were big prizes given out, I was next to Clifton, a photographer from Baltimore who was having a slow Saturday, I did the ol' pep talk... stay positive and things will get better....Well, ten minutes later he got the Best of Show-(4K)-Ha! See, you just never know. You probably know Clifton's work, Incredible stuff... and he has that iconic picture of a little girl standing on a sink with her arms spread wide- knock-out! I was so happy for him- what a humble, wonderful human being. Lucky me being next to him.
Sunday was even busier than Saturday. Hours were 10 to 5 and they again served us breakfast and lunch and to top it all off brought each one of us a goodie gift bag for the drive home. Ah, that every show would be that good to us.....
Load out, honestly, was hard, we were all trying to get out and it was a bit hectic and long. Artist's parking was right next to the pavilion on either side- we could get things out of our cars if we needed to- the buyers walked over from a distant large parking lot. We were right up close and personal- when have you heard of that lately? Like I said, artist's as royalty....a wonderful concept!
I had a really good show. I had done the show in 2013 and it was lack luster for me. I applied in 2014 and 15 and got in... but didn't attend. I thought it wasn't my market. Boy, was I wrong! The jeweler next to me and my friend a 2D artist had fabulous shows too. I saw a lot of big work walking out the door- almost everyone was carrying a package. Can't beat that!
I have to say, that for a small Southern City, Chattanooga has it's act together. I used to live here many years ago and it sure isn't the same town anymore! Bike lanes, great restaurants, museums, super clean, and just a really positive vibe among residents. I recommend a visit- you will be blown away.
Just for the record...I have been lucky this year so far. I have written three reviews- all good. I am not Susie Sweetheart...I can be as snarky as the next guy....and I have been to plenty-and I mean plenty of bad shows. This one turned out well and hopefully this run will continue, if it doesn't ....I'll roll...that's what we do-right?
September 23, 24 & 25
Kansas City, Missouri
Country Club Plaza
240 Artists
Deadline: April 25
Application fee: $25; Booth fee: $425, corner add'l $175
The Plaza Art Fair marks the beginning of autumn for all Kansas Citians, and attracts art enthusiasts from all over the nation. This annual celebration is located on the Country Club Plaza recognized as the oldest shopping district in the country and a beloved destination in Kansas City.
During this spectacular weekend, nine blocks of the Country Club Plaza will be filled with amazing artwork from 240 premier artists, cuisine from 24 Plaza restaurants and the best local and regional live music on 3 stages. Additionally the Plaza
has teamed up with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to provide interactive art activities for kids. Expect:
- 300,000 art enthusiasts in attendance
- $10,000 in cash awards
- Artist electricity included in booth fee
- Artist breakfast, booth sitters, hospitality area & free parking
Ranked as one of the Art Fair Calendar's Best Art Fairs and in the Top Ten Fine Art Events by the Art Fair Sourcebook.Learn more: plazaartfair.com
For questions contact Jan Cichello, jcichello@taubman.com, 816-960-6234
Thought you would enjoy member Mark Oehler's message to me about leaving art fairs behind:
Connie,
It is 2 years now since my last art fair. I do miss seeing my art fair friends, customers with money and good times.
That said I do not miss packing and unpacking my van. Or finding a RV park for my camper. Or eating in mysterious diners or art fair food trucks. I also don't miss ridiculous high entry fees, or driving 2 days to a show and as I found missing many customers at my gallery. So, I am happy to report that there is life after art fairs.
I did my first show while still in college in 1967. I took every pot I had made that semester. Not a great number, but I was hooked. Now I have spit the hook.
I wish all the art fair doers the best of luck and safe travels and good sales.
Mark Oehler
I'm sure Mark's sentiments mirror many of yours. They are a contrast to Margaret Luttrell's recent blog post about taking a chance on a 10 hour drive to Louisiana and the ensuing rewards.
Which side are you on? Mark's off the road and it is working ... or Margaret's still up for the adventure?
July 9 & 10Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Presented by: Steamboat Arts Council
160 Artists
Deadline: April 24
Application fee: $35; Booth fee: $300
Art in the Park is located at the west end of beautiful downtown Steamboat Springs at West Lincoln Park, in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Colorado.
The festival is free to the public and features nearly 160 artist vendors, live entertainment, food vendors, and an interactive children's art area. This popular and successful event takes place over Hot Air Balloon Rodeo Weekend, which draws large crowds through a weekend of fun and excitement. Around 10,000 people attend our festival.
Website: www.steamboatarts.org
Contact: Beth Liggitt
Email: bethl@steamboatarts.org
Phone: (970)879-9008
This was my first show of the year and the first since having rotator cuff surgery four months ago. I learned some things on this go around, among which was the need to organize the way I hang pieces better and to next time take a decent step stool so I can reach the top of the panels to hang stuff instead of standing tippy-toe on the top of a two-step stool.
Load-in is on Friday morning starting at 9:00 AM and it is strongly suggested to be there early if your set up takes some time. Last year the community center building where the show is held had good size skids available, but I didn't see them this year. I did bring a dolly and it was a good thing as it is a few steps from the load out area to where my booth was inside the building. The problem is that if you unload everything into your space, which is only 8 feet deep, you have to move everything around while you set up display panels.
There is no storage space available in the booth unless you sacrifice some space at the rear. The show does have locked storage available, but it's the set up clutter that's the problem, not storage after the set-up is done. Several artists took the tactic of bringing in panels first and quickly setting those up before bringing in the rest of their material. Unfortunately that tended to bog down the spaces available to park your vans or trailers while unloading.
I opted for a 15 foot wide space, which were determined by request and how fast you sent in your payments. I sent mine in immediately after acceptance. I left a little space on the left side of the booth behind the panels, so the left side of the booth was only two 38" panels deep which left about 16 inches space behind me. That was just enough space to slide in Rough Totes sideways with zero clearance behind them and the artist behind me. But it worked though :-)
Aisles were narrow, zero clearance behind and beside your space, so you sit inside the booth or stand around. I put up an L set of panels in the middle and sat behind there where I could still see people when they came in on that side.
Sales were all over the place with some folks doing well, some fair-to-middlin', and others struggled. In other words, just like any other show, although I heard from several that they were down this year compared to last. I was down almost 50% from last year and wound up taking a loss. I'll apply again next year to see what happens and decide at that time what to do.
Some complained about the Friday portion of the show, which started at 5:00 and ran to 9:00. A mixed media artist got off to a good start with a couple of nice sales and was already breaking even by that point. Saturday was 10-6, and Sunday was 11-4.
Volunteers came around frequently with water and checking on us. Another nice touch was being able to order food in advance from the concession folks, with the volunteers delivering it to your booth. Sandwiches were great tasting and healthy, with the chicken salad sandwich as good as anything I've had elsewhere. I might mention that this is a volunteer driven organization and they have the show logistics well in hand.
Tear down went fairly smooth with most out of the building in about 2-3 hours, and I wasn't the last out although close to it at 4 hours. I can lift heavy tubs to waist level but can't lift to shoulder high if it weighs more than 25-30 pounds, so it takes some finagling to stack tubs in the van on top of each other.
The show is organized in "streets" with names and a center "boulevard" that keeps it from clogging up with heavy traffic. There are about 130 artists in the show with all but about 12-15 in the rink area of the building. The others are in another room where the food concession and restrooms are. You need to bring your own lights as the building lighting is very high and some sections are dimly lit. Power is supplied with a limit of about 300 watts per booth.
Here are a couple of shots taken from up in the bleacher stands to give an idea of the layout of the show. the shots aren't the greatest as all I had with me was my cellphone.
June 25 & 26
Atlanta, Georgia
Old Fourth Ward Park
Presented by:
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces
Approximately 130 Artists
Deadline: April 22
Application Fee: $25 ($35 mail in)
Booth Fee: $250-$400
Named "Best New Event" by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association, this two-day arts festival has become the perfect celebration of the artistic innovation that the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood, considered to be the most up and coming neighborhood in Metro Atlanta. Visitors will enjoy art from up to 150 local and regional artists carefully chosen to reflect this historic but progressive neighborhood.
The Festival is a major celebration of the arts while honoring the rich history of our community. At this festival, there is something for everyone: fine arts and crafts, a children's play area, local food and beverage concessions and live acoustic entertainment. All this within the environment of Atlanta's most lovely park and part of the celebration on the Beltline redevelopment.
Formerly, this area flanked "City Hall East," which is now under redevelopment as Ponce City Market by Jamestown Properties. This area is targeted as one of the prime examples of urban redevelopment and innovation, benefiting the surrounding communities.
Formerly, this area flanked "City Hall East," which is now under redevelopment as Ponce City Market by Jamestown Properties. This area is targeted as one of the prime examples of urban redevelopment and innovation, benefiting the surrounding communities.
Apply: www.zapplication.org
Learn more: www.oldfourthwardartsfestival.com
Contact: Randall D. Fox, randall@affps.com | www.affps.com
Phone: (404)873-1222
It's a great question. And over the years I have always opted for a double booth for my own reasons.
It looks much more substantial which customers can assume , "Oh this is more impressive, this artist is more successful THEREFORE I'd better check it out."
I specialize in humor which at first blush always suffers from the Rodney Dangefield effect- "Don't get no respect". But once people catch on to what I have (sometimes it's the color that draws them in- sometimes it's my personality) they have to read every single title of every single piece.
That's because when there's humor involved, no one wants to miss out on a good laugh. So when they read every single title, they stay longer, the booth fills up more, it looks like "Hey it's crowded so it must be worthwhile checking out". And the longer they stay the better the chance of them buying something. Plus it gives me more time to address the entire group with information (our specials) and humor "No internal laughing allowed here folks!"
Does a double double my sales? no!. But it sure feels more like a gallery than a broom closet. Way back I had a single inline booth at a very busy show. People got trapped in there. I could not get in to talk to anyone and I vowed never again to have an inline booth. Other artists can do fine with it. I can't.
So it's a single corner or a double if I can afford it. Whew! There you are. I hope that helps some of you.
Jeff
Renaissance Craftables is excited to announce our
2016 Schedule
We are excited to partner with these premiere shopping districts providing artists and crafters wonderful neighborhoods and events to showcase their work.
To learn about our other shows and to apply to any of our shows
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2nd Annual Hackettstown Craft & Fine Art Festival
Hackettstown, NJ
Sunday - June 12
10 AM to 5 PM Rain or Shine
Deadline May 15
Application Fee $15, Booth Fee $100
($25 corner premium)
($25 corner premium)
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| scarf by ecru richsilk designs |
Join us for the 2nd Annual Hackettstown Craft & Fine Art Festival. Hackettstown is located in a valley along the banks of the Musconetcong River in Northwest New Jersey. Hackettstown is home to many events and is the perfect place for a Craft & Fine Art Festival with its many restaurants and fine shops. Hackettstown draws from the North Jersey region with a median income of $104,000 (within a 20 minute drive).
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Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival
Haddonfield, NJ
July 9 & 10
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday & Sunday
Sat 11 AM to 7 PM,
Sun 12 noon to 5 PM
Rain or Shine
Deadline: March 20
Application Fee $20Booth Fee $325 to $375
Please join us the 24th Annual Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival. Haddonfield is a great place for a crafts and fine art festival, shopping, dining, visiting and more.
The Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival was voted as one of the 200 Best Shows by Sunshine Artist.™ Haddonfield has been chosen by Philadelphia Magazine and South Jersey Magazine as one of the best places to live in the Delaware Valley, and the Courier Post readers have voted it the "Best Downtown Shopping Area" year after year.
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| Necklace by Jungwhon Joo |
Haddonfield's historic houses, elegant gardens, and more than 200 shops, galleries and restaurants are the heart of this beautiful borough.
This premier event is widely advertised and is eagerly anticipated by a knowledgeable, appreciative and friendly audience. The Festival draws more than 100,000 attendees and is convenient by car or public transportation to festival-goers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Perfectly located along the scenic Delaware River, the Camden Waterfront shares the river's banks with Penn's Landing, just one mile from Philadelphia's historic district, forming a unique two-sided waterfront destination that bubbles over with fun!
2nd Annual Camden Waterfront Arts & Wine Festival
Camden, NJ
September 2016 (Date TBD)
10 AM to 5 PM Rain or Shine
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| painting by William Butler |
The Camden Waterfront is home to many events and is a great place to celebrate the Arts and check out local wineries!
Learn more & apply today: http://www.rencrafts.com
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Renaissance Craftables 2016 Schedule
Downtown Glenside Arts Festival Show dates: April 30, 2016 (rain or shine) Show days and times: Saturday, 12 Noon to 6 PM Location: Downtown Glenside at Easton Rd & Glenside Ave Application due date: March 1, 2016 Notification: March 15, 2106 Artist fees: $15 Jury Fee, $100 Booth Fee (10'x10'), $15 Corner Premium Click here to apply
9th Street Italian Market Festival Show date: May 21 & 22, 2016 (rain or shine) Show days and times: 11 AM to 6 PM Location: Italian Market Area, South Philadelphia, PA Application due date: March 1, 2016 Notification: March 15, 2106 Artist fees: $15 Jury Fee, $210 Booth Fee (10'x10'), $25 Corner Premium Click here to apply
Hackettstown Craft & Fine Art Festival Show date: June 12, 2016 (rain or shine) Show days and times: 10 AM to 5 PM Location: Hackettstown Business District (North Jersey) Application due date: May 15, 2016 Notification: May 30, 2016 Artist fees: $15 Jury Fee, $100 Booth Fee (10'x10'), $25 Corner Premium Click here to apply
Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival Show date: July 9 & 10, 2016 (rain or shine) Show days and times: Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM, Sunday 12 Noon to 5:00 PM Location: Haddonfield Business District (Kings Highway & Tanner Sts) Application due date: March 20, 2016 Notification: April 24, 2016 Artist fees: $15 Jury Fee, $325 Booth Fee (10'x10'), $50 (Corner Fee) Click here to apply
Haddonfield Fall Festival Show dates: October 15, 2016 (rain date: Oct. 16, 2016) Show day and times: Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM Location: Haddonfield Business District (Kings Highway & Tanner Sts) Application due date: August 1, 2016 Notification: August 15, 2016Artist fees: $15 Jury Fee, $125 Booth Fee (10'x10'), $25 Corner Premium Click here to apply
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Here's a podcast I did last year with Marcy Boroff, of Renaissance Craftables, one of the East Coast's premier craft show promotion companies partnering with downtown areas and non-profits. East Coast Craft Shows, the Ups & Downs of the Business
November 18-20Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Benton Convention Center
Patron's Preview: Fri. 5:30pm-9pm
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm
Presented by: Piedmont Craftsmen
110 exhibiting artists
Deadline: April 18
Application fee: $35/Booth fee: starting $625
Piedmont Craftsmen is a Juried Fine Craft Guild that has represented and supported Fine Craft Artists since 1963. Artists jurying for Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair are applying for lifetime membership in a Guild with a year-round gallery in downtown Winston-Salem, and strong Exhibition and Education programs.
Artists accepted to the show are evaluated by a standards committee for invitation as Exhibiting Members. Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair accepts exhibitors in all the major fine craft media, including clay, fiber, jewelry, metals, glass, mixed media (2-D and 3-D), fine printmaking, photography, and wood.
The event is promoted to and attended by an audience that includes Charlotte and Raleigh as well as North Carolina's Piedmont Triad. Fair visitors also come from South Carolina and southern Virginia.
Promotions include print advertising (newspaper and glossy monthlies), radio, direct mail, billboards, social media; television, national, statewide and regional news releases to print and broadcast media; valued at roughly $80,000.
Artist Amenities: booth sitting, artist rates at several hotels, loading dock managers, 2 Preview Party guest passes.
Booth fee: starts at $625 for a 10x10 booth, includes pipe and drape and electricity. 50% due with contract, balance by September 19.
- Reported Exhibitor sales at the Fair over the past several years have averaged over $3,200.
- Piedmont Craftsmen has a large and loyal customer base for our annual Fair and our Year-Round Gallery in the heart of Winston-Salem's Downtown Arts District.
- The Gallery/Shop, which only sells work by juried exhibiting members, welcomed more than 14,500 visitors in 2015, and has averaged more than $200,000 in sales over the past four years.
Our Fair Exhibitors and members say:Good treatment of the artists...helpful set up and breakdown...You all do a fantastic job...
The annual Fair is outstanding and could be in any large city anywhere in the world...
They will do whatever they can to help you as an artist because they are there to help artists...one of the top galleries in the southeast...
They get my "Good Housekeeping seal of approval" for craft artists... a history of attracting top craftsmen who continue evolving...
Piedmont Craftsmen has an active community education program, including long and short term artist residencies in the public schools, and partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and the Sawtooth School for Visual Art.
Apply: www.zapplication.org
Learn more: www.piedmontcraftsmen.org
Contact: Deb Britton
Phone: (336)725-1516
I rented a double booth at the Great Lakes Art Fair in Novi, Michigan last weekend. This is the first time I've had a double and I only did it because the art fair offered the second booth for 1/2 price, and its an indoor show. The double cost me $600 and I loved the extra room and the panoramic display on the back wall. For this one experience, the extra investment seemed to pay off. My sales were 50% more than they were last year (but that could be accredited to other factors as well). I'm wondering what other artists think about the extra expense (and work) of doing a double. I've noticed that most photographers have double booths.
I have a Trimline booth. I'd be reluctant to buy a second one (my wife would kill me. She's not all that crazy about setting up one booth let alone two. Trimlines are hEAVY)). I'm thinking that I could set up in the middle of a 20-foot space and wing out a five foot awning on both sides. This would only work in good weather so renting a double would be a risk. But, if I can make 50% more with a double, the gamble might be worth it. What are other artists' experiences with doubles?
