I am planning to do my first round of Christmas shows this years. I am a 2d artist- ( decorative fiber- or 2d mixed media ) My work is fabric but looks like paintings-www.sharontesser.com I create pieces of every subject matter. I wondered at Christmas time if people purchase a certain type or genre of work for the holiday. What I know is in Kentucky I sell every horse I make- in Michigan the same is true for beach scenes. I am completely at a loss for Christmas in Ohio- except price point- my expectation is to keep things under $100. All experiences and advice welcome. Thanks in advance 

I guess I was in the wrong fair. But why did they market me so heavily since Maple & Main in Sylvania, Ohio in the beginning of June. Did they just want my booth fee and nothing else? This was the first fair in a long time that I did not get above the booth fee (let alone the application fee). The booth fee was $100 and the application fee was $20. All I made for the show was $80. The last time I was under like this was in my first year form the 2012 Ella Sharp Art Beer and Wine Festival. I paid $65 for a booth that year and only sold one 5x7 for $25. This fair feels similar to that one. WoodsStock was put on by the Schedel Arboretum and Gardens in Elmore, Ohio.

So, if I was not a good fit - why did they go after me so heavily? I was $40 out of all the money put into this fair. Maybe it was the weather. For for the first three hours of the fair there was a heavy rain. Maybe it was the patrons of the fair. They were a lot older then my demographic crowd that buys my prints. I hate being under like this. It was an extremely frustrating day. And this fair reminded me how frustrating my first year in art fairs was.

So, did they just want my booth fee. Did they know that I was not a good fit? Did they just want want to fleece me? I may never know... This is one to take off the list for next year for sure!

The spinkler guy across from me was having a very good day. Me not so much...

How am I going to make any money here?

"Art is making something out of nothing and selling it." - who said this?

You're at the show. People are interested in your work they are about to leave (empty handed!!). And they turn and say,

do you have a card?

Your reply: Sorry, I don't want to be bothered when I'm not at the show. I'm here now. What can I do for you?

do you have a website?

Your reply: the show is my livelihood, what can I do for you?

how can we get in touch with you for a piece for our anniversary/new family room/cottage when it is time?

Your reply: how about now?

I have seen this scenario many, many times. The people walk away dazed and confused, and empty-handed. This may seem extreme, but you know it is factual. Do you have business cards? Do you always have them on you?

At the show they can carry them off and have a tangible piece from you that may bring them back today because you've written your booth # on it. Away from the show they are a visual memory jog about you and your work. A good card is the cheapest viral marketing and advertising you can do.

Here are a few cards I've picked up recently that show some very good basics:

What's missing from this card? Nothing I can think of. How about you?

Front of Wendy Bedolla's card

Back

And, we need to have our house painted - great card, no?

Do you have a business card? Can you show it to us here?

I received this today as part of a newsletter from the Indiana Arts Commission and thought you all might want to read about how happy we all are whether we knew it or not.

National Study Suggests People Involved Professionally in the Arts are Happier

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Learn more about all of the Howard Alan Events at www.ArtFestival.com

Well, it's been another successful one day show. I beat my last year's totals by about $50. But this year more people came through my booth because I requested a different booth location. I put last years map back into this post because I changed from booth 53 to booth 14. While no framed pieces sold, but just a lot of 5x7s and 8x10s plus postcards, that means that I had higher traffic though my booth this year.

Art on the Mall is produced by the University of Toledo's Alumni Association. Yes, my $100 booth fee as always a donation to my Alma Mater. The volunteers there are great and I really like this show. A volunteer would come into my booth and offer water or a soda of let me take a break. The were like clockwork about ever hour. Since it only runs from 10 AM to 5 PM reaching nearly $900 is a successful one day show. Maybe one of these years, I break the $1000 mark. But my sales totals have gone up each year. Plus I had three orders that I need to ship. Yes, three orders of stuff that I did not have in my booth. 

One patron wanted a fireman shot. I showed her my flickr stream (https://flic.kr/p/a2SnTY) and she purchased a print right there. I think that is pretty cool...

Please keep in mind these shots of the fair were taken well after 4 PM, There was a thunderstorm in the area around 3 PM and I think after 4, the scene was mostly dead.

Our brick in the Alumni Pavilion...

I had a great time this year at Ann Arbor.  Amid the lovely, heartfelt compliments there were a few comments I "collected" and thought you all might get a chuckle out of them...

Two separate buyers assured me I shouldn't worry because my work would be "going to a good home."

A lady with a very obvious Chinese accent and a large camera pointed at my ceramic art:

"Is all of this made in the US?"

Another  lady scrutinizing the sculpted ceramic herons I make:

"Where do you get your birds?"

And my all time favorite, overheard from a man crabbing into his cell phone on State Street:

"There are all these stupid white tents everywhere, and I can't find my bus stop!"

(Doesn't it just make you wonder if he noticed there weren't any buses?)

Hello, I just had my EZ up tent collapse at the Akron Hardesty Park show last night in a torrential downpour. The gods were watching out for me though, because none of my work, miraculously, was damaged. So I tomorrow am buying a Trimline for sure. My question is, for displaying my photographs, is it acceptable or a good idea to buy Flourish's mesh panels, or is it necessary to buy Propanels? I currently am using metal grids, that are going the way of my tent (the dumpster). I just don't know if I'll have room in my compact SUV for the Propanels along with everything else. (Jim Parker, I just reread your post for newbies from November. I don't have an Element, but close) :) 

Thanks in advance for your help. 

Jeneen

What to me in the last two shows and one that I was hoping to get in but did not happen. So finally got time to write these two shows reviews but one it had discuss widely. Main reason I was in the wait list for Geneva, IL show run by EM Events but I could get in. I sad about because I won a merit award in this show last year and was my best show of last season. Anyone I hope to ear good things from this show even as I write the weather could be nasty at some periods during this weekend. I hope the weather hold because this how we make our living and want everybody to be successful.

I started this month against my better judgement doing the Chicago Botanical Show with Amy Amdur. Lisa (staff member from Amy) told me that I should give a try to this show. This a dolly only show. The show is a local show for and it less than 100 artists at this show. The booth is around 625. The set up is slope down which made the set up very easy specially since they set up deliver time. The show was pack with people Saturday and by the end of the day I cover expenses including COGS and I was telling myself wow this could be a good show after all (only sold small pieces nothing big and nothing over 100). Then Sunday came it happen what I was concern. The weekends it hard to get in and with the show the lines to get was starting at the Ednes. Also it cost 25 to park. Still the show was pack but sadly for me there was no buyers for 2d work. Most artist told me that they nothing on Sunday. Another artist told me he just finish a zero show. The people that seems to do well was jewelers and wearables. I think even some of them was not to happy. I do not think it was Amy doing anything wrong. The REALLY BAD THING is taking the stuff to the car. Remember I mention slope down. Now you spend the entire day at the show and you break down. Now you need to dolly back to car. It is a very short distance but man it is FREAKING WORKOUT. They offer help to brings things back a small fee. I will tell as older I get I do not want to do this kind of breakdown. No matter how much make you taking a chance of hurting yourself.

NOW if you are in Chicago Land Area take time to visit the Botanical Garden. I got home in 30 minutes or so and eat dinner. Wow I need to rest I am heading to State College on Tuesday (Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts) the number one show in sales according to Sun Shine Artists.

Going to State College is a little weird because is the middle of nowhere but the key is the home of Penn State. Yea that Penn State College. The traveling time is about nine hours from Chicago. I decide to head out Tuesday because the check in time was 4 pm and set up was at 6pm. I figure out this will be best way to do it. Since I took off at 8am I miss most all the really bad weather and I only have to deal with three tornado warning. The last one was near to State College and if I a tornado was in path I basically dead. I found out if you can risk it is better to leave at 5am on Wednesday and check in into your hotel and then go to check in because no matter what you can not set up until 6pm. Also depending if you are in the residential or campus may make difference how much you set up. The rumor is if you are in the campus you fully set up if you can. If you are in the residential just put up the display and finish next day. One thing No matter what in my case I should only put the display because you need to stop by 9pm. The show seems to very low in traffic in my area but my friend told me it was very busy in the residential area. My Thursday was a zero day. Friday I did over 1500. Saturday and Sunday I did 1000 each day. It does not sound like a lot of money but considering is my first time and the traffic was way down I do not know if I was lucky or not. At the end of the show I was very happy and heading home think I need to move my 72 old mother what a drag. Anyone I hope to get in next year again. My hope for next year could be Lakefront or EM Event, Des Moines (original or the other show) Botanical with Amy because I not get in Cherry Creek, State College, Ann Arbor, Geneva and Loring Park, MN. After that set head home which could be in Boise Idaho next year.

Well Greg I guess I need your book. Happy days to come to everyone.

I stumbled across this today and just had to post this.  Here are 25 amazing sculptures from all around the world.  It would be hard to imagine a world without sculptures.  Take a look:

http://pulptastic.com/25-stunning-sculptures-world-pics/

My favorites are the Passersby in Poland and the Nelson Mandela in South Africa.

St. Joseph, MI - July 12 & 13

Best in Category

Acrylic -   Tim MacDonald

Clay Functional - Rob Wiedmaier

Clay Non-Functional - Karen Bell

Digital Art - John Ames

Drawing / Pastel - Sabrina Zhou

Fibers Decorative - Jean Yao

Fibers Wearable  - Francia Patti

Glass - Douglas & Renee Sigwarth

Jewelry Non-Precious - Lisa & Scott Cylinder

Jewelry Precious - Samantha Freeman

Metals - Scott Nelles

Mixed Media 2D - Corrine Smith

Mixed Media 3D - Mark Reynolds

Oils - Brian Eppley

Photography - Rusty Leffel

Printmaking - John Furches

Sculpture - Jack Hill

Watercolor - Randall Higdon

Wood - Robert Daily

Krasl Board Choice Award

Wood - James Barnes

Shore Magazine Best Booth Award

Mixed Media 2D - Ginny Herzog

Ann Arbor, MI - July 16-19, 2014 - 4 shows in one and plenty to see

Yes, it is true, Ann Arbor's weather was exactly what you want for an art fair. I was there the first day. I've attended it since 1976 (exhibited in one or the other of the shows from 1978-2006).

In our part of the country it is a rite of summer. At other shows in the region artists are continually being asked if they are going to be at Ann Arbor. You know how that goes.

I started at the western edge of the show on Main St., covered all of that street, all of Liberty, part of State, part of Thompson, North University, all of the original show and the South U. Show. There were steady crowds both days I was there (like John Leben in his post I stayed with friends in a nearby downtown hotel on Wed. night) for two days. 

(just want you to know that I did NOT punch up that sky -- beautiful --this is Michigan, not Colorado)

Wednesday afternoon I booth sat for Anne Schroeder for several hours as she "won" me in the Pledge Drive. Her work consists of amazing arrangements of feathers from exotic birds that are naturally shed and come from parrot rescue groups and rare bird aviaries.

The people interested in her work were an eclectic group: biologists, environmentalists and a couple from Xian, China, who wanted to know if I could ship the work there. Anne said she sold a couple of pieces last year at this show to someone from Dubai who had their own plane, to let her know there was no problem about importing these natural materials.

You just never know who it is standing in your art fair booth.

Michael Terra of Terra Cottage Ceramics

Photographer Lou Zale, always found on Main St. with his intriguing images

Dawn & Don Shurlow - for years they have done shows selling their heritage toys, finally leapt off the cliff
and brought only his fine heirloom chairs. I hope he had a good show. The chairs were lovely.

I spent the first day on Main St. and Liberty. At the end of the day I was very disheartened. There is so much "product", so much that was not special, so much commercialism that I felt like going home. Very depressing. I was with my two art fair going friends, Sandy Dunstone and Barb Burkhardt.

I asked them about what I was seeing (I was sure the quality was worse than back when we were doing the show) and they both said it was just the same. It wasn't worse and besides my standards were too high. I'd seen too much good art over the years. They thought it was fine and enjoyed the variety.

Not to say I didn't see good art in these areas. There was plenty of it, but I didn't think about half of it wouldn't be better somewhere else. It was "product."

Then off to dinner with the best of friends, Nels Johnson and Larry Berman, and Barb and Sandy.

Thursday we started up North U. and covered the "original show", where suddenly the work looked like it was all "juried." Booth after booth of interesting fine work. Another beautiful day, nice crowds all day long, people carrying packages.

Ronna telling her story to collectors (who took home one of those large pieces)

Original show: Ronna Katz "won" me on Thursday. She does mono prints and monotypes with price points from $275 to $3000. Large abstract pieces that definitely have an appeal to another demographic. Ronna is very personable and never tires of explaining her processes and has a nice connection to her buyers. She had a good sales day while I was there and later told me it was her "personal best AA" for sales. Folks, she does not take credit cards! Somehow people pull out checks and out goes the work to its new home. I saw her make a nice sale to a couple who had come from Cleveland specifically to find new printmakers.

Using the space on the ground to continue showing your work in the Street Fair

In the Street Art Fair they also have large tents where you can exhibit

You hear patrons at AA saying they only go to the "original show." Others deliberately do not go there because the prices are higher, so they'll head to one of the other sections. 

Caught up with Greg Lawler on Washington St.

We participated in the State Street Show in what we called the "pants" department (because of all the merchant goods right next to the art exhibits) for 14 years and always had good sales. Then we went up to Main St., where we found had a whole other crowd of people who never attended the other sections. 

Considering doing the show one of these days? Here are my conclusions:

• Summer Art Fair (Main, Liberty, State) - lots of lookers, good traffic and many people who won't/don't go to the more chi chi sections
• State Street Area Art Fair - huge, sprawling over many blocks with spurs that probably do not get visited. I think this is the chanciest show for making sales. Some of the "art stars" here but uneven quality. It looks as though they have trouble filling up all the real estate this show takes up. The North U. section is excellent though. If you are ever accepted to this show find out where your booth will be before you send your money.
• South University Art Fair - where the "original" show started geographically. Way s-p-r-e-a-d out for blocks, but pretty much in a row. Some of the artists who made that show so special are still exhibiting in it. I think an "also ran" for sales with spotty quality and an empty feeling. Needs to be consolidated. I like that in the last two years it has moved down S. University to meet up with State, giving good traffic to artists on both of those streets. 

Kristin Perkins on S. University

• Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - very fine work in just about every booth. This is the area where out-of-towners who are in the know will shop and the most affluent buyers come to shop. It is the most pleasant setting (adding in the North U. section of the State St. show) and a place where you feel comfortable and like you are actually in a fine art event, more like the high quality events in Denver and Chicago.

If I was doing shows again it would be a toss up which I would choose as each one has its pros and cons.

Out hotel, the Campus Inn, was full of well-dressed people, shopping teams, getting up early to hit the streets and coming back in the evening to show one another their purchases, all very excited to be there and who have attending it on their annual summer schedule.

Shoppers love this show. Ann Arbor is a lovely town, the restaurants are delightful, easy parking and access to the shows, the art fair unlike any other in the country with treasures every ten feet.

I'll return!

3 Jewelry booths for those of you who are always trying to figure out how to show off your work:

How about this (on the left) for a minimalist booth? I've seen it before -- patrons love milling around it

And please note the wheels on the bottom of these jewelry cases. Pretty cool!

Winner of the most pristine:

Please read Nels' Johnson's review of the show here: Ann Arbor Art Fair, The Guild Shows, Slow and Low

John Leben's review: Ann Arbor (the Original), Good Weather, Good Sales

Scott Pakulski's adventures: New to Ann Arbor

While writing this I came on this post, worthwhile reading for artists:

http://blog.entrepreneurthearts.com/2010/06/13/trouble-and-joy-at-the-old-town-art-fair/

Video to come!

September 20 & 21 

Heritage Green

Sandy Springs, Georgia

120 fine art and fine craft booths

Deadline: July 25

Highlights:

• Present your art to an affluent, art savvy clientele
• Extensive Marketing through paid advertising, media sponsorship and editorial publicity
• Drive up loading and unloading - event is held on the street.

Each year, over 20,000 attendees gather at Heritage Green to shop the street-lined booths with more than 600 artists, crafters and vendors, and enjoy good times with music, food and fun. Come join us over the weekend at one of the largest community festivals in the area.

The crowds show up for new surprises and fun events each year, including:

• The Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn and Stage offers great live music, dancing and entertainment
• Sports enthusiasts can compete to qualify for the Peachtree Road Race in the fast-paced Doug Kessler Sandy Springs Lightning 10K and 5K. 
• Kids will have a great time participating in all the children's games at the Children's Park.
• Visiting the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and celebrating the heritage of our community through interactive crafts, demonstrations and exhibits both inside and outside the Museum. 

The Sandy Springs Festival is the largest fundraiser for Heritage Sandy Springs, a non-profit organization that operates Heritage Green, a four-acre city park in the heart of Sandy Springs.

Founded in 1985 to oversee the preservation of the original "sandy springs" and the restoration of the Williams-Payne House, Heritage Sandy Springs presents a year round calendar of educational, cultural and heritage programs and events for the community. 

Located in the center of the Sandy Springs business district, the site also includes green space gardens with a gazebo bandstand, the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, a Research Library and Archive, and meeting venues including Heritage Hall.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:

Deadline: July 25, 2014

Accept Invitation and Purchase Deadline: August 30, 2014

FEES

Application fee: $25 ($35 for paper app)

Standard booth fee: $250 (Up to 120 total exhibition booths)

Double booth fee: $500 (Limited availability)

Booth size: 10' x 10' or greater

Corner upgrade: $75 (limited availability) 

Electricity: $50 (limited availability)

Tent rental: $50 (limited availability) 

To download an application or find out more information visit www.sandyspringsfestival.com. Application also available at www.zapplication.org. 

This event is hosted by AFFPS and is organized by artists for artists.

I am preparing for my first art festival.  I have a 10' x 10' tent but I don't have walls.  I need some suggestions for walls.  What works the best.  My art is on wood so it does have a little weight to each piece.  Thanks for your help :)

I was on my way back home and had been mentally preparing to go to my next show in Grand Junction, CO after having survived the long week in Oklahoma City at the end of April. My wife informed me over the phone that her father had taken a turn for the worse.

Let me back up a bit. Five years ago my wife had resigned her position as an administrative assistant in the police department, after much decision making anguish, to return to New Mexico to take care of her mother whose Alzheimer's had progressed to the point where her father could not take care of her very effectively. Five months later, after she passed on, it became apparent that her father was unable to live independently. He had a form of Parkinson's and associated dementia. Now it was time to take care of him.

He had been in a group assisted living arrangement for the last four months as taking care of him on her own had become more than she could manage and, as she was the sole caregiver, she needed a break. This was to be a short term respite for her, and maybe for him too! Even while he was in the group home she would visit once or twice daily. It was during the second visit that particular day she noticed he was considerably different than in the morning, slumped over and unresponsive. The house staff only thought he was napping! (That's a whole 'nother story) turns out he had become seriously dehydrated, had a UTI and probably was on deaths door at that point. Some significant intravenous fluids and broad band antibiotics at the hospital brought him back sorta. She was planning on bringing him home anyway but this incident forced the issue. He came home and was able to make his passage in his own home on his terms.

So what's all this rambling about? Well, sometimes you make plans and things go along smoothly and other times your plans are short circuited or need to change, I'm sure we've all been there for one reason or another. I won't pretend that I always do the right thing and that it was a no brainer on my part to decide to bail on the Grand Junction show. After all, the time of his departure from this world, let alone anyone else, isn't printed on the bottom of your foot. I had all the work ready to go. I drove down to NM in the "art van" in case things weren't too serious (a three hundred mile "detour" in a southerly direction). The hotel was booked and all the fees were paid. At the very least I already had to pay for 1 nights lodging, as I didn't read the fine print on the cancellation policy, as-well-as the booth fee! After some serious soul searching I decided to forego the show. I had been there for the last five years why wouldn't I be there at the very end? Time will take care of the rest.

Years ago I had done shows hosted by Downtown Boulder, Inc. on the Pearl Street pedestrian mall but gave them up due to the fact that they were underwhelming. The last time I did one was 7 years ago. In the interim, 4 years ago, the OpenArts people decided to expand on their mission and held a show that no one attended. It was held in a nice open area adjacent to a shopping mall in Boulder but apparently the word didn't get out.

OpenArts is known, at least in part, for hosting the annual open studios tour in Boulder every Oct. They partnered with Downtown Boulder, Inc. to breath life back into a show that had gone down hill quality wise. I'd say from the little bit that I was able to see of the show that they did their homework. The quality was as good as most shows I participate in.

Now for the Facts:

Show Hours and Dates: Open Arts Fest, Boulder, CO July 19, 10-7, July 20, 10-5

Logistics:

The show is set up on the pedestrian Pearl Street Mall and also on 14th street. If you opt for the 14th St. option (which costs less) you get to set up Friday night. The bad news is that setting up on the mall means getting there at 6 AM on Sat. The good news is you can drive right up to your booth space if it isn't blocked by someone else down the line.

Amenities:

LOTS of water,  snacks and volunteer booth sitters for the occasional break. Additionally, Alfalfa's sponsored a great Sunday morning awards breakfast. Clean (sorta) regular restrooms on the mall as-well-as some porta potties around the corner. The staff came around quite often to ask if you need a break and they make a special note at check in if you are doing the show alone.

Storage, Booth Space, Load-In/Out:

Depending on your location, most booths had some storage space behind, not a lot of space but it was there! No space between booths to speak of on 14th, they were shoulder to shoulder. There didn't look as though there was much storage behind booths on 14th. Some booths on Pearl St. have more storage available then others on the mall. These booths are scattered throughout the mall so some are stand alones with flower beds next to them and some are 3-4 next to each other. Just depends on where you are located.

Demographics/Buying Trends:

This was a show of two faces. Saturday, all day, there were a lot of strollers and lookers and not much purchasing energy. I felt as though I were just a backdrop to a day of visitors on the mall and I was ready to write the show off as another bad encounter with the Boulder market. Sunday, however, was a different animal. Serious buyers were looking at the show and were making purchases. Although there were dead zones in the day there were sales throughout the day, enough for me to reconsider throwing in the towel.

Quality/Range of Art:

This was a mid to high end FA show rather than a craft show with some FA thrown in. The work that was there was well done and as good a quality as most shows I choose to go to. I've seen some of the artists at such shows as: Omaha, Oklahoma City, Park City, etc. Many of the artists at this show are going to be at the Affordable Arts Show in Littleton, CO at the end of August.

Food:

Boulder is a town with plenty of restaurants within spitting distance on the mall and there were some fine food wagons between 13th and 14th just for the show. Lindsey's Deli would deliver and Lindsey herself came around with % off coupons for the artists.

Reflections:

As I said it has been 7 years since I did my last Boulder Mall show. I gave up on them as I never saw any significant sales out of any of the shows I did there. I took a chance on this show as I had nothing else scheduled and nothing much to lose. I'm glad I did the show as it turned out to be profitable for me and worth the time. My neighbors (ceramic artists) said they've done the Boulder mall show for years and it has always been good to them.

Okay, now for the Dave Piper star rating! I'd give this show ✩✩✩ out of 5 and that is because of the nice job of logistics by the volunteers of Open Arts, great amenities, booth sitting, etc. Why only 3 out of 5? I think this show has room for improvement and I want to give this show another try and see if buying energy improves.

Well, this was attempt #3 at this show for me and I'm pretty darn sure it is my last. 

This show is held in Downtown Kalispell, MT at Depot Park. It's a great (mostly shaddy) area. The layout is always tricky and easy to get lost and miss booths but this year the organizers did a much better job to help keep dead zones from happening. The volunteers come around every so often to ask if you need reprieve. I was in an area close to the food, music stage, and right next to the wine/beer garden so I saw volunteers and promoters a lot! They are so nice and accomodating. 

There was music at the stage which was much better this year...I hate it when they get acts that make you want to take a nap instead of sell art. But the volume was WAY too high. There were times I was shouting at my customers and they were shouting at me to have a conversation. Didn't sell much of anything at that point. 

The weather was topsy turvy. The Jet stream blew in smoke from those fires in Washington and it was REALLY smokey Friday night to early afternoon on Saturday. Then a huge windstorm came through and blew all the smoke away. Of course there were a few art fair newbies with inadequate weights on the tent and they, a few friends/other vendors/customers were all holding onto the frame to keep it from blowing away.  Sunday every flippin' weather forcast called for 1 hour (mid afternoon) of thunderstorms. Yeah, it rained ALL DAY LONG. 

Friday was the best day for me. With promising results...made booth fee. YAY. I was optimistic because Saturday is always my best day and that is the time I normally sell larger pieces (Oh, I sell Watercolors bytheway). Saturday was ridiculous. There were a TON of people the first couple of hours buying a little here and there but then it died. All the vendors would pop out of their tents every now and then, wondering what happened, and quickly return to their booths in hopes of not missing a sale. The last 3 hours of the show we didn't care anymore. We all were wandering the lot, chit chatting with each other, discussing this or that, but mostly wondering where all the people were and why no one was buying anything. I spoke with at least 8 other artists who either hadn't made a sale from noon on or sold only a few items. Sunday....Surprisingly I sold a few small items even though it was rainy. 

All in all, this was a disappointing show for me. I know an acrylic painter that "killed it" last year with "$26,000 in sales". Not really sure if that's true but I would've expected to make more than $403 last year. This year was the best year for me of the 3 years I've participated and I only made a couple hundred over booth fee. (hangs head in shame and silently cries). Obviously, this isn't the venue for me. I'd like to say that 2D art doesn't do well here (several others I know didn't sell much of anything) but that acrylic painter "killed it" again. Hmmmmm... 

It's a bummer really because this show is sooooooooooo close to me. Just a 15 minute drive down the highway. But sitting for three days in the elements for just over $500 seems like a big waste of time. Oh well, 3rd time was not a charm at this show and maybe that means I'll find something great in an area I've never been to before!

Cackling and horrified, I untied the loose knots holding up curtain backdrop as quickly as I was able. Thankfully and blissfully, the curtains dropped to the ground. I clipped the curtains shut and hung as much weight on the bottom of the curtains as I dared.

Giddy laughter would not stop bubbling from my lips. Again and again I looked in disbelief at the photo I had just snapped of my booth. I could not have set up, framed or imagined a more perfectly horrible image of my booth.

A gigantic, stomach churning, revolting butt crack was perfectly centered in the middle of my booth.

The take away lesson boys and girls? Always, always, ALWAYS, take a moment before the show begins to step back and look at what YOUR booth looks like from the aisle. ALWAYS!!

I went to Artegon (Orlando) yesterday and talked to Zack Goldberg about getting a space. He is very helpful and friendly, if you have other questions or want to talk to him, his phone number is 401-368-9071.

Mall - they are refurbishing an old mall. Construction is looking good. Mall looks like an * asterisk from above, with anchor stores on radiating out from a central flattened ellipse, which is where artegon will be located. right now there isn't much traffic at the mall, Bass Pro Shops seems to be the major attraction. There is also a movie theater, but since I was there in the early afternoon, I am not sure how much business it attracts at night. seems like plenty of parking, it will have a new façade. Anchor stores also empty into the center ellipse.

Traffic - yes, it is close to I-4, and the attractions in Orlando. It is a mile north of the Universal exit, and 10 miles north of Disney exits. Kitty corner across is an outlet mall. Lots of traffic, made worse right now by construction on some of the bordering streets. Kind of congested right now, but hopefully that is more due to construction and hope the new traffic pattern makes it easier.

Layout - Artegon is inside, with a layout reminiscent of an art show. Instead of white tents, you have wire mesh (3"x3"inch?) "cubicals", for want of a better word. Sizes available are all 10' high, with 10x10, 10x20 and 10x22 being the square footage available. I have put a pic of a showroom cube below. The doors expand and contract on the sides, and you lock your own cube when you aren't there. you are responsible for the cleaning of your cube. There are sides and endcaps as locations, no corners per se. you are allowed to place items on your porch (in front of your cube) to a 4 foot distance. They just need to be able to be put back inside when you are closed. Sometimes you share mesh wall sides, sometimes you don't. You have access to electricity in your booth.

Costs - basically, it is $10 per square foot, depending on location inside. There is also an option of doing a 20% of monthly sales instead of a set fee. Electricity is a mandatory charge, and is $187 a month. upfront cost is your metal sign, $400. You are also required to have 1 million in insurance. Not sure if orange county has any special requirements for operating a business.

Hours - Mall hours. I THINK the hours he told me was that the mall was open M-Sat 10-9, with the booths required to be open from 11-8.  Sunday is that same deal, just reduced hours. 7 days a week, 365 year. To me, that is the hardest part, as I don't have anyone to work the booth in my absence. You are allowed to partner up with another artist, split the hours and split the space. Shortest contract available is 6 months. Personally, I would have a hard time working those hours all by myself, but others seem to have worked it out, Zack says they are so far 83% occupied. 

Bear in mind, this is only phase one opening, 180? booths. There is another 100+? booths opening up in 2015.

All this being said, it is a most interesting development for an alternative to the traditional art fair. Can't get called on account of weather short of a hurricane, cool in the summer, warm in the winter. Easy parking, Zack said something about on site storage, but I forgot to get details. Either way you pay your fees, it is a fairly low price to get in such a setting. Big if's are whether or not you can man the hours, and if they can drive traffic to the mall. They seem pretty confident about bringing in the customers.

If anybody gets a space, I would like to hear their experience when it starts operation in October! I hope this info helps you all, and if you are interested in checking it out for yourself, just give Zack a call. :)