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Well, I waited...Oscar- you were there....no review? Bet you are on the road to Ann Arbor...So anyway, it's a dirty job but somebody has to do it. Last weekend the 10th thru the 13 was one of the Big Daddy's of art fairs, the Central Pennsylvania Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. It's a long one...four days -10 till 8 each day on the week before Ann Arbor with lots of artist's heading there this weekend. I got into both but I heard such mixed reviews about Ann Arbor last year that I chose to do CP instead, which now I kind of regret.

Central Penn a well organized show, people are nice and the load in is well organized and works pretty seamlessly. It's laid out all over State College in the town most famous for Jo-Pa and Penn State and people come in from Pittsburg and Philly to see this show. There is no electricity available or generators allowed, because it's on campus and in town and it was hot. But there also was a nice breeze and luckily I was under some beautiful big elm trees. Other's were not so lucky and were in full sun. If you were set up on campus you had a bit more room. Artist's were only on one side of the street and the flow of people was better. It seemed that in the town part it was a bit more chaotic because they were on the merchant streets...more distractions.

There was coffee served every morning, but if you were in my section on campus, you were too far away to take advantage of it. There wasn't any food or water in my section and I was very glad I bought a cooler since I got pretty dehydrated at times. We were however closer to the ice cream which is famous here...to the chagrin of my waistline.

Ok, down to the nitty gritty. The crowds were off...last year I had 12 deep at times in my booth and lots of lookers and buyers, this year it seemed that everyone was walking ten feet in front of booths and just strolling by. Of course in a show like this, where there is four days to decide on your purchases, maybe that was what was happening. Nevertheless, it was truly noticeable. I talked to many who said they had a good show but nobody who said they had a great show.

It seemed that is was a pretty conservative crowd. The realistic oil painter down the way did very well, selling big paintings and small and walked away with a good return. The contemporary photographer next to me sold many small and medium size pictures but nothing big. I sold only 2 medium sized paintings and a slew of mono prints and small work. Last year I had a very different outcome. So, maybe it was me, maybe the new work isn't as well received, but I think I speak for more artist's than not- it was kind of an off year with a different crowd.

The awards judging was a bit weird with most of last years winners winning again. It seemed that a lot of regional artist's were judges... I guess I'm just bitching because there were, out of more than 20 award and 17 thousand dollars awarded only two photo, 2 painting and no 2D awards....it was heavy jewelry and fiber....maybe it might be better if they chose by categories- it seemed a bit slanted. But hey, that's just my opinion (I hope I don't sound like a sore looser- i don't mean it that way. I sure never bet on awards-they are just gravy if they happen).

Saturday was my busiest day and the most crowded. Sunday was dead, as I think that most people drove home that day. I didn't see the organizers at the show, at least they didn't introduce themselves. There was a very nice dinner and drinks at the Penn Stater Hotel on Friday night, last year I went, but skipped it this year as I was really tired. Maybe they were there and that is why.

On Thursday morning I came to my tent to see my awning pole laying halfway across the green lawn and my font tent zipper unzipped. I reported it and apparently there was some other student shenanigans on the town side where there are more frat houses. Some paintings missing and one was found by the police. I believe that is what happened with mine. Thank god, I could tape it back together and nothing seemed to be missing.

Load out went very smooth and I was out of there and drove the 9 hours home that night. Probably not the smartest thing to do but the call of my own bed was pretty strong.

All in all, I kind of wish I had done State Street instead. I hear it's going to be great weather up there this coming weekend and people are always excited about it. I think that is what was missing...nobody seemed that excited that we were there....shows do have ebb and flow years and this seemed a bit of a down year for me. I would love to hear what you all thought. 

Okay, I did really, really well at Art in the Park in Plymouth, MI this past weekend. Friday was my second thousand dollar day (my first was last year on Saturday of Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio). The crowds loved my Lego and vintage Fisher Price Little People photography. I am in only my third year doing art fairs, and this show was my highest yet. (But keep in mind I am in Ann Arbor this week too)

Since stuff was flying out of my booth so fast, I had to take the 5x7 prints out of the booth on Saturday to conserve for Ann Arbor. But that did not stop the buying too much. I was amazed by my final sales total. Plus, towards the end of the show - someone bought Princess Rescue #1/125 a moderately sized framed piece. Princes Rescue is one of my favorite because of the color in the print.

While there were some craftsy booths there, there was high end art there too. Raychel Rork (the event's director) stopped in my booth and said I did have nice art. I absolutely will be back next year. With a wild July, Art in the Park and the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair - I called this the gauntlet of shows...

Princess Rescue

This show is not an arts festival.

Bonsai and beaded jewels sell here.  This show is a joke.  It is radioactive, do not do it.  Unless you do crafts fit for a flea market.

This was worse than Grand Haven.  They expanded from one-day to two-day and nobody made more money--in fact, more of us made less.  This committee is clueless about how to run a true art show. Do not do it unless you can sleep in your van or your own home.  It is not worth it.  They have ruined a perfectly good show. Sorry folks, that is the way it is.  Nels.

Do not do it unless you live close enough to not have to stay in a hotel.  Real lower-end.  People do not want to buy art.  Nice committee.

I could say more. but I do not want to trash their show.  They try hard, God bless.

November 1 & 2
Rising Fawn, Georgia
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Presented by:
  Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park
10am-5pm
Up to 200 artists
Deadline: September 26

Artisans (Artist, Crafters and Musicians) that are established to emerging are invited to submit their application.  The beauty of the park and the fall foliage add to the arts, crafts, food and music being featured all weekend.  Major attractions are nearby and Chattanooga is rapidly becoming the location of choice for tourists, a 40 minute drive from the Celebration.  The staff is friendly, helpful and courteous and works to make exhibitors and visitors welcome and happy they came.

Our first year produced over 5,000 visitors and 70 exhibitors.  Survey feedback from exhibitors and visitors was very positive.  We are working now to make the 2014 Celebration much bigger and better.  We have a large list of radio and TV stations, newspapers and magazines, websites and other outdoor organizations that will use our marketing material.

Artist amenities include a free breakfast each morning, someone to watch your booth for you while you take a break.  A nearby ATM machine for visitors to use.  A friendly and helpful staff dedicated to helping you be successful and overnight security.

• About 10 million people live within a 150 mile radius and have the discretionary funds to purchase art and crafts.   
• Access to the Celebration is from three interstate highways (124, 159 & 175).   
• Several major corporations and smaller businesses are sponsoring the event by providing supplies or cash.
• Extensive signage makes it easy to get to the Celebration.

This year we have already started our aggressive marketing and could accommodate about 20,000 visitors.  Our vision is this Celebration will be in the top 11 Arts and Craft shows soon.

We work hard to make each visitor know they are special and appreciated by having golf carts that meet them when they park and take them back when they leave.  Friendly well identified staff to answer questions and provided needed help plus special parking for the handicapped and those needing special assistance.

There will be free children and adult activities so everyone will have a great time and be eager to return next year.  Music will be provided all day and the chosen food vendors will have tasty food and snacks to enjoy in our special picnic area.

The best of the show exhibitor will receive $700, the second runner up will receive $500 and the third runner up will receive $300.

For more information & to apply:
 www.mountainartsandcraftcelebration.com

Email: info@mountainartsandcraftcelebration.com

Event Dates: 7/12/2014 - 7/13/2014
Location: Centennial Park
Address:
410 West Rainbow Blvd
Salida, CO 81201
Website: http://www.salidaartsfestival.com/

Application is on ZAPP

The inaugural “Salida Arts Fair” is one of the premier arts destinations in Colorado. The small town of Salida is known as an arts community. The show location is a beautiful park adjacent to the Salida Aquatic center and on the major highway through town. (Large trees, grass, and bathrooms)

There were 55 artists for this first time show. Artists came from many states. There was NO buy-sell or commercial. The show looked great. This show is put on by a local artist and gallery owner, Jerry Scaveezze. Jerry, has been doing art shows as an artist for over 30 years. He did a lot of print advertising  in newspapers and magazines around the state, and had posters and signs also. Show is adjacent to HWY 50 which will have 10,000 cars a day drive slowly past. (Stop light on the corner.) There was a steady flow of cars pulling off to visit the show. Folks living in the Salida area were in strong support and were in attendance and buying.

Crowds were great on Saturday morning. I sold best from 10 am to 12:30 PM. There is also a beer festival in town on this date, and many folks left to attend that event. Show was slow on Saturday afternoon. Show was off to a slow start on Sunday but then folks started milling about and I made more sales. I am a local Salida painter selling original oil paintings. I was happy with my sales. I sold one large painting, one medium sized painting and quite a few small paintings. Another fine art artist a couple booths down from me had a better show. Amado Peña had a double booth at this show.

Pottery, metal arts, baskets, scrolled wood and jewelery seemed to have the most sales. Also, a new artist selling stone chairs and sculptures did very well, selling most of his items. Good show for artists with a lower end ($$) in their booths. I think furniture would do well at this show if it is reasonably priced. Some higher end artists did not sell well. Clothing and fiber arts could do well at this show.

Set-up and tear down was made easier with the help of a few boys and girls from the local Boys & Girls Club. The promoter paid them by the hour but artists were expected to tip them. A wise investment, and my young helpers were great. You parked on Holman Avenue and dolly to your booth space. Set up was all day Friday.  Jerry and his staff supplied all artists with a free collapsible water bottle and then delivered ice cold water to our booths.  Jerry and his staff were VERY helpful and were listening to all suggestions to help with next year's show. Booth sitters were available also. Jerry and his staff helped artists with their tear downs too. Excellent!

Weather was nice in the mornings, then turned humid and hot. We had threatening storms moving over head all afternoon. The storms moved around us and there was no rain.

There was a free shuttle from the beer festival to the art show. Show needs chairs and resting spots for customers, water and lemonade stands.

I believe this show will grow and become more popular. The Lake City show is the Tuesday following, and the weekend before is Cherry Creek, Breckenridge and Pike's Peak (a few more too). The following weekend is the Lake Dillon Show and Winter Park. All within a few hours drive. Do not confuse this new Salida Arts Festival with the Riverside Arts Festival held in Salida. I would not recommend the Riverside Arts Festival.

Here are some photos of cool usages of materials to display and store art and equipment in a 10 x 10 space:

Michael Wommack who does pastels figured out how to put this shelf on his pro panels:

Look at Jodi Perry's cool floor - I think it was linoleum:

Metalsmith/Jeweler Matthew Naftzger makes his work from found recycled metal. I love the panels that he has put beneath his glass cases that reinforce what the work is about:

Amazingly, woodworker Michael Hamilton was able to install this shelving unit in the back of his booth:

I'm just plain loving this nice installation by Robert Longyear that makes you want to go in and walk around:

Watercolor painter Paul Adams just rolls this old desk out of his van and has everything ready to go, including a nice top where he can wrap his paintings and clean them:

Do you have anything to show me?" 

I just moved back to the Detroit area after having lived in South-Central Michigan for 15 years.  Once the dust settled, I decided it was time to hit the Art Fair circuit (as a spectator), once again.  Having lived in what is known as the Down River Area, south of Detroit, prior to our move, we chose to go to the Wyandotte Art Fair last week.  It's one of the oldest, I believe, at 53 years and always had a fairly good reputation and vibe.

It was a beautiful day, blue skies, 78 degrees...so where was everyone?  Yes, there were people there but it wasn't wall to wall like I remember it.  I just felt like there should be bigger crowds considering the weather and the easily accessible downtown location.

Overall, the offerings were less than impressive with too much buy/sell but we did find a couple of interesting artists...one was Richard Cieslowski, who made distinctive light fixtures and decor from found objects and recyled materials, really interesting stuff.  He said it was his first foray into Art Fairs (he lives in Wyandotte) and just thought he'd test the waters.

We also met James Floyd, who also upcycles, but his finished product is musical instruments, mostly guitars, made from various materials...all extremely cool.

I'm afraid I neglected to ask them how they were doing, sale-wise, but they seemed to be enjoying the process and the experience regardless.

So, thinking about Ann Arbor this week as the weather report sounds promising, for once, perhaps I can finally meet some of you...

Or maybe the title of this post should have been “Is this any way to treat your artists?”

It’s kind of sad, a wonderful little community show, in an absolutely perfect location on Whidbey Island, one of the most artistic communities in the Pacific Northwest.  The locals support this festival and they have great volunteer support.  Whidbey Island is very supportive of the arts, Langley is listed in John Villani’s “The 100 best Art Towns in America”. 

You know, there are things we always look for in an art show, good sales, good attendance, low hassle factor, reasonable organization, etc.  A few items in the “plus column” include wonderful location, reconnecting with artist friends, shorter hours than many of the summer shows we do, this show used to have most of these factors going for it.  That started changing last year, below are my previous 2 blogs about this show and you’ll see there’s a definite difference between 2013 and 2012.

We just finished our 5^th  year of participation in Langley WA’s Choochokam Art Festival.  We love this location, actually came up a week early and spent 10 days on the Island including time before and after the show, working, bicycling, exploring some of the towns on the island, etc.  Next year we might just back as visitors, not artists participating in a show.  We went into the local chamber of commerce to pick up a bicycle map and were chatting with the lady working there, they had just got their posters for the event, 8 days before the show. She said normally they are out 3 weeks ahead of time.  Not good for marketing efforts.

Previous blogs giving more logistics, info on the island, show, etc.

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/choochokam-arts-festival-langley-wa-july-2013

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/choochokam-arts-festival-langley-wa-july-7-8-2012

So, what happened in 2014? 

• Application deadline was extended 6 weeks
• Calls for artists went out more than once, giving us a strong signal that they weren’t getting enough artists
• Notifications did not go out on time to anyone
• Notification placed on their website that if you were in last year’s show and had applied by the original deadline, you were automatically accepted in 2014, however no individual notices went out to anyone
• Lost applications
• Lost images
• No answers to emails / phone calls through all of March, April and May
• Finally notified near the end of May that yes we were accepted, but could we please resend images and application?
• By the time they notified, deadline for fees and cancellation had passed, no booth refund if you wanted out at that time
• For new artists or artists who did not participate last year but applied this year, they were notified on May 28 and then on June 3^rd sent a note saying they owed a $25 late fee because booth fees had been received on the deadline which was prior to when acceptance notices were sent

A few positives:

• In 2014 they reverted to the quad booth arrangements on Front street instead of the groups of 6 booths they put in last year that created “deadzones” for the artists in the middle, in line booths
• They finally got a volunteer who actually answered emails throughout the entire month of June

As we were checking in we were informed that booth fees are going up $50 next year, but if you prepay this year before the end of the festival, you lock in the current rate for future years?  What? You want me to pay 1 year in advance for a show I haven’t even been juried into yet, meaning once accepted, always accepted as long as you keep paying?  So, why are we having to pay a jury fee?  That didn’t quite feel right.  So, their solution for not getting enough artists this year is to raise the fees for future years?  Part of their explanation was that the increase was for more marketing.

Many times over the 5 years I’ve participated in this show we’ve heard the phrase, “we’re an all volunteer organization, be patient with us”.  Guess what? It’s not the only show with an all volunteer organization, but it’s by far the worst when it comes to being in contact with the artists, keeping us informed, even answering or returning a phone call, email, etc.  They just don’t seem to get the fact that we have other options, this weekend alone there were at least 5 other festivals in the Greater Seattle area going on that I knew of, probably more if you include the smaller festivals that are centered on art.  This is how we make our living, understand they are all volunteer run, but it’s not a hobby for most of us.

This year, due to when the 4^th of July fell, this show was a week later than usual which meant it was one of 9 or 10 shows in the Puget Sound region, there were several empty spots as some artists just didn’t show up.   For artists based in Seattle, this is an expensive show to do, ferry fees are expensive if you tow a trailer, hotels are very expensive, thank goodness for inexpensive Fairground camping.  We had a few other artists join us for dinner Saturday night, BBQ potluck style of meal, we were all happy to have an inexpensive dining option.

This was also the “HOT” weekend of the year, we usually get 1 or 2 weekends a year when the temps climb over 90. Usually Whidbey Island will be about 10 degrees cooler than the Seattle area, but the heat killed the crowds on Saturday.  It looked like a ghost town about 3 PM, very few attendees.    So, lots of shows this weekend, hot temps and the crowds were very light.  Sales on Saturday for most artists were mediocre to awful.  We had our worst day of sales ever at this show.  Sunday was a little cooler, the crowd that came out early came to shop and we picked up a few sales and finally got into the black after booth fee and travel expenses.  Sunday was about a “normal” sales day for us at this show, but just didn’t make up for a lackluster Saturday.  Overall we did end the show with a profit, but much lower than years before.  On Sunday the mayor came through and spoke to a few of the artists, soliciting feedback and thanking us for being there, that was a first “mayor encounter” in our almost 10 years of shows. However, they have a lot of things to fix and we let him know a few areas that really need attention.  This is a long running show, next year is their 40 year anniversary and I only know a few artists who were sure they were coming back, mostly the ones who were local.  Very few of us were willing to commit booth fees now for a show that is a year away.

Is it a show we’ll do again?  I think the jury is still out on that.  We actually talked about potentially making this a show we try to do every other year or every 3 years.  I know this year’s sales were slow due to the heat, but the hassle factor and disorganization of this show has many of the artists frustrated.

I count on Chautauqua. I make triple what I usually do and it brings me finally into the black for the season. Usually.  This year we exhibitors were checking with each other all weekend. "How are you doing?" "Mediocre, you?" "yeah".

Well, we figured it out, sorta. Many people vacation at Chautauqua on a weekly basis. They pick a week (Saturday to Friday) almost a year in advance. Apparently, when the schedule came out, a huge majority of Summer residents chose Week 7 and few chose this past weekend. I guess "East West migration" or whatever it was didn't get them all jazzed up to spend thousands of dollars on a room with a shared bathroom. But "A week with Ken Burns" got them going and the Institution was totally booked for that week. Fortunately, those of us juried in for the August show will get a day's benefit from that boon.

Other than that, there were the usual benefits of being in a show in a place like this. People who "get it", lots of money around (I can't decide, I'll take all 3), you know. And probably the best staff and volunteers in the business.

Oh, and we had "weather". Typical Southern-Tier-NY-on-a-lake-weather. Friday and Saturday were picture perfect, but the forecast for Sunday was dire. Rain, thunder storms, wind. We woke up at 7 to pounding rain, shrugged our shoulders and hit the snooze button. By 9 it had cleared , but radar showed little pockets of storms heading our way. That ended by noon or so and we had perfect again. Well, except for that little micro burst of wind that toppled an EZ up and had some Trimline types rattling. It lasted about 10 seconds. The EZUp landed on it's head, legs in the air like a toppled turtle on a highway. Apparently, that baby was not weighted. If it was, not sure how because those heaven-pointing legs had nothing attached to them that I could see.

My disappointing sales were made easier by my neighbors on all sides and across the road. They had me laughing and chatting and commiserating all weekend because, well, we had time for that and they were fun. You take what you can get. 

Ken Burns, you better make this better in August!

A few weeks ago I whined about a show that was not so great for me. During the show, a woman stopped in and looked at one of my pieces - this horse. I have two reproductions - they are mirror images. They can be bought as singles or the duo.

This nice woman said..."these are really great, I am on the board of a nonprofit that is horse-related..." and before she went further, I told her that donating art [as the artist] is not really tax-deductible. And just between you and me and the lamp post, I was truly there to make some sales. She said "I know! But, I am thinking about BUYING these and donating them myself, I can afford them, and I'll take the tax deduction." She took my card and left.

Whaddya know, a week or two went by and I got an email. She not only bought both reproductions, she bought another set as well [full price, mind you] and paid for the shipping. A nice sale, totally unexpected. I expect the work to sell at their events, my name and web site will be seen by more people and I have a new friend. I know every show is a crapshoot, and I know after 10 years of dipping my toe into this crazy business - that anything can happen.

BTW - I have a policy on my web site related to nonprofits... since I get a LOT of requests for donations.

Alyx and I find ourselves with lots of great photos whenever we go on vacation. If we took every picture we love and made prints of them, we'd have thousands, and you would spend days and days sifting through them. So, we need to go through a very painful process of choosing which ones we WON'T post and sell on our website.

So, we decided that this Blog was a prefect venue to post some really great pictures from vacations and trips in our past. Here are some pictures that were taken by me during a trip to Yosemite Valley for Alyx's birthday some years back.

This trip was a single day adventure to the Yosemite Valley. This photo was taken on our way out near the end of the day. I loved the way a few puffy clouds dotted the valley.

This fallen tree can be found on the south side before you get to the valley. It's in one of the first hiking trail areas that have some of the tallest redwoods of the Yosemite area (or the world, for that matter). What caught me about this image was the radial patterns made by the combination of the roots and the shadows and light.

Bridalveil Falls is one of the most popular sights in the Yosemite Valley. We were lucky that this particular spring had a good amount of rain and snow, so there was still a great flow of water in June. We got quite close on this brilliantly sunny day, and the mists made for a wonderfully atmospheric portrait of this majestic waterfall.

For those that have never been to Yosemite National Park, what makes it the awesome spectacle that it is, is just the immensity of the rock formations. Massive boulders of rock, separated by massive amounts of space (air). In this picture I tried to show the comparison between the flat expanse of meadow on the valley floor, and then this massive chunk of granite the size of a mountain (which it is), plopped right in the middle of it. Remember, most of the trees you see at the base are about the size of a 5-story building already.

Even within the massive formations are infinitely numerous and wonderful forms of nature. The above picture is of the Royal Arches, but I loved how the vertical stripes of the dripping water cut perpendicular to the lines of the arches.

Here is your obligatory picture of Half Dome taken from the valley floor.

If you're ever at Yosemite, it's worth it to visit the Ahwahnee Lodge. It's a gorgeous lodge that has nice dining, and of course, awesome views. Even if you don't stay there, or dine there, you can still look around, learn some of it's history, and stand in their huge walk-in fireplaces. Seriously, the openings are about 5 feet tall. This picture was taken just outside and the perfect leaves and the fabulous green makes this one of my favorite pictures, even though there's nothing famous about it.

As you leave the valley, and I'll leave the blog with this, there are mini-falls at the side of the road. Some bigger, some smaller, but all beautiful and dotted here and there as you drive. Sometimes it is hard to find a spot to pull over to take pictures and not stop traffic, but there are still plenty of opportunities to do so. Here is one of my favorite little nooks half way up the valley slope.

I hope you had a good time taking this mini vacation with me. If you like the photos, be sure to visit our website for more. www.masartwork.com. And don't forget to comment below, just for the heck of it.

Thanks,

Craig.

Rebecca Rush Profeta is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Something horrible happened to her this week.

She came home from a 3 day art show to find the police at her home. Her husband had passed away in their home...probably just several hours after she left for the art show. Her husband, Joe had a heart attack on Thursday, and wasn't found until Monday afternoon.

The police took him [and their bed] away and a hasmat crew is trying to "clear the air" in their house.

This is a couple who were living hand to mouth... after the crash in '08, they found they were upside down on their mortgage. He was 64 and had not been able to find much work over the last few years...until this past May. They've been living on whatever pension and savings they had - which is gone. She's not in debt, and this is not a luxurious home, either  [it's probably worth 80K] but she doesn't even have the money to replace her bed right now! 

Because of the odor in the home, she will have to dispose of or professionally clean a lot of items. Other than that...most of her art supplies [paper and fabric] have been compromised and can't be used.

There is no life insurance, and she will have to eventually leave the house - without an extra income, she probably can't afford to live there. She has been making some money painting, doing repair work, and of course, making her hand made books and journals. She is 59.

This is her site... http://www.rebeccarushdesigns.com/index.html.

I doubt if she would qualify for the CERF funding - I am willing to help her financially - but I thought I might also come to the community to see if anyone feels like they can kick in a few bucks to help her replenish her paper stock or a place to lay her head.

I found out her paypal account is rjrush1@gmail.com and her mailing address is: Rebecca Profeta, 1022 E. Weldon, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Thanks

I have had several commissions and so far all clients have been pleased. I usually get 1/2 payment upfront, full payment upon delivery. I  usually have several emails and a delivery date; I've never been late. Three weeks after delivery of the piece at issue I just received an email from the client who " tried the piece in several locations and have decided that it just isn't going to work for them." This was a portrait of their baby daughter's feet (no one else wants this) done in the colors they provided. I  always say to numerous questions about my work that "I stand behind my work". I guess I was thinking about something being damaged or some issue with workmanship- not someone changing their mind. So here's where I need the help- Do I offer a full refund? What about my lost time and materials? I want a good reputation and wouldn't want someone to keep something they didn't love but should I absorb all the cost? That doesn't seem like good business. I welcome all advice and opinions- Thanks in advance.   

A trip to the top-rated 2014 Old Town Art Fair in Chicago in June meant meeting artists from Vermont to California, including some Canadians. Listen to find out what Kina Crow, Steve Olszewski, Dawn Adams, Marjolyn van der Hart, Steve Uren, Jennifer Ivory, Chris Bruno, Beth Crowder, Chris Bruno, Tony Cray, Chris Dahlquist and Carol Boucher say are their favorite shows. You may be surprised.

Do you agree?

Who is a good recommendation for shipping photos on canvas? Every typical vendor has priced me around $50--some artist told me he ships wrapped canvases for $15-is this for real? Thank you!

A friend asked that I post this. This is a great story of how you just can't keep a good guy (or woman) down. What started out bad finished with a happy ending. Plus, this story will alert you to why you need to always be aware of your surroundings, why you need to have a good inventory, and why a guardian angel can be very helpful.

Ok Everybody – have I got a story for you!  And if you have never believed in miracles before, I don’t see how you couldn’t change your mind after reading this. 

My husband makes beautiful, high-end gold jewelry.  Last weekend, we did the show at Lincoln Center in NYC and on Saturday night, after the show when we were getting out of our van at our hotel in New Jersey, 4 guys wearing masks jumped my husband, threw him facedown to the ground, held him down, and yanked the backpack of jewelry off his shoulder and jumped into the car they had pulled up right behind our van. I screamed and grabbed the door handle on the driver’s side, but he just gunned the car and took off, and left me lying on the pavement.  And there we were, stunned and devastated, our entire livelihood ripped from us in less than 15 seconds.

Of course the police came and we filled out a report, then spent a sleepless night just clinging to each other, too numb to even talk.  We still had about 12 pair of earrings and 5 bracelets which I had been holding in a separate bag so they didn’t get, and we actually opened the next day because I didn’t think we would be allowed to tear down early. 

Word spread throughout the show and the other artists were very sympathetic and even took up a collection of about $400 and we were touched and blessed by that. We had decided to be as positive as possible and were thankful that we hadn’t been shot, and I kept believing for a supernatural recovery, because I knew that’s exactly what any recovery would have to be.  Our whole church was praying for the same thing.

And guess what – IT HAPPENED!!!!!!!!   The following day, Monday, we were in the airport getting ready to fly home, when I get a phone call from a police officer in SOUTH CAROLINA, and in a nutshell, they had pulled over a car going down I-95, for some “irregular driving behavior”, and opened the trunk and there they found a pillowcase filled with a bunch of gold jewelry.  They confiscated it and tried to figure out who it belonged to – they didn’t know anything about the police report filed in New Jersey. 

My husband stamps the inside of his rings with his first name, but it’s extremely difficult to read because it’s so small – you really have to use a magnifying glass and even then sometimes it is illegible.  But they figured it out and googled him on line and FOUND HIM, and that’s when they called me at the airport!!!!!!! 

The stolen loot after it was recovered

Of course I was screaming hysterically with happiness in the middle of the airport. The officer said he wasn’t sure how long we would have to wait to go get it because of paperwork and whatnot but then he called a couple days later and said they were releasing it!  So we dropped everything, jumped in the car and drove till midnight to get there, and after spending most of the following day in the police station inventorying everything --- WE GOT EVERYTHING BACK EXCEPT THREE PIECES!!!!!!!!!

Not only that, there are more layers to this miracle.  Out of their entire police force of 127, those two officers are the only ones  on a special team called an “interdiction” force, and they are trained NOT to be just regular traffic policemen, but to specifically look for certain driving behaviors and other things they couldn’t tell me that alert them to thieves and drug runners and stuff like that, and THOSE two officers happened to be at the right place at the right time when these guys went zipping by on I-95 at 5:00 that Monday morning, and they pulled the car over for a “slightly irregular lane change”.  The Good Guys

One more layer – those officers were scheduled to work that evening from noon until 7:30, but they said they just had a feeling they would catch more bad guys in the early morning, so they came in to work at 4 a.m. instead.  Unbelievable.

And also, another little part of the miracle and a lesson to all of us about keeping a good inventory system:  up until about 3 weeks before this happened, our “inventory” system was a big unorganized MESS, but because we had gone about 2 months without doing shows, we had just gone through and taken pictures of every single piece and organized them into folders of Pendants, Rings, etc., and had made a new notebook where we wrote everything about each piece and its price.  That notebook was actually in the back pack that they ditched after they dumped everything into the pillowcase, BUT, we had made a copy!!!!  And with that in hand, we were able to identify all of our pieces to the police!!!!

When you think about the odds of us recovering that jewelry, especially in the way it was recovered, they would be astronomical – it truly is a miracle.

The Happy Reunion with the Recovered Loot

A few after notes:

- We donated the $400 that was collected for us at the show to C.E.R.F., and told them the story as well.

 -  We learned that the bad guys were part of a Columbian gang working with the drug cartel, and they were heading to Miami when the officers stopped them on I-95 that morning. 

The police made them open their luggage, and there they found the masks they used when they jumped my husband, one of those tools that are used to open a car by going in through the window, and – get this ---- they also found a GPS tracking device that they had used to track us!!  In other words, they had put some little device on our van, and with that GPS tracker that they had, they knew where we were even without physically following us. Very scary.

- And scariest of all – these guys are not in jail!!!  From what I understand, even though they had enough grounds to apprehend the jewelry, the police had to let the guys drive away because they claimed that they had bought the jewelry all in a big clump from a jeweler and though the police knew they were lying, since they didn’t actually have a victim at the time, and the guys said they would send a receipt (riiiiiight……), by law they had to let them go!!!!!  And even though now they have a victim (us), nobody has arrested them because they don’t know exactly where they are and the information I have is that “the investigation is still going on and they are looking.”  Isn’t that terrible???  I just hate it when the law protects the bad guys more than us!!!

Well I am finally get around to talk about my TRAF experience Connie! LOL 

2014 TRAF was the second year for me for this show and my first return to a big show. At first, I did not think it was going to happen as I was placed on the wait list but I received an email that there was an opening!! So of course I was super excited to be back! Why? It is a great show! 10 days of music, art and awesome food. 

Now my BBB (Best Business Buddy), Cathy, was also accepted into the show and here is where it got fun! TRAF is 10 days long and they have to divided into 7 different artist sessions in three areas. #1- Point Park, #2 Gateway Towers, #3 Liberty Ave   If you are in the park, there is the South and North Walkways. This is where the huge stage is set up and great bands play all festival long. Cathy and I were in the North Walkway but in different times. She had the first 7 days and then I was in the last three days of the festival. Since I have the "Big Girl" tent i.e.: Light Dome, I let her use it. When her session was done, we literally walk the tent down 7 spaces to my booth assignment! It confused a few people because the artists are to be open from 12 -8 every day and when your time is up, you only have 2 hours to get out of the park so that the next artist can get into the spot. So there I was tent already up and over half way done!! 

Now to those who have no idea about the festival, here is the scoop. It is located downtown Pittsburgh. If you ever see a shot with the fountain flowing and the city behind it, well that is where it happens for the most part. 

Check in can be a little confusing if you are not from here since the check in area is 2 miles away in the a parking lot in the 'Strip'. The Strip District is where one can get their fresh goodies and go shopping and at night go to one of the clubs that used to be a church. Once you are checked in, you head to Gateway center to unload. There is lots of walking involved if you are in the park FYI! You can't drive up to your booth since it is in a State Park. BUT - they have loads of volunteers to help you unload and carry it to your booth! They are extremely helpful and nice. Once the car is unloaded, you have to move it somewhere else. Lots of peeps get pissy about this but seriously there where lots of street parking around that was free that I saw and was using! 

The electric is free as it comes with booth fee, 500 watt I believe. Which is nice if you are in the second session, because it is dark by the time you start setting up. My neighbor guy was so mad at the late set up time saying that the artist should close earlier so we could set up earlier. But that would not work since being in the park, the bands are still playing until 8pm. Cant please everyone. And yes it sucks to have a very late setup, and set up until 1 am or whatever and then have to be there at noon the next day…. but I rather do this any day than be back working long hours in the mall! 

So what else can I say? I really believe this is a great show to be in for many reasons. The staff is informative and helpful. The weather updates for any pending storms by receiving texts on the phone help a lot. Because over 10 days, it will rain but how badly is the question. (AND it was proven that over the last 40 years, it only rains 34% of the time during this festival. There was an article in the paper about it!) The crowd was amazing as tons of people were there and were buying. There were only two crabapples that we had to contend with the whole time as I was my friend's assistant and she was mine during TRAF. It was delightful. 

In my opinion, this year show had tons of photography booths but a good even mix and good quality of art. There were a just a few booths that I was asking myself 'how did they get in?" as there are 700 artists over the 10 days. I know I maybe bias since I live in the area for all my life but it is a great show. Also there is a stand in the park that is always here and has the best hummus! I was going to turn into a chick pea if I ate anymore. 

As for parking, I parked in a lot that is by Heniz Stadium for $6 and I take the free subway ride to Gateway (which is the main center point for the festival) and walk in. I do get my exercise in during this time. There are other places to park that are closer but are $10-20 daily. 

The only thing I can say that was negative was a few of the artists, and just a few, that were are upset with 'all the rules.' One being you cannot use the benches in the park as storage, they are for sitting on. The show will be fined, not the artist, for doing so. It is a state law not a festival one. And since the artists in the Gateway Tower area can't have things outside of their 10x10 space because of how it is set-up, the artists in the park can't either. This is done is be fair and even across the board. Also I found these same people did not read the artist packs. All the answers are there along with maps, and info to where to eat and special promotions around town. 

Also I had the best new customers! One of which came back a few times bringing her friends which helped my sale greatly. PLUS, she whipped out a small bottle of booze and gave it to me! AHHH Bailey's, thank you!

I know I had a great time being there and being apart of the festival. I look forward to being there again! If you have questions, please ask!