Blog

June 8 & 9  
Excelsior, Minnesota
On the shores of Lake Minnetonka
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-4pm
180+ Artists
Deadline: February 28

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber will host it's 33rd annual Art on the Lake.  Every year 18,000+ art lovers across the metropolitan area come to historic downtown Excelsior to attend the two-day event and enjoy fine art, entertainment, beer, wine and shopping.

Shane & Kelly Anderson - 2012 Award winner

Excelsior is an eclectic and charming historic town located on the beautiful waterfront of Lake Minnetonka.  Art On the Lake showcases a wide array of high quality art and contemporary and traditional crafts presented by more than 180 artisans.  The show has been highly praised by participants and visitors.

The beautiful lakefront setting is set adjacent to a Main Street filled with independent retailers, art galleries, diverse dining experiences and a blend of recreational activities from biking to boating.

Where is Excelsior? Click here.

Noteworthy:

• Limited to under 200 artists
• Estimated Attendance: 18,000+
• Artist Purchase Awards
• Jury/Booth fees: $25/$225 single
• Application deadline-must be postmarked by Feb 28, 2013
• Artist amenities include hospitality for artists open entire show, ample free parking, overnight police security

Exhibitors are provided marketing opportunities in print media, radio, Facebook, Twitter and Art on the Lake website.  Art on the Lake is the perfect fit for both emerging and seasoned artists that offers the personal service and smile of a small town with the cultural diversity of the big city.  Our show seeks to maintain the highest standards for both the artists and the public.

For more info: www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamberchamber.com

or call: (952)474-6461

This is almost like the ending in the Movie Western, "Shane."
At the end, young Brandon DeWilde yells out to the good guy, Alan Ladd, after he has disposed of the villain played by Jack Palance.
"Shane, Shane, come back! Do ya hear me? Shane, Shane...."
Instead oldster Nels Johnson, played only by himself,yells out to Barry Witt.
"Barry,Barry, pull back!"An echo is heard over the din of artists' load out.
"Howard, Howard, pull back!" Silence.
Well something has to give down there in over saturated Estero-Naples Wonderland. And, of course that puts Bonita Springs right in the middle.
You got 40 jillion shows going on down there now, and then you got these two directors going head-to-head.
Coconut Point (Howard Alan). The Promenade Art Show at Bonita Springs (Barry Witt).
I know, maybe I did not get the exact show names right, but you get the jist.
Oh, did I mention? They were both last weekend. Maybe five miles apart from each other.
I can see John Wayne riding in now on the windshield of an old 1986 Dodge Van.
"Now listen here Pilgrims. If you guys don't get this matter straightened out soon, I am going to take my herd of whales elsewhere."
A "Whale" in restaurant-talk is a big-spender who puts out a grand or better for a few good bottles of wine.
Well, I am co-opting the term "Whale" for our art biz.
Here, a Whale is a big spender who buys a single piece or a package of art for serious moola, again, a grand or better.
Well Bonita had sparse crowds, but their were some good Whales there.
Painter sold one for $4800. A 3-D Artist couple nailed a biggie for over $3K. Sculptor by me,sold a bunch. Made mucho moola.
Others, barely broke even and made expenses.
A number, me included, made a paycheck.
But, I have done the Bonita shows from their inception. Not every January one. But I have done many. For me, the numbers keeping going down at every show I do there. For some others too.
It is a very well run show. Barry Witt has a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly from setup to teardown.
Some will make serious money there. There are savvy buyers. They want to see unique work. They have the means to buy.
So, if you are new, you takes your chances. Some win, some lose.
BTW. From reports from several artists I know at Howard's show. The results were similar.
They had big crowds, much larger than Bonita, but sales were spotty.
Some were big winners, some were losers, and many made a paycheck.
I just wish the boys would work it out so they did not go head to head on the same weekend.
Maybe I have to send Clint Eastwood in to straighten things out.

This is my second time there in the last two years and there is a fairly high level of quality  art.  

As we arrived at one of  the many free parking garages, there was a line of cars entering.  This was at 10am, the opening time of the show.  

This show used to be well organized with booths around the center esplanade and down two short side streets.  This year, I found booths near the the museum with their backs to the food (a good thing) but there were double rows and some booths perpendicular to the double rows.  I know I didn't see every booth because I am easily confused.

We went up there because I was picking up a pair of earrings from Carol Adams, a wonderful jeweler.  There were also a lot of artists that I have become friendly with over the years and I enjoy seeing both them and their wonderful work.  

This is the show where I first found out about the watch guys.  I knew the watch guys were going to be there this year as I had seen their names on the list.  So pity the poor judge  literally standing in front of me when I entered the festival area from the garage.  I asked if I could speak with her, she kindly said yes and I told her about the watches and all the related info.  I gave her my card and told her I would gladly provide the information backing up what I told her.  Since this is at least the third year they have been in the show, I don't hold out much hope but I tried.  Sadly the ubiquitous clay flowers and Asian embroiderers were also at the show.  Other than these booths, I saw very little that was of poor quality and most booths were above average.

Museum shows seem to find artists that I don't see at every show.  It pretty much insures that I don't leave empty-handed.  I found glass and jewelry (big surprise for those who know me)

this is a show in a rich demographic area but that doesn't guarantee sales.  I heard several people bemoan the fact that they "had too much stuff already" or "the walls were full".  

This show was a good appetizer for the main feast--Coconut Grove.  

My understanding is that the promoter supplies a tent that up to five artist share and is confined to a 10x10 space. My question for anyone who has done this show, how do these shelters hold up in bad weather, especially during rain. When I asked the promoter her response was "as good as it can". Which makes me wonder. Also It dosent seem like there is any additional space (either behind the booth or on the side). Is there anyone who can give some insight on these issues?

We are so happy to announce that Connie Mettler will be speaking at ArtSmart!

“ArtSmart”, a three day Creative and Professional Development Conference for Artists, will take place at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield Missouri, March 15 – March 17.
Guest presenter Reed McMillan will open the conference with “Changes that Compel Creativity,” which will address the political, social and economic challenges artists face and how they can utilize those challenges to succeed.

Connie Mettler, founder and operator of 4 art fair oriented websites, will present sessions as well on increasing your opportunities for success as an artist.

The annual ArtSmart conference, presented by The Best of Missouri Hands, is a must to attend if you are an amateur or a professional artist who is looking to up your game and expand your potential. ArtSmart is supported by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
To learn more about ArtSmart and the Best of Missouri Hands, or to register on line for ArtSmart, visit www.bestofmissourihands.org

Email:  director@bestofmissourihands.org 
University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center - Springfield, Missouri Hotels
333 S John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield, Missouri 65806

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/events/artsmart-creative-and-professional-development-conference-for

August 17 & 18  
Michigan City, Indiana
32nd Annual Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Lakefront Art Festival
Washington Park
100 Artists
Deadline: Feb. 28

The Lakefront Art Festival attracts thousands of visitors from surrounding states to a festive, high-quality event held under shady trees in a grassy park on the shore of Lake Michigan.  In 2012 they had over 6000 visitors attend the festival. Because the event is sponsored by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, it is overseen by arts professionals, committed to making every aspect of the festival a quality venue for artists and visitors.  Click here to find Michigan City.

Why this should be of interest to you:

• small town art fair in the heart of vacation country
• advertising extends to Chicago, South Bend and Fort Wayne
• a weekend get away place for Chicagoans
• $3000 in artist prized
• sponsored by an art center
• an art purchase program
• volunteers who understand artist's needs
• $175 booth fee; $30/$60 jury fee  
  
  

Artist Amenities include:

• light refreshments, coffee, and other beverages
• Row Captains on hand to assist you when you need a break
• a Sunday morning Roundtable discussion at 8:30am to solicit your evaluations festival activities with committee representatives
• $3000 in Artist Awards in 6 categories
• serious regional marketing that includes:  full-color postcards mailed to a list of over 7500; local and regional print advertising as well as outdoor, radio, television and internet; Visitors Center display; Television, radio and newspaper press coverage; PLUS an event-day newspaper insert with map and complete artist listings.

These days there is a lot of talk among artists about keeping their overhead down.  One of the best ways is to exhibit at local events and the Lakefront Art Festival is in the heart of where a lot of artists live.

For more information and applications:

 www.lubeznikcenter.org/Special_Events.com  

Becky Jascoviak, Marketing Director

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Michigan City, Indiana 46360

(219)874-4900

bjascoviak@lubeznikcenter.org  

It brought back memories as I read Nels recent post about the "history of art fair tents." I've been doing art fairs on and off since the early '70s but I also had a long career as a filmmaker and video producer. I exhibited in the "Images" art fair in New Smyrna Beach in 1983... my first Florida art fair. The experience got me thinking about the people who choose this occupation. I noticed that there are some very fascinating characters who exhibit at art fairs. I thought it might be interesting to get to know some of these artists in a documentary. In 1984 I didn't exhibit at Images, but I brought a video production crew down from Chicago. We shot video and collected interviews all weekend and produced a 25 minute documentary called "Art Fair."

The doc aired on PBS stations in several markets around the country and even garnered an Emmy nomination in Chicago. (It didn't win. A documentary about the Chicago Yacht Club's entry in the America's Cup sailboat race won the Emmy in that category.)

Today I dug out this old video and uploaded it to UTube. I watched it again and was surprised to see that there were very few tents being used at Images in 1984. Check out the video. Its kind of fun to look back. I wonder how many of you will recognize some of the artists we interviewed. I wonder how many of them are still out there exhibiting at art fairs. The video is about 24 minutes long although the UTube entry says it is over an hour long. But, the last 36 minutes is black, so I don't recommend you watch that part. Enjoy!

Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q16q5Ju_pBk&feature=youtu.be 

May 31, June 1-2

Prairie Village, Kansas

57th year

100 Artists

Deadline: February 18

The Prairie Village Art Show is not located on a prairie but in the heart of the Kansas City metro area and surrounded by upper income demographics. Forbes magazine recently listed Mission Hills, KS, as being the 3rd most affluent city in the country and it is next to the show. The show is well attended and draws patrons from the entire metropolitan area.

This show is small with only 100 artists but they come from all parts of the country. The Art Fair Sourcebooksays that Prairie Village "Attracts an affluent and educated clientele."

What to Expect:

• 20,000 Upper Income patrons
• 24 hour security
• Electricity included with booth fee
• Friday night Wine
• Saturday night dinner delivered to booth
• Artist's lounge with restrooms, snacks and air conditioning
• Parking nearby and overnight parking allowed
• Discounted Hotel Rates
• Booth sitters

The Village in Prairie Village is one of those "lifestyle" shopping areas, intimate enough for ease of shopping yet anchored by well-known names such as Macy's and Starbucks with lots of restaurants. Does it sound as though your clientele will be showing up here? Then you know what to do! Apply today.

Application on line at:www.zapplication.org

For more info visit

www.prairievillageshops.com

or contact Donna Potts at: 913-362-9668

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Find more shows looking for you at callsforartists.com

Im thinking of selling at the  Fine Furnishing show in Baltimore. They also have shows in Providence RI and Milwaukee. Most of the items are wood related but they do have crafters and artist as well. I sell digital art work

This is copied from my blog

You’ve applied to hundreds of shows over the years. You know what to do and not do with your images. ZAPP and JAS have made it really easy to quickly apply and not really think about it. BUT, when was the last time you went into ZAPP and checked your profile? Checked that all your information is correct? Checked your capitalization, spelling and punctuation? Have you checked your artist statement to make sure it’s current?

 The same things are important on JAS but on there your artist statement is even more important. When you’re being juried on JAS, your artist statement is right in the center of the page, easy for the juror to read. And you wouldn’t believe how many people make mistakes in there. The wrong words, extra punctuation, missing letters and the big one is your name! Sometimes just the first name, sometimes the full name, “James does this”, “Mary Smith likes that”. I was shocked during my latest jurying how many statements had names. Have you checked yours lately?

 Your artist statement should be current and if you want a juror to read it, it should be short. I don’t need to know where you went to school, what your life’s path has been or how many years you’ve been doing this. I need to know anything critical to what you’re showing me in your images. This is not your resume, please don’t list all the shows you’ve done. Short, readable and to the point.

 And then there’s the old issue of a name in the booth image. There are still many, many booth shots that have either the artists name showing or the business name. Please, please remove it. It will not help you and it may hurt you. Take down the booth signs that the show gives you even if you can’t read your own name on it. Anything that distracts from what you want the juror to be looking at which is your booth and the work in it. Leave the chair, that doesn’t bother me at all but get out all the signs.

 And I’ve learned a couple of new things in this last round of jurying that I’ve done. Photographers as a group have the most odd looking booth images of anyone. Many of them look like they’re 20’ x 20’ booths and amazingly they show under 10 pieces with no flip bins! Wow! Please don’t take offense if you’re a photographer because it’s probably not you I’m talking about but you probably know someone who fits this. Just something to think about.

 The other thing I’ve learned is that sterling silver must no longer be a precious metal. No one told me! Jewelers - if there are two categories, precious and non-precious and you work in sterling silver, fine silver pmc or gold, you belong in the precious category. And trust me, you don’t want to be in the non-precious category if you don’t belong there. There is some absolutely wonderful jewelry being made these days without the use of precious metals and you don’t want to be competing with them if you don’t have to. Of course if you’re applying in the non-precious category then I’m not competing with you for a space so maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this…

Hi, Yesterday I was redoing my schedule and fixing little stuff in my website. Some how I delete the entire site. I manage to rebuild last night . Please can you tell me if find something wrong.

www.lpstudios.net

Thanks

March 21-24
New York City

Now Accepting Applications for Artexpo New York 2013

Location, Location, Location

Artexpo New York 2013 will take place at Pier 92, NYC’s celebrated “Art & Design Pier.” NYC is home to more artists, galleries, art lovers, collectors and industry professionals than any other city in the world. With 18.8 million residents, it’s the most populous metro area in the US, a popular destination for travelers, and the #1 city in the country for art sales.

After being diagnosed with lupus several years ago, Sarah Ali received some life-changing advice from her uncle, JAMALI--one of the most respected contemporary artists in the world. "He encouraged me to start painting," said Sarah. "My uncle taught me that painting is an act of meditation, which can bring about feelings of euphoria like no other." She picked up a paintbrush and hasn't put it down since. In Sarah's  unconventional Fresco Tempera paintings, we can see her inner experience-severe pain during a flare-up, as well as bright, euphoric colors on "good" days. And this past year, we had the great honor of hosting Sarah at Artexpo New York 2012. "I was very pleased to be a part of Artexpo New York this year," she said. "I was humbled by the overwhelming appreciation of my art. It was especially nice to meet other artists and interact with them. I feel like Artexpo has brought about a positive change for me and my business; I am in serious discussions with various galleries and continue to see positive results from the show. I strongly recommend Artexpo to other artists looking to expand their market base, increase sales and meet wonderful people." Read more about Sarah Ali. At Artexpo, we're pleased to play a part in launching-or expanding-the careers of both established and emerging artists, gallery owners and publishers from across the US and around the world. Our juried art show offers elegant, gallery-style exhibition space right next to The Architectural Digest Home Design Show, ensuring top exposure for your work. If you'd like to exhibit your work to thousands of qualified, international buyers in NYC this coming March, we invite you to submit your work for consideration. CONTACT US: sales@artexponewyork.com

cjmet

June 1 & 2    
Racine, Wisconsin
Downtown Racine
Sat. 10am-5pm
Sun. 10am-4pm
In collaboration with the Racine Arts Council
80 Artists
Deadline March 1

Returning to its original home on Monument Square, one of Wisconsin's oldest and most respected juried fine art fairs presents 80 artists from around the country exhibiting works in a variety of media.  Live entertainment, a silent auction and children's activities make this a must-see event.  The Festival is expected to attract in excess of 3,500 attendees.

The new Monument Square Art Festival is a combined effort of several Racine artists and the Racine Arts  Council whose mission is to encourage, support and advocate on behalf of emerging and established artists, artistic groups in our community and young people interested in the arts.

Conveniently located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Monument Square is located in the heart of beautiful historic Downtown Racine.  It is adjacent to shops, condominiums, a marina, restaurants, historic home districts, a superb harbor and is just minutes away from breathtaking examples of the work of master architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Advertising is placed throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois with support from the Real Racine Tourism Grant and the Racine Arts council.

Application fee: $20 - Booth fee: $150

Applications, details and contact information are all available  at: www.monumentsquareartfest.com

Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com

I need your opinion. I am using museum glass Not to much about the glare since this is anti reflecting glass. Also I wont take it out because of the cost.

Recently, I did Cape Coral down on the west coast of Florida.

At the show's end this young guy, who looked vaguely familiar, stopped at my booth.  He looked at it real carefully.  Eye-balled my 10-foot wide aluminum trusses.  

He smiled.  He said, "Wow!  An original Newton's Port-o-Booth."

His father was Jim Newton who made these revolutionary canopies way back in 1985.  This was in Ft. Myers.

Clyde Butcher, long off the circuit and well-known as the "Ansel Adams" of swamp photography in Florida, had first commissioned Jim to make him a custom canopy.

It was a free-standing unit.  Eight metal panels linked together (mesh with white covers over them) all held together with four trusses that fit on top of the panels.  Good zippered sides.  A zipper on front and rear for additional canopy cover.  Sturdy, able to withstand winds up to 40 mph.

I bought the third one in 1986.  Best investment in art I ever made.  Still got it.

Here is the story of how I came to get it.

It involves old KD canopies, a wee little woman and a vicious wind storm at an art show in Miami Beach.

Read on.  It is a funny story.

EARLY CANOPIES

In the good old days (like the 1970's) everybody had their own homemade canopies.  There were no commercial versions yet.

I came back, fresh from Hawaii in 1979, and started doing outdoor shows.

I had pegboard panels nailed together with 1x3s.  Even had an orange tarp for the roof.  Gave all my photos that sepia-toned look.  Even the color ones.

I remember coming back from the Gainesville show in the spring of 1985.  I was cruising home in my Datsun station wagon.  My racks were fastened on my roof.  Or so I thought.

I happened to look in my rear view mirror and noticed cars behind me were juking all over the interstate--trying to avoid my panels that had flown off the roof.

Naturally, they were smashed to smithereens.  The panels, thank God! not the cars.

Well, being a smart guy I built some more of them--even used 1x4s this time--and stronger bungee cords.

This was the time of the KD canopy.

They were revolutionary for us.  Instant shelters.  Went up in a minute.  Didn't cost a lot

and we looked like professionals.

Off course there was a major down side to them as we all quickly found out.

They did not fare well in high winds.  Usually crunched up easily like a bunch of aluminum cockroaches.

Also, in heavy rains, they tended to collect tons of water.  Bent the hell out of the canopy.  But hey, you had plenty of fresh water for coffee.

Well, I bought one.

OK. OK.  By now you are saying, "What the hell happened to the little old lady?"

Well.  Now I will tell you.

Many, many moons ago, in the good old days, there used to be an art show held out on Miami Beach in early December.  Right on the Intercoastal.  Beautiful site.  Small show.

People actually used to make money at it.

I know, that is a concept that will never catch on.  But we liked it while we could.

So, this one weekend there, I am setup by this wee little lady who happened to be a sculptor.  She also had a KD just like me.  We were two peas in the pod.

Well, there was bad weather forecast for the show.  Being dumb and optimistic, we figured,"Yeah, it will hit somewhere else rather than our show."

Well, it hit us big time, early Sunday morning.

Big rolling grey clouds.  Buckets of rain.  and winds that strained our KDs.

I was buckled down best I could.  Like everybody else there, I was holding onto to my buckling walls with each wind- burst. 

Faintly, I could hear a little voice crying out in the wind.

"Help me!  Somebody help me!"  It was my wee little neighbor.  

All 95 pounds of her wee five-foot-three self were being lifted off the ground with each wind burst.

She was holding onto the cross bars for dear life.  She was sometimes three-feet off the ground.

I had heard of the" Flying Nun", but never seen the "Flying Sculptor" until now.

I quickly got five of my cohorts to grab hold of each leg of her KD.  We got her unclamped, pink in the lips, and shivering like a rabid Pomeranian.  It wasn't pretty.  

We peeled the roof off to reduce the lift.  By then her canopy was trash.  And mine was going next.

We all survived.  Even made a paycheck.

The next week, I trekked down to Ft. Myers and bought my Newton.

When I first showed up at the Flint Art Fair, everybody said, "Cool, Nels.  Where did you get that canopy?"

Next year there were 20 people with a Newton.

Well.  That's my story and I am sticking to it.

BTW.  My first art show, which was in Hawaii at Waimea Falls Park in 1975, I showed up and the guy said,"Here's your spot, put your booth here.":

"Booth."

I did  not know you needed one.

Naturally, being Mothers of Invention, my surfer and Army buddies dragged a picnic table into the spot.

I got rocks from the stream.  I set my matted and framed images on them.

We all set around the table and on the big Igloo.  We drank Olys and Greenies, and smoked big hooters.

I met two beautiful women that day, and made $15 in sales.

I was juiced.

I said,"This is what I am going to do the rest of my life."

Nowadays, I don't do art shows by waterfalls in Hawaii.  But I do make a living.

I miss those hooters and the Greenies.  Those were the days.

Hope you enjoyed my tale.  Nels Johnson.

All right, here is a follow-up to the St. Louis open jury workshop held Saturday...
...just as the Raven kicker's toe was about to touch the ball to begin the Superbowl. The phone rang. It was Larry Berman. We spent the next half hour discussing the ins and outs of Zapp and the previously mentioned workshop of which he was one of the mock jurors.

There are several things that I wanted to share with you. Approximately 100-125 people showed up for the event, according to the moderator, about 55 were on line. Now the online experience was lacking, the images weren't great, talk about a blind jury...however, the audio content was very rich.

I don't know about you but if I cared to look I would probably find that I spend upwards of $1K applying to shows (half of my annual income). Since Zapp arguably one of the most important games in town I am hoping that all serious art fair artists consider giving up a day to such an endeavor.

Kudos to Cindy at St. Louis, and to the underpaid participants like Larry who conducted the session.

My conversation w/Larry was very productive. There are so many nuances to going from C+ to a B to an A for professionals relying on Zapp, that I recommend trying a professional to help you remain competitive. Secondly, his passion for working in this arena is unmatched. There are many flaws to the system most of which will never be fixed, so it becomes essential for artists to recognize and appreciate exactly what they are dealing with.

As artists, this group is dedicated to sharing what we know. That sharing is a higher calling. Some of us are good at certain aspects of what we do, their experience and knowledge is particularly important. Thanks to everyone in this group, thanks to show directors who make these sessions possible and thanks to the individuals who take this shit seriously.

Oh, and as festival artists, we play the Superbowl every weekend so missing the big show paled in comparison with my conversation w/Larry!

Why I get so insulted when people call me LAZY.

Really I have a regular job and I do about 15 to 20 art fairs year. Do you have any idea why you call me LAZY. I do not mind putting overtime at work. When is time go, I go. I do good sales for my work. My commissions speak about that. I am not behind in work load. I complain about the lack of work. You still call me lazy.

I can go five months with only 5 days off between the art fairs and work and do not complain about it. I do not complain that I have not have increase in paid while you did. You still call me lazy. My work load is bigger that yours and exceptions are higher. You still call me lazy.

I do not know but there a bad joke between Hispanic and blacks. There are comments about our President.

So I can see why you call me LAZY. I know: your lack of education, ignorance, your stupidity, that what make you feel better and more reasons that are not worth my time explaining to you.

Yes, I do not make a lot of money, yes do not have to much to show for it. I can tell you everything that I have I earn. Nobody gave anything to me. I work for it and I am proud of it. As well when sit in a corner asking myself what else I can do to improve my life. GOD, please help to earn a honest meal.

But still you call me lazy.