Thanks to everyone that has ever posted to this sight. I have learned so much from this site. If I didn't ask the question, then someone else did and my answer was right in front of me. I have come a long way from crafting to artist. I got my confidence right here, reading about everything one needed to know to move on and move up. Thank you to those who donated and those who donated prizes. I was a recipient of a beautiful piece of art. Thank you Joel! I may not post a lot but I do read a lot. Thanks especially to Connie! This is a fabulous site!
All Posts (7673)
Sort by
First time at this show. People were very engaged, enthusiastic and appreciative of the art and artists. They asked meaningful questions and showed a lot of interest. That interest translated into sales. Although some sales were out of the bin (they chose the largest of my matted pieces) many sales came off of the walls! It has been a long time since I was at a show that paid off as this one did.
It should be noted that for many years, there has been a "scab" show adjacent to this one. The Paseo Arts District distinguishes their artists from the other show by having the artists hang a green flag from their booths but honestly the difference in quality of the two shows does just as much to distinguish them. The quality of Paseo far exceeds "The Market" show.
The show brought a diverse group of patrons in all age groups. Weather didn't seem to phase the crowd even though it was extremely hot all weekend, 94+, with high humidity but no rain, I've been told it rains frequently during this show. Booths are set up back to back so there was little room for storage. Fortunately for me, the artist I backed up to suggested opening the back wall of my tent and I was able to get some much needed ventilation (many artists had fans!). One patron commented about my tent being the coolest one as many were very hot. It was not easy staying cool.
The show is held on Paseo St. which is a well know arts district, getting in to set up could have been worse if all artists had shown up at the same time but show management staggered arrival times based on location, even then artists themselves came in at staggered times making it easy to set up. Load out was fairly painless as some artists tend to get out quicker than others leaving room for the stragglers! There were plenty of booth sitters, snacks and water all weekend. Parking was located just behind and on the next street from Paseo.
The KIA art Fair was last weekend. Artists setup early on Friday morn and the Fair is from 3pm-8pm that day.
Then on Saturday it runs from 9-5. No Sunday show.
It is setup in a beautiful downtown park, Bronson Park. Artists have plenty of room around and in the rear of their booths.
Setup and teardown are pretty mellow. You do not have any militant show people harping at you, unlike too many shows in Florida, especially in Naples.
The Show has about 200 plus artists. There is a comfortable mix of newbies combined with old vets like me.
Their are lots of artists with cheap pop up tents, luckily there were no bad winds to damage them.
I have done this show off and on over 15 times and always come away with a nice profit, at least 5x my booth fee. THE show is only an hour away from my Saugatuck casa, and I just spend one night in a hotel.
the last two years I have made an easy 10x my booth, so I was licking my chops going there this year. I had 20 new images and felt I would sell a goodly number of $150 framed ones.
Boy was I wrong.
Not only me. A lot of fellow artists were disappointed. The show did not click.
Both day’s we had mellow cooler weather and the crowds turned out big time.
Lots of young families with eager kids. There was a nice mix of older “Good Shoes” people.
Trouble was, they all kept their hands in their pockets. I only saw about a dozen larger pieces of art go by my booth both days.
Sadly, I only sold one, $150 framed image. Last year I sold 12. Go figure.
Most of the crowd were just walking and talking and not really looking.
Frankly, I think I am going to have to give this show a break and go elsewhere next year.
If you are selling Lowend crafty, conservative art or crafts you might give it a try.
Kalamazoo has become a cool town, lots of good restaurants and bars to choose from and they are not pricey.
Oh well, I am on to Columbus next. I see mucho dinero in my future.
I have been gathering all the supplies needed to complete my booth set up! I have finally arrived ! Excited to set it up & take photos of it for submission.
My question is.. You think it will be ok to set it up in the yard? Or my storage location where there is plenty of room? Or is a must to have it set up at a actual show? There are deadlines coming upper some Florida shows and I need to have this done soon..
What is the best practice? Will it work against me if i just set it up at the house?
Do they care? any advice for success would be appreciated.. Chris
 |
US Weight launched into the canopy weight business with artist Jim Eaton's canopy weight - the Eaton. Since then, the company has transformed the Eaton with knowledge and solutions from Jim to expand its line of canopy weights to the Tailgater and the Ingot weights.
The Tailgater's unique design allows artists to customize the amount of weight per leg required for their canopy. With no-pinch interlocking grooves on every weight, stack the tailgaters until they reach a desired amount of weight.
The Ingot, known as the Swiss army knife of canopy weights, takes versatility to the next level. Hang these 15 lb. weights with our C-hooks or secure the weights to the canopy poles using the interlocking design and included Velcro straps.
Windblown canopies are the number 1 cause of property loss and injury at outdoor events where canopies are widely used. US Weight is here to help! Protect your customers and art at the next festival with these professionally designed weights.
Direct from the manufacturer SPECIAL OFFER COUPON CODE:
(good until 10/1/2018) ARTFAIRINSIDERS Shop US Weight at www.canopyweights.com. To activate this offer, key in the coupon code above at checkout and receive FREE FREIGHT PLUS an additional 10% discount on your order.
|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A straight line storm last weekend in St. Louis, at the Schafly Bottleworks (Schafly's Art Outside Festival), closed down the art fair. If you are new to this business, please read and take heed. I attend festivals regularly and see tents with no weights. Granted, no weights could have prevented the damage at this event. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the artists who lost art and equipment.
Learn more here: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/storm-damage-forces-early-end-to-schlafly-s-art-outside/article_9d60ed2f-481c-550e-b850-a636af870893.html
September 8 & 9Mundelein, Illinois
Presented By: Mundelein Community Connection
45 Artists
Deadline: June 15
Application Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $130
The Mundelein Arts Festival is located in beautiful Kracklauer Park in the heart of Mundelein. The festival is very visible from Rt. 45, a 4 lane thoroughfare. Mundelein is a village of 31,000 people located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. It was voted "10 best Chicago Suburbs for families" and "10 best Chicago Suburbs for young couples" by Chicago Magazine. An extensive network of nearby highways allows easy access to a host of neighboring cities, as well as Chicago and southern Wisconsin.
In addition to professional artists, Mundelein Fine Arts Festival and will feature live music, and delicious food from local vendors plus artwork created by students from Mundelein and Carmel Catholic High Schools. Selected students will be awarded a cash scholarship to help further his or her art career.
The marketing plan is extensive and includes Print, Media Ads, Social Media, Radio and outdoor signage.
There is easy access to all booth locations so that it is easy to set up and take down art displays. Volunteers will be on hand to assist artists throughout the weekend.
Contact: Christa Lawrence clawrence@mundeleinparks.org (847) 388-5455
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more art fairs coast to coast looking for you: www.CallsforArtists.com
Many, many thanks for all the pledges. This was one of our most successful pledge drives so far. I appreciate your generosity, some of you for many, many years. The art fair business thrives under its community umbrella. Sharing with one another enriches everyone.
Here are the names drawn today in the order in which they were drawn. Everyone on this list should take look at the prize page here and make a choice and send that choice to me: info@artfaircalendar.com. Obviously the first few people will get their top choices, so the farther you are down on the list please send me at least 3 choices.
Please let me hear from you by late Sunday. If you haven't contacted me by then I'll move on to the next person. On Monday morning any prizes that have not been claimed will be given to others whose name was not drawn.
1. Virginia Barney chooses:
Carolyn Edlund's e-course, Marketing Strategies for Artists
2. Michelle Stoffan & Bernie Atkins choose: consultation with Connie Mettler
3. Donald Golden chooses: a $300 Flourish gift certificate
4. Wendy Lea chooses: the $100 Amazon gift certificate from ACTInsurance.com
5. George Ceffalio chooses: a $200 Pro Panels gift certificate
6. Linda Pudlik
7. Richard Sherer chooses: a $300 Flourish Displays gift certificate
8. Brent Coulter chooses: a $200 Pro Panels gift certificate
9. Nels Johnson chooses: $100 gift certificate good for any Red River Paper
11. Joyce Wathen chooses: Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, from ArtFairCalendar.com
12. Dave Grabarczyk chooses: Echo smart speaker from ArtFairInsiders.com
13. Myan Sorensen chooses: Art Fair SourceBook Pocket Edition
14. Al Scovern chooses: Sherer Saddles leather canteen from ArtShowReviews.com
15. Betty Barrett chooses: "How to Organize and Host an Art Festival" from ResultsCatalystConsulting.com
16. Kristof Socha chooses: Sterling Pendant & Earrings from DebbieStillmanJewelry.com
17. Dawn McDermid chooses: free booth space at Studio Clearance Sale, Waukesha, WI from Colin Murray
18. Jeanne Nuber
19. Bruce Mowry
20. Rebekah Fox chooses: Canopy weight set from CanopyWeights.com
21. Susan Rausch
22. Mary Toshach chooses: 3D Fitness Tracker from CallsforArtists.com
23. Roxanne Coffelt chooses: Imaging or Photography Services from BermanGraphics.com
24. Patty DeMaria chooses: Jury Image services from Larry Sanders, www.juryimage.com
25. Bridget Tremaine chooses: $200 Pro Panel gift certificate
26. Debra Facciolo chooses: 1 year advertising on ArtFairCalendar.com or ArtFairInsiders.com
27. Heidi Mandich chooses: free booth space at the Old Town Art Fair in St. Augustine from HolidayShows.com
28. Lora Yowell
29. Sandra Gross chooses: Kettle gourd by Bonnie Eastwood from ArtFairInsiders.com
30. Cindy Cherrington chooses: Wall Street Pen from Joel Lockridge, BourbonPens.com
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 6 PM ET
You support our websites with your donations and we really appreciate it. We couldn't do it without you. Listen as Connie Mettler, host of ArtFairRadio.com and ArtFairCalendar.com and an art fair "celebrity", photography guru, Larry Berman, draw the names for the winners in 9th annual Pledge Drive.
We'll give away nearly $5000 in prizes to our patrons. If you sent us $$ during the Pledge Drive there is a very good chance you will win one of our 40 prizes!
Didn't Pledge yet? Time is running out! Deadline is 6 pm today. CLICK HERE for a chance to win and let us know we've been helpful to you as you get out and make money (or not) in the art fair business.
Click here to listen and learn who the winners are. Maybe you.
- 2 - $300 gift certificates from FlourishDisplays.com
- 2 - $300 gift certificates from ProPanels.com
- 12 free booth spaces: Holiday Art Shows in Florida (2), Howard Alan Festival in Florida, Rose Squared in New Jersey, ArtWorksin Wisconsin, Berkshires Festival in the Berkshires from AmericanCraftMarketing.com and 5 AFFPS shows in Georgia
- Jury imaging and information from Larry Berman and Larry Sanders
- Art Fair Sourcebook from Greg Lawler
- $100 gift certificate from Red River Paper
- Ingot weights for your canopy from CanopyWeights.com
- $50 discount on a canopy banner from CanopyBanner.com
- A year's membership at FestivalNet.com
- and to top it off a $100 gift certificate for Amazon from ACT.com
- and much more
If ArtFairInsiders.com has taught you anything, found a good show, found a friend, sold or bought a tent, helped you with jurying then you need to click on this birthday cake and pledge your $$ right now.
Drawing for prizes on Thursday, May 31, at 6 pm ET.
Here are 4 more prizes available in our pledge drive - helpful guides, lessons, workbooks and statistics distilled from years of experience of show organizers, artists, teachers and marketers:
1. The How to Organize & Host a Community Arts Festival Guide- 80 pages
Presented in a binder format fair organizers can create their own contact lists, budgets, promotions matrix, etc, and swap the examples for their specific info. This is designed for those just starting to plan a festival and those who need to take their festival to the next level. It has suggested task checklists for each committee head, a CD included.
Some of the things you will find in the guide:
• Basic Organization
• Setting the Stage for Future Years
• Committee Head "Job Descriptions" and Task Checklists
• Sample Budget and forms
• How to Fund the Festival
• How to Attract and Retain Quality Artists
• How to Attract and Reward Volunteers
From Brenda Conway, http://www.resultscatalystconsulting.com, Value: $200
2. Marketing Strategies for Artists, an e-course
Ready to grow your art business? This course will teach you how to:
- Develop your best portfolio, present yourself professionally, and get your work taken seriously.
- Identify your target audience, and write compelling marketing messages
- Get press coverage, gain testimonials, and develop a raving fan base for your art.
- Use smart marketing techniques, ranging from direct mail and advertising to online and email campaigns.
- Build your network, make repeat sales and get referrals to new collectors.
- Create an effective art website that shares your story and portfolio with the world.
- Use social media to build a fan base, and drive traffic to view your work.
- Create a solid plan, market your work, gather prospects, follow up - CLOSE THE SALE!
From Carolyn Edlund, Founder of Artsy Shark and Executive Director of The Arts Business Institute, value $147
3. The "E's of Selling Art System" Guidebook and Flashcard Set.
Those deadly words, "I'll be back." This guidebook will walk you through to the sale. This is a complete re-invention of the concept of selling art in face-to-face events.
Taking the "selling" part and removing it, this is a system that focuses on learning to love and trust your talent and find loving homes for your art. Featured on this site, there is a full BlogTalk Radio interview with Connie. http://bit.ly/mgwchat
From Mckenna Hallett, MyGoldenWords.com, value $87
At ArtFairCalendar.com we surveyed over 50,000 of our subscribers, asking "What is America's Best Art Fair?" Read this 60 page report and learn what the art fair patrons really think about the nation's art festivals. You'll hear first hand why buyers come to art fairs and what you can do to keep them coming.
Perfect for an art festival looking to reinvent itself and for sharing with committee members.
From Constance Mettler, ArtFairCalendar.com, value $89
See all the prizes and get your pledge in today. Drawing is on May 31, 6 pm ET. CLICK HERE NOW.
September 29 & 30
Ingram, Texas
Presented By: Hill Country Arts Foundation
100 Artists
Deadline: June 8
Application Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $250-$500
Held outdoors on the banks of the Guadalupe River at the Hill Country Arts Foundation. The Texas Arts & Crafts Fair is exclusive to Texas artists, comprising 16 categories of arts and crafts. A weekend of art, artist demonstrations, food and music will sprawl over the 13-acre campus and inside its galleries. Limited indoor exhibit space is available to first-come, first-served.
New this year: "Heritage Artists Exhibit" in the Duncan-McAshan Gallery, featuring veteran exhibitors at the Texas Arts & Crafts Fair and Hill Country Arts Foundation.
Jurying is June 11-15. Accept invitation and booth purchase deadline is July 1.
There is no cap on artists by category. We will strive for a balanced representation, although admittedly some categories will attract greater artist interest than others.
More Information: www.txartsandcraftsfair.com
Contact: Wanda Cash, wgcash@hcaf.com, (830)367-5121
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more art fairs coast to coast looking for you: www.CallsforArtists.com
Just a few days left to contribute to our 10th Pledge Drive. All contributions will have their name entered in to the drawing on May 30, 5 pm ET. How do you like these prizes?
1. Echo - (2nd Generation)
Smart speaker with Alexa
(value $99)
- Echo (2nd Gen) has a new speaker, new design, and is available in a range of styles including fabrics and wood veneers. Echo connects to Alexa to play music, make calls, set music alarms and timers, ask questions, control smart home devices, and more—instantly.
2. 3D Fitness Tracker & Real Time Audio Coach, Moov Now
(value $59)
- MOOV NOW provides real-time audio coaching for running, cycling, cardio boxing, body weight (Moov 7 Minute+)
- Most advanced swim tracker - stroke type, stroke count, lap analysis, recommends ways to improve
- Tracks Active Minutes and Sleep
3. Limited Edition Poster 18 x 24 - value $75 from Mark Loeb, IntegrityShows.com |
4. Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa 8" Display Wi-Fi, 16 GB - Blue (value $79) |
5. Your Art or Product advertised (value $540) |
from jeweler & designer Debbie Stillman value $170, debbiestillmanjewelry.com |
7. 1.5 Quart Handcrafted Leather Canteen - (your choice) From Sherer Custom Saddles featuring custom leather work value $110-$150 |
8. Wall Street Ballpoint Pen Wall Street pen made from Maker's Mark bourbon barrel from Joel Lockridge - value $52 |
9. $50 gift certificate from Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor |
10 & 11. 2 copies of Click Millionaires Work Less, Live More with an Internet Lifestyle by Scott Fox Learn how you can turn your business ideas into automated, recurring lifestyle businesses online. (Includes free membership to the ClickMillionaires.com lifestyle business coaching forum.) |
Of special interest to artists, but not limited to them:
13. From Flourish Company
(2) Gift Certificates of $300
($600) |
Good for any products at Pro Panels |
Like these prizes? Then don't forget to pledge. Please click here
and thank you!
15-20. 5 Free 2019 Booth Spaces (1 per artist) (Provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury and Spring Festival on Ponce, Atlanta - April 6-7
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza, Sandy Springs, GA - April 21-22 Roswell Spring Arts Festival, Roswell, GA - May 4-5 Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival, Atlanta - May 18-19
Fall Festival on Ponce, Atlanta - Oct. 19-20
One free booth space, covers booth fee only. Artist must apply on Zapp. Show reserves the right to refuse (application fee will be refunded.) Non-transferable.
from Randall Fox & Brian Greene of AFFPS.com
|
21 & 22. 2 Free Booth Spaces & Application Fee (Provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury and the display is The Beaches Art Fest - Oct. 13 & 14, 2018, Jacksonville Beach, FL ($300)
Old Town Art Show - Aprill 13 & 14, 2019, Palm Sunday Weekend, Saint Augustine FL ($300)
from Lynn Wettach at www.holidayartshows.com
|
23. Free booth space at Berkshires Arts & Culture Festival Value from $495 (Jewelry & photography are full. Openings for ceramics, painting, glass,wood,mixed media,drawing,digital...) from Richard & Joanna Rothbard |
24. Free booth space donor value: $350 (provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury, the category isn't full and display is acceptable) |
25. 10 x 12 booth space at any Rose Squared Productions event (Provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury and the display is acceptable)
Good for any of our outdoor shows - $420 value from Howard & Janet Rose, www.rosesquared.com |
26. Sanders Visual Images Images with Impact. Rouse the jurors up out of that jury stupor. Visit or send your work to my Milwaukee area studio for the highest quality images of any art medium. Includes all costs up to donation value. Larry Sanders, Sanders Visual Images |
Fine artistic and photographic paper for giclee and art reproductions.
27. $100 gift certificate good for any Red River Paper brand premium inkjet paper.
From Drew Hendrix http://www.redrivercatalog.com
28. Ingot Canopy Weight Set This new weight is so versatile we call it the "Swiss Army" knife of canopy weights.
from Larry Mitchell value $99.99 |
29. Imaging or Photography Services value $175 |
from Greg Lawler |
See something you like?
Then, don't forget to pledge.
| 31. How to Organize & Host A Community Arts Festival Guide Book w/CD 80 pages in a binder format of "in the trenches" info, full of useful, timesaving information and forms to help you organize your community arts festival without the time and frustration of learning by trial and error. value $200 from Brenda Conway, Results Catalyst Consulting |
32. "Marketing Strategies for Artists", Successful artists inspire others to become collectors by using marketing methods that resonate emotionally with them. Grow your own art business by learning how you can do this, too. value: $147 from our friend Carolyn Edlund of ArtsyShark.com |
33. $100 Amazon Gift Card from our friends at |
34. Free Booth Space from Colin Murray |
35. $50 discount on includes 9' x 1' banner full price: $129.85
from Jeff Christlieb, CanopyBanners.net
|
36. One year's Level 3 Gain access to Festival data like promoter contact info, fees & deadlines $89 value! |
37. Find Homes for Your ART The Art Seller's Guidebook, Workbook and Flashcard System for "E"asy Sales from McKenna Hallett value $87 |
38. & 39. - 2 one hour Consulting sessions with Connie Mettler with over 35 years in all areas of the art fair business: artist manager, art fair participant, art show director, Connie offers 2 hour long consultations about art fairs, art fair business, social media; you choose the topic. $150 value each www.ArtFairCalendar.com |
|
60 page analysis of survey findings from "Best Art Fair in America" Survey What the Art Fair Patrons say about art fairs "How to be a Best Art Fair" by Connie Mettler, publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com value $89 |
Now here is the part where I stop begging, thank you for all your kind support and messages and genteelly request from you a birthday gift to our websites. Easy and fast. Click here. Merci.
October 13-14Las Vegas, NV
Presented By: Summerlin/Howard Hughes
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
100 Artists
Deadline: June 2
Application Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $300 (10x10) $575 (10x20)
Summerlin Festival of Arts is celebrating its 23rd year in 2018. Located on a grassy park-like area in beautiful Downtown Summerlin, this established outdoor art festival features fine art, as well as music, food and entertainment. The celebration's focus is to support fine artists and artisans. 
The two-day event draws more than 40,000 visitors with thousands of serious art buyers each day - all ages, including families from the Las Vegas area and out-of-towners. Art enthusiasts enjoy fine arts and crafts in the inviting and festive outdoor atmosphere in Downtown Summerlin, a walkable open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The event is free and open to the public.
Artist Amenities:
- The location of the site is on a grassy area surrounded by Downtown Summerlin's open-air shopping center.
- The Summerlin area of Las Vegas is affluent and features beautiful homes and parks.
- Area will be lit at night with security patrolling the site 24-hours from Friday through Sunday until 9:00 pm.
- Real restrooms in a central location. Also, porta-potties available.
- Convenient artist and visitor parking on site.
- Coffee and sweet rolls provided Saturday and Sunday mornings.
- Volunteers available for booth sitting upon request.
- Volunteer helpers and motorized carts are available for set-up and tear-down on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Most booths have a corner location due to the 'quad' set-up. Booth Layout will be provided after acceptance into the festival.
- RV, trailer, and overnight parking are allowed in designated parking lots on site.
Marketing:
Publicity for the event includes citywide newspaper, radio, and TV coverage, outdoor signage, electronic media, social media, the Summerlin events calendar, a magazine distributed throughout Summerlin, artist postcards and artist e-blasts. The event is presented by Summerlin in partnership with their sponsors.
More Information: http://summerlin.com/festivalofarts
Contact: Nancy Higgins nanmoonhig@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find even more fine art fairs like these for your 2018 show schedule:
Here are two popular discussions from our archives:
Shannon Blosser wants to know about booth shots:
As a relative newcomer, I still have tons of questions about every little thing I might do. It occurred to me, after seeing this category, that it would have been a giant help to me to just see examples of working artists' booths in one place, instead of searching around for information. I'm starting the thread by showing mine, and I hope others will add theirs. It really could help someone.
I know my shot isn't perfect. What is good about it definitely came from advice I found on AFI. I can say that while it is imperfect, it got me into a great show. I had to borrow the tent and walls from a friend because I still don't have my own tent (with only 30 days before the great show - yikes!), but I think it came out relatively well.
See what she found out from our resident experts (over 30,000 views)
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/booth-shots-to-show-examples-to-newbies
Jim Dalton started a thread, "What's the Worst Question You've Been Asked at an Art Fair" many years ago and it continues to receive answers, over 13 pages of them. You'll like this:
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/whats-the-worst-question-you?xg_source=activity over 30,000 views
Surely all this information is worth $2 a month. Will you please make a donation to our Pledge Drive? CLICK HERE or go click on that birthday cake over there.
Reposting this for your edification ... and because I liked it, from member Jeff Owen:
Before the show:
•Eat a good breakfast.
•Pick up some flowers for your booth (your gallery).
•Keep your space clean – sweep and dust.
•Price everything clearly.
•Say good morning to your neighbors.
During the show:
•Smile all day.
•Never sit in or around your booth.
•Don’t use your Smartphone except for taking cc’s.
•Engage everyone who walks by. “How are you folks ?”
•Never “sell” your work, let people buy it.
•Talk less, listen more.
•Make sure your booth is not a cave, nobody goes into caves.
•Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
•Eat when you are hungry and drink a lot of water.
After the show:
•Be thankful you are an artist.
•Count your blessings.
•Pack up your booth with care – take your time, relax.
•If you sold well, congratulate yourself.
•If you did not sell well, chalk the show up to marketing.
Learn more & post a comment: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/some-thoughts-on-shows?xg_source=activity
October 6 & 7Reading, Pennsylvania
Presented By: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Indoors at the Goggle Works Center for the Arts
100 Artists
Deadline: June 1
Application Fee: $20 (waived until April 1) Booth Fee: $200 - $275
Arts Festival Reading welcomes thousands of visitors to explore our historic, post-industrial campus and immerse themselves in the arts. Now in it's 7th year, Arts Festival Reading aims to act as a conduit for established and emerging artists to network and sell their work, while showcasing the handmade process through live art demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The two-day event also features live music and performances, locally-sourced food and craft beverages and much more.
Marketing:
Arts Festival Reading's attendance grows every year and we work hard to attract both our recurring visitors and fresh, new faces. In addition to the GoggleWorks' website (80,000+ annual visitors), digital newsletters (18,000+ subscribers), catalogs (4000 printed), Facebook (12,000+ followers), and Instagram (1500+ followers), we advertise our event utilizing the following:
- Printed collateral (postcards, posters)
- Direct mailing to GoggleWorks mailing list + EDDM
- Advertising in regional newspapers and magazines and digital media
- Social media advertising; Event Emails
- Calendar listings in regional newspapers, online, and magazines
- Local media/community partnerships
- Volunteer assistance with loading in and out
- Artist Lounge (includes complimentary water, coffee, light snacks)
- Volunteer booth sitters; Parking (1 vehicle onsite)
- Opportunity to demonstrate process
- Listing in printed program & event map; Booth signage & nametags
- Promotional event graphics, posts, and hashtags you can use on your website, Instagram, and/or Facebook page; Online profile with featured product image
- Invitation for 2 to VIP reception (sponsors, GoggleWorks board of directors, community leaders)
About the Goggleworks Center for the Arts: A prime example of adaptive reuse in architecture, GoggleWorks derives its name from the original structure from which it evolved-the Willson Goggle Factory, which opened in 1871 as the first factory in the U.S. to manufacture optical lenses. After a year-long renovation, and with generous support from the community and state government, the abandoned factory was transformed and one of the largest comprehensive arts centers of its kind in the country opened in 2005.
More Information: artsfestivalreading.org
THURSDAY, MAY 24 - 5 PM ET
In the beginning art fairs were created and artists and art buyers flocked to attend. You were one of them. Your mother and your friends thought your work was wonderful and maybe they were right, so off you went to the marketplace. How did it go? Was it a triumph or a humbling experience?
A panel of beginner and experienced artists from various media discuss their "first time." What you will learn:
- how they prepared
- where they were, big or small fairs
- how it impacted their lives
- their biggest disappointments and their biggest surprises
- learning from their own mistakes vs learning from other's mistakes
- what they wish they had known then and how they used that information
- the good, the bad and the really ugly
- how to do three shows in three days and other extreme adventures
- their #1 tip for a first time show
My guests: Ly Montels, Anita Feng, Haley Yurkow & Jerry Scavezze
Then your turn. CALL IN TO THE SHOW with your story: (805) 243-1338
Will you do me a favor and donate $24 to keep
the art fair news coming into your mailbox and this helpful website alive and well?
Bet you will!
Bet you will!
When we started our 1st art fair website 14 years ago we wouldn't have guessed that they'd expand to five! Or that we'd have nearly 60,000 subscribers and have top Google ratings! You love art fairs, you found your way to one of our sites and we thank you!
Have our sites and newsletters helped you:
- find a new art fair in your community?
- taken you to an art fair when you are traveling and need your "art fix?"
- meet an incredible artist?
- fill your home and office with beautiful and amazing work?
- earn a living as an artist?
If so, will you contribute to our 9th Annual Pledge Drive that supports our mission of bringing fine art to your neighborhood and enabling the creative people you meet there to continue in their livelihoods? If our work has helped you and contributed to your life we'd really appreciate your help.
We're asking for a small pledge starting at $24 (only $2/month)? Plus, pledging makes you eligible to win some great prizes. Pledge here.
If you are wondering about ArtFairInsiders.com and its contributions to art fair life I think you'll enjoy this read from artist Nels Johnson some years ago:
HERE IS MY TEQUILA/ELVIS/ WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE AT ART SHOWS, REPORT
Here's a quick recap from the tiny in size, but big-hearted Marion Arts Festival. It's a one-day show but that's all it needs to be!
It's a tiny show, 50 artists exactly. It is very tightly curated with exactly zero duplication of subject matter between artists. If you get in your work will stand out. They are superb at jurying and making sure each artist in the show is unlike any other.
Zapp to apply. It took me three years to get in. Communication is plentiful and crystal clear as to what is expected of you. Deb Bailey is the director and I wish the industry would clone her. Honest to God, she's on top of every detail and writes the most entertaining emails you've ever read.
This was my second year. Last year it was 48F and raining all day, but I still made booth and expenses. This year I made booth and expenses by 30 minutes after opening...but that's because people shop as SOON as any booths are open. Like, buying at 8:00 a.m. when it opens at 9. The patrons there love art and they really support the festival.
Buying energy was big in the morning and then trailed off for me. Other artists did well, most of them. Most know that this show has a great reputation and most said it nearly always lives up to the hype. I made a dozen sales including some pieces off my wall, but it was mostly print bin for me. Caveat: I only do a few shows a year as I have a demanding day job, so Marion was my 14th show, ever, and 2018 is just my 5th year of doing art fairs. I am still learning and getting my footing. Regardless, even I can tell when a show is worth doing, and this one is.
Load in and out is MUCH easier if you have just one vehicle. It's harder for me as I have a small trailer. For those with a van, many times you can pull right up to your booth. And there are no bad booth spots by the way.
Weather was coming in so we were allowed to tear down and pack at 4:00 p.m. We pulled out just as the rain hit.
Overall, great show. Bring your A-game!
October 20 & 21
Northport, Alabama
Presented by Kentuck Art Center
270 Artists
Deadline: June 1
Application Fee: Early Bird, $35; After 5/15 $50
Booth Fee: $265 10x12
Alabama Tourism has named the Kentuck Festival
of the Arts as a top ten event for 2018 in the state.
This festival is held at Kentuck Park, an outdoor venue shaded by tall trees, in the fall of each year. Located 3 blocks from the Kentuck Art Center, located in Historical Downtown Northport, there is parking on grounds for artists and festival attendees, with additional shuttles running during the day from downtown Northport. Each artist is free to set up their "art space" in a way that best highlights their work. Safety comes first, so as long as spaces are anchored securely, our festival promotes the creation of "art spaces". It is easy to get to, located within a mile on all sides from major highways going in all directions.
About our festival:
More than 270 juried artists from across the continental U.S.- 26 Guest Artists, nationally renowned for their contributions to folk, outsider, visionary & self-taught art
- Legendary musicians, start-up bands, and spoken word performances
- More than 20 artists doing live demonstrations throughout the festival
- 14 artistic disciplines including clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, printmaking, photography, wood, sculpture, mixed media, and two-dimensional
- An arts festival recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress, TIME Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, the Southeast Tourism Society, Southern Living, the Alabama Tourism Department, and the National Endowment for the Arts
- Food trucks featuring regional cuisine and local craft beer
- For artists we have an artist hospitality tent which starts serving coffee and donuts by 7:30 a.m. Saturday and continues providing snacks and drinks throughout the Festival. Booth sitters are provided. Our artists party provides a place to sit, a meal, live music, an adult beverage or two, and great fellowship! $7000 in prize money is awarded.
| What is new this year? |
|
Locally: Speaking engagements to civic groups, tourism center promotions, and rack cards in the Cultural Art Center. Rack cards go to the visitor centers in the State each year. Ads are placed in Oxford America, Raw Vision and Alabama Heritage. Billboards are purchased the month prior to the festival in the surrounding area. Our broadcast partners this year are i-heart media and Alabama Public Radio. Paid ads in local newspapers and magazines are purchased, and social media ads are also used. We also offer a patron's VIP program which targets collectors and the affluent market in this area.
Testimonials:
"I show at 15 or 16 festivals a year. I think I've been attending Kentuck for about 15 years. Of all the shows I do, it is without a question, my favorite." Dennis Thompson, Festival Artist, Snobhog Studios
"Being from Canada, I had never heard of the Kentuck Festival until a dear friend invited me to come along because "I think even you might like it." She was a bit off the mark ... I absolutely loved it! The event is a genuine American treasure, and it's clear that many devoted and hard working volunteers put in hundreds of hours each year to deliver to newcomers and annual attendees alike the type of "wow" that I experienced. Kudos to everyone involved!" Ron Clarkson, Festival Attendee
Contact: Amy Echols, aechols@kentuck.org, (205) 758-1257
