Blog

Congratulations to Patty Gregory and her amazing team of volunteers. This small event held in late May in tiny Belleville, IL, has bragging rights to having the top sales of any show in the country according to the Art Fair Sourcebook. It is also an economic boon to the community what Patty reported to the show's sponsors last week:

...during the fair's 15-year history on the Public Square in Belleville, it has generated $30.3 million in economic impact, which does not include the artists' sales.

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/news/local/community/belleville/article124359384.html#storylink=cpy

May 20
Marion, Iowa (Cedar Rapids area)

Presented by:  Marion Arts Festival
50 Artists
Deadline:  January 17

Application fee: $25; Booth fee: $250

Marion is a "vintage uptown" type of community, and a part of the Cedar Rapids metro area.  Our show is one-day, intimate and purposeful, with the mission to be an event through which you will thrive. 

(Here, we're obligated to insert that we're volunteer-driven, kind of hokey and maybe more than a little mom-and-pop...in good ways, mostly.)

For you:

• Cash awards totaling $5000
• Friday set up
• Amenities include an artists' reception, convenient/free parking
• overnight security
• Block-rate hotel options & energetic volunteers

2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the Marion Arts Festival!  Further, folded into our festival day will be the unveiling of 20 pieces of public art in the alleys adjacent to the park, a project funded by ArtPlace America.  (With ArtPlace America's executive director Jamie Bennett as our honored guest.)

Marketing:

Named by ArtFairCalendar.com as among "America's 50 Best Art Fairs" and " America's smaller Fairs" in 2015, 2014 and 2013!  Among Art Fair SourceBook's "Elite 100" since 2009!

Apply:  www.zapplication.org

Learn more: www.marionartsfestival.com

For more than thirty-eight years the Greater St. Louis Art Association has been providing opportunities for the public to see and purchase original works of fine art and fine craft directly from the artists who create them.

• Our 40th Annual Spring Art fair
• Limited to approximately 130 artists
• An air-conditioned indoor art fair, no worry about the weather, tents or security
• Jury/Booth fees ($25/$200); free electricity 
• Cash awards totaling $4,500
• Booth sitters, 24-hour security. Rest easy knowing your booth is locked up safely at night.
• Excellent marketing campaign, expanded to television, newspaper, magazine and radio advertising, internet and e-mail promotion
• Promotional postcards, business cards and coupons provided free to exhibiting artists
• Live music throughout the art fair
• Wine tasting Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon

• Artist's entry deadline:  January 15
• You may enter after January 15, but no later than January 25th; the late fee is $50
• February 3 Artist notification via e-mail. 
• No booth fees will be refunded after February 17
• April 10  Booth set up starting at 9am, must be finished by 4pm   

June 9 & 10
Columbus, Ohio
produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council
300 Artists
Deadline: January 13

Application fee: $40; Booth fee: $595 

Join us on June 9, 10 & 11 for great art, performances, food and fun!

Learn more: http://www.columbusartsfestival.org

August 19-20
Perrysburg, Ohio

The Town Center at Levis Commons hosts the 13th Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair produced and created by The Guild of Artists & Artisans. 

May 6 & 7
Elmhurst, Illinois
Wilder Park
RGL Marketing for the Arts, Inc.
125 Artists

Application fee: $25; Booth fee: $360

	mixed media by Carla Bank

• there are over 10 food vendors including gourmet food vendors
• One of the best kid's interactive court in Illinois 
• Wilder Mansion is opened for pastries, coffee, and lunch for sale.
• Complimentary artist breakfast (which has been noted by artists) as the best one in the U.S.
• Indoor bathrooms inside Wilder Mansion and Elmhurst Art Museum

FYI: Application for the Estes Park Labor Day show is up on their website. Applications for the Estes Park Memorial Day show and Steamboat Springs are up on Zapp. Nothing yet from Golden. The cycle begins anew. 

July 14-16     
Guilford, Connecticut 
on the Guilford Green
Presented by: Guilford Art Center
180 Artists
Deadline: January 9

Application Fee: $40/Booth Fee: $680-$1,005

Craft Expo has been a summer destination for shoreline residents for sixty years. It is Connecticut's premier outdoor juried show of fine American craft, and is known for its one-of-a-kind contemporary crafts in a variety of media:  Baskets, Ceramics, Glass, Leather, Wearable and Non-Wearable Fiber, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Paper Arts, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture and Wood.  

The scenic and historic Guilford Green, a beautiful open space surrounded by boutique shops, restaurants and art galleries, has been home to Craft Expo for 60 years. Conveniently located off Interstate 95, half-way between Boston and New York, Craft Expo draws from a sophisticated and informed audience of approximately 7,000 visitors.

The show also features live craft demos by Guilford Art Center instructors, food trucks, beer and wine sales, live music and a Family Art Tent.

Marketing:
Promotional efforts include detailed press releases, paid print and online advertising, public radio spots, broadcast media events, direct mailing, and extensive use of social media networking and email campaigns.

Apply:  www.zapplication.org
Learn more:  www.guilfordartcenter.org/expo
Contact:  Allison Maltese, expo@guilfordartcenter.org, (203)453-5947

Well, our first full year of shows is behind us. We had some great shows as well as some real dogs, but that is part of the business.  We did 18 shows plus three small holiday markets locally mainly to get rid of old work that was not moving.  The weather, crowds, buying energy, and logistics varied from show to show.  The one thing that remained constant was the great people we met along the way who have chosen to do art shows for a living.  We may not have much experience in the art world, but we have had a lot of life experience.  We have never encountered a group of people who are more willing to help, stay positive in the face of adverse circumstances, and are just plain fun to be around.  When it is hot, the crowds are non existent, no sales, and all you can think about is how much of the money you made at the last show is going back out the front of your booth at this one, it sure helps to have somebody with a sense of humor next door that you can joke around with. We have gotten so many great suggestions from fellow artists that have saved us time and money.  In that regard we have learned a lot over the course of the last year.  So, to everyone we have met along the way, had as neighbors at shows, or have responded to our questions on this site, thank you. We hope you all have a great 2017!! 

Are you an independent artist looking for Fall shows that always deliver? Do you have quality, handcrafted art that you're ready to introduce to eager audiences?

Sugarloaf Craft Festivals, voted in the Top 50 Craft Shows in the USA by Sunshine Artist, are located in some of the country's most upscale communities. Sugarloaf shows are conveniently located along the I-95 corridor. Don't worry about the weather: all shows offer indoor space options.

More than 10,000 craft lovers to converge at each Mid-Atlantic stop

October 10-13, 2017

Timonium, MD (outside Baltimore)

Maryland State Fairgrounds

October 20-22, 2017
Gaithersburg, MD (outside Washington, D.C.)

Montgomery County Fairgrounds

October 27-29, 2017
Somerset, NJ

Garden State Exhibition Center

November 3-5, 2017
Oaks, PA (outside Philadelphia)

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

November 17-19, 2017 
Gaithersburg, MD (outside Washington, D.C.)

Montgomery County Fairgrounds

December 8-10, 2017
Chantilly, VA (outside Washington, D.C.)

Dulles Expo Center

Last year, more than 155,000 visitors spent more than $14 million at Sugarloaf Craft Festivals.

 

Booth space is available at every show in all categories, including fiber and fashion, photography, fine art, furniture, ceramics and pottery, blown and leaded glass, metal, leather, functional and decorative wood, and jewelry.

Jurying for the Fall 2017 shows begins in January 9, 2017.

Now in its 40th year, Sugarloaf continues to build a talented community of artists whose arrival is eagerly anticipated in every market by 10,000 visitors or more.  

Sugarloaf's reputation as a convenient, reliable and profitable place to display and sell work attracts new talent and keeps artists coming back for decades. The opportunity to select shows and booth sizes offers artists the benefits of a "pop-up" retail store without any of the 

headaches and hassles.

 

Discounts on booth fees, flexible payment options and convenient show setup reflect Sugarloaf's experience and commitment to accommodating the needs of artists. 

 

Through traditional advertising, media exposure and digital marketing, Sugarloaf ensures a steady stream of visitors of all ages.

Jurying for the Fall 2017 shows begins January 9, 2017.  

Space is limited. Apply today! 
 

Jewelry artists are encouraged to apply as early as possible as this is our most popular medium.

 

Not only will you gain impressive retail sales during each three-day event, you'll increase your e-commerce, wholesale and commission businesses. No other platform will result in as much direct exposure in just 3 days!  

 

We take care of everything so that you can focus on what matters most - creating! From an organized setup through breakdown, you will have a seamless experience.

 

We market our events extensively You may have seen us featured on Bravo TV, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, CBS News, and many, many others.

 

Transparency is very important: we always provide after-show attendance and sales reports are provided within 48 hours.

• New artists are welcomed with open arms and established artists always look forward to coming back.
   
• We are seeking talent in all mediums for all shows. Categories include fiber and fashion, photography, fine art, furniture, ceramics and pottery, blown and leaded glass, metal, leather, functional and decorative wood, jewelry, apothecary and specialty foods.  
   
• Now in its 40th year, Sugarloaf continues to build a talented community of artists whose arrival is eagerly anticipated in every market.
   
• Sugarloaf's reputation as a convenient, reliable and profitable place to display and sell work attracts new talent and keeps artists coming back for decades.  
   
• Participation in Sugarloaf Craft Festivals allows artists to select the shows that fit their schedule and build a successful business on their own terms, much like having their own "pop-up" retail store but without any of the headaches and hassles.  During the three days of each show, over 10,000 people are there to see and buy!
   
• Artists displaying their work in Sugarloaf Craft Festivals become members of a highly talented community of artists which is eagerly embraced by thousands of appreciative and generous patrons.  Sugarloaf exhibitors agree that there is no better place than the "Sugarloaf Community" for artists seeking a convenient, reliable and profitable place to display and sell their work.   
   
• Sugarloaf makes it easy for artists to become part of this fun community and sell their work, with booth fee discounts, flexible payment options and convenient show setup.  
   
• Sugarloaf also actively markets its shows through significant advertising, visible media, and a strong social media presence.
  
  

How to Apply:

Artists can apply online at www.Zapplication.org using the search term "Sugarloaf."  

A paper application can be downloaded at www.sugarloafcrafts.com/becomeex.html, submitted by email, mail or fax.

For more information about Sugarloaf Craft Festivals visit  www.sugarloafcrafts.com

Hear what our artists have to say:

 

"Sugarloaf is a prime example of the American craft industry thriving and doing well. I have a personal connection with so many people. They continue to come back every year -- that's the great thing about Sugarloaf."Robin Markowitz - SDJ Designs jewelry

"We've been in business for 20 years and this weekend at Sugarloaf was record-setting!" Danny Kong, - Danny K. Handbags, Spring 2016

"Every sale we make at Sugarloaf is worth 3 times the amount because of the relationships we make. Customer re-orders, referrals, custom and wholesale orders keep me coming back to Sugarloaf!" Howard Field (Sugarloaf Exhibitor)

Apply today: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=5443

June 17 & 18

Cantigny Park

Approximately 100 Artists

Cantigny Park is pleased to announce Art in Bloom, an outdoor arts festival. More than 100 juried artists will showcase their work amidst Cantigny's beautiful gardens, grounds and museums. 

Art in Bloom is always among the park's most popular events. Quality of artwork will take precedence over quantity of artists so the show may vary in size somewhat. 

Friday night set-up is available as well as an air conditioned artist break room, snacks, and volunteers galore. This event is located on grass under large trees. Ample parking is another valuable asset!

Our publicity campaign will include, but is not limited to, radio, newspaper, eblast, Twitter, Facebook, postcards, web, Cantigny Visitors Guide as well as our Spring and Summer Events guide, posters and banners. In addition we plan on working with many of Cantigny's partners, affiliates and sponsors to help make this art fair the best that it can be.

FESTIVAL FACTS: 

• Deadline: January 1
• Jury Fee: $10
• Booth Fee: $300
• Artists: approximately 100
• Prints Allowed
• Ribbon Awards: $1100.00
• Attendance: 10,000+  
• Ranked #96 in Sunshine Artists Top 200

To learn more and apply: www.emevents.com

For additional information please contact:  

Erin Melloy, 630.536.8416, emelloy@emevents.com

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Find more art fairs for your 2017 season: http://www.callsforartists.com

http://www.gallup.com/poll/200126/economic-confidence-inches-new-high.aspx

May you have a very merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2017!

The last time I exhibited at Images was in 1984 when I was a youngster, just testing the potential of art fairs for selling my work. I didn't do too well, but I was intrigued by the art fair culture. The last time I was in New Smyrna Beach was in 1985. This time, I was there as a television producer. I brought a crew and shot a documentary called "Art Fair." It aired on a few PBS stations around the country at that time and garnered an Emmy nomination in Chicago (I didn't win). Its still an interesting piece, but, a lot has changed since then. If you watch it, see if you can identify Nels Johnson. He has a bit part in this production. And, see if you spot any other artists who are still in the business. It's on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/q16q5Ju_pBk

Anyway, I've been curious about this show for years and I finally decided to give it a try for old times sake. But I have a question for those of you who have done this show. I requested and paid for a corner booth, but they mistakenly assigned me a non-corner booth on Riverside Drive. When I asked about this, they offered to create a corner for me on Canal Street. Any opinions on location on Riverside Drive vs location on Canal Street? I can have a non-corner booth on Riverside or a corner booth on Canal. Haven't done this show for about 30 years and not familiar with the layout these days.

Enjoy the video!