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
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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
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
150 Artists
Deadline: November 1
Application fee: $35; Booth fee: $500
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.Artists consistently rate us A+ for artist treatment and amenities as this long time nationally important show focuses on maintaining, "Art is in the Heart" as not just a theme but a code of conduct for our staff and volunteers.
Award winners are automatically juried through the next year and have guaranteed booth of choice after they have applied and paid their booth fee. Third year veterans are guaranteed their booth choice as well. Second year returning artists have preference of booth spaces and new artists requests will be honored whenever possible.
Don't miss this opportunity to show your work during the Miami area's biggest weekend of the year. Coconut Grove is located in the middle of Miami, yet completely separate and quaint. The neighborhood's distinct bohemian flair allows one to unwind and relax every day of the week and any time of the year. You know you want to be here!
Website: www.artshowss.org
Contact: Daisy Lewis-Holcombe
Email: daisyholcombe@gmail.com
Phone: (305)648-0056
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Find more art fairs looking for you: www.CallforArtists.com
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 the last two years thousands of art lovers nationwide have completed our surveys telling us what their "must attend" art fairs are and why. See those results here.
The voters were a cross section of people involved in the triad that makes an art fair work: art collectors, show organizers and artists. As times change events change and we want to recognize the best in the business.
The voters were a cross section of people involved in the triad that makes an art fair work: art collectors, show organizers and artists. As times change events change and we want to recognize the best in the business.
Will you help us again? Which are 2015's BEST?
In response to last year's feedback we've revised the survey. What you'll find:
- a more streamlined and better rating system, and
- a more representative show list (we took nominations from you and added more choices to the list)
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
Held at one of the most pristine venues in the beautiful Coachella Valley and in the heart of the TripAdvisor Top 10 ranked destinations in the nation, the Palm Springs area in Indian Wells, CA. The Festival transforms the world-renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home to the BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament, into an artisans village, privately gated venue with 24-hour security and unparalleled state-of-the-art facilities.
More than 200 juried artists travel from across the nation and as far as Japan, Canada, Central and South America, the United Kingdom and Transylvania each year to showcase their fine art and high quality craft.
The Festival is consistently ranked as on of the 100 Best Fine Art Shows in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine and "Best of the Best Art Festivals" by readers of Palm Springs Life magazine.
Art enthusiasts find:
- an arts village and festive outdoor marketplace with thousands of one-of-a-kind pieces of art for sale amid live entertainment with jazz melodies floating on the air
- perfect cocktails and foodies delights available in the shaded open-air pavilion
- hands-on artist demonstrations ranging from textile weaving, painting, and sculpting
- Engaging interactive activities for children and big kids at heart that includes an art station and a free commemorative photo opportunity.
What to expect in 2016:
- Artist promotion opportunities at no additional cost through artist spotlights across all IWAF social media
- IWAF video podcasts leading up and live from the Festival
- Local and select major-market editorial coverage and press releases
- Strong public relations and media coverage
- Live jazz and entertainment ambiance to indulge and motivate buyers
- Guests are greeted as VIPs with free and valet parking available, event programs, and free 'be-back' passes
- Tended bar and full-menu restaurants courtyard pavilion
- Local charities incorporated as Festival Partners, with donations towards their art scholarship funds
What they say about us:
"Love the venue, the artists are an amazing group of bonafide talent. Some are polished and some are raw but man the art is that is born of it is beauteous! Highly recommended!" Malia Vn, Festival attendee
"Such an honor to be a part of such a wonderful and well organized festival!" Jolanta Vizbaras, participating artist
"The venue...is rimmed by mountains and soaked in sunshine. Amid such surroundings, it's easy to conclude that all is well in the world." Frederick Klein, Wall Street Journal
For more information: www.indianwellsartsfestival.com
IWAF Facebook: www.facebook.com/indianwellsartsfestival
Contact: Dianne Funk, dianne@indianwellsartsfestival.com
Phone: (760)346-0042
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Find even more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
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
Learn more: http://www.lubbockartsfestival.org
Questions welcome: Elizabeth Regner, execdir@lubbockarts.org
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?
It's genesis was not as a private business to just make money from the work of artists but created as part of Artistic Synergy Inc., a registered non profit corporation in Florida with the goal of assisting artists in varying ways with their careers.
To create such a robust art show required a year of planning where for the first time both sides of the success equation was researched.
The first parameter was "What do artists want" and the second, almost always overlooked, is "What do patrons want". These two questions were asked in many venues for over a year with their answers creating ARTNADO.
To accomplish this we have created:
- an indoor event at a high profile venue (50,000 square feet under air; 10,000 square feet outside vendor boutique)
- doubled the traditional standard space to 10X20 feet
- maximized the number of corner booths
- created a safe environment for your work (air conditioning, no rain or wind concerns or rained out shows)
- better illumination for your art
- an embellishment room (a living room setting) for visitors to view selected works by the artists
- curators choice corner (think visual best of show display) for 2D, 3D and jewelry
- models to display the designs of jewelry artisans
Marketing:
Our promotions will cover the usual such as radio stations and television, print, posters and post cards. In addition art organizations will be contacted, art show specific newsletters and massive banners will be employed.
Our jury process:
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.
Testimonials:
"I wish more show promoters were as considerate as you are."
"Thank you for taking so much time to talk to me personally."
"Your e-mail correspondence and letter of acceptance were outstanding, more shows should issue such letters."
Believing in the use of the word "synergy" in our name we have not only reached out to over 19 local art organizations but have also given them the oppurtunity to help educate the public about the arts.
Learn more: artisticsynergy.org
Contact: Jack Busa, (561) 557-8741, artisticsynergy@mail.com
NOVEMBER 13, 14 & 15
CALL FOR ARTISTS!
It's time to get your Bling on!
Bling, The Jewelry & Gift Show
We're sending out some love to all of the jewelers and jewelry lovers with this Highland Park, Illinois, INDOOR festival November 13, 14 and 15 located at the Highland Park Country Club. Show hours are Friday from 4pm to 8 pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. This event is a free admission, free parking event for the public.
Jewelers, wearables and accessory artists are invited to this three day festival in one of the most upscale communities in the greater Chicago area. Festival load in takes place during the day Friday, November 13.
Pipe and drape will be provided and artists can rent tables to make load in even easier. Booth spaces are 8 feet wide by 5 feet deep. Artists can bring their own cases and set ups if they choose. Each space is $415 including rear pipe and drape (or wall). Artists may request corner, double wide or double deep booths and load in/out staff and power for additional fees as well.
This festival will be supported with full advertising and professional public relations. On site management throughout the event by Amdur Productions.
Applications will be juried in order of receipt and the show will be filled on a first juried in basis. Bling's capacity is only 60 spaces, so apply today to reserve your space!
Jury: $25; Booth fee: $415
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April 8-10
The Woodlands, Texas
Presented by: The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council
200 Artists
Deadline: October 15
Application Fee: $40
Standard Booth Fee: $475-$1,250
What we are:
- The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival features a beautiful and unusual venue along a 1.25 mile landscaped waterway and waterside park.
- Home to over 100,000 people and over 5,000 businesses, The Woodlands is located in the Houston metro area with over 6.3 million residents.
- The Woodlands Town Center is a regional draw for more than 1 million people located north of Houston in South Montgomery County.
- A planned community boasts over 460 world-class shops, including world renowned department stores, specialty shops, unique boutiques, and over 150 area restaurants.
- The Woodlands area is home to major corporations and an affluent and growing population; with unprecedented growth in residential and office construction there is a continuing appetite for quality art and craftsmanship.
This celebration of the arts attracts art patrons and tourists from across the nation as one of the premier attractions of The Woodlands. Performing arts, delicious food, wine tasting and an "Art of Food" Chef demonstration tent add to the experience, but it's all about the art!
Just a few of the Artist amenities:
- Best of Show awards and Featured Artist selection
- inclusion in our beautiful show program, personalized e-postcards, promotion on our website and Facebook page
- complimentary breakfasts, 24 hour security, booth-sitting, water and snacks, onsite first aid
- Emerging Artist Program, welcome bags, and more!
- We are proud of our artist home-stay program, where artists are matched with local hosts providing free accommodations; artists taking advantage of this last year gave rave reviews!
- We're known as an "Artist Friendly Festival" with arguably the BEST artist/patron party.
Apply: www.Zapplication.org
Contact: Cynthia Reid
Phone: (281)705-3882
