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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

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

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!

As self employ you need to wonder how things will change next year. One thing I know since I am hispanic I am expecting some backlash from a minority white group. I am hoping to be doing better art fairs next year and increase my art installation services in Chicago will improve my bottom line. I really hope to eliminate Postmates but it is important to have other sources of income. 

The one thing I know for certain the debate about middle class and disposal income not been there has created a lot interested on my part. There is no doubt that Trump won the election because the working class is in need of help and democrats had become coast party and pushing social issues. The only issue that matters is income. The middle class are people that proud of earning and producing honest income. There are lot mis information going on but people want to work and earn income. There are some many jobs that basically vocational jobs that need to be fill. There are jobs that will be a dinosaur because of technology. I am hoping Trump become a great president because the middle class need him to be great. 

Happy Holidays

Here's our new holiday card. Our puppies have been taking flying lessons this year.

old cards can be seen here.

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

June 16-18
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Presented by the Milwaukee Art Museum
180 Artists
Deadline: December 13

Application fee: $35; Booth fee: $500

Awards:

A total of $10,500 in awards will be

presented. Ten awards of $1,000 each to be given where excellence is determined by the jurors. The remaining $500 is awarded to the winner of the Sculpture Garden media/category.  Awards are based on the artist's entire presentation. The top ten award-winning artists are invited back to LFOA for the following year without jurying. 

Jurors will also select Honorable Mention award winners, all of whom are invited back to LFOA for the next year without jurying.

Learn more: lfoa.mam.org

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=5147

I haven't been writing much lately. I have done a bunch of shows this year (26) and truly have just beat myself up physically.....Plus, the time in-between has been studio "bust a move" time...to keep the inventory fresh and plentiful. But I figured that I would end up the year reviewing my last two shows.

Two weeks ago I did Cincinnati Winterfair. Based at the Covington Convention Center, which is nicely equipped with rugs and big pushcarts to load in our work. The booth fee is $350 and the show had about 300 exhibitors (my estimate), I can't remember the exact number. Load in was on Thursday and was so well organized that I had everything up in half the time I usually do. There is approximately 1 foot of space in back of your booth , enough for a few plastic boxes but that is about all. Electricity is free. It is cheap to stay in nice digs in Cincinnati for reasonable prices. We stayed at the Raddison "hair-curler" high rise and the room was great and less than $100 with a great river view. 

The show was laid out well and nobody could be overlooked. There seemed to be an over abundance of jewelry... I think it hurt the jewelers, and many around me were not having a great day. I had one on either side and also one across from me. I am 2D and honestly, there weren't too much in my category and those of us there were doing ok. Since this is a gift show I didn't bring my large work but instead brought some medium size pieces along with my line of low price ($35 to 55 dollars) small pieces. I can't complain. The crowds were their for the weekend and I did a decent profit along with covering my expenses. It was solid for a close to the Holidays show. I don't believe that it was an excellent show for many artists though, I saw a lot of small items go by but not a lot of big work. For me working small had it's advantages because even though I didn't sell much of my bigger pieces off the wall, I sold the heck out of the small stuff (gifts) and that is what I expected.

The show is very well run with Carol Snyder at the helm who is very knowledgeable and a seasoned pro. This show is a tight ship and is the main art market for this time of year in Cincinnati/Covington. It was a pleasure to do. One of the nice things is that the show is a Friday, Saturday show from 10 until 6 but on Sunday it closes at 4pm which makes it possible for most of us to drive home that night. I live 4 hours away and it was a fast break down and we were out of there by 5:30 Then on the road and home by 10pm. I recommend this show, it has a good track record and for me, well maybe it was because I was new, not sure , but it was worth doing.

Last weekend was Winterfair Columbus...this show at the Ohio State Fair Grounds is three times the size of the Cincinnati show. The cost to participate is $375 for a 10 x10 both with no back space for storage or chairs so you had to be creative with the set up. Note: leave your Hollywood chair at home-there is no room). Load in is on you- so bring a good dolly and your own flooring. There are many entrance point though and you aren't far from your booth. . I think there were probably around 700 exhibitors- that is one thing I just didn't tabulate so if anyone can help I would appreciate it. I know that the rows went from 100 to 1100 so there were many of us. We stayed out by the airport, there are a good selection of reasonable hotels and we were only 3 miles for the fairgrounds. There was a special rate ($80) room at another hotel through the show...but it was much farther away so I think we made a good decision. 

This was a wonderful show and the crowds turned out. I made over 3K on Friday alone(I brought my big work this time). The other days for me were almost as good. Maybe because I was new-maybe I was lucky...don't really know. I had friends there that did awful and I felt bad about my good fortune. But hey, I have been on their end of the stick as many times as they have been on mine...it's always a pendulum. The show goes until 8pm on Friday, which stayed busy that night, then 7pm on Saturday (dead after 5) and then to 4pm on Sunday....an easy  break down even though it seemed to be sleeting a bit while we were doing it. Made it possible to get home that night.

It was a pleasure to do and since it was one of my best shows of the year...it was a great way to finish it up. Happy Holidays everyone at AFI....May 2017 be a wonderful and productive year to all of you...see you along the way. Now I'm going to put my feet up! Ha! 

I know that just about everyone, with some exception, has had a down year and, for some, Tempe was just a continuation of that trend. For me, thankfully, it was "okay". The bottom line is I didn't lose money but didn't make much either. I made about the same at the spring show. Read between the lines, this show is not making a lot of money for some artist/attendees.

The administration of this show has changed hands since spring. Kate Borders, President / Executive Director of Downtown Tempe Authority, is the new director of the show. Didn't she come from the Peoria, IL show? As is the case, when there is new leadership there are changes and so was the case with the fall show. Most of the changes were barely imperceptible especially to the audience. For those of us who are veterans of this show some of the changes were very noticeable. The artist hospitality was moved to the shows headquarters about a block and a half north of their previous location, what was wrong with the old place? Not too bad for those of us at 5th and above. I felt bad for anyone wanting to have coffee or a snack from 5th south as they had a much further hike. The arrows that were chalked onto the sidewalk from the old location showing where the new location was seemed to go on forever! I hope Linda wasn't too lonely.

Next, and certainly not least in importance, Porta Potties! There used to be at least 4 of them located near the old artist hospitality area. This year there were only two, until Sunday morning when there was only one and this one was over full and seemed not to have been serviced over night as they usually have been. I wonder what it was like at other areas where they usually stage these things?

Artists reception. Okay, it's not required that a show have one, it's a perk for the artists. Usually this reception was held in a large open area near the beer and wine garden so there is a lot of room for the artists as-well-as good eats and 2 free drinks. This year the reception/awards reveal was held at 5th and Mill, upstairs, in the already overly-crowded-with-regular-diners restaurant. There were still the tickets for 2 free drinks but alas, there was no nicely catered dinner as was usually the case for this show. The "bites" that were served turned out to be herb spiced french fries and maybe something else that looked like pizza stuff on pita bread, was there anything else? Needless to say, by the time I found out they were being served and got there all was gone, you know artists + free food= nothing if yer late!

The awards reveal was probably about the same, too loud to hear anything so wait till the next day to find out in the daily newsletter. Oh, no newsletter. Okay, most of the time it didn't include much more than was already known but it did include load out info. This last item was covered in an email which, if I didn't just happen to be checking my phone for who-knows-what I would have missed it. Included in it was info on load out which, by the way, seemed to be better organized than in previous years and made for a fairly orderly departure with it taking no more time than I usually take to depart similar venues and the aforementioned awards winners (see separate post for that info).

Speaking of too loud. The "music" was too loud and there was too much of it concentrated in one area. I've not been in this particular location of the show before so I don't know if this is what usually takes place here. Was it a new thing that they had a music stage in an amphitheatre like location that amplified the music and sent it out through canyons of buildings to drowned out conversation? In addition to the end cap musician and the children's banging on instruments area nearby. Some adjustment to this seems in order.

It's not a big deal but wouldn't a show organizer want to meet and greet? It just seems like a nice thing to do. Okay, I'll admit that there is a lot to do with organizing these events. The previous administrator got out and said hello to the artists and knew their names! I didn't meet Kate but one of the staff members described what she looked like to me.

Speaking of staff...this is not new to this show just ongoing. Booth sitters were nowhere to be seen but in all fairness you were given a phone number to call if you needed one. I saw a few young people with red T-Shirts that said "Volunteer" on the back, were they the booth sitters? Hard to know because they were just roaming the streets with no apparent agenda. What were they volunteering to do? I've got an issue with all shows that say you can call for a booth sitter. Sometimes, the need to evacuate your booth comes on quickly, calling and waiting for a booth sitter is just not practical. I've had to rely on my fellow artist/neighbors for quick comfort and fortunately had nice neighbors for this show. Thank you, you know who you are.

This falls show must have had a gazillion jewelers, well, I exaggerate some but it did seem as though  and in some cases actually was, a jewelry booth every other booth no lie!( two categories; fine (37), and ornamental (38), what's the difference it's all ornamental!)  So out of approximately 350 artists 21% were jewelers, I'm sure they were not happy with those kinds of odds. I had two different jewelers on either side of me. Let it be known that high end was not selling anywhere near me. The "fine" jeweler next to me 0/out with high end stuff and the jeweler to my east who had more variety and price points wasn't very happy either but was selling...some. 

Okay, so it's easy to point out flaws and, in all fairness, the show went along fairly smoothly. In the morning the usual coffee/water cart came by, which I appreciate. There were goodies in the aforementioned artist hospitality area. Load in and out went smoothly, we can only wish it would do the same at all shows. The crowds were actually crowds but alas were spending frugally that part is NOT the job of the promoter/organizer.

If your looking for the nuts and bolts about this show please see my previous reviews as not much has changed.

And, the envelope please...Award winners from this Falls Tempe Festival of the Arts

2016 FALL FESTIVAL

AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

BEST OF SHOW
Stephen Harmston
Harmston Arts
Printmaking
Chandler, AZ – 1106

BEST BOOTH DISPLAY
Jim Williams
Allen & Williams Pottery
Ceramics
Carpinteria, CA – 1107

DRAWING
Michael Rohner
RohnerArt
Oakland, CA – 1113

CERAMICS
Deborah Duran-Geiger
Firetiles
Santa Fe, NM – 1340

COTTAGE EDIBLES & CRAFTS
Cindy Salters
Black Tie Caramel
Sacramento, CA – 5619

DIGITAL ART
Shawn Harris
Shawn Ray Harris
Trinidad, CO – 5001

FIBER
Jane Mohr
Jane Mohr Designs
Van Nuys, CA – 5511

GLASS
Elaine Forbes
Wheelainy
Tucson, AZ – 5145

FINE JEWELRY
Wolfgang Vaatz
Earth Terra Erde Inc.
Rio Rico, AZ - 1319

ORNAMENTAL JEWELRY
Denise Robertson
Speakingrock Jewelry
Columbus, NM – 1433

LEATHER
Natalie Wall
Revoluccia
Salt Lake City, UT – 5504

METALWORK
Greg Martin
Super DeLuxe Art
Las Vegas, NV – 1322

MIXED MEDIA
Vicki Fish
Bozeman, MT – 1211

PAINTING
Mike Ryan
Paintings by Ryno
Springdale, UT – 1103

PHOTOGRAPHY
Robert Kawika Sheer
Spirit Shadows
Redondo Beach, CA – 1313

PRINTMAKING
Mel Fleck
Fleck Studios
Taylorsville, KY – 1117

SCULPTURE
Chris Paulsen
3sevens Pottery
Portland, OR – 5132

WOOD
David & Carolyn Levy
Hardwood Creations
Davis, CA – 1335

UPCYCLED/CREATIVE RE-USE
James Floyd
Pensacola, FL – 5114

SIXTH + MILL MAKERS
Andrew King
Tempe, AZ – 6524

HONORABLE MENTIONS
McKenzie Fisk, Painting – 5002
Kristin Schillaci, Photography – 5102

May 13 & 14
Bethesda, Maryland
Presented by: Bethesda Urban Partnership
140 Artists
Deadline:  December 16

Application Fee:  $35/Booth Fee:  $425-$850

The festival will be held downtown Bethesda, a lively urban area renowned for restaurants, shopping, galleries and theater.  Bethesda, a state-designated Arts & Entertainment District, is located adjacent to Washington, D.C. and is one of the most renowned and affluent communities in the metropolitan area.

All original fine art and fine craft is eligible, including ceramics, clothing/fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood and other.  A jury will select award winners from on-site evaluation.

Artist amenities:

• breakfast and lunch for participating artists 
• 24-hour security.  
• Volunteers will distribute beverages and booth sit.  
• Drive up to your booth for set-up and tear down.
• All booths have a corner at no additional charge.