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 I don't even know how to explain this show.....except that last Fall I went to a show in Covington, Louisiana that I really liked... not just for the fact that it was a good solid sales show for me, but also because I just really liked Louisiana( a first time for me) ... and it didn't hurt that they also have great food and know how to make an excellent Bloody Mary.  

So, since I have never been able to crack the hard shell entry to the New Orlean's Jazz Fest in the last four years,  I decided that maybe it was worth the drive to try out Baton Rouge. It was a new listing on Zapp but a show that had been around for a few years. After arriving, I found out that it was a show that was under new management this year and the director, Malcolm Robertson was trying to keep all the balls in the air at the same time. Without any irony, (which there is plenty of in the deep south) I would like to declare..."Bless His Heart" - he did an amazing job- I can't even imagine what he must have been up against. He was helpful and accommodating and really nice while keeping everyone happy.

Let me back up a bit and tell you a little background. It was a 10 hour drive, that is never an auspicious beginning for me.... any time-any show. Plus, last Thursday and Friday there were more Tornado warnings up in down Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana than you could shake a stick at. Booth spaces got assigned last Thursday...and that is when we were notified that set up was on Saturday morning. I walked the show on Friday night when I got there and I realized I had a booth spot that would be in full sun and emailed Malcolm to see if I could change my spot. Even though I sent an email on Friday night...I showed up early on Saturday and wondered what to do. Malcolm helped me move my booth and I was set up under some big oaks and out of the direct sun ( I'm an encaustic painter) .

 The show was set up in the main historic square with plenty of space behind the booths for storage. Once the show started I was really surprised at the crowds. There were about 80 booths that were set up on the tree lined median. I can't say that Saturday was very warm and it got pretty windy but luckily there were no flying tents and nothing too crazy happened.

The people of Baton Rouge however did come out in full force and were eager to buy and everyone I talked to had a good solid day. There were also a good amount of awards given out and they were pretty substantial amounts. I was lucky enough to be one of the recipients.

I usually hate when music is close to me at a show... but honestly, I was amazed at the diversity of musical genres that were on display, Everything from poetry jams to rap to mariachi bands -to great folk and indy bands.  And I only heard one stage! There were two other stages with the main stage pretty far from the artist venue. It was well thought out and really enjoyable. The show delivered lunch to the artists, which was a nice touch...But, just a wish for next year... Please provide coffee in the morning, as most of us are truly addicted and need it desperately and there was no place open or around to purchase it in the A.M.

Sunday was warmer and sunny and no wind and the crowds came out again. For me personally, it wasn't as good a day as Saturday but it was still decent. The potter's I talked to said they had done well and the painter next to me had a good show, but I was on my own, so I didn't get around as much as I would have liked. Load out was easy as we were aloud to bring our cars right up to our booths. 

For a show in transition, I felt like I was at a show that had the potential to be great in a few years. It had good bones and a director that wanted it to succeed. It had great music and a buying crowd that usually has to go other places to get any art that isn't local. It's a drive, that for sure... but sometimes it's not such a bad thing to go with your instincts and take a chance on a show that isn't tested and reviewed. It's risky, that's true... but you might just be pleasantly surprised! And if nothing else...you will definately appreciate the Bloody Mary's.

Bill Kinney is a new breed of show director, coming from years of experience selling his own photography at art shows. His diverse background brings many skills to the table, making his shows in demand by some of the higher end artists on the circuit. Read about Bill's philosophy on art events and his ideas on how to fix and rescue the art fair industry.
http://bermangraphics.com/blog/bill-kinney-interview/

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Last weekend was our first show of the year in Pass Christian, Ms.   When we applied we were not real sure where Pass Christian was but when we saw that it was on the Gulf of Mexico on the first weekend of April we applied and were accepted.  Pass Christian is one of the small communities that line the coast between Biloxi and New Orleans. The venue is War Memorial Park which is separated by the beach by a four lane road.  From our booth at the front on the show we were treated to the sounds of seagulls and panoramic views of the beach.  

The long range weather forecast seemed to change by the minute, but as we left on Friday there were storms all along the coast.  Sure enough, thunderstorms were present as we checked in.  But, we managed to catch the only window of dry weather the whole day to set up. As we were putting the last panel on our booth, the skies let loose again and we got soaked anyway. Luckily there is ample parking around the park so there is minimal dollying.  Other than the weather, set up was very easy. 

There are no motels in Pass Christian so we stayed at a new Hampton Inn which was about a 20 minute drive away in Gulfport.  After changing into dry clothes we set off for food and some live music.  We ended up at a BBQ restaurant called Murky Waters in downtown Gulfport, great BBQ and a great blues band.  

All night long there was thunder and lightning.  But the sky cleared and there was "Chamber of Commerce'" weather both Saturday and Sunday.  We were somewhat concerned that we did not see any advertising for the show anywhere.  Since the weather was so bad on Friday, many of us were trying to hang work or set up on Saturday morning.  An hour before the start time people started pouring in.  This is a big event for the community and it seems everyone shows up.  The last two years there have been issues with the weather, so maybe there was some pent up art energy. The show is run by volunteers in support of art education in the community.  All artists are required to donate a piece of work to a silent auction as a condition of participation.  

As for sales, the public was buying.  A lot of bags went by our booth, but mainly small items. We visited all of the photography booths to assess what else was there.  A well known local photographer was doing very well with his matted prints of well known local scenes.  The same was true of another local who is more into digital enhancement.  We were pleased with our sales but felt we could have done better.  None of our most expensive pieces sold, but we were able to move some framed pieces from last season.  We came home with a lot less that we left with. A jeweler across from us was busy and reported having a good show. A fused glass artist next door was satisfied as well.

Break down went very smoothly as we were able to park within 50 feet of our booth.

This show was a fantastic way to start our year.  We had such a great time and had great food.  We ate dinner both Saturday and Sunday nights at a place called Bacchus on the Beach; two of the best meals I have ever had.  Sunday night we were meeting our next door booth neighbors on the patio for an end of show dinner and drinks. We accidentally crashed a birthday party for a local guy who had reserved the patio for his celebration.  He bought us a drink and gave us each one of his birthday tee shirts.

I forgot to mention that the local fire department stopped by our booth as they made their rounds. When they saw our industrial images they asked us if we would be willing to shoot their antique fire engine later that night.  We met them after dinner and had a great time hanging out with them for a couple of hours between calls. 

So, in summary, set up and break down was easy as could be, sales were OK for us and better for others, the volunteer staff was well organized and helpful when needed, and the venue was beautiful. Above all, the other artists and the local folks we met were very nice. We made some new friends, had some great food, listened to some good music, enjoyed the beach, and covered expenses while making a little money, all the while having a blast! Thank You Pass Christian. 

We are scurrying to get those last minute details done, the van packed, the dog sitter ready, and we plan to roll out to Novi for the Great Lakes Art Fair.  We like to find art fair insiders where we go... so i am wondering who will be there?  Hope we can cath up, say hello, and get to know you.  We are in booth 507.  Drop a line if you will be there!

Get ready to change everything you currently believe about selling your art!

Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett has written an article about face-to-face art sales that has been viewed over 3,300 times since it was published a few days ago. It's getting traction because it reveals "the elephant in the room" and gets to the heart of artists' fears and unfounded beliefs about how to sell and why people should buy what you make.

Read the article here:

http://www.artsyshark.com/2016/03/31/why-you-fail-to-sell-your-art-at-festivals-and-fairs/

i see reviews from 2014, does anyone have input from last year's show?

thx

Kathleen Hughes from the La Quinta Arts Festival, La Quinta (CA), has given me permission to share this private email from her with you:

I know that you always like to get statistics or hear how a show went across the country. This morning this information was sent to all of our participating artists.

 

This year I concentrated heavily on marketing to the coastal audience (we are two hours away) hoping to compensate for the weak Canadian dollar with many second homeowners here in the Coachella Valley. Well as only Mother Nature can, she laughed at me! It poured rain along the coast Saturday and Sunday and 22% of the tickets purchased in advance for the weekend day did not take the risk and drive to Festival. We tried to assure the patrons that called that the skies were overcast and we did have a few gusts of wind but nothing like what was being touted by the newscasters.

 

Our attendance overall was down 20% from 2015. But those who came, bought art as art sales have surpassed $2.7 million when in reality with a 20% drop in attendance, we should only have reached $2.5 million. We are extremely grateful for the high quality of art and new talent that was at Festival and believe this is the reason that art sales remained strong. Thrilled to get such a strong influx of new artists from the Midwest and East Coast! (Thank you for your influence on them to travel such a long distance to the West.)  The new artists swept the Artist Awards which confirms what I meant about their strength.

 

You may not feel the effects of the weak Canadian Dollar in Florida but it certainly hits both California and Arizona hard. We depend on the snowbirds for a strong winter season and all  business is down 20-30% this season throughout the Coachella Valley.  So we feel very fortunate indeed.

 

I hope this  information gives you a better understanding our market. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

 

Kathleen Hughes
Events Manager

I wonder if these Canadians were also missing from the Florida shows this year. Does anyone have any information on that? 

     The Elkhart For the Love of Art Show was held on March 12, 2016. This show is held in the Elkhart RV Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is located not far from the Elkhart City limits. It is also right off of the I 80 Indiana Toll Road which makes it very visible to people coming from the toll road or from Michigan.

     The RV Hall of Fame sits in the center of a huge open area. There were signs along the road in Michigan and near the Hall of Fame announcing the art show. They weren't huge signs but if you were looking for the show the signs did tip you off that you were near the show. There was also one of those tall flags at the drive into the Hall of Fame to catch people's attention from the road. There was plenty of parking for shoppers close to the building as well.

     The Hall of Fame was a great building to use for the art show. Artists could actually drive right inside the building to load in their booth and art work. They did have to arrive early to do that but it would be well worth it if you work an art show all by yourself or have heavy equipment or art work. There was plenty of space for each booth. None of the booths looked small at all.

Shireen Cline is the show's producer.  Shireen has been working so hard to put on a great show.  I have bumped into Shireen at several shows this past year.  She has been attending shows to observe what each show was doing to put on a good show.  Shireen is bubbly and energetic.  Her enthusiasm is infectious. 

     Shireen had about 50 top notch artists lined up for her show.  No category was top heavy.  There were several artists that were demonstrating their art work during the day.  One man was weaving the most beautiful Mexican rugs.  A glass blower was demonstrating how he blew glass pieces.  There was an artists drawing caricatures for shoppers. 

     AFI member Monica Langowski actually finished painting one of the cushions for the sofa above that Shireen is sitting on during the show.  I don't know how she did it.  I noticed the cushion was not finished as I visited her booth earlier in the day.  When I came back later it was done and Shireen posed for a photo on the sofa.  Monica told me that she was also chosen to display this sofa in one of the showcases in the Merchandice Mart in Chicago for the new Spring One of a Kind Show in April.  What a great opportunity that will be for her.

     Shireen had 5 top decorative artists and 5 top functional artists chosen from all of the exhibiting artists.  Of those 10 one artist received a free booth in next year's show.  Shoppers also entered their names in a drawing when they arrived to the show. 

     There were several great door prizes for shoppers that were given away later in the day.  There was also a children's drawing.  One little girl won a free week at art camp from the Elkhart Art League. 

    Soft music was playing for the enjoyment of shoppers who needed a little break.  It was a great place for artists or shoppers to also take in a little lunch.  There was only one food booth at this show.  The food was not meant to overshadow the art at this show. 

     I did notice shoppers with packages as they left the hall.  I think the artists would have liked a larger crowd at this show.  I don't know why there weren't more.   It was a fairly warm Saturday for March.  I suppose people may have been taking advantage of the warm weather.  After talking with Shireen I know she tried to cover all the bases to get shoppers there.  She personally told me she spent quite a bit on advertising.  I even saw her at the Garage Sale Art Fair in Kalamazoo in February handing leaflets out for the show.  Sometimes shows take a few years to develop a following which may be the case here.  However, I do think this show is going to continue to build and get better with each year.

      The opportunity was there for artists to have larger booths if they wanted them.  This hall was easily accessible for wheelchairs, too with no steps and wide walking aisles. 

      The artists all seemed very friendly and were more than happy to talk about their art work.  That added to the intimate atmosphere of the show.  Another nice thing about getting into this show is once you jury into this show you will always be invited back.  

From an email I received:

I just purchased a new Showoff tent and Armstrong walls for the 2016 season. Being in MI and in the middle of winter I am not sure I will get the chance to get a new image made before getting out my apps that are due soon. My last year's image is with my EZUP tent and mesh walls. Is it better to find a way to get my booth set up and shot before the deadlines or to use my image from last year and instead let the show know that I do have this new setup?

Thanks!

My response:

It all depends. Is it a well known show with many applicants, or one where you might not have to be too strict about the rules? 

If its a biggie and your old booth shot is good, I'd use that. Shows do not choose their exhibitors on the quality of their set ups. I know we obsess over which is the best tent, walls, color, angle, that will get ourselves into a show, but basically the show just wants to know your 10 x 10 will add value to the overall look of the show.

Didn't get around to shooting it? Put in the disclaimer, but ordinarily the show doesn't care. They just want to see the degree of professionalism you have and you want the jury to say "we want that one in our show."

What does anyone else have to say? What have you done in this situation?

Hello All, We are looking at this show to fill a gap in the schedule for October. Does anyone have and history or experience with this event? Noting shows up in AFSB and nothing much on Google. Thanks in advance for your help.

April 30-May 1
San Diego, California
presented by ArtWalk San Diego
300 Artists
Deadline: March 30

Fees: no application fee
Booth fee: $475 (10 x 10)

San Diego's Little Italy district is the city's hip, historic neighborhood which has also become San Diego's foodie mecca. Mission Federal ArtWalk fills the streets of this charming and popular neighborhood each year with fine visual art and performing art.

The mission today is the same as 32 years ago...to produce a truly fine art festival, connecting Southern California's affluent, well-educated art buyers with artists from all over the world, and offering a world-class celebration of arts and culture to Southern Californians.

Marketing:
A magazine is published and distributed inside the local newspaper. Extensive television, radio, print and online magazine. Publicity plans call for morning news shows by every local station...some of them up to three times. Our title sponsor, Mission Federal Credit Union adds to our already robust advertising program by tripling our radio spots.

Testimonials:

• ... The artists around me were all top-notch and though I didn't get to leave my block ever because I was so busy, I was really impressed with the caliber of work and the patrons were plentiful! ...
• ... In the last year I've participated in both ArtWalk on the Bay and the Mission Federal ArtWalk. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all your terrific work. You've provided two wonderful events that provide great sales opportunities for artists. ...
• ... Just wanted to thank you and your staff for once again putting on a fabulous show. It was really good for me and EVERYONE that I talked to who participated this year. ...
• ... This was the best ArtWalk ever for me personally...I sold really well and got a couple of commissions as well to work on in the next couple of weeks....
• ... Well, you did it again - a fabulous show helped along by the incredible work you, the staff and the volunteers did putting this shin-dig together. 

September 24 & 25
Augusta, New Jersey
presented by Peters Valley School of Craft
150 Exhibitors
Deadline: April 11

Online app by April 1, $40; online app April 2-11, $55, paper app $60
Booth fee: $455+ (includes 300 watts electric)

This nationally respected exhibition takes place at the fully accessible Sussex County Fairgrounds, just 60 miles outside of NYC. 7,000 visitors visit throughout the weekend. Pipe and drape are available for a fee. Boothsitters are provided, as available. This event has easy drive-up and unload, with most exhibitors being able to drive up to their booth space.

In 1970 the first Peters Valley Fine Craft Fair was held and its success was the catalyst that formed Peters Valley School of Craft. Peters Valley is a nationally recognized non-profit focused on cultivating creative thinking through fine craft media and educating the public about fine craft. 

We do this through immersion learning workshops, outreach events, artist residencies as well as public lectures and gallery exhibitions The Craft Fair is an exhibition and selling venue for artists, showcasing fine craft. The event is well known throughout NJ, PA and NY and is one of the most influential fundraising events supporting the educational programming and scholarships at Peters Valley.

Marketing:
The show is advertised heavily in the tri-state area. The exhibition progr am and exhibitor map is printed in three magazines that are distributed leading up to and throughout the event. Social media, posters, direct mailings, etc.

Manufacturers, importers and agents other than craft artists should not apply. Work should be original and the unique vision of the artist applying. Work created from commercially available kits is not accepted. 

Work that is created under the direct supervision of the applicant in a small-studio production scenario is acceptable if the artist has a constant hand in direction, feedback, and assistance in the making process. Learn more about our policies. 

Apply: http://www.juriedartservices.com/index.php?content=event_info&event_id=1018
Learn more: www.petersvalley.org
Contact: Lindsay Gates, craftfair@petersvalley.org, (973) 948-5200