Metalsmith David Bacharach and jeweler Valerie Hector are compiling a book, "Craftspeople In Their Own Words." Do you have a personal story about working in a craft discipline or some great photos to include?
Please share your stories, I know you've got them! Profits from the book are going to CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). Send your stories and photos to valeriehector@sbcglobal.net or mail@bacharachmetals.com
One weekend this fall I was in Fort Wayne, IN, to judge a new and cool art show. My sister was invited to her friend's home for a barbecue and I was included. We drove out of town FOREVER it felt like and all the way I'm thinking, never would I live here in the middle of nowhere. Except ... we got there and it was wonderful. I know a lot of artists live in out of the way places (they're affordable after all), so here are a few shots of Kim and Steve Rorick's home and studio.
I've known Kim a long time and watched her progress from first pots to a fine professional. She apologizes for the studio looking so clean (company is coming and none of the tables are in the shop because they are holding up a very fine barbecue dinner in the garage.) See images of her work here.
Kim is a part of a large network of artists who live in the Ft. Wayne area. They jointly hold studio tours, support and show their work at a co-op gallery, The Orchard Gallery, and start art fairs to help one another live the creative life.
Kim's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.rorick.3
Her etsy site, Painterly Pots: https://www.etsy.com/people/PainterlyPots
Do you live in a community like this? Is your home full of great art? Show us ...
The Huffhines Art Trail show in Richardson, Texas, was rained out last weekend. Today, we got this note from them:
Dear Huffhines Artists,
I am happy to let you all know that I just received word that the City will be issuing refunds from the cancellation of the show last weekend. As soon as I know when you can expect a check or a credit on your card, I will let you know.
Hope this news makes your Halloween happier!!!
It sure made this artist happier. The show was to be put on by the town, and I know they'd already spent money on advertising, electrical work, T-shirts, programs, etc. They didn't have to refund our booth fees. I am grateful, indeed.
Just finished The Atlanta Arts Festival in Piedmont Park. I have done this show many times but missed last year because it conflicted with another show. This show is usually scheduled for September but had to move to October because of a conflict with Midtown Music Festival. In my opinion October is a much nicer time of year to have an arts festival. The weather was amazing all weekend.
The show is set up in the park on a road around the sports oval. The booths are on one side of the street and most people have lots of room in the back. The booths use to be on the outer side of the loop but this year they changed it and placed the booths on the inner area. I liked this much better. The booths blocked the view of the sports oval which would often distract the patrons from the art as they walked around. Load in also changed a bit for this show. They use to marshal you in from a separate staging area. This year they staged us in the park and we didn't need a police escort. I know many artists enjoyed the whole marshalling in thing but I was never a fan. It just took up a lot of time. I was happy to see the new set up. When you arrive to your booth spot you have about 2 hours to set up before you have to move your vehicle. Break down doesn't go as smoothly. Getting out of Piedmont Park is always a challenge. Break down, get a pass, get your vehicle and try to get to your spot. Instead of fighting all this I broke down and received my pass. Than a group of us went to dinner. After dinner we drove up right to our booths and loaded up. The show closed at 5pm. I was driving out of the park at 8pm.
This show never gets a huge crowd like a dogwood. I prefer this for a fine art show. The crowd did seem a bit smaller though than usual. Many people thought it might have been from other event going on near by, but there is always something going on in Atlanta. There was the big Red Bull soap box derby races that attracted 100k people. I don't think any of those folks would have been my market anyway. I heard many artists complain there was no advertising and I disagree. I live in Atlanta. I am a big NPR listener and I heard adds for this festival often. I also saw adds in many of the local magazines and print. My sales were good and since this is a local show for me and I have already scheduled many home visits in the next two weeks I think this will turn into a great show. The 2d artists a few booths from me also had a good show. I saw some art walk out but not a ton. If you live in the area or have family or friends you can stay with and Atlanta is your market I recommend this show. The show promoters are amazing. It is run like a real art show. No dogs are allowed. They have a hospitality tent but it was rather far from me so I wasn't able to visit. I dont' think they offered a free lunch but you could buy a boxed lunch. On Sunday they walked around with sodas and waters. Saturday night they had a happy hour pizza party.
Just for fun a pic of Julie Tepp (one of the nicest show directors) and a regular biker in Piedmont Park Ownen Wilson. His girlfriend and he almost ran me down riding through the show before they decided to get off and walk their bikes:)
The proceeds of the festival benefit South Miami Rotary charitable efforts including college scholarships for local school students as well as international and local community service projects.
November 20-22
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Presented by Glynn Visual Arts
70 Artists
Deadline: November 6
Booth fee: $190 (includes electricity)
The 5th Annual Mistletoe Market on St. Simons Island is produced by Glynn Visual Arts, the premier visual arts organization in southeast Georgia's "Golden Isles." Glynn Visual Arts (GVA) invites creative artists and crafters to participate in this festive holiday-themed event, located on beautiful St. Simons Island, GA, in the Pier Village. Friday night will kick off the holiday season in the Golden Isles.
As a result of amazing growth in this fun and exciting festival, we have moved the Mistletoe Market to Postell Park, directly across the street from the Glynn Visual Arts Center. The one square block setting is located under majestic live oak trees, with the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred yards away, creating a unique ambiance. This much anticipated kick-off to the holiday season in Coastal Georgia features a varied selection of creative works by approximately 70 artists and crafters.
St. Simons Island is one of four barrier islands on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, including Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island.
Our partnership with the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau means there will be more activities. In addition to the focus on creative art and quality crafts, the park will be turned into a coastal winter wonderland, complete with decorations, lights, a visit from Santa, craft demonstrations, a variety of holiday entertainment, and a children's hands-on art activity.
One artist recently wrote: "First show ever when I was sorry to see 5 o'clock arrive. I'm usually hanging around waiting for the end of the day. This time it came too quickly."Another artist stated: "Everything was done well-it's our favorite show to do."
Has anyone done any of Mike and Pat's shows in New England? Mostly one day shows (Sunday) and mostly Mass and CT. Anyone out there have an opinion on them?
Thanks,
Ron
There has been much frustration expressed with the (almost) past year and the results of our labors. I just read this article about marketing oneself, it's not a DIY article but rather how to be kind to yourself as you figure it out. I find myself there often and am about to attempt to jump in again so the words of encouragement were well received!
http://faso.com/fineartviews/98950/the-frustration-of-being-your-own-marketer
February 13-15
Coconut Grove, Florida
An oasis of art, you will enjoy three days of sales on the beautiful tree shaded campus of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, located in Coconut Grove, Florida and within steps of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. After 28 years of international popularity the show averages almost 50,000 people, sponsors, media and industry patrons annually.I am an older person who went back to school to study photography after my family business of over 50 years closed down. (I have an art degree from a LONG time ago.)
Before I go back up into the "real world" to try and make a living again, I thought I would TRY and see how I would do at several Art Fairs.
So I registered for 8 or 9 (thinking I MIGHT get accepted into 1 or 2.) However up to now I have been invited to 3 of the 4 that have been decided.
I have couple of questions that I would like to ask you people out there with more experience in these fairs that might help me:
CAN YOU MAKE MONEY ON THE FAIRS?
Taking into consideration the:
Cost of a tent
Cost of entry fees
Cost of booth fees
Cost to mount/and or frame your work
Cost of a hotel room, food, miss. income..
Is there enough left over to actually make a profit???
I am an older person who went back to school to study photography after my family business of over 50 years closed down. (I have an art degree from a LONG time ago.)
Before I go back up into the "real world" to try and make a living again, I thought I would TRY and see how I would do at several Art Fairs.
So I registered for 8 or 9 (thinking I MIGHT get accepted into 1 or 2.) However up to now I have been invited to 3 of the 4 that have been decided.
I have couple of questions that I would like to ask you people out there with more experience in these fairs that might help me:
CAN YOU MAKE MONEY ON THE FAIRS?
Taking into consideration the:
Cost of a tent
Cost of entry fees
Cost of booth fees
Cost to mount/and or frame your work
Cost of a hotel room, food, miss. income..
Is there enough left over to actually make a profit???
In response to last year's feedback we've revised the survey. What you'll find:
Do it now before you forget
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Deadline for voting: NOVEMBER 3, 11:30 pm ET
Why would an artist want to participate? Because this is part of our mission to bring buyers to attend the art fairs. We choose the best ones, shows brag about their placement and it gets picked up in the press and voila! art fair tourism!!
PLEASE SHARE THIS SURVEY. Its findings will only be as relevant as the number of responses received.
HERE'S THAT LINK: BestArtFairSurvey
We want to include opinions from all people who love art fairs. Forward this to all your friends who care about increasing quality attendance at the nation's festivals. Help us recognize the best.
P.S. YOU COULD WIN: All survey takers will be entered in a drawing to win two $50 gift cards for Ann Arbor, MI's, famous Zingerman's Deli.
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Attended Centerfest in Durham in September on the 19th-20th... and it was a scorcher. One of the hottest shows I have ever done and not a great show to have encaustic at. It was so hot that the paramedics had to come and take one exhibitor to the hospital who had heat stroke. The show is laid out in full sun on the downtown streets.
It was early morning set up, some were allowed to set up that night before but most had the early set up at 7am, with the show starting at 10. It was a scramble at best- but coffee was available to make it through.
It was a mixed bag show, some great stuff, some locals. I didn't see any buy and sell to my knowledge, (but they have gotten so sophisticated, who knows anymore). The crowds were fair but I think that the heat just wiped people out and they went to the lakes instead...just my opinion- I sure would have.
It's a educated crowd (the first show that I didn't have to explain what my medium was to everyone walking down the pike), but not a buying crowd. Everyone around me had a rough time. In fact next to me a jeweler with beautiful work, got a goose egg...when that happens something is wrong. Everyone commented- sales were down all around.
I had electricity and it didn't mean a thing.....it was brutally hot- maybe that was the problem but I would have to think long and hard about going back. We got lunches delivered and load out was easy and pleasant, as was parking, but sales , as everyone knows- make a show. and this one was a bit of a dud for me.
The next weekend was Tennessee Craft, on the 25th to the 27th of September. What can I say, a fabulous show put on the way a show should run...seamless, and they bring out the crowds. The weather was beautiful and the sales were great. Everyone I talked to had a good show. Loading in was easy, as was load out. The people are friendly and you are able to build a following, which is rewarding. Teri Alia and Hanna Cofer do a great job of laying out a show where no one is overlooked and everyone gets a fair shake. Plus, you have Nashville- best music around and great eats. The only negative, hotel prices will kill you....and the reasonably priced ones are a long drive from the fair.
Last but not least...(yea, maybe least), was the first Saturday in October, Bluff Park Art Show in Birmingham. This is a great little show put on by a funny,caring and organized director, so I can't really give it a thumbs down....but it poured RAIN the whole day. On top of that it was unseasonably cold and to add to the problem...Alabama had a home football game ( we are in Alabamaland folks.....so now you understand).
Set up was rough because the terrain was so rocky...people had to step up a rock ledge to get to my booth....my husband and i almost got divorced trying to level out the booth with shims ( maybe you can relate) and the crowds were barely there. Even then, I still paid for expenses and then a bit more.
Alabama takes taxes right when you break down, so there is no thinking you made more than you did until ten days later...ha. We all know that we can't stop the rain and an occasional show will get wiped out, (it was that pesky hurricane).
All in all, three in a row was pretty successful. Some I will consider again, if they will have me ....and some I will definitely not make it back to. Live and learn. At least these were all a little closer to my home base of Knoxville, and that made it worth it for me.
p.s. If you notice that I am missing "o's and p's" in this post...it's because I spilled maple syrup on my computer and it's been sticking ever since ...and I refuse to pay $750 dollars to Apple to look at it.....so just deal. thanks.
I haven't found any reviews for this one. It's a long way from home. I'd appreciate any information. My work is decorative fiber. Thanks!
Sharon
I'm selling my pro panels. Used once. GF and I broke up, and it was a relationship project between us. It's sad. Spent $2300 with shipping, selling for $1700. If you need museum hangers as well, I have those as well. $14 a piece, sell for $16. I used everything once. $200 for tent. Prefer to sell all at once.
Los Angeles, CA 90034 pickup
ryanhartford86@yahoo.com
April 1-3
Indian Wells, California
Presented by: Indian Wells Arts Festival
200 Artists
Deadline: October 15
Application Fee: $35
Booth Fee: $300 single/$600 double
Hi Everyone,
I had thought about applying for a Paragon show that will be held in Sarasota, FL and wondered if anyone had done it and what his/her feelings about it were. I missed the deadline (unless they extend it). The reason I thought about trying it is that I am doing the Osceola show in Kissimmee (for the first time) and the Space Coast Art show two weeks later. Since I will be coming from Tennessee, it would be nice to have a show the weekend of 11/21-11/22 to fill in the gap.
You all have always been so kind, helpful and supportive, the various times I've blogged. Thank you all in advance.
Susan
Hi Everyone,
I'm looking for Propanel walls. Black. I live in Aliso Viejo CA and need before Nov. 7th. Im new to Art Fair insider so not sure how this works:)
Thank you,
Kate Cohen
