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So, this year was my third Maple and Main Art Fair in downtown Sylvania, Ohio. It's a nice little fair to start my season. The volunteers there are awesome! They give us goody bags each morning and hydrate us with bottled water during the show! And they give us breaks too! For us one man shows, I am appreciative of this! I'm impressed with how they treat the artists.

By the way, Maple and Main was my first art fair in 2012. I've come a long ways since then. I was thinking this would be another about $400 show because that was my totals the prior two years. But I blew that number out of the water this weekend at Maple and Main. Yes, I'm getting ready for my BIG July. Two big hitters, Plymouth's Art in the Park and the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.

Maybe this little fair is finally getting the exposure it needs. It's in it's third year just like me. It expanded to more booths this year too. I am happy to do the show for my brother lives in Sylvania and I grew up in the Toledo area. I meet a lot a friends at that show too. They all come out and stop by my booth.

But my sales totals surprised me this year. Yes my fairs in June are all re-investments for July.

I have no idea!

My sad looking booth in 2012... My first art fair...

Monday, June 2, 3 pm ET 

Terry Adams from the Cherry Creek Arts Festival joins me to talk about the business, his goals and new initiatives to keep his show at the top of the heap.

Even better, he will be drawing the names of the winners -- about 40 of them -- live! Listen, call in, leave comments, pledge -- and have some fun!

(805) 243-1338

It's not too late to pledge.

Right here: http://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/pledgedrive.html

Has anyone ever participated with a show held at Opryland Hotel called "Treasures for the Holidays"?

I didn't notice this show mentioned on any previous blogs, so please forgive me if I have overlooked it.

I received an e-mail about participating with this show and I'm concerned about the ad that includes wording included "novelty gifts ranging from seasonal gift items . . .accessories . . . home decor . . . housewares . . . gourmet food and collectibles" as well as hand-made  novelty items. I'm afraid it sounds like some buys sells are in the mix.

I made the mistake of doing Gilmore's Holiday Market in North Charleston, SC last year because it literally was a flea market and I didn't know that when I signed up. It was my first time to participate and I thought all their shows only showcased handmade work instead of imports. Their Classics have handmade items in them--but even the one I did in Columbia had some commercial things mixed in such as canned soups, chowders and Virginia peanuts. Although it drew a crowd, it was not a savvy crowd. And, their shows are expensive for what you get. The biggest lines formed in front of the soup sample line. Now, I'm vary and don't want to make the same mistake elsewhere.

So, if anyone knows more about the "Treasures for the Holiday" please tell me if I should consider it or run for dear life.

Thanks a bunch!!!

Greg Strachov really struck a chord in April with his post "Stealing Intellectual Property at the Art Fairs", putting forth excellent arguments, scholarship and images -- and bringing out a great discussion. Thanks, Greg. The other members chose your post as Post of the Month for April. 

And speaking of Greg -- Greg Little was awarded a Red Dot Community Leader for his continued contributions. Thanks to you also, Greg!

This the final part of what I think before the season start.

As the first show comes and goes, I am writing the final part. I finish East Lansing Art Festival and walk out of there happy. I was not expecting to much out this show but I reach my goal and little more. Now the real test starts. Each month for here now I got 3 shows per month. From East Lansing I realize what it will take do for me to be successful. I realize the social media is source to promotion and a source find the negatives of the art shows. I realize while I will like to chat with other artist at the shows I should only walk away from my booth to eat lunch or bathroom break. I realize that before every show I need to work in promotion and marketing. I realize that need to keep producing new work every week.

The most important thing is to be polite to fellow artists and remember even I belong to a great community at the end is just all about me. I am the only one responsible for my success and more important my failures.  

What it means to most in the life I choose is that I can let down the people that help me one way or other (Munks, Nels, Barry, Carla, Larry B,  James P, Marie J,  Connie, Therese, Carole, Mom and somebody very special to because every time I sit down in my computer to work I see his work Richard LaMartina). Is funny Richard I never see myself doing this type of work and every time I take a picture for this series I think of you old friend and tears come to my eyes because you are not here anymore.

If they had a casino up here I might have had a better return but as it was an art show my odds of success dropped exponentially! My spouse likes to go to casinos to gamble, not much, maybe $20 or so on nickel slots. I used to tell her to give me the $20 and we'd both be ahead, she'd have the satisfaction of losing the $20 and I'd have the money to take her to dinner. Then I got the joke, maybe I should have given her the booth fee!
Having just finished the Art Market show in Estes Park, CO I'd better get my thoughts down quick! First though just the facts!

Show Hours and Dates: Art Market of Estes Park, Estes Park, CO

May 24 - 26 (Memorial Day Weekend), 9-5 Sat & Sun, 9-4 Mon.

Logistics:

The show is set up on the sidewalks around Bond Park in downtown Estes Park. So, as far as locations go, this show had high visibility from the main drag through town. A real plus, or so I thought. The volunteer staff from the show do a good job of wrangling the artists into their spaces and as people arrive at their own staggered time frame there was never a problem of over crowding.

Amenities:

No water, no snacks, some volunteer booth sitters for the occasional break. Clean regular restrooms in the town hall or the library around the corner.

Storage, Booth Space, Load-In/Out:

Depending on your location, most booths had storage space behind, not a lot of space but it was there! No space between booths to speak of. This is a small park and they really tried to make use of all the concrete acreage available to them. No booths were on the grass, perhaps to keep it from being trampled or keep people from making it a soggy mess when it rained. Which is did.

Demographics/Buying Trends:

The whole range showed up, all ages and types. The few artists I touched base with seemed content with their sales. A painter across from me sold two larger pieces above $200 each, an artist working with wood sold several large pieces throughout the weekend and another photographer said he sold well with unmatted/unmounted work. As for me, well it wasn't "nada" but it wasn't pretty! Based on my experience with other "mountain" shows in the past I filled in my inventory with lower price point items ($25) thinking they'd pull'm in. I sold three of them...all weekend. There were plenty of lookers and admirers but that was it. Reasons, I could speculate from now till next Thursday be-that-as-it-may-be see my reflections.

Quality/Range of Art:

This was not a high end FA show rather more of a craft show with some FA thrown in. The work that was there was well done.

Food:

There was the usual "Fair Food", one over priced hot dog wagon (with lemonade!) and the ubiquitous popcorn van! Estes Park is a town with plenty of restaurants a few are within walking distance of the park and you can call an order in and pick it up.

Reflections:

Years ago after trying different venues in Colorado I gave up on them and developed two guidelines: 1) don't do mountain shows and 2) don't do holiday weekend shows (with some exceptions). I broke both rules to try a show I hadn't done before. I have two guidelines...I should have stuck to them!

Why not mountain shows? They are small communities with limited means. Its not that they don't appreciate the art, they just can't afford it on wait staff salaries. They're looking for items that fit their budgets. I thought this show would be different as it is a major tourist draw. I know that isn't entirely true as there are those who can afford higher priced items, they just don't show up in droves.

Holiday shows? Well...its a holiday and in my experience people are typically looking for entertainment and not art. There are exceptions to this rule but they are few and far between.

One glaring observation I made. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. On any given weekend the sidewalks are packed with people crawling from one souvenir and T-shirt shop to another. You can hardly move! Not so this weekend. The place almost looked like a ghost town, there actually were more people walking through the art show than town. Even the restaurants were perplexed by this lack of traffic. This is mere speculation but it could have been due to a perception that Estes Park was "closed" due to the flooding and severe road damage from last September. CDOT went out of their way to reconstruct one of the major routes to town and had posted alternative routes to town. Could it have been that it was a rainy weekend in Denver? And so on and so forth.

Okay, now for the Dave Piper star rating! I'd give this show ✩ and that is because of the nice job of logistics by the volunteers of the art center.

I know it seems a bit far off to be thinking of hotel reservations for St. James but there are two conventions in town that week so the hotels are booking up fast. Again this year
I've managed to secure us a discounted rate at the Sleep Inn on Preston Hwy of $59 for a king and $69 for a double (the normal rate is $109 a night).
All the rooms have mini fridge, microwaves and flat panel tvs and they provide a free hot breakfast bar. The proximity to the show can't be beat about 3 miles away. It's safe, clean and free parking.
If you wish to book a room call the hotel direct at 1-502-368-9597 and let them know you want the artist rate approved by Sonny, the general manager.
As of today there are only 45 rooms left so if you're interested don't wait.

I didn't do East Lansing this year but last year vandals punched the backs of several tents overnight causing fragile items to break or fall to the ground. My pro-panels protected my work but the panels were pushed in slightly. Nothing but a good punch could jar my panels enough to move hanging work and some pieces were askew. I think the security needs to be stepped up a bit at this show since this is the 3rd year I've heard about vandalism.

Many thanks to all the people who sent support to our Pledge Drive. We drew the first 20 names in a yesterday and here are the winners:

1. Kay Gallagher
2. Suzanne Krongold
3. Marianne Caroselli
4. Andy Shea
5. Ann Light
6. Jill Banks
7. Pamela Burgess
8. Carol Joy Shannon
9. Robert Johnson
10. Maggie Zielinski
11. Gloria Danvers
12. Lisa Fair
13. Robert Stein
14. Susan Hohman
15. Sue Kroll
16. Laurie Leonard
17. Janie Manaski
18. Bonnie Eastwood
19. Lisa Loudermilk
20. Brian Miller

Congratulations to each! Several of them were winners last year too.

To claim your prizes visit the Prize Page, choose your top 4 prizes and send me those choices: info@artfaircalendar.com, and I'll make arrangements for fulfillment. While many people had their eye on the top prizes, we don't like to choose for you. So which one suits you the best?

Please let me hear from you before the next podcast so I can set your prizes aside.

There are many more prizes than 20. On Monday, June 2, at 3 pm ET, "celebrity hosts" will be joining me on a new podcast. They will share some info about their event and then draw the names of the next segment of winners. Hope you'll join us then to hear your name called.

Which, of course, also means that if you haven't pledged yet you have more time to help us support our websites. We really appreciate each and every pledge, no matter the size. Here's where you can do that: http://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/pledgedrive.html

Tuesday - May 27, 5 pm ET

Hope you'll join me and Internet marketing guru, author Scott Fox (my son) as we celebrate 10 years of informational websites about the art fair business. We're doing a countdown on the Ten Most Informational Links on ArtFairInsiders.com with the stories behind them.

This site has hosted some fascinating writers over the years and we'll highlight their helpful info. 

AND we will begin the drawing for the Pledge Drive Prizes. 

We have 65 prizes. We will not be giving the prizes directly, but we'll announce the list and the winners can choose their own prize. Of course, the first name called will get first choice, etc.

Will you be a winner? Odds of winning are very good, maybe 2.5 to 1! 

Will you call in and tell us your art fair story? Has this site been helpful to you in ferreting out the best shows, staying away from the bad ones, finding the best resources, making some friends? If so, pledge and also call in to the live show. We'd love to hear from you. We're old friends by now.

CALL IN NUMBER: 805-243-1338

            

            

  A GALLERY SHOW 

             

July 26-August 17  

New York City, New York
Red Hook Waterfront, BKLYN
Opening Reception: Sat. July 26 2-6pm   
Gallery Exhibition: July 26-Aug 17, weekends 2-6pm
Early Bird Discounted Deadline: May 19
Final Submission Deadline: June 2

Open Call for Submission from artists all over the USA for an exhibit in our gallery, The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) - an 8,000 square foot civil War-era warehouse on the Red Hook Waterfront. With its trendy restaurants, bars, boutiques and billon dollar view of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, it's an exciting place to visit and EXHIBIT.  

The enormous space of the gallery affords us the opportunity to exhibit really huge work, and we welcome it.  We are pleased to be joined by a prestigious juror-Lauren Hinkson, Assistant Curator at Solomon Guggenheim Museum. With her experience, expect an exceptionally exciting exhibition.
        

Lauren Hinkson is the Assistant Curator for Collections at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.  She conducts permanent collection research with a focus on contemporary and time-based art.  

        
Best of Show Silver: $500 at the Opening Reception, the artist whose work is juried "Best of Show Silver: by Lauren Hinkson will receive a $500 cash prize.

People's Choice: $250: The artist whose work is voted "Best" by attendees during the course of the show will receive a $250 cash prize.

Curator's Choice: $250: The artist whose work the Show Curators choose for excellence will receive a $250 cash prize.

Certificate of Recognition $1,000: $100 each for ten winners.  All selections will be made by the juror, Loren Hinkson.
 

Artists accepted into Color can also send one additional work that will be exhibited in our Affordable Art area.  All works must be smaller than 12"x16" and must be priced for sale at $500 or under.

"I think if pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it"- Alice Walker, The Color Purple

"Mere color unspoiled by meaning and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways"-Oscar Wilde

"There is no blue without yellow and without orange"-Vincent Van Gogh

ELIGIBILITY:
This call for submission is open to all residents of the U.S. and its Territories, 18 years of age or older.  This is a juried exhibition for artists working in all traditional and non-traditional 2D and 3D media, including film/video when part of an installation.  

All artwork must be original in concept, design and execution.  Note: Crafts, kit work or reproductions of original works in other media (such as giclee print of oil painting), unless used as part of a mixed media work, will not be considered.  

Oversize Work, Assemblages and Installations are welcome at the discretion of BWAC, but must meet all other specifications and be delivered, installed and removed by the artist (or their agent) upon arrangement with BWAC staff. All work requiring electricity must auto on/off with the line power.

JURYING:  Entries that differ significantly from their digital images may be rejected.  Decision of the judges is final.

SUBMISSIONS AND FEES:  
Only original works may be submitted.    The Early Bird discounted fee is $45 if received by midnight, May 19, 2014 PST.  The regular fee is $65.  The fee is for up to three (3) images, plus $5 for each additional image.  Sculpture and installations:  artists may use two additional images for details, at no extra charge.  Contact bwacinfo@aol.com if you need them.  You must have already applied before you can request extra images.

All entries must be registered/received by midnight, June 2, 2014 PST.  All entry fees are non-refundable.

CONTACT/QUESTIONS:  
Please direct all questions to bwacinfo@aol.com
To Reach full Prospectus (PDF): click here
To Apply: click here         

Does this bring back memories to you? Mama Does the Work depicts the toil and hardship of women during the early 1900's, when the man smoked his pipe and sipped home brew companionably watching his woman work. This is a very different painting for me, but I'm excited to tell you the story. The idea came from an old faded photo . . .it even had the title Mama Does the Work hand written on the back. My neighbor and friend is a genealogy researcher and this old dog-eared photo was among a bunch of family photos. It's a puzzle as not one of their extended families know who these two are. 

So here's to moonshining and to hard working women!!!

I've read the importance of an Artist Statement artists should publish about their art work and of course my mind went into overdrive. WOW what drives me? I'm driven for many of the following reasons:

I'm in the twilight years of my life and when I reflect, I'm so blessed to be in this place in this time. I'm again blessed because my breast cancer has waited quietly in the wings until I had something important to say in my paintings and blogs, now it's reared up again. Of course I'll do whatever it takes to be able to continue telling stories of the beauty surrounding me.  And so importantly, due to the perseverance and support of my companion, I'm again painting what is in my heart and my dreams.

If I were to say what of nature is my favorite, I would have to say sky. Because we have so much rain here in Oregon the sky is ever-changing as it is almost always clouding up or clearing up. So I paint the sky trying to duplicate and convey the beauty to you. Next would have to be water. Every town I've visited here has either a river or a creek or both. Therefore, most of my paintings include water.

Because of the abundance of water our trees and farms are rich in nutrients and show rich colors, this I try to convey to you in paintings. Lets not forget the mountains. To the east of us the Cascades loom, rugged, snow topped, volcanic. This too I convey to you in my paintings.

Now the life I always blend into my paintings. In my mind a painting without life is barren. When you see a picture of the ocean alone where is the excitement, the excitement is seeing a whale or porpoise or even a lowly sea-lion. Then you remember that particular picture. 

So this you see . . . . this is my artist's statement . . . . . 

I did Bayou City at the 300 artist size and I never made it around to see all, and no way could patrons if they really stopped to look at the art. Either they went to a special artist, were looking for "just the right piece" or were making a quick "gallery" tour.  Forget "be backs"; their shoes wore out the first go round.  It was well run for a massive show and Houston is my best market, but when it went to 450, I declined.  I agree with the other artists that feel like the organizers money woes are matched only by mine and most of the risk was transferred to the artists - entry fee, rain gamble, not to mention the art overload.

I waited for someone to post a review but since I haven't seen anything yet, thought I would give it a go. I have done this show before and I like the layout and even though there is an entrance fee to get in, the crowds do come.

Set up on Thursday was in the rain and an unusual cold front, (last year heat stroke, this year near freezing-go figure?) I worried the weather would keep the crowds away. I was in the baseball park where I was last year and I drove right up to my booth to unload. There are 225 artists exhibiting and it is laid out all around the Art Center. Some spaces have to be dollied in, but where I was it was drive and drop.

Saturday was downright chilly but the crowds came anyway and the day was a good one for me. Some of the other people there said they did half of last year but I did better. I did see a lot of packages walking by but not so many big items.

Sunday was a gorgeous day and the crowds did come out in mass. Breakfast is provided both days but you had to be early to get it because it went fast. Luckily, there was a great coffee spot right by my booth. I was by myself and I have to say although I saw many volunteer t-shits walking around and I put up my flag to get a booth sitter, It was a long time in coming but maybe it was just my area that was overlooked. I had nice neighbors that spotted me when I needed to hit the bathrooms or coffee stand. Most of the day I was busy and before you knew it it was time to pack up.

I am a 2D artist and I have to say that I had a good show but I can't speak for others, the jeweler next to me said it was slow but the potter on the other side did well. Kyle Harrington and his staff run a beautiful show in a great venue that is totally supported by the city, and I saw advertising in magazines and on the local TV stations. Would do it again? In a heartbeat. Indianapolis supports their shows. 

East Lansing Art Festival.

This is the first show I do since I stop working at my 10 to 6 job. So many questions about why quit and how can expect the shows to support me. The reality is that I could not believe how can I do both things at the same time. There are some many things that I need to take care now (health insurance, federal income taxes, state income taxes, medicare and social security).

I was call from the wait list. I did not have to much information until 2 weeks before the show. I book Super 8 for the weekend and that was a big mistake. Nothing that will make me tell them sorry but I can not stay here but it was close to it. I also found out that no all hotels are part of online booking service. I miss on Red Roof and that is always my first choice.

The trip is only four to five hours from Chicago. I was surprise how easy it was. They schedule you for a set up time. I got there a bit early since I did good time in my traveling from Chicago to East Lansing. I can pull up to my space and unload. Go and park at enclosed parking lot which there is no extra charge for it. Set up my tent and then head to the hotel. One thing that make sure is to know where a Target or similar, Menards or Home Depot, Movie Theater and food place are located. These place had help me to have a relaxing show. This around I need a second battery charger and because of the hotel I manage to watch the new Godzilla and stay out of the hotel until I was ready to sleep.

The show started Saturday at 10 am and end at 6pm. There was change of rain from noon to 6pm. That really never happen. I end having my best Saturday of the season so far. There was people purchasing art most of the afternoon. We get a very good artist dinner and that save me a meal cost. Sometimes you to this dinner and you going to another place to eat. The judging suppose to happen during Saturday but I think it never did or was not even aware of it. I do not know who won.

Sunday the show goes from 10 to 5. There was a lot of people walking the show but very few sales. I only did 1/5 of Saturday sales. I found out later on that East Lansing Art Festival is a Saturday show. So you really need to hope for good weather and sales on Saturday. If you do not get close to sales goal for the show in Saturday it will be uphill battle on Sunday.

Another sad thing that happen in the show a food Vendor run over to tents and total on tent and mayor damage to the second one. God figure that on out. Also Saturday night even the police station in front of the tent and fellow artist had his back wall and awning slide into pieces. Then the guy next to  me also had the same problem. The damage is under 300 so insurance wont help.

The break down is very easy. Take your tent down and pass to get in. You pull in to your booth or parking lot near to your space and load up. I was back in Chicago by 10 pm CT.

Like any other show there are artist that did not break even. The cost for the show for me was $325 for booth and jury fee. $130 for the hotel.  $100 for gas. I was told that this show usually produce between 1500 to 2500 in sales for photographers. I will only recommend to photographers that are close enough to the show or use it as a filler or back up.

September 27 & 28
Omaha, Nebraska
Aksarben Village
80 Artists
Deadline: June 1

Noteworthy:

• $1000 in Cash Merit Awards and automatic invitation to 2015 show for award winners
• Unique panel jury process that ensures that applicants are thoughtfully evaluated
• Paid demonstration opportunities available
• Application fee is $30 through May 15 and $40 after 

Amenities:

• Free parking garage, surface lots and off-street parking
• Discounted lodging within walking distance of the show
• Artist Services location, centrally located, with dedicated cell phone number for Artists request
• Experienced booth-sitters
• Assistance with load-in and tear-down
• Complimentary sand tubes delivered to your booth during set-up and removed at the end of show
• 24-hour security provided by off-duty Omaha Police Officers
• Private, Artists' Lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages, indoor restrooms, artist-only computers, free WiFi and booth-setting by appointment 

Jury: $30 | Booth Fees: $300 | Electricity $75

ARTsarben will showcase the work of 80 artists from throughout the U.S.  The focus of the show will be on offbeat, creative and novel artwork that is affordable and can be purchased as a gift or enjoyed every day, such as vintage jewelry; hand-sewn purses; one-of-a-kind, whimsical items for the garden and home and other treasures will attract buyers and browsers of every age group.

Aksarben Village is a $300 million development that combines retail, restaurants, entertainment, residential and hotels to offer an exciting planned urban community in the heart of Omaha.

Established art fair presenters the Omaha Summer Arts Festival and Vic Gutman & Associates are proud to partner to support this fall event.

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

Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com27-28

The Delaware Arts Festival is a nice, laid back show that I enjoy doing. It is early in the season and close to home. The show funds a local art scholarship. The festival is very well organized and run by local volunteers. They are really friendly and treat the artists great.

Setup begins at 6 AM and the show starts at 10. When you drive up to check-in, you get a packet with a map and show info. You get to drive right up to your booth, so I don’t bring my dolly. The booths are laid out on Sandusky and Winter streets in the center of town. Organizers do a good job of keeping two lanes open while everyone unloads. Parking is easy and close.

You should register for booth sitting in the morning, but volunteers still checked on me to ask if I was alone, and that was nice. The booth sitters showed up right on time.

This year, Saturday was cold with intermittent rain, to the crowd was a small group of die hard art fair fans. Yay for them! I was wearing many layers, but I was cold all day. Shoppers didn’t linger, since they were cold, too.

Sunday was cool but sunny and the crowd was much better. My sales were good, higher than last year.

The Delaware crowd is not highfalutin. They are conservative, working class and careful with their money. I noticed that yard ornaments and outdoor sculpture were popular. I made a good selection of pieces for under $50.00 for this show and I was happy with that decision. I didn’t walk around much, but I did see a wide variety of work, from simple craft to some beautiful fine art. I didn’t see any buy-sell.

There were a lot of dogs. I was really glad the great dane that went by wasn’t excited.

Pack up on Sunday was smooth. You break down, go get your vehicle and then load it up. The organizers keep two lanes open the whole time and there weren’t any traffic jams. You have a full 2 hours to pack up before they open the streets. I was done well before the two hours were up.