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Tip for writers on ArtFairInsiders.com -- readers too

"Why can't I find something I know is on this site?" "What happened to my show review?" "Where is that information about the best tent, show, lodging deal, funny story, jury tip, safety idea, etc.?

This site thrives on your participation and your stories, questions and reviews. Thousands of people thank you for your generosity. In the last month the site had 132,795 page views. As you can see the readers are here. 

How you can help them and get the most mileage out of your time spent sharing information:

1. When you write a post in the blog or start a discussion before you click on "Publish" add "tags" in the box underneath the post. Why? This insures that someone looking for that information can find it.
   
   Examples for this post: "how to make AFI work", "tagging", "helpful tips" 
2. Put each phrase in " " to separate the phrases and put a , between each phrase.
3. Also helpful are the "search" links up above, the tags will help you on your quest.
   
   

I don't read everything on the site but saw a recent comment from Mike Heilman that he had done a show review and wanted to know where it went. Mike, you'll find that on ArtShowReviews.com, right here. It did not go into the vast wasteland, we got it, we posted it. 

I just found this comment also:

I find it a little difficult to navigate around this site looking for just the right thread that I want to read. It's probably simple enough but it doesn't seem simple to me. This has become such an important repository of first-hand information for art fair artists that it is vital the data contained herein can be accessed swiftly and smoothly. I think it's a little cluttered and I have to hunt and peck each time I am looking to find information I am seeking on a specific subject. 

If we all add "tags" to our posts it will help a lot. Try it -- 

then when you go to look for something click on the "search" -- it works, and the more accurately you "tag" your post the more likely someone will find it.

I have been doing shows for almost five years now and I have truly run the gamut from "great" to "please shoot me and put me out of my misery" and I have to say that this past weekend ....I found my favorite show.

Picture this: Tuscaloosa Alabama, a home Alabama Football weekend, no available hotels under two hundred dollars...and smack dab in the middle of it all... the Kentuck Fine Arts Festival. Ok, honestly...does that sound like the scenario to a great show? Well, usually you would avoid this type of show at any cost.... but this one is the exception.

First, the weather was fabulous, and load in was great, even though this show is in a wooded park and it is a bit (a lot dusty) we are able to pull right up and unload at our booth. Booths have quite a lot of room behind and in front for bins and what not. Some are roomy enough to be able to open your sides and show but I was not as I was in a line that was close together.

I put my rubber floor down but wish I hadn't, because by the end of the show I just wanted to throw the filthy thing out instead of put it back in my car...that's how dirty it was. Nevertheless. the show ambled in and out of the woods in  a relatively uniform pattern and visitors were provided a good and logical map to plot their course through the show.

What I loved about the show was the quality of art there. Absolutely no buy and sell and lots of Folk and Outsider art that was of the highest quality, mixed with more contemporary work. I saw so many artists that I had never seen before. The jewelry was incredible! The paintings were amazing! Where have these people been? There were lots of artists demonstrating and giving away free art.

Next to me I was honored to have Amos Kennedy from Michigan, a letter press artist who brought his whole family and were a blast to be around. On the other side I had Karen Fincannon from Atlanta, a whimsical clay animal artist from Atlanta, whose work is enchanting and who is equally upbeat and fun to be with.

Saturday starts at 8am with a special Patron's walk through.....they give out ribbons to those they purchase work from (I'm guessing a certain price level-not sure how it works) and I was lucky enough to receive one. Coffee and donuts were served and the artist hospitality tent was always ready with snacks and drinks all day.

The show was packed....although there was a noticeable lull while the football game was going on. Still, it was a good day and I didn't hear many complaints. Lots of bags and large items walking out. After the show there was an artist dinner and reception and awards were handed out at the Kentuck Museum.

The judging was truly spot on, first rate (and no, I didn't win anything...)  I was lucky enough to stay close to the show in an apartment with some fellow artists and after the soiree at the Kentuck we headed out to have a few drinks and find a place to get some additional food, although it was pretty darn crowded because of the Alabama win. 

Next morning we were back at it bright and early and the crowds came in force. It was an outstanding day. I don't think I sat down once and didn't even think about lunch. Speaking of: bring your own food as the selection is dismal carney fare with no food trucks in sight (that is the only thing I can think of that could improve). Load out was pretty easy as we could park close to our booths and they had help if you needed it. 

The best thing about this show was the people (well honestly... the best thing about any show is the money we actually make), but the people at this show were a close second. Southern Hospitality is alive and well and for all you naysayers that think the South is just a bunch of hicks..... a lot of money was spent on interesting and high quality art at this show. Done with a smile and a warmth that sometimes you don't feel in other places.

Actually, I kind of hate to talk about this show too highly as it might be harder to get in next year. Hell, I would go to this show again even if I didn't get to show...it was that good. Kudos to the Director and staff that puts on, in my opinion, one of the best unsung shows in the country. Addendum: I have already gotten three really nice emails today from people I met that want to purchase more work...YES!

Three weeks ago, while I was in Louisville, Ky, for the St James Court Art Fair, in the week preceding the show, my van was robbed and 3/4 of my beaded jewelry was stolen. I didn't realize it had happened because I wasn't using the van for driving around (I was there also to visit my son and granddaughter who live in that city) and didn't even notice it until I started out that fateful Thursday morning to go set up for the show.

Well, you can believe that I was devastated, in shock, thinking that somehow I had just misplaced everything and that it was somewhere else in the van than I remembered. I didn't actually start to cry until I got to the show, and after having torn open every box, told the show organizers that I had to withdraw from the show and blubbered out what had happened. The loss represented over 2000 hours of work and about a $30,000 loss.

I spent the rest of that day talking to the police, composing a flyer to hand out (like a lost cat), and going to local pawn shops with the few pieces that I had left to show them my work and ask for cooperation. Eventually, one nice lady at a pawn shop told me to not bother with pawn shops anymore as my work was beaded and beautiful, but they only bought precious metal and gemstone jewelry. My husband, back in Los Angeles, had contacted the local paper and written a press release for them. They then posted that on their blog and that connection became vital to the proceedings.

The next day, starting day of the show, I was armed with 200 flyers and went to the show, handing them out to every jewelry vendor at that show, thinking that they would be the most likely candidates to be approached if someone was trying to sell my work en masse. It's a huge show, 750 vendors, and I was happy to have an excuse to go and see ALL the booths. Just a side note: it is a real mix of the good, the bad and the also-rans. It was a fine day and I had a mission.

Talking to the other vendors was great therapy; they were wonderfully receptive and sympathetic and helped to ease my shocked nerves. Mid-day, I got a call from the local news channel asking for an interview which would air on the evening news. They had read the blog site for the paper! I drove to the TV station and did the interview; it went pretty well. Next day, I canvassed my son's neighborhood, a cute shopping/eating section of Louisville called The Highlands, posting and handing out my flyers to likely store owners and inside cafes. Many of those to whom I spoke knew about what happened from the newspaper and the TV news! I was amazed. I got a wonderful flow of support from them all and everyone promised to watch for my work if it surfaced.

Connie Mettler posted my sad story on this site and I got many emails from fellow artists with warm wishes, prayers for a good outcome and offers of help. The Louisville show organizer wrote to me to tell me she was refunding my booth rent amount in full with an open invitation to participate next year, should I decide to come back. CERF+ contacted me offering assistance in the form of a grant or loan to get me back to battery. The police even called me a few days later to see how I was doing and find out if I had any leads for them, which I didn't.

So, even though the situation was bad, I was bombarded with good thoughts, warm wishes and positive energy as well as actually help and advice.

Then something incredible happened.

This morning the Louisville police called me to say that they had recently been given a tip that someone had been seen entering/living in a vacant house near to where my son Cassidy lives. They went there to check it out and caught the fellow who had been squatting there, hiding up in the attic. A look-about showed them piles of stolen goods that this fellow had stashed, including my jewelry! It was all there, plus much more!

The officer looking over the confiscated goods saw that my jewelry was unusual in nature and so took one container-ful over to a little shop in the Highlands area, Edenside Gallery, 1422 Bardstown Road, Louisville, to get an opinion from the owner, Nancy, as she was known to this officer to be an expert on hand-made crafts and unusual jewelry.

She recognized my work instantly because she was one to whom I had spoken and handed out my flyer when I was canvassing that neighborhood after the theft. Nancy pulled out my flyer, showed the officer and together, they called me with the good news. It was only a few hours later, after some paperwork with me to finish up the business,
that all the jewelry was released to Cassidy and he is shipping it home to me tomorrow!
What a success story!

Oh, happy day!

Kathleen Caid

June 26-28
Des Moines, Iowa
Downtown at Western Gateway Park
surrounding the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
194 Artists 
Deadline: October 31

Winner of the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award* from the International Festivals and Events Association, Hall of Fame honors from the National Association of Independent Artists and the Encore Award from Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Arts Festival is one of the nation's most respected arts events in the country hosting 194 of the nation's top artists in a beautiful urban setting surrounding the fames 4.4 acre John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

The outdoor Festival of arts and culture attracts more than 200,000 people each year to its downtown location in Iowa's capital city and largest metropolitan area.

DMAF is a show dedicated to the highest standards and works diligently to maintain a positive environment for artists and their clients. DMAF is a non-profit organization founded by the Des Moines Art Center.  Any Festival proceeds go back into the community supporting the Des Moines Art Center's educational outreach programs, numerous area non-profit organizations and the free admission program of the DMAF.

The Festival juries using ZAPPlication projection jury system and five respected jurors.

• The first night of jury is open to all applying artists for viewing and networking.  
• Notifications are emailed on or before December 12
• contracts/booth fees due no later than January 16
• Each application is reviewed by staff in advance of the jury to assist in presenting the best possible opportunity in front of the jury.

DMAF offers healthy booth spaces with storage and air between booths, cash awards, and generous amenities. Promotion of the event is to an art buying public through print, radio, online, earned media, billboards, direct mail, and social media.

DMAF is an all-original show and the artist presence is required.

Application information is available on the Des Moines Arts Festival website.

Or, apply directly online using:  www.ZAPPlication.org

Join us on Facebook/DesMoines ArtsFestival: https://www.facebook.com/DesMoinesArtsFestival

Email questions to: info@desmoinesartsfestival.org or call (515) 286-4927 to speak to Stephen King, Executive Director.

*The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) paid tribute to the Des Moines Arts Festival on September 29, 2014, during the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony held at the IFEA’s 59^th Annual Convention & Expo, in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Des Moines Arts Festival was presented with 21 awards in the prestigious IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards competition.  The ceremony culminated with the presentation of the coveted Gold Grand Pinnacle Award to the annual festival of arts and culture. The Grand Pinnacle Award is the industries highest professional honor and represents recognition across all platforms​.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1178649

Good coverage and photos.

It's all about the marketing, folks.

Mission of our sites: Bring people to attend the art fairs to buy art and support the artists.

Mission of the survey: Spread the word about the best art fairs in the country through the media to attract people to come to the shows and use the Best Art Fairs page as a planner for their travels, enabling "art fair tourism."

You have a stake in this process. You can be a part of the raising of the awareness of these cool events full of intriguing and exciting work. How?

Share the survey!

-- on your Facebook page

-- in an email to your own customers

-- on your website

Here are the links:

• Artist Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/798CTVH

• Patron Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GLMJ2WR

Deadline: Oct. 21

The survey will only be as accurate as the number received.

(Survey results so far: Those Chicago area shows are winning again this year with Ann Arbor close behind and Winter Park leading the pack.)

Is there any type of show in the Midwest in December or black Friday weekend? I would like to do something different than Kane county and Grayslake this December

Thanks

John

Melanie Rolfes wins "post of the month" for her review, "Alexandria and Arlington, VA, art shows." Along with her cohorts Matt Estrada, Reid Watts, Matt Estrada, Oscar Matos Linares and Barry Bernstein she celebrates another year of survival.

http://www.palletfest.com/ - October 11 & 12 - Sculpture Park - Denver

Working on Snaggle Tooth - sculpture made from recycling of pallets

This was an incredible event. Weather was good on Saturday, with cooler temps , frequent showers with some rain, and wind on Sunday.

This was the first year for Pallet Fest, a family friendly festival featuring upcycled - repurposed art, sustainability, Parkour (!) , networking and some awesome music, food and beverages. (Ask me about the Ginger Beer!)

Held at the Sculpture Park in the heart of the Denver Theater District and featuring an expansive lawn with the 50 foot  Dancers sculpture towering over the venue.  Across from the Auraria Campus and framed by Speer and Champa streets.
 
While the attendance could have been higher, the engagement was through the roof.  I spoke with nearly every vender and they all reported satisfaction and sales.

One artist from NM that I spoke with (there were two or three) was very happy, having sold a $500 piece.  During the rain, I circulated among the venders, and on one round made a point of mentioning AFI to several.  This was a first time event for some of the artists, and while their use of pop ups might have given a clue, their art was of good quality in my opinion.  NO buy sell was evident. Creativity abounded.  Electricity was available, load in and out was quite easy, parking was a bit tight, unless you used the nearby parking garage. Mostly on the lawn, with some pavement  There is room for more venders without crowding.  Plenty of space for storage, etc.

Demographics skewed to young professionals, but all ages were evident, with strollers, and older kids as well as well dressed retires evident.

Working on Snaggle Tooth - sculpture made from recycling of pallets

Artist Sean Doherty ( http://www.dohertyart.com/  120 + public art projects in the Denver area, including the art down the center of Broadway in Englewood, and Colfax in Lakewood) was there.  In   spite of what I originally though of as an "out in the boondocks" location, he had steady traffic and steady sales at $5 to $20+.  He had brought a couple of large sculptures, and was pretty sure one was sold when I last spoke with him.

When I say engaged, I mean folks were INTERESTED.  Even at the worst of the rain on Sunday, I had a steady stream of folks hiking the near length of the park to try out the classic wood stilts that I had brought. And of course, my Rainbow ZEEbra Bubble Tower was a hit with the adults and especially the kids and young at heart.  After the event, Kenny (the producer) assured me that yes, he "got it" and he would be soliciting sponsors for the BT for next year's festival.

Denver Mayor Hancock was there with an entourage including the Denver sustainability director (not sure of the exact title) and they toured the park, and spent quite a bit of time with several of the venders. As well as mounting the stage and making awards.  I was at some distance away at the time and can't report further, except that it was a two way conversation with the audience and an award was given.  People seemed to actually paying attention.

I was able to find sources for materials that I was looking for, including old fashioned cotton flour bags, that haven't been available here since the '60s.  Also was able to source vintage Japanese textiles, malted barley bags (for an agricultural themed Bubble Tower for the county fair circuit)  and had a conversation with a business owner who seems to have an interest in the Bubble Tower for an event at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.  

SS Guppy and crew hook Snaggle Tooth

Habitat for Humanity had a large tent with samples of some fine furniture for sale at very reasonable prices.  

The furniture is part of a rehabilitation program partnership with one of our prisons. Along with bookcases, Adirondack chairs and tables, headboards and the like, they also manufacture all of the cabinets and roof trusses for the Habitat for Humanity homes.

http://www.denverpost.com/homegarden/ci_24142984/habitat-humanitys-cabinets-teach-carpentry-colorado-inmates

The lumber was all sourced from pallets keeping in line with the re-use, re-purpose, up-cycle ethos of the festival.

I have a stack of business cards from folks that wanted to engage, question, and most of all help.  In spite of the rain and the Bronco's game or maybe because of that, the folks were actively looking and not passive.  I couldn't be happier with my experience.

I'm not a fan of rap, but other than the one band, I was very happy with the music.  Other than the initial test of the equipment, the volume was spot on, and not too loud, a major bugaboo of mine, and venders and artists in general.

With the exception of one tent that was badly placed, everything else was excellent, with traffic circulating the park to the activities and the venders.  Other than the above mentioned tent, there were no dead zones.  The entrance and exit to the event was maned at all times, forcing engagement and set the tone in a very positive way.  The food!  The food and beverages were well above average for a festival.  Waste, compost and recycling bins were much evident, and people actually used them.

When I arrived, Kenny had just completed some interviews, including one with someone in Chili who was interested in the festival.  This festival in my opinion has legs and will be back next year, as will the Bubble Tower.

The surprise of the festival, was the pallet sculpture that was built on site.

Delayed by rain, it was finished up as everyone was packing up.  I was happy that I took my time packing so I could see the finished sculpture.

Snaggle Tooth chomps the Dancers!

And a very big reward goes out to photographer Xavier Nuez who not only gets into an amazing number of the top shows, but brings his own buyers to the shows:

I took this photo in Xavier's booth. The sign up was hanging on his ProPanels.

Brought to you by another lesson in email marketing! This is how you build that email list.

Does anyone else have anything to show us how they do it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hiUuL5uTKc

Hi Everyone!  Just finished my last outdoor show of the year in Mt. Lebanon, PA this last weekend.  Mt. Lebanon is a very well to do neighborhood south of Pittsburgh.  The show is put on in the PNC bank parking lot one block over from the main road (Washington Road).  

New directors took over the show this year and approached me at a show earlier in the year and invited me to exhibit there.  Now, I know several of my friends have done the show under the old management and have dropped it over the years because they didn't do well.  I decided to give it a try because I really liked Steve and Wendy Denenberg and their enthusiasm.  They own a beautiful gallery in Mt. Lebanon.  

This was one of the most organized show I've ever done.  As soon as I pulled up, volunteers came up and had my van unloaded in about 3 minutes.  They were also there for tear down, and they were helping people take down their tents!!!).  I was able to move my car and come back and set up while drinking nice warm coffee and eating gourmet pastries from a local bakery (The second day it was homemade biscotti).  Plenty of volunteers and Steve and Wendy were available for even the hard stuff.

There were 64 booths of mostly beautifully juried art (too many jewelry booths, though).  The weather was perfect both days and there were people shopping.  There were food trucks in a small parking lot adjacent to ours, food Trucks included Pgh Taco Truck, Oh My Grill, Bella Christie and Lil’Z’s, and crepes.  Luke Williams Band was set up for a good part of both days and entertained us with his beautiful voice.  

A lot of other events were going on at the show, a food drive, a blacksmith demo, touchstone center for the arts had an information booth.  It was impressive for a first time event.  The show was the end of a weeklong Plein Air event in town where artists from all over came into town to do some open air paintings, then they were judged for awards.  

Sales for me on Saturday were disappointing, but several of my friends had good days.  I sell jewelry.    Then on Sunday, I had a pretty decent day.  One lady who bought a pair of earrings for a gift on Saturday, came back on Sunday and said her husband told her she couldn't give them away....so she came back and bought a matching bracelet and pendant AND 4 other items for Christmas gifts!  

I didn't make what I usually make at shows or what I wanted to make, but many others did and this show will do nothing but improve.  I did well enough to want to do it again next year, but honestly would want to do it again even if I didn't do that well.  Of the artists that I talked to, some did very well, some did not.  But most would give it another try.  I think in a few years, this will be one that will be very hard to get into.

Steve and Wendy and all of the volunteers were there the entire time and wanted comments and suggestions from us.  I really believe that they will implement some of the suggestions that were given by some of us 'seasoned' artists and make this one of the top Pittsburgh shows.  

There was talk of changing the date, but then maybe not.  Also talk of not being a part of the Plein Air festivities, but as a separate event (GREAT idea, maybe change the name too).  They may even provide housing for some out of town artists (do I qualify?).  Just a very artist friendly show that really appreciates the artist's.

In my opinion, this is a show to watch.  If you are interested watch their website for updates and information: http://www.mtlebopartnership.org/mt-lebanon-arts-initiative/

As some of you may remember, I won the full pass to the ZAPP Art Festival Conference from this year's pledge drive.  Well, it's been a long time coming, but I'm finally able to sit down and write about my experience there.

I flew from Oakland to Portland on Thursday morning and got to the Benson Hotel about ten minutes into the first session and quickly jumped from one session to the next, hoping to find topics that would help me learn how to make my art festival experience great and professional.

To be perfectly honest, I was a little disappointed at first to find out that the main sessions were geared more toward art fair promoters.  I think I had been expecting this conference to be more like a convention; where art fair promoters and advertisers had booths where would-be artists could learn all the ins and outs of art fairs, have some questions answered, and learn how to improve their business.  But thankfully there were some afternoon break out sessions at the conference that focused on the artists and how we could improve our experiences.

One of the break out sessions that I found incredibly helpful was the Public Portfolio Critique.  My husband and I submitted our art and mock booth photo in the hopes of getting some feedback on our stuff, and YAY, we were one of the artists they chose to judge!  But I also learned a great deal from their comments on the other artists' images.  It was very cool to be sitting in on a mock jury, to get an idea of where they're coming from, what they're looking for, and how to improve my chances to be selected for a show.

And then there were the lunches.  I normally find a spot out of the way to sit and eat (whether from fear or a need for solitude, I'm not sure), but on both days people came to join me and I'm so glad they did!  I met some wonderful people during those lunches, and have some good contacts now; some fellow artists and a couple promoters, one even in my local area!

I also got to meet Connie!  While sitting in the back of the room at Eve Connell's session about effective interpersonal communication, I got introduced to Kelly Smith Cassidy who was also sitting in the back row.  When Kelly heard my name, she said that Connie had been looking for me.  That was a nice feeling, and I made sure to go meet her after the session.  She's just as warm and friendly in person as she seems on her podcasts and in the comments and blogs she writes here on AFI.

I was unable to stay for the festival afterward--as I had to get home and spend the weekend with my husband and his daughter--but I know I'll be looking at the festivals I walk very differently now.

Thank you, again, Connie and AFI for this wonderful opportunity!  And hopefully I'll see you all around at art fairs very soon.

Hey everyone, just looking to get any info on this show since it will be my first time doing an ACC show. I have been juried into the Retail Only section for Mixed Media. What should I expect upon arrive, and set up ect ect, things like that. Thanks for any info that you can provide!

Steven

Results just in from the Grand Rapids, MI, marathon Art Prize (Sept. 24-Oct. 12) - over $500,000 in awards

Public Vote and Juried Awards: 
Two grand prizes worth $400,000 and eight category awards worth $160,000. Half decided by public vote, and half decided by a jury of art experts.

Since its inception the public (you and me) have gotten the chance to choose who gets the $$$. But, jurors got their noses out of joint, not liking the choices that the "public" made, so this year they brought in jurors to pass out the Jury Choice along with the Public Choice.

Amazingly, the public and the jurors agreed! Who knew that could happen? We do, don't we? We're out there jurying and meeting the public -- sometimes big bucks ensue, sometimes not.

The big winner of ArtPrize 2014 is Anila Quayyum Agha, whose installation "Intersections" nabbed the Public Grand Prize and shared the Juried Grand Prize, for a total of $300,000. Anila is currently an associate professor of drawing at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis. $300,000 is a pretty nice addition to an associate professor's salary. Clicking on this link will take you to photos of "Intersections" in the exhibition space. 

But wait a minute, although member John Leben did not win, someone who has been in this business forever was a $20,000 prize winner for winning the public vote for Best 3D work, for his resin sculpture "Reciprocity" - Marc Sijan!

Sijan said he felt shock when his name was called from the ArtPrize Awards stage for his sculpture, a very personal representation of him carrying his aging father. He said he wanted to use the money to create more art, but implied that he may give some to charity.

“My heart was pounding,” he said. “(The sculpture is) about unconditional love. It’s payback, to carry my dad like he carried me.”

Congratulations, Marc!

See all the winners here:http://www.mlive.com/artprize/index.ssf/2014/10/artprize_awards_201...

I just finish a set of seven shows in a row. Instead of making a review about the shows I found myself wondering about another issue.

I was doing a festival at Lincoln Nebraska. My rule is not talk about politics. After the first day I was wondering why my neighbor was giving weird looks all day long. I look around and it is weird to be the only color person in the area. Some how he mention to me “ a cowboy will always be a cowboy, a red neck will be red neck, a black will always be a slave and …… He is not pro Obama neither believe that none of parties care about the country. His view are very right wing. His good bye to me was good luck with your hand outs. I told him hand outs what you mean with that.

I explain to people if you was born in Puerto Rico you are an American Citizen. It is weird that people put all hispanic as criminals or untrusted people. It is hard for me to explain to friends that I got a mini van because when I was driving a cargo van I was getting pull over all the time I head south. It does not make any sense to travel the country in fear because of your color of skin. It is bad to explain to people why I do not do shows or hate traveling in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, North and South Carolina and Arizona. This are the same reason why I do not pull over to fill up the tank if I do not see the gas station from the highway. There is reason why my wallet it located at the visor compartment while traveling cross country. Younger color people live in denial.

Are you are aware that all serial criminals are white.

When you listen to the news it makes me wonder why it this long for nation to start noticing all these things.

When see how many show artists are hispanic or color think I only can think of 8 that are friends and can all assume there is no more 50 of us in the circuit. This one more of thing that I think when I am selecting my art shows and traveling in this great Country.

I wonder as I finish the small statement if my sales will be better if I was not hispanic or look black?

Hi guys....I juried into the retail section of ACC Baltimore and they sent me a map of the arena and asked me where I want to be, apparently when you send in your payment (ouch, ouch, ouch) you get a choice. Has anyone done the retail section before or just knows the layout of the place to recommend why is a good spot there? All of those places have dead spots and it's hard to know just looking at a huge map ( the show is a monster it seems). Grateful that this website is a plethora of information and that someone might know. Thanks in advance.

February 21 & 22
Key West, Florida
Whitehead and Caroline Streets
10am-5pm daily
approximately 100 exhibitors
Deadline: October 15

This nationally recognized event attracts fine artists from across the country to this beautiful historic area of Key West.  Exhibitors include painters, sculptors, photographers, collage artists and other nonfunctional fine art.  Reports from the 2014 show exhibitors were positive and they were pleased with the number of buyers.

Since we are celebrating our 50th Annual we have planned a special advertising section in the local paper that will include a two page spread with artist names and maps sponsored by local businesses.  

Exhibitors will set up along Whitehead Street from Greene Street to Eaton, and on Caroline Street through the famous Presidential Gates into the beautiful Truman Annex.  Set among historical attractions such as Audubon House, the Little White House and Mel Fisher Museum, the City of Key West closes two blocks of Whitehead Street and another block of Caroline Street to vehicle traffic for the show. 

Visitors (local residents, tourists and browsers from cruise ships) leisurely visit the beautiful displays of fine arts from the selected artists. Tropical themes are abundant here, but contemporary and traditional styles make something for everyone!

The show is sponsored by the Key West Art Center, Key West's oldest gallery, and was originally held to raise money for the renovation of the building at 301 Front Street.  

The first show was held on the sidewalk on Front Street, near the current gallery and artists used clothespins to attach their work to the fence in front of the old Custom's House.  Since then the show has been held annually and grown from just local artists and now includes exhibitors from across the country and Canada.

Make this a "working vacation" by joining us for a few days in Paradise for an art fair you will fondly remember.

Learn more: http://www.keywestartcenter.com/festival.html

For more information: Lois Songer (305)294-1243; KWArtshow@earthlink.net

Click here for: 2015 Application     Click here for: 2015 Prospectus

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Find more shows for your 2015 schedule: www.CallsforArtists.com

2nd Annual ArtFairCalendar.com Survey 

In 2013 thousands of art fair lovers and artists nationwide completed our 1st survey telling us what their "must attend" art fairs are and why. See those results here.

The purpose of the survey is to find the "best" shows and publicize them via press releases to encourage "art fair tourism," then to spread the word about the best ones to bring buyers to the shows.

Will you help us again? Which are 2014's Best?

Due to artist demand we have two surveys this year and encourage you to take the survey and then to pass the survey on to your email lists and friends.

• Patrons & Art Fairs link: www.surveymonkey.com
• Artists link: www.surveymonkey.com
  
  

PLEASE SHARE THIS SURVEY. Its findings will only be as relevant as the number of responses received.

1) Forward it to your friends.
2) Post the link on your Facebook page (see those little "share" buttons beneath this post?)
3) Send the info out to your subscribers and friends in an email.
4) Link to it on your website.

Deadline: October 21, 6 pm ET. Winners announced on November 1.