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                                     Ann Arbor, Michigan
 
NEW! Days of the week: Thursday - Sunday
Thursday, July 21 - Sunday, July 24
CELEBRATING 57 YEARS OF ORIGINALITY
Application Deadline: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2016.
Hours: Thurs.-Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun. Noon-6pm
200 Exhibitors
    Deadline:  January 13

Application Fee:  $35 (till Dec. 31) $40 (after Jan.1)
Booth Fee:  $650 single (Electricity and corners for an additional $100

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the original of a collective of four concurrent fairs that transform central Ann Arbor into a massive outdoor art gallery each July. Established in 1960 and still true to its mission of increasing public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and fine crafts, the Original Ann Arbor Art Fair presents consistently high quality, all original work.

Located on the streets surrounding the historic Burton Carillon Tower and the tree-lined central campus of he University of Michigan, the Street Art Fair, the Original, offers a serene atmosphere that does not include sidewalk sales or merchandise vendors.  The Street Art Fair is known for attracting collectors, corporate buyers, and gallery representatives.

Highlights:
  • The combined Ann Arbor Art Fair draws more than 500,000 fairgoers from across the nation
  • Marketed extensively throughout Southeast Michigan and northern Ohio
  • In-depth Artist Directory on the Fair's website, which received 11 million hits leading up to last year's Fair.  An enlargeable color thumbnail of your work, contact information and links are included
  • Inclusion in the searchable mobile application, which incorporates a color thumbnail of your work and geolocation of your booth on the Art Fair map.
  • $7,500 in award money and automatic re-invitation for award winners.
  • Set-up the day before.
  • Behind booth storage.
  • Artist amenities include:  on-site security, indoor restrooms, booth sitting, daily continental breakfast, continuous beverages and snacks available at Artist Hospitality, water delivered to booths and an awards reveal breakfast on Thursday.
  • Paid demonstration opportunities.
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Website: www.artfair.org 
Phone:  (734)994-5260
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First, here are some valuable points about the show, then we will get into a typical Nels Blog.Produced by the Naples Art Center, find it on JAS.Booth fee $450.00 (a little too much considering the average return on your investment--but then, they are all now greedy bastards, most art show promoters.Quad style layout--four booths to a quad, everybody gets a corner but little storage room behind the booth,unless you luck out and get a jeweler behind you.(yeah jewelers)Setup is early Sat. Morning after 3:30 am (yuck!)Parking is in another country (At least it feels that way)They do offer parking downtown at two lots for $50.This is a two day show.Over 250 exhibitors--lots of competition.OK there is the nuts and bolts in case that is all you are interested in. For those of you who love the biz we do-- read on while I regale you with tales of astonishment and fantastic feats accomplished against overwhelming odds.Now with the new Star Wars out, we must amp the blogs up a bit, if only I had animation.Nels first blog of the year 2016Once upon a time in a land far south of the Mecca known as New York City two stalwart artists named Nels and Ellen, set off on a daunting voyage to invade the riches of Naples, down in Florida.Between them these two artist-warriors had 80 years experience in their field of expertise--photos and pastel-- had attended more than 2300 art shows, sometimes they prospered very well, other times they ran home in their vans licking their wounds.It was a deadly terrain ruled by autonomous art associations and high and mighty art promoters.Naples was a noble venue known for rich nobles visiting from afar, some who lived further away than Georgia, some came from that distant galaxy known as Europe.On the trip from their nest in Ybor City to Naples, Nels was ambushed by by a distracted driver on the great white venue known as Interstate 75.The driver was alongside Nels in what we quaintly call the slow lane. All of a sudden the driver lunged violently into Nels with his towed vehicle swerving precariously into his path.Nels was beset and pissed off. First off, he could not figure out why the guy moved over on him. Was the guy on the phone with the Donald?Quickly Nels jammed on his brakes hard, yanked his steering column hard left, and mentally,gave the offender the fickle upward single finger.There was a water-filled moat to his very left, there were hissing alligators greedily awaitingi his misfortune. Luckily, the offender came to his senses and swerved back a hard right. Nels missed him by a foot. One more foot to the left and he would have been alligator sushi.Ah! Another tale to tell around the Sushi Dens of Naples.Nels and Ellen barely made it in time to find out where they could sell their wares. The Naples Lordship shut done his services at 4pm. Latecomers would have to wait til morn.They both made it with a minute to spare.Nels regaled his fellow artists in line with the tales of his recent derring do. Some fellow artists like the Jeweler known as Phil from Erin, thought that Nels looked a little pale. Maybe these tales were taking a toll on Nels.Nels thought, "Hell with Phil, a little Jack on the rocks will smooth everything--and, it did."After checking in and registering their validity of their wares, Nels and Ellen sought nourishment, mostly of the alcoholic type. They found it at a happy place known as the Bonefish Grill. And, it happened to be Happy Hour, and they both got very happyon fish and mild grog. They retired to a great place known as the Red Roof Inn. They were excited because they had two free night certificates which lowered their risk of not making an honest wage this very weekend.They slept very contentedly til the evil invention by the Lord Jobs awakened them at the early hours of 4 am in the morning.Nels usually never would awaken this early for any art show. The same with the lovely Ellen. Although she would do it for a prosperous adventure in far off Chicago known as the "Old Town Art Fair.Sadly, they were not posted side by side. They both motored off to find ample advantage in setting up their booths and stocking them with alluring wares.The people of Naples were known for their riches and proclivity for images of Florida dear.Against great odds and aching muscles they engineered a perfect booth for each of them.Charmingly, Nels realized he was setting up in a quad known as the Comedy Corner. How devilish of the Naples director to put two photographers who both did humorous images side by side. What vision. We could only hope his bolster vision would prosper us. In the end, against great odds, we did prosper.The event opened at 10 am under very foggy, humid sky. The natives, and tourists, were a bit reclusive.Before noon a great land rush of swarming peoples descended upon the artisans. Speaking in tongues of Brooklyn, Sweden,German and English, they hungerily sought out and spent their riches upon many of us. All media were seen being carried off, although I think I missed a Helen of Troy, I did witness at least two of Scott of the Mississippi's Causey go by me.They riches stopped flowing by two- and we settled into lethargy and afternoon doldrums.By day's end, Nels and Ellen were very happy. When polling his favored artists most were very happy and we're looking forward to Happy Hour.Most agreed that a minemum of $1.5K was achieved for the day and many more were over $3K for the day. It was a good sign for the beginning of 2016.There was a certain amount of grumbling going on that day.It was announced on Facebook and other social sites that two other rival Art Show Lords had set up equal ventures at nearby venues with the charming names of Coconut Point and Estero. So the rich folk were being lured in many directions.Nels noticed thru the day that he could throw the proverbial "cinder Block" out of his booth and not hit anybody. Not a good sign at noon of an art fair.The folk that he got into his booth spent very well, he just needed more of them.Sunday dawned and damn if we didn't have to put on sweaters.Again, the natives were reclusive, and then before noon riches fell from the sky upon us.We prospered well, until 2pm, and then the dreadful rumored rains showed up, two hours earlier than what the Wizard known as the Weather Channel had predicted.Amazingly, the new show director had a moment of great clarity. He saw there would be a lull in the weather before heavier storms befell us. He issued a directive, those who felt their stock was threatened could pack up early and load out. But, no vans onsite til 5.Many, including me and Ellen did just that.We were on our way back to Ybor before five. We were going home happy and rich. Most of my kinsmen were equally happy.We would all live to sell another day.May the force, and good commerce, be with us all in 2016.Everything I said is true, none of it has been Photoshopped.
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June 10-12    fe39dcc6-9703-4dcb-b6b7-8aad949eb5d2.png
Omaha, Nebraska 
Downtown
Farnam St. between 10th & 15th
135 Artists
Deadline:  January 15

Application Fee: $30; Booth Fee: $350 regular $425 corner/Electricity $85

Noteworthy:33f90d9f-e593-4e4d-bde3-9d0486fd896a.jpg

  • 135 fine art and fine craft exhibitors
  • High quality juried show
  • Extensive marketing & advertising
  • Outstanding organization
  • Easy set up and load out
  • Exceptional show layout
  • A variety of options for discounted lodging within one mile of the show
  • 24-hour security provided by off-duty Omaha Police Officers

Outstanding Artist Amenities:

  • $2,500 in cash merit awards
  • Complimentary lunch delivered to each artist' booth on Friday
  • Artists' Awards Brunch on Saturday
  • Continental Breakfast and artists' meeting on Sunday
  • Artist Concierge Desk, centrally located, with dedicated cell phone number for artist requests
  • Private indoor restrooms, free WiFi and chair massages by appointment
  • Artwork delivery program providing pick-up from your boot and delivery to your customer's vehicles
  • Experienced booth sitters; water delivery o artists' booths throughout the weekend
  • Assistance with load-in and tear-down
  • Complimentary sand tubes delivered to your booth during set-up and removed at the end of the show

The Best in the Midwest
 

Named one of "the 20 Can't Miss Summer Festivals of 2014" by Smithsonian.com and one of the 2013 top 40 Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows by www.ArtFairSourceBook.com, the Omaha Summer Arts Festival is one of the finest in the Midwest, attracting more than 80,000 patrons from throughout the region.

dbc534eb-6ff1-4983-930f-7dc98aab5a96.jpg?width=325 This popular show features 135-juried artists from across the country selling their fine art and contempo-rary crafts in 14 media categories. An experienced staff of dedicated, event professionals produces the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.  Members of the Festival's Board of Directors visit each artist individually providing an opportunity for one-on-one feedback and evaluation. 

 

We care about the artists, listen to their input and react to their concerns.

The Omaha Summer Arts Festival is a magnet that draws people together to celebrate art in all of its forms and varied expressions.  It's mission is to present culturally diverse high-quality arts programs, performances and exhibits in downtown Omaha.  Each artist is provided an 11'x11' space with an additional 2'x11' storage area at the back.  An exceptional show layout allows every artist to pull his or her vehicle in front of their booth for easy set-up and teardown.  

Omaha Summer Arts Festival is an all-original show and artist presence is required.

Apply online:  www.Zapplication.org
 Learn more: www.summerarts.org

                           Email Inquires to:  epeklo@vgagroup.com

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May 13 & 14905a4ba4-4627-46b5-bb2e-18b3df47107e.jpg
Paducah, Kentucky 
Presented by: Greater Paducah Sustainability Project
Artists:  75
Deadline:  January 15

Application Fee:  $30
Booth Fee:  $175

We are a regional show.  You must live within a 350 mile radius of Paducah, KY to participate.

Six years ago a group of artists in Lower Town took over the reins of the Lower Town Arts & Music Festival.  We are proud to say the LTAMF has grown into an event that has gained statewide awards (a 'Top Ten' festival in KY) and national attention on CNN and NPR.

9ff4e2b1-89c8-43cf-a778-0d1f11d79618.jpg?width=350 Our festival takes place on the streets of 7 blocks in Lower Town (our charming Historic and Arts District).  Paducah has now been designated a UNESCO World Creative City for Crafts & Folk Art; only 1 of 3 in the USA.

We partner with the City of Paducah to create two days of regional magic.  As a result, our festival attracts crowds in excess of 15,000.  We are known for our Paducah Hospitality and we have an amazing volunteer workforce!

LTAMF is a small outdoor event; we have 90-100 booths of artists and local food (The Taste of Paducah).  We like the intimacy and we want our artists to continue to make a profit.  We feel that it is mutually beneficial for both our artists and our patrons to get to know each other.  After all, we are neighbors!

Please note: We set up our booths in pods of two so each and every booth is a corner.

Marketing: 
We market extensively throughout our region with print, web, and radio ads. Not only do we focus very locally but we also extend as far as Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, & Louisville. Ask Victoria all about it...she's gets rather animated.

Application:  www.Zapplication.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the co-directors, Victoria & Michael Terra, (they're very charming) at 270-908-0090,
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July 15-17ce418f0a-9c4b-4fe0-93e3-f3137e066fc9.jpg
Guilford, Connecticut 
Presented by: Guilford Art Center
On the Guilford Green
180 Artists
Deadline: January 10

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Fee: $40
Booth Fee: $680-$1330

The scenic and historic Guilford Green, a beautiful open space surrounded by boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries, has been home to Craft Expo for 59 years.  
 
One of the craft industry's most respected juried shows, Craft Expo will again showcase an extraordinary variety of functional and decorative art handmade by North American artists. As a celebration of the arts and a signature happening for the town of Guilford and the Connecticut shoreline, Craft Expo is a must-see summer event.

199f6226-f2ea-454d-af39-f57155f38baf.png?width=100 Drawing an estimated 8,000 artists, collectors, and visitors from across the country,  Craft Expo is known for its one-of-a-kind contemporary crafts in a variety of media.  All work presented is handmade by the artists, selected by a panel of professional peers, thereby ensuring only the best quality is workmanship, design and materials.

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Conveniently located off Interstate 95, half-way between Boston and New York, Craft Expo draws from a sophisticated and informed audience. Returning artists are able to connect with their regular customers each year, and new artists may establish the ground work for future collaborations with other artists, find customers for commission work, or find new buyers and collectors for their current work.

Contact: Allison Maltese, Craft Expo Coordinator, expo@guilfordartcenter.org
Phone:  (203)453-5947

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Find more 2016 art fairs: www.CallsforArtists.com
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6 Craft Festivals in the East for 2016

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More than 10,000 craft lovers to converge at each Mid-Atlantic stop
October 6-9, 2016
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Timonium, MD (outside Baltimore)
Maryland State Fairgrounds

October 14-16, 2016
Gaithersburg, MD 
(outside Washington, D.C.)
Montgomery County Fairgrounds

October 21-23, 2016 
Somerset, NJ
Garden State Exhibition Center
November 4-6, 2016
Oaks, PA
(outside Philadelphia)
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

November 18-20, 2016 
Gaithersburg, MD
(outside Washington, D.C.)
Montgomery County Fairgrounds

December 9-11, 2016
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.
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Jurying for the Fall 2016 shows begins in January 9, 2016.
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.
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Many artists appreciate the security of working with an organization that provides full scale media coverage and a network of events that they can count on every year and they build their show schedule around that. 
 
Sugarloaf Craft Festivals is now accepting applications from artists and craftspeople for its Fall 2016 season of shows. Talented artists and craftspeople working in all mediums will have the opportunity to offer their work to excited patrons in five of the nation's most lucrative markets.

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
For information about Sugarloaf Craft Festivals, visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com
 
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Call for Artists: Columbus Arts Festival

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June 10-12
Columbus, Ohio
Presented by:  Greater Columbus Arts Council
300+ Artists
Patron attendance: 425,000+
Deadline:  January 17
Booth Fee:  $595 (10'x10') 
The Columbus Arts Festival produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, is the city's welcome-to-summer event, pairing the finest artists and craftspeople with continuous entertainment including hands-on art activities, musical performances and food from the area's finest restaurants.
Join us on the Scioto Mile June 10, 11 & 12 for great art, music, food and fun!
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Expect:
  • Over $650,000 in marketing/advertising support and partnerships
  • Free parking space with each booth
  • $6,000 average sales
  • Produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 501(c)(3)
Artist Information:
  • $11,000 in Artist Awards
  • Artists hospitality area with beverages and snacks
  • Contact information and booth number in Guidebook
  • Text based information system provided by our radio partner CD 102.5
  • Name and image listed on website with live link to artist website
  • 24 hour site security provided by Columbus PD
Please note:
The jury will be held February 13th and 14th 2016 at The Sheraton on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus. You are invited to attend the blind jury process. Please contact Scott Huntley, Executive Director at 614-221-8531 or SHuntley@gcac.org for the weekend's schedule or to RSVP to attend the jury.
 
199f6226-f2ea-454d-af39-f57155f38baf.png For more information:  www.columbusartsfestival.org

We look forward to seeing you in June 2016!
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May 13-15  4682a738-838f-41ae-8781-db872debc1f0.jpg
Clute Texas
Presented by: Center for the Arts & Sciences
80 Artists
Deadline:  January 22 (server problems have made this extension necessary)

Application Fee: $20
Booth Fee: $200-350 depending on location & size

Display your artwork to our growing community of patrons at the popular Center for the Arts & Sciences, located just one hour south of Houston. Our facility sits at the front of Brazosport College, bordered by College Blvd. 
The Center is across the street from one of the affluent residential communities within walking distance. The population and economy of our area is booming thanks to petro-chemical industry expansion projects reaching $5 Billion! The Texas Gulf Coast Arts Festival is the ONLY juried arts festival in our county.


6759db07-5960-4afa-8708-b1a7614c8fa2.jpgThis year booth spaces will be available inside and outside. All outside booths will be under a pitch-top canopy covering both artist booths and shopping patrons. We'll have you covered rain or shine!  

Our festival is ARTIST-FOCUSED, expect ample pre-event marketing & promotion in national, state, and local media. 

Crowd-pleasing attractions will include a Friday night preview; live or DJ Music for added ambiance; a Run for the Arts Saturday morning 8am-10am; a quality Kid's Activity Tent; Art Demonstrations; Great Food; and More!

Artist amenities and service were rated "Awesome" by participating 2015 Artists including free parking, refreshments, booth sitters, plus fast response to any concern or request.


This year we are adding the Friday night Art Stroll, a "date night" premier event that will feature special food, adult beverages and fun music. Patrons will pay a higher ticket price for this pre-event and they will get a first look at your artwork. Great opportunity to sell your art.

Apply:  www.zapplication.comWebsite:  www.bcfas.org                                     
Contact:  Patty Swords, pattys@bcfas.org, (979)265-7661
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Find more art fair opportunities: www.CallforArtists.com
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Stories to Art is Calling All Artists

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December 17 - January 1
300 Artists
 
StoriesToArt is a new digital venture that helps connect artists to art lovers in a revolutionary new way. More than a gallery - though artists will sell original works on it - it will enable art buyers to commission fine art and crafts, poetry and songs inspired by a memory/story they share. 
 
The artists get a lot of creative freedom. The buyers get one-of-a-kind pieces. Best of all, artists on the site keep 60% of their sales, and 5% of the profits go to arts education via StoriesToArt Gives Back.

Win up to $5,000 and Be A Featured Artist On StoriesToArt.com.

 

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The call includes stories. You get to choose 1 as inspiration for any type of visual or expressive art. Use our other stories as inspiration or submit up to 5 additional pieces and the 5 stories that inspired them. 
  • Go to StoriesToArt.com to see the early stages of the website
  • check out the terms and conditions 
  • enter for your chance to win, exhibit on StoriesToArt.com and be a Gives Back artist!
Our Jury Process
 
Round One: A panel of professional artists, poets, and songwriters will choose up to 400 artists to invite to exhibit their work on www.StoriesToArt.com, an online gallery that will launch in early winter, 2016.  

Round Two: The judges will then select 12 finalists from the invitees and award the top 12 works as outlined below. 

  • 1st Place - $5,000 Cash
    and your art and profile featured on the StoriesToArt homepage 
  • 2nd Place  - $3,000 Cash
    and your art and profile featured on the StoriesToArt homepage 
  • 3rd Place - $1,000 Cash
    and your art and profile featured on the StoriesToArt homepage 
  • 4th - 12th Place - $500 Cash
    and your art featured on the StoriesToArt homepage
The top 12 will be posted to www.StoriesToArt.com.

Application fee: $15

Learn more & Apply Here: https://www.StoriestoArt.com

About Us
 
Founded in August 2014, this team, which includes an advisory board of professional artists, poets, and songwriters, CEO, e commerce manager, administrative assistant, creative film director, website team (including a web developer, user experience architect, brand marketer, social media marketer, web designer), and 300+ artists, plans to launch StoriesToArt.com in early 2016.
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Find more art opportunities: www.CallsforArtists.com
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This was last weekend in South Straub Park across from the bay. A perfect spot among million dollar condos and trendy restaurants.A little background.I am a photographer with 41 years in our biz--I bring a unique perspective to it. Also, I am born in St. Pete and have watched my town bloom into a fantastic traveler's destination.December is a rough month to make a living selling art in Florida.There are not a lot of good choices for shows.There is Palm Harbor, near Clearwater, forget about it, the committee that runs it is clueless .there is Englewood,below Venice, wrong time of the year, the money is not there yet.Equally said for Anna Maria also. Another clueless director who will listen to no input.Vero Beach, same thing, money people are no there yet.HA craft show on St. Pete Beach, small time sales, you take your chances.People don't buy a lot of art for gifts, and if so, it is usually low end.About four years ago, a gallery owner on Central Avenue, put on a Christmas show in the north Straub Park location,right next to the fine art museum.About 70 artists set up, about 60 of them failed, not enough people showed up.Then two years ago, Bill Kinney (Paragon) showed up. He put the show on in its present location on South Straub Park. He started small and steadily built it up.This year there were 105 artists, a perfect number, where most could make money.I waited til this year to try it. Bill charges $395 for the booth-- a high,dear amount.That amount should return ya $3-4K in sales--I was not sure it could do that.Well, I booked it, and I am glad I did.My previous two shows for the month sucked Royal Canalwater. I did not even clear $1K in sales for Anna Maria and Englewood combined.So I showed up on a windy, cool Friday to set up.There are only limited parking spaces, curbside, at the park. So part of it is luck,some of it timing, to find a spot.I lucked out, I usually do. In 41 years I have rarely been disappointed in finding a spot. I am blessed.Most of us had close neighbors on our sides but we had oodles of room in our rear and savvy artists took advantage of it with the promoter's blessing.It was a good looking show. Not a lot of chotzey looking work. There was a lot of great art and craft there, and a lot of it was in the high end range.I went back to Ybor City across the bay, satisfied with my set up. One of the reasons I took a chance on this show, was knowing if I died at it, at least I was sleeping in my own bed and not paying a hotel. We take our small comforts where-ever we can.Saturday bloomed brilliantly. Clear skies,cool breezes and lots of people walking about, greeted me in the morn. I got there early, walked up Central Avenue five blocks to the Dome Restaurant and had crispy hash with eggs. A short walk back and I was ready.Let me tell you about St. Pete now. Not all of you know a lot about the place.St. Pete (SP) sits on a unique piece of geography on Florida's Gulf coast. It is on a peninsula bordered by Tampa Bay,to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.It is equally blessed with sparkling beaches and a park-laden bayside location.When I was a kid in the forties it was known as the green bench city. People who could not afford Miami and Sarasota flocked here because housing was cheap and it was a really nice small town.Johnny Carson mockingly referred to SP as "God's waiting Room" where all the retirees came to die.There were lots of great neighborhoods to the north and south of downtown with wonderful Craftsman homes built in the forties.In the 50's thru the 80's downtown SP was mostly retail with a few good restaurants and theaters. Not a lot of people lived downtown.Then in the late 80's savvy builders saw the real potential of SP."Geez! Why not live right downtown here. You have this gorgeous waterfront abutting downtown, lovely parks to walk in, a cool pier to go out to, yacht basins all over the place."Let's build condo high rises to lure the money people downtown. Next let's build great restaurants and bars for them to hang out at. Then came galleries and museums, coffee shops,ritzy retail shops. And, it was all walkable. In a ten block square area you could do everything.And so it came to pass--SP's potential finally blossomed. This place is a magnet locationfor the monied traveler.I will say that the tried and the true traditional art sells best here. Still a very conservative Protestent edge here.So that gets us back to the present--this show.I sold steadily all day Saturday. My biggest sales was only in the $300 range--but it sure beat the hell out of Englewood and Anna Maria where there was zero interest.I sold to a lot of out of towners. I met people from New England, some from Chicago,many from Columbus,Ohio. A few from Iowa and one from San Francisco.They all had money. Nobody tried to get me down on the price. They were a class act.A fellow photographer near me had a 4K-plus day. Painters beside me sold several 40x60 pieces. Several jeweler sold some really nice pieces. Several artists around me zeroed.I drove home to Ellen in Ybor a happy camper. It was a great night for sushi.Sunday's weather was even better than Saturday's,a little warmer in the seventies.Crowds were bigger than Saturday. A lot more people walking their dogs.My sales were half of Saturday. But it still was a very good show.Several painters who zeroed Saturday had big sales on Sunday.According to Bill, who mines data like a maven, the average artist did a little better than $2.5K. That' s not bad for a December show.I still think the fee is a bit high for the return, but Bill can get it, because where else are you gonna go.Tear down is always a hassle, especially with limited curbside parking. You are supposed to be torn totally down to the ground before loadin out. Well, you know how that goes.Most people were out of therein less than two hours, some in one hour. Most went home happy.For me the show was a lifesaver.I would have had to slit my throat if I had ended with the Anna Maria show where I made $425.00.So I am reinvigorated for 2016--I see a killer year ahead.
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Happy Holidays Everyone

Happy Holidays

I'm usually more efficient and post this earlier but I've been really busy.

Last year our puppies went skiing for the holidays and this year they went to the beach on vacation.

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Happy holidays everyone.

Larry Berman
http;//bermanGraphics.com

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April & May 2016
Sarasota, Florida
Downtown Sarasota
Presented: Coexistence, Inc.
45 Artists
Deadline: January 4
See your work on a billboard!!
Art is a powerful tool to evoke social change.  Without uttering a single word, artists can enlighten, educate and effect change around the world.  Embracing Our Differences invites all artists to be a part of this change through your submissions to its 13th annual outdoor juried art exhibit celebration diversity and inclusion.  
Artists, photographers, professionals, amateurs, teachers, students-everyone can participate.  39 artists will be selected and national and international submissions are encouraged.  The exhibit will be displayed April and May 2016 in Sarasota, FL USA.  Since 2004, the exhibits have been viewed by more than 2,000,000 visitors.
Final selections will be made by a three-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals and based on artistic excellence and originality in the reflection of our theme "enriching lives through diversity."  $3,000 (US) in awards will be presented.  There is no submission fee nor limit on the number of entries.
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Contact Person:  Michael Shelton
Phone:  (941)404-5710
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Wishing you Love and Laughs in the New Year

Warm wishes for a glorious holiday to all my friends in art fair land. My hope for you in the new year is for you to live well, laugh often and love much. I hope Santa brought you everything you wanted.

My sincerest gratitude to all of you who have contributed to this website. Your helpful posts and encouragement to others is social networking at its best. With over 12,000 members, over 5000 discussions and somewhere around 15,000 blog posts the site continues to flourish. Thanks so much to everyone of you who contributes.

Happy holidays from all of us

  • Connie MettlerPublisher-ArtFairCalendar.com
  • Jacki Bilsborrow, who keeps all the data straight at ArtFairCalendar.com
  • Sabrina Augehenbaugh who puts together our email marketing
  • Tina Towell, whose friendly presence here and help with advertiser outreach helps keep the bills paid

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In case you haven't seen this, a real pleasure:

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Secret Santa is out on his deliveries

8869167095?profile=originalAFI's 4th Annual Secret Santa Gift Exchange is out in full force. Over 50 artists (and a few show directors also) are shopping and shipping handmade one of a kind goods across the nation.

This is a reminder to those of you who signed up that the shipping day deadline is Dec. 19 (but knowing how you like to wait until the last minute to get your applications in, am assuming you'll push that deadline. I'm off to the post office now with mine and hope you'll be posting photos at the link right here:

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/thank-you-to-my-favorite-secret-santa

Sorry, some of you wanted to join at the last minute and the names were already drawn. Hope you'll join us next year.

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An Update on the New EMV Square Reader

I realize that a lot of you are in the queue to receive the new Square EMV enabled reader. There are actually two options; 1) For $49 you get the EMV enabled contactless + chip reader version, can be used with ApplePay, 2) For $29 just the EMV chip card reader and swipy version. You must read all the way down on the Square site to see the less expensive version. But I digress...

The update, got my first $29 version used it extensively at Rio Grande, worked fine (as long as I remembered to charge it each day). Brought it to Tempe for the fall show and, for some stupid reason, during the show I squeezed it at one point and then found it wasn't working anymore, was that coincidental? By the way, the unit was taking a long time to charge, and not holding a charge for very long, prior to my squeezing incident so I suspect there was something going afoul with it anyway. My iPad informed me that the unit was defective. Hmmm,

Good news, when it doesn't work they send you immediately to the warranty/replacement link where you can have it replaced for free***Beware***you MUST send the old one back within 14 days of receiving the new one or you WILL BE CHARGED for the replacement, so don't dwaddle!

Got the new one today, plugged it in out of the package and it wasn't working...called Square support and the helpful lad on the other end of the phone informed me that indeed these new readers are quite sensitive and are made to break, can't remember his explanation but had to do with some agreement or other. He couldn't understand why it wasn't working just from shipment and handling as they are not THAT sensitive.

Moral of the story, when you get yours treat it kindly!

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I keep hearing a lot of great things about this juried art festival.  But i live in Cleveland ohio, and this would be a sizable road trip.  I hear that it is always in the middle of July at one of the hottest times, and that the festival draws a good crowd.  My questions are these:

1. have you done this show?

2. if yes, what were the best things about the show?

3. if yes, what were the shortcomings?

4. Can you offer some recommendations about the event - location, etc?

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The 21st Telfair Art Fair was Nov. 13-15th in Savannah, GA outside of the Telfair Museum.   I've done this show 5 years in a row now, and this was by far my best year.  This is an expensive show to do.  It usually costs me around $1,200 with gas, food, lodging, and booth fee.  I paid $600 for a corner booth.  I sold 16 paintings including 3 large ones, and the reason I do so well at this show is clear: I paint the local landscape!  As a realistic landscape painter, I've realized that I sell much better where I paint, so I only apply to shows where I actually go paint plein air.  I do larger paintings in the studio from my plein air paintings and photos.  My price range is $350 to $4,000.  I love this show and will continue to apply to it (on zapp).  Other artists who did really well this year included a glass blower and a craftsman who made bowl and vessel shaped sculptures out of burled wood.  I think the buyers have  a little more traditional taste at this show.  The judges, however, tend to come from other museums and usually reward either crafts or paintings that are unconventional.  The load in and out are a little challenging because you usually have to dolly in from a block away, but the staff treats the artists really well.  They give out food and drinks and the artists and patrons can use the bathrooms in the Jebson Museum, which is nice!  The arty party on Friday night is fun.  I don't usually sell much, but I did sell two small paintings this year.  This is the only fine art show in Savannah, as the others are craft oriented.

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