Blog

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???

What show is a "must attend" show for you each year? 

Do it now before you forget

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

Received my new Square swiper and thought I'd inform folks about it. In case you've been under a rock for a while credit cards with the EMV embedded chip require a new swiper for which Square will charge you $29. Not too bad considering all the free ones they gave to us.
The new swiper has two slots and is quite a bit fatter. The top slot accepts the EMV embedded cards while the bottom slot is for traditional swiping. Just plug the card into the top slot and don't remove it till the transaction is totally complete! Easy peasy!
The hardest part about the new card is remembering to charge it. Unlike the old swiper you have to charge this one with a USB/mini plug cable. The first time I used it, after charging it I thought it would take the charge off my iPad. Nope! So, the next day I'm swiping madly away and it's not working, no EMV charges no regular swipes, etc. Finally, at the end of the day, the light bulb goes off in my head, hey! Charge it! Wha-lah, like magic, it's working again. I later discovered that when you plug it in and it initializes its connection it shows a battery charge icon indicating the strength of its charge!
Good luck and happy charging!

Post Scribble: I've had the swiper plugged into my iPad since 9 am it is now 4pm and I got an alert when I unplugged it and plugged it back in that it has no charge! Believe me, it wasn't because I was madly swiping away at the Rio Grande, Albuquerque show this weekend. (But that, is another story). Glad I have my little portable Mophie power supply!

April 15-17
Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
presented by the Lubbock Arts Alliance
Friday, Premiere Night 6 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday, 12 pm - 5 pm
110 Artists
Deadline: October 13

Application fee: $20
Booth fee: $375, $475, $700
 
Why should you bring your artwork to Lubbock?

Because we are the home of Buddy Holly, Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Glenna Goodacre, Eddie Dixon, Jaston Williams, Barry Corbin, Susan Graham, and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks! Pretty cool, huh?

In addition to that interesting piece of info, Lubbock has a population of 230,000 and serves as the regional education and medical 'hub' for West Texas. 

In fact, we have three major universities in Lubbock; the largest of which, Texas Tech University, has undergraduate/graduate programs, a law school AND medical school. We have also been selected as "100 Best Communities for Young People" by ING.
You can "Tour Texas." There are plenty of other great shows around the time of our festival including Fiesta Arts Fair in San Antonio; Art on the Square in South Lake, Dallas/Ft.Worth and Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson. So spend some time in the Lone Star state and enjoy the bluebonnets of the Hill Country along the way!

The show venue is completely indoors, totally air-conditioned. Artist perks include free, reserved parking; easy loading/unloading; lunch on Saturday; private hospitality room; event security that stays overnight; wireless internet; discounted rates at our host hotel; and $50,000 worth of advertising. Most of all, and most importantly, we are just really nice people who want you to be successful!

What else you should know:  

As always we are striving to be the most "artist friendly" show that we can. This year we shortened the event at the request of our artists and now we are moving up the deadline to apply and acceptance notification to provide optimal time for planning. 

We received a very good review from Sunshine Artist Magazine about how artist friendly we are. Read it here:  http://lubbockartsfestival.indiemade.com/content/artist-evaluation

November 14 & 15
West Palm Beach, FL
The Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds
presented by Artistic Synergy
100 Artists
Deadline: October 15

As the sign at the Miami Airport points out, Palm Beach is the center for the arts in Florida. Known for it's large and varied cultural base Palm Beach County is home to many art districts with regular monthly walks, CRA sponsored artist residencies, art in pubic spaces, art district tour buses, both major and minor art shows, art schools with regular exhibitions, museums offering art classes and a host of art leagues. This show will not have the usual crowd of people just out walking their dog.

What we are:

Why is ARTNADO the most innovative and creative art show of the season? 

You will find our process to be slightly different then what you may be use to.  First, a photo of your booth will not be required. This gives emerging artists, who have not commercially shown their work, a level viewing field. Of course, you are welcomed to submit one if you so desire, since we specifically chose a venue that would allow indoor tents.

The key difference is that we will employ a "rolling jury". If your art scores 4.9 or better on a scale of 7, you will receive an invitation within 10 days. This is to help you plan your year early and reduce your application fees by not having to apply to multiple shows to fill specific dates.