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I'm going to write a VERY brief review of this show, for reasons that will be revealed in a paragraph or two.  This was my first visit to beautiful St. Simons Island, GA.  Although the state has less than 200 miles of coastline, it boasts beautiful wide barrier islands teeming with birdlife.  I've driven past their exits countless times on I-95 but never had time to stop.  So after Connie posted a call to artists a few months back, I jumped at the chance to apply and was accepted.

Glynn Art hosts two shows yearly in Postell Park, which is in the downtown of St. Simons.  This time of year, anyway, this is a tiny hamlet with relatively light traffic, lots of small eateries and retail shops, and the art association HQ, which occupies a pretty space right across from Postell Park. 

The spring show featured about 60 artists, in facing rows along the brick pavers (bring a rug!).  By admission of the director, it is "lightly juried" and  heavily skewed toward country craft, low-end craft, and a smattering of manufactured products.  There was lots of jewelry (some quite nice, some cheaply made).  A few of the Art Association members exhibited paintings and watercolors, but generally speaking, 2-D was hard to find. 

The overall ambience is laid-back, relaxed, and friendly. The show was laid out in maybe five sections of artists, scattered throughout the small park.  When I first arrived I wondered aloud about the discontinuity, and whether attendees would miss a section, but one of my neighbors, a show veteran, said it wouldn't matter...and it didn't.  Although booths were tightly pole to pole, the facing rows are quite short (maybe a dozen booths long) and you have lots of storage space behind.  Setup was Friday, from noon until 5 (you could stay later to set up if you wanted); security (local police) was provided from 6 PM to 8 AM each night).  It was an easy, beautiful three-block walk along the two-lane street, lined by live oaks, to the artist parking lot...though I noticed many artists with oversized vehicles used a commercial parking lot on one end of the show and were not bothered by anyone. 

Weather was beautiful, the booths were comfortable even in mid-day, and yet attendance was light.  However, for most of the show it was comprised of the affluent residents of this laid-back island.  They were casually but neatly dressed, knowledgeable, and friendly. (Sunday afternoon was dominated by day-tripping familes from inland Georgia, who were mostly browsing, and more interested in spending a day with the kiddos.)

I made only two sales on Saturday, but they were my largest, most expensive canvases.  Sunday brought smaller but still respectable sales through mid-afternoon. I wound up, surprisingly, with my second- or third-highest sales total of the year...plus an invitation to have a month-long at the art gallery on nearby Jekyll Island sometime in 2016. 

Demographics:  As noted, the demographics here skew to the very high end.  Housing is expensive, surroundings are beautiful, and many of the homes are quite large.  It was sort of a interesting mix between Sanibel Island and a small New England town. Seemed to be an equal split between vacationers coming from other parts of Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas) and residents (many of whom were year-round).  I talked with only a few Midwesterners. 

Everyone I spoke with, including the director, said that the fall show (Oct. 11-12) is even smaller (about 50 artists, tops), much more tightly juried, and better represented by 2-D art. I don't know if I could recommend it to an artist from far out of state, but if you are in central or panhandle Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina this might be worth trying. 

I have seen a few blog posts where folks have commented that college towns Art Fairs are good ones to attend because they are young and good buyers.  This is counter to my intuition, the reasoning is that college students don't have the disposable income for artwork.  What has everyone else found?  Are there enough well-paid professors to provide adequate buyers?  Are college towns a good target-market?  Thoughts?

Hi Friends.....

     Call me crazy, but I am in the very early stages of conceptualizing starting a fine art and craft show in my local area.  We have a very good response to art here, as many know from the Belleville, IL Art on The Square.  Anyway, as I am planning, researching and gathering data, I have some ideas that I would like to put forth and am open to feedback from fellow artists.  Here are some early thoughts...

1.  Autumn show, held in September or October, preferably indoors.

2.  Totally non-profit show.  I am doing it for the art and the artists only! (more on that later)

3.  $20.00 jury fee.

4.  Booth fee not to exceed $200-250.

5.  Saturday/Sunday or Friday/Saturday (2 days max)

6.  Set up the day before the show or morning of, artist's choice.

7.  Heavily promoted through social media, print, radio and local businesses (will depend on costs).

8.  Some kind of artists' dinner or food delivered to booths once each day (complimentary, even if I have to prepare it myself).

9.  No distraction factor.  Focus solely on the art and the artists

10.  No busy sell

11.  No auctions, no pony rides, no talent shows, no psychic readings (yes, I was at a show last year that had a tarot card reader).

12.  Awards in each category (ribbons, $$)

13.  Food vendors that are appropriate (no kettle korn, cotton candy or carnival type fare).

14.  Sponsors that are appropriate to art

15.  Working artists as jurors and judges

     The list will, I am sure, get much longer.  My reason for attempting this is with all of the challenges artists have faced economically over the last several years, and all of the gouging that we have encountered with shows raising prices and trying to squeeze as much money out of us as possible, is it remotely possible to produce a show that is not overly expensive, with the amenities that so many of us want?  Can this be done in today's economic climate?  Is it possible to produce a good, artist friendly "dream show?"   If you believe it is, please comment on what you would like to see in this still conceptual "dream show" and it may happen in the O'Fallon/Belleville, IL area in 2016.  Or, if you think that a show like this is not possible today, please share why you feel that way!  Thanks much!! 

I am curious what people think of this. We all talk as though we are so pure to our art. I only sell originals and have more than once lost out on a sale to a big less expensive print. So I thought about it and the fact is many artists are ordering prints from big print houses. Some of them are overseas. I know some artists who do greeting cards and small items with their work on it. Made in China. So isn't this buy sell? I see artists with mostly prints in the booth. Giclee all over the walls but few if any originals. Then I hear the same artist cry Target sells giclees for less. My opinion is Target just gets a better discount because of volume. I am sure I will have a bunch of so called fine artists panties in a bunch over this post. But we have trained the art fair buyers to buy prints. Now that is what they buy. And now they are buying them cheaper at other places. This is just an observation about what hypocrites most of us are.

August 16 & 17

Perrysburg, Ohio
Produced by The Guild of Artists & Artisans
Sat. 10am-8pm
Sun. 11am-5pm
130 Artists

The town Center at Levis Commons hosts the 10th Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair produced and created by The Guild of Artists & Artisans.  The Town Center is a unique "open-air lifestyle experience," featuring sophisticated shopping, superb dining and entertainment and is located in the welcoming community of Perrysburg, Ohio, just south of Toledo.

It's the perfect setting for an exceptional art fair.  Parking and admission are free.  The show features 130 artists; fairgoers will find the same excellence and variety as in the Guild's award-winning Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.  Featured work will include jewelry, ceramics, painting, glass, photography, fiber and more.  More than 35,000 fairgoers attend annually. 

The Guild is a non-profit, membership association of independent artists best known for its award winning Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.  Guild events have a reputation for excellent advertising, fair attendance and artist amenities.

Apply: www.JuriedArtServices.com

For more information:
Karen Delhey, Senior Director, Marketing & Partnerships
The Guild of Artists & Artisans: (734)662-3382 ext. 107  
Fax: (734)662-0339
118 N. Fourth Avenue  Ann Arbor, Michigan  48104-1402

It appears that some artists apply for more than one show on a given weekend and if they happen to be accepted into both shows, they cancel one of them. This makes good sense to me. However, I have two questions concerning this practice . . .

1) How prevalent is this among artisits?
2) Can this practice create a bad name for that artist among festival promoters and cause the artist to be black-listed from the festival involved?

I have decided to write about some safety trips, as I drive a 40' motorhome all over the eastern half of the US, and there have been some very eventful experiences over the years. When I speak to others about traveling safely, I am always shocked at the danger people put themselves into, without giving it a second thought, many times for the sake of vanity.

Here are some tips:

1. Gas stations -

• always park in well lit areas where a camera is posted on you, or as close to the attendants station as possible.
• NEVER chose a gas station where YOU are the only customer, drive on to the next one even if it costs you more. (it could cost you your life, I know)
• NEVER pay with cash, always use a credit/debit card even if it means you have to go to another store and purchase some.
• When possible, always purchase a vehicle that has the gas tank on the same side as the drivers side.
• Always lock your vehicle when you get out to pump gas.
• NEVER have your purse/wallet/etc on the seat or even underneath the front seats. Have them covered up and somewhere else.
• NEVER get into conversations with anyone beyond your immediate needs. If someone wishes to engage with you, this is how YOU get set up for a crime, because it's part of the "warming" you up where you recognize and may even trust someone.
• traveling with someone else. Keep a walking stick handy, have that person also get out of the car with the walking stick, using it to walk with. It will deter possible thieves, as they know when they see it, you "could" use it to keep people away. It sends a message without sending a message, and having a 2nd person "standing" guard speaks silent volumes. Especially in areas you are not familiar with.
• if a female: never wear girly colored clothing when traveling. the more gender neutral the better. Have long hair, tie it up, and put on a hat to cover it up. If anything you are wearing is the least bit provocative or feminine YOU ARE sending a huge message and no amount of explaining to an officer later on (if you live) that "you said no" will undo the damage.
• See someone needing help? Only when you are in your vehicle and IF you feel safe enough, roll down a window and ask if you can call someone for them. If not, move on.
• When leaving your vehicle to pump gas - ALWAYS have your cell phone in your hand, and 911 pre-dialed in, requiring only a push of one button to activate it.
• always make some sort of contact with a station worker before pumping gas. Call them on the call button, wave, you name it. Don't worry about irritating them, just say, you wanted to make sure the button worked if you needed it. Don't be a nobody.

2. Make sure you have GPS enabled on your tracking devices.

3. NEVER drive over the speed limit, appear like you are "searching" for an address, or similar.

4. Do you tend to be a road rage type person? Get over it, because you never know what the other driver may feel like, and I have seen horrific things down to each other on the road.

5. NEVER EVER EVER TALK ON YOUR CELLPHONE. No matter what, I see people doing this, and making the most stupid dangerous driving errors on the road. Here is the rule of thumb. Your cellphone rings or you decide you need to talk to someone....PULL OVER, period.

6. Always, check your directions before ever turning the key in the ignition each time you stop. Use your GPS system as a back-up to already knowing where you are going.

7. Always let someone not in the vehicle with you know when you leave and when you arrive.

8. Always fill up whenever your tank hits the 1/2 way mark NO MATTER WHAT.

I wish everyone safe travels to your shows.

July 12 & 13
Steamboat Springs, Colorado 
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains
Saturday, 9 - 5, Sunday 9-4 
100 Artists
Deadline: April 15

Noteworthy:

• Over 100 juried artists in a lovely park setting
• Over 20 different categories to chose from
• Promotion of the event through newspaper, radio, press releases, magazine articles, social media, rack cards, collaborative marketing with Chamber of Commerce, and more
• Jury fees are $35 and booth fees are $350 for a single booth
• 40th anniversary celebration of Art in the Park
• Wide reaching community support with a fabulous team of volunteers and staff

I was inspired by Jennifer's post about Bayou City to discuss The Distraction Factor..........

     Well, friends, we have all experienced this at one show or another.  You arrive, unload, sleep and start the first day of the show with high hopes.  As day one begins, you notice the crowds are moving fast, people are there, but they all seem to be in one area.  The area at the other end of the show, about a block or so from where all the artist are.  What are they all doing down there?  We are down here!!!!

     Well, today, everyone is there for the talent show!!!!  On center stage this morning we have several pre-teens and a little older teens singing and dancing their hearts out!  What proud parent, grandparent and casual observer could resist?  Pictures are being taken, the newspaper is there, awards will be given out, it's a grand time!!!  You sit in your booth and wait!!  Maybe once this is over, people will shop.  Nope, not likely!  Those people, that crowd, is not there to buy your beautiful work. 

     As you sit in your booth or walk around a bit to stretch your legs, remaining optimistic that the patrons will come and buy your work, you begin to see a lot of fast walkers with hanging baskets, potted plants and shrubbery.  Is there a farmer's market somewhere close by, you wonder?  I love plants, maybe I will check it out after the show, you think to yourself.  Afterall, many of those plants looked healthy and nice.  An artist a few booths down, also slow and bored at this point, walks over to chat for a bit, compliment your work, and informs you that the local nursery has a big corner booth a block or so down and seems to be cleaning up!  That's where all those plants are coming from.  People are buying plants at an art show that you drove several hours to get to, paid a booth and jury fee and they are buying plants instead of your art! 

     Art shows all have food.  Food is a great draw, keeps people engaged and I am all for a show having good food available.  Last year, I was fortunate enough to do Main Street Festival in suburban Nashville.  They had the best food in my opinion!  Anyway, at your show you are noticing few people walking around with bags and packages, but they aren't empty handed.  Every person, it seems has plunked down $7.00 for a big, mega sized bag of kettle korn!  Yep, at this show the Boy Scouts are selling Kettle Korn!  The scouts are selling so much of this sweet and salty treat that it is all over the street.  It's clinging to everyone's shoes and it is stuck to the floor of your booth!  If you were at the same show I was at last year in the upper midwest, you noticed the woman who was going by every booth and pointing and laughing while literally shoving handfulls of kettle korn in her mouth to the point of being nausiating to look at.  If you were like me, you gave a disapproving look when she passed by your booth and shook your head.  You remain poised in your booth, waiting on the art patrons while the kettle korn crowd looks at your work like it is some kind of infectious lesion they are afraid to touch, interpret or consider and audibly balk at the reasonable price you have affixed to it!

     You survive day one with a few modest sales and head to the hotel for a much needed relaxing evening.  You awake on day two optimistic that maybe the lookie loo's are done and now the real art patrons will stop by your booth and buy something!  My dear, you are in for more disappointment I hate to say.

     As you start day two of this show, you notice a lighter crowd and something else you were too distracted with yesterday to realize....the local hospital is having a health fair today at the show!  Free blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings and a nurse practioner is on hand to answer your health questions!  They're giving away all kinds of free medical swag and people are eating it up!  Who can resist a few free bandaids and some chip clips, right? 

     As the medical fair is overshadowing the art show, the petting zoo for the kids is getting going with $5 pony rides and the local chapter of the 4-H is there with baked goods for sale.  Not to be outdone, the window and siding people are hawking free home estimates and a complimentary coin purse for giving them your coveted e mail adress and phone number so they can schedule that free home visit with you in the coming weeks.  Don't need siding or windows?  How 'bout a free in-home energy audit from the local electric utility company?  Tired of your cable tv service?  Direct TV is there giving super cheap tv service for the first year if you sign a two-year contract today, and we'll give your child a free face painting just for stopping by!!!  Are you tired of having just "some college?"  The local university is there offering free applications for their upcoming semester!!!!  Finish your degree in months instead of years with their convenient on-line courses for busy adults!!!

     You sit in your booth or stand just outside it and think to yourself "I spent this much money and invested this much time to be an afterthought!"  You are getting more and more pi**ed off by the moment, all the while a teenage garage band is belting out their new track, "I wanna kiss your face"  "I wanna kiss your face"....yes, I have "I wanna kiss your face" burned into my memory from a show I did last summer!  "I wanna kiss your face" went on and on and on and was being blasted throughout the fine art show I was participating in!!  Now, whenever I am mad or stressed about something or think of a midwestern state known for their abundant corn crops, I immediately have "I wanna kiss your face" on a continuous loop in my head for the rest of the day!!!

     The end of day two finally comes and you vow never to return to this show.  You draft an e mail to the show director and air your grievances and wish them the best, but you will never be back!

     What you just experienced was the distraction factor and you paid for it!  You paid dearly for it, becuase you barely broke even or lost money on this circus of a "show".  You participated in a show that was so full of sponsors, unrelated art activities and the desire to appeal to everyone, in hopes of drawing a good crowd, it made the art seem like a sideshow or an afterthought.  The people who were drawn to this mess weren't there for the art, they were there for all of the other ancilliary bulls**t, and they didn't leave disappointed.  Yet, you, my dear artist friend, certainly did. 

   Now, I know full well that every show has to have sponsors to cover the extreme costs of having an art fair, I get that completely.  I have been contemplating starting a show in my area, so I know sponsors are important.  Food is important, children's activities are important to a degree, but shows, at least the good ones have to draw a line and artists need to be aware of what they are signing up for. If shows are going to have ancilliary activities they need to be ART FAIR APPROPRIATE!!!  A good pairing of a non-art vendor with an art fair would be a local bar/restaurant/winery having a wine tasting or bringing in a design firm, an architectural firm, as a sponsor, not a local nursery, 25 charities, punk rock bands and Direct TV!!!!

    Artists at fine art fairs should not have to compete with a plethera of distractions for their work to be seen, appreciated and ultimately purchased!  I did some good shows last year that kept the distraction factor to a minimum or eliminated it completely.  Brookside Art Annual was one where there was no distraction factor and I made a fortune at that show! 

     Artists, especially new artists, please read the reviews of the shows you are considering and take the distraction factor into account.  It is time well spent and could save you a lot of money and time by avoiding shows that draw the wrong crowds with all of their ancilliary bs!!!!  

    Artists, what have you encountered related to the distraction factor?  Do you see it getting worse?  Are you considering it when you evaluate shows?

June 7
Jackson, Michigan
12noon-6pm
35+ artists

Festival goers can enjoy live music and artist booths nestled on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum and within the courtyard of the museum's historic Hillside Farm Lane.  Adult tasting tickets include entry to live entertainment and artist booths, gallery access, ten sampling tickets, and a commemorative glass.  Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door.  Pre-sale tickets available in January 2014.  General admission tickets are $5 (no alcohol included) 

Artists will have an opportunity to present and sell their work to over 2,500 festival goers from south central Michigan as well as enjoy the festivities throughout the day that surround them at the event.

Learn more about our historic museum and events: http://ellasharpmuseum.org/?page_id=148

Kyle Liechty
Director, Art, Beer and Wine Festival
kyle@ellasharp.org
517-872-2320

"Looking for jury"

Kina Crow utilizes her 25 years of experience in theater to infuse her sculptures with a distinct sense of character. Years spent as a costume designer helping actors create their own characters has given her a wealth of knowledge concerning story, fantasy, relationships, and narration.

Each piece tells a story of its own, arising from Crow's instinct to create and nurture the different characters peopling her imagination. 

Gazing at the figures you know that you know them. They speak directly to you with their seemingly unsophisticated wisdom.

Artist's statement:

My interest in human behavior, and a desire to keep a watchful eye on my own wandering mind is both the inspiration for my work itself and the pursuit of an artistic life. The work explores the strange and and often funny territory of the mind, with my 5 year old self as the navigator and asks the viewer to come out and play. 

These works are untraditional portraits. Not of people, but of thoughts and the states of mind that create the wonderful part of being human that feels like magic. My most curious self tends to seek out the places that most 

often scare and confuse me because I have learned over the years that an idea or inspiration always holds some clue that is slowly leading me towards the clarity I so desperately seek.

Each piece is hand built utilizing coil, pinch and slab construction methods. I may also employ glazes that I make myself in the studio. This work is a narrative of my view of human behavior and the constant challenge of living with a wandering mind. 

Meet Kina in Fort Worth at MAIN St., April 11-14.

Learn more about Kina and her work: http://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/featured-artist.html

Like most artists, I'm constantly looking for more ways to promote my work and to make a living at this "Art" business. I've participated in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids for the past four years, and I'm hoping to participate again this year. To be honest, I've never directly sold any of my artwork at ArtPrize, but, hopefully, I've attracted some new patrons indirectly. ArtPrize is a fun event. The excitement and energy on the streets of Grand Rapids during ArtPrize are palpable. And its an inspiration to see so much artwork in one town (1500 artists in over 100 different locations).

It has cost me some serious money to participate in ArtPrize over the years, so, this year, I thought I'd ask my customers for help. So, I launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the creation of my next ArtPrize entry. As I went through the process of putting together my campaign, and, as I scanned through many of the current Kickstarter campaigns, I realized that Kickstarter is more than just a "crowd-funding" website, it is also a very powerful marketing tool for selling artwork.

A good Kickstarter campaign offers "Rewards" for people who are willing to pledge support for the project. In most cases these rewards are valuable pieces of art. In my campaign, I am offering some unique rewards, but also the same artwork that I sell at art fairs, on my website and in the galleries that represent me. It is my hope that the added incentive of helping me execute this special project will prompt my patrons to buy more of my artwork. It gives them a way to become intimately involved in my project.

I noticed that there are several artists with multiple Kickstarter campaigns, several of which have far exceeded their funding goal. I came to the realization that these artists are using Kickstarter as their primary mode of selling their work.

I'm seeking $5000 in pledges to create a 20-foot tall version of "Outhouse Island," one of the paintings you see below. I'm also hoping to elicit more interest in the project by asking participants to choose which version I should fabricate for the final exhibit. If I reach my goal, there will be just enough money to create the BIGGEST outhouse painting, ever, and to fulfill the rewards that I'm offering. Exceeding the $5000 goal will be gravy... providing just as much income as if I sold my work on my website.

Here's a link to my Kickstarter campaign. I just launched it yesterday, so I'm hoping to start generating some buzz in the next week or so. And, think about it. Kickstarter (and other crowd-funding websites) may be just another venue for selling artwork.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/390452798/outhouse-island

Coming back to Denver from a convention in Utah, was pulled over by the Utah state patrol.  "to check my tinted windows".  Looked in the mirror and there were THREE cruisers parked behind me.  Seems my

Colorado license plates had attracted their attention.  Looking for pot smugglers no doubt.  You can bet

I will be keeping my paperwork handy on my out of state trips this season.  Along with license, registration and proof of insurance, I'll be bringing my letters/contracts from the events I'm traveling to.  Also my promotional brochures and cards.

That way I will have some evidence to show the cops when they pull me over.

Safe travels,

Bill "Stretch"Coleman
Bill Coleman Entertainment

http://www.stiltwalker.com/
http://www.bubbletower.com/
   Home of the solar powered BubbleYou Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times NewRoman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">® Bubble Tower
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Eco-friendly FUNtertainment for all ages!

May 31-June 1
Atlanta, Georgia

Join the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces for the Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts coming up up May 31st & June 1st in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 3rd Annual Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts will bring 125 artists to the shady, tree-lined neighborhood. The community has embraced the event, with homeowners and local businesses posting signs inviting visitors to their historic neighborhood.  The two-day festival will be held in and around the Peachtree Hills Park & Recreation Center, including food, acoustic music and activities for kids.  Festival goers can also enjoy live entertainment while they pursue our carefully selected line-up of fine artists and crafters.

The festival also provides a number of amenities to artists:  free parking, shuttle service, oversized spaces, corner upgrades, ability to drive to booth space for load-in/load-out, booth sitters, snack/water delivery and 24 hour security.

Visitors will enjoy fine art and crafts, a children's area and local food and beverage concessions including the "gourmet" food trucks.  Local acoustic musicians will enliven the atmosphere.  Best of all, it's entirely free to attend!

Learn more: www.peachtreehillsfestival.com 
Apply today: www.Zapplication.org
 

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

Find more art fairs for your 2014 season: www.CallsforArtists.com

People believe that what artist do for fun or a hobby. The perception is that all artist sit around all week  getting high, drunk or whatever.  The perception is the art we create is done in 5 seconds. That anyone can produce art. There designers shows that tell you do not purchase art.  There are shows that  advice you, art should not cost you  more 100 per piece of art.  Art in the walls is the last thing you should purchase for your home. Art should match your home decor.

Artists walk the big boxes and see artwork for less than 100. Artist visit schools and find that art education is loosing ground. The education program is head more into technology and white collar jobs. There is no need for art in our society. They close more vocational schools because those jobs will be gone. There is no point to educated people in those fields because there is no demand and people only want to play videos games.

I started doing shows back in 1994. Things are change a lot. You could a show and pick up 5000 to 10000 without a doubt. The economy was rocking and people expend money without thinking and use credit cards like it was nothing. Today people do not want to spend money. The pride is in saving not expending in things that they do not need. In process I saw a lot friend artists get a job in corp. America, loose hope and faith, they lost everything they work so hard. Some us decide to keep doing jobs and keep doing the shows. I think in my case was if I stop doing shows I will never will go back to what I love doing and feed my soul.

Did anyone stop to think what was going on or our greed got the best of us. Did the artist and promoters kill the golden goose? Did the golden goose is dying because times had change?

Even if I believe that artist created the problems and promoters took full advantage of us I refuse to believe that we facing a end of a era. We are not getting to many young artists. People jump into art fairs because lack of jobs. Most of them figure out that we are crazy to do the shows.

We have to many choices weekend in and out. There is an art fair going some place in USA. I set budget for the booth fees,  jury fees and marketing. I hope to have enough for travel expenses. That does count the cost of producing work, equipment, car, etc.  Jury fees are way to high, the avg is $35.00. Promoters keep extending the deadlines for jury dates and placing the application process way to early. The problem is that the artist see that as pure greed. The cost for the shows are in 300 to 850. The avg lets call it 450.00. Avg show show showcase 300 to 500 artists. Some artists believe that most of the shows are only pulling 5000 buyers. I could be wrong but it will interesting if Greg post that information. Why this matters if you are trying to make a living you need to do 36 shows a year. That is 3 shows per month. Yes 36 because we at the Mercy of mother nature. Why 36 shows because the avg take per show I guessing is between 2000 to 3000. That sound like a lot of money.

Lets start 3000 minus 450.00 north fee. Minus three jury fees for the weekend 105.00. The cost of producing the work sold. Lets said you spending 20%. That is 600.00. Now take out health insurance 100.00 ( divide the amount per show you in a month, if you are lucky). Buss insurance can be another 100 per show.  So you are down to 1645. Then comes the Uncle Sam 10% for federal tax. State tax in IL is 6%. Medicare is 1.5%. Social Security is 12%.  That only give you a net of 1158.25 per show. Now this only apply if you are local. If you a traveling you can add another 700 in travel expenses. Why are artist complaining to more than ever is because we are not making enough money to support ourselves. If we can not support ourselves how soon before you wrong out of artists promoters. The way that most artists see that is that you make your cut and you do not care about us. That is the reality that most artist are facing. You keep adding fees instead of reducing fees. Things are not like 20 years ago. They will never be like that. Artist talk to each other and they look for promoters that try the best to make us have a success story. 

Let's give these people a round of applause. They keep the discussion flowing on the site, keep you coming back for more, teach you a lot, give you some good laughs, etc. It's a COMMUNITY! Woo hoo!

Which one was the best or most helpful to you?

• Mark Madachik - 3/8/2014, "Marketing, My vision is getting dim"
• Geoff Coe - 3/10/14, "Bonita Springs National: The New Venue, (re-) considered"
• Jennifer Ivory - 3/24/2014 "I may have excommunicated myself from the Bayou City Show but I go knowing I tried to help"
• Nels Johnson - 3/26/2014, "Schlepping Ourselves to Art Fair Oblivion"
• Barrie Lynn Bryant - 3/30/14, "Gulf Breeze Celebrates The Arts REVIEWS AND AWARDS"

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Deadline: APRIL 14 - 6 pm

April 11-14
Downtown Fort Worth

 

Friday night at Main St.

What else you'll find:

The truth, I do not anything or what it takes to put an art fair. Art fair are becoming more festivals. Artists see promoters like the villains of the story. Artist complain that promoters over saturate the market. Artists complain that promoters do not follow the rules that they establish. Artists get angry of other artists because they do shows of so call “bad promoters”. Artist had find out that is better to skip a show than talking to the promoters. Artists that complain to promoters are in the risk of getting black list. Artist wonder why shows are more pack with buyers. According to the artist that the job of the promoters. Artists complain that promoters should not charge for people to get in to see the artists. Artists believe that we are reason why people come to the art fair they should get a cut from the gate fee. Artists complain that the shows have more artist what the show can support. Artists do not offer help to other artists or solutions because they are afraid of the promoter black list them. Why they are afraid because they will be force to do a show where sales will weaker. A weaker event means less income.  

Artists complain and complain and complain.

Times had change and artist need to deal with the changes.

The sad thing is that artist are not help each other. Artist are survival mode.

The truth is Amy Amdur provide a will ago a tip about maximizing sales. I believe even some you hate her she provide very basic points that we should do. The hope is that you will bring people that like your work in the past. Before you give away your business card away ask the person to sign your mailing list or email list. Scott Fishman told me once that the people you really need to work is the people that sign the list that did not purchase from you. So why you want to do all that? Simple answer just in case the promoter does bring enough people to the show that purchase your work. The only time you need the promoter to work magic is when you go to an area for the first time. After that is a combo thing.

Nobody really knows how advertise. We are becoming a mobil society and social media.

Some shows do not charge gate fees and other do. I really do not care about it but promoters need to figure out a balance. Attendance usually will tell you if you charging to much. So far I really do not know if anyone considering that. The truth is there are hidden fees that artist do not know. The choices could rise the booth fee to the artist or add note artist or increase traffic through gate  or all before but who knows it may be just greed. Then again like any other owner, promoters do not see the need to explain.

The shows are becoming more festivals because we need place to enjoy life and be SAFE with the people you love. If that is the case why you need sale beer or worst. Why music needs to be loud that you can not ear yourself speaking. If you ask why there so many shows in the area. It did not matter before because everybody was expending money they do not have but did you ask why we have to many shows. Wow really, you do not know. Zapplication sometimes received 5 times more application for a show. Promoters gave us an alternative. That how Powderhorn and Loring park started. So when you tell me that the market has to many shows look at yourself fellow artist because you ask for it.

At the end we create the problems. If you do not like shut up and move on. Let the artist that willing to work with problems and turn things around. Now promoters you may have all the power now but things change.

We’ve exhibited in this coastal Tampa area venue four times in seven years and this year was our worst ever despite last year being our best ever. The show is located in a quaint historic neighborhood in a fenced park along Spring Bayou providing a beautiful setting for any outdoor event. Gate admission is $5 and attendees are given a coupon ticket to redeem for a free canned soft drink or bottled water. And there were plenty of patrons afoot, or so it seemed, with several loyal fans reminding us that they love the art they got from us once upon a time. We made some new customers and fans as well, which is encouraging, and one woman loved us so much she I-phoned nearly everything in the booth. 

Setup was easy in our perfect booth location on the cul-de-sac at show center since we could unload right by our booth. Others exhibiting along park walkways had to dolly in and out. Weather was ideal to a few degrees warm, so patrons enjoyed plenty of beer and self-dipped ice cream bars to die for. Other artists around us indicated sales were o.k. to good. Quality of art seemed a bit inconsistent, but there was plenty of fine work exhibited. Load-out can get chaotic in the cul-de-sac as it has in the past, but this year all ran pretty smoothly. I never get in a hurry leaving a show, anyway.

Parking is on neighborhood streets and early Friday committee members were roping off more NO PARKING areas than we've seen in the past. There's still plenty for artists since we get there so early as it is. Some residents have large yards and charge $5 or $10 for parking, and we paid one for a perfect spot in total dark shade next to his old boat and lawnmowers. Perfect!  

The show did not provide any water for artists whatsoever. Since our booth is located at show center and very near the INFO booth, I went over and asked a gentleman volunteer there if the bottled water he was restocking into the two large ice-filled tubs at my feet was for artists, and he said, “NO.” Coffee and muffinettes were provided early each day and were gone before opening the show. The show held an artist party Saturday after closing the show, but we didn't attend. Our neighbor said he enjoyed it, though.

We’ve won awards the other three times we showed here, but this year we failed to impress. Les Slesnick and Jinsong Kim judged the show. I noticed the 2D/3D TOP AWARD ribbons were smaller and less fancy than those presented in previous years. Winners who got a balloon delivered to their booth by some committee members accompanied by the judges early Sunday morning knew they needed to attend the awards ceremony at 11:00 to find out exactly which prize they would be getting. And it went like this, er, uh, in opposite order, of course:

BEST OF SHOW $3,000

Jonathon Stopper - Jewelry

2D TOP AWARDS $1,000

Kerin Connolly - Photography

Ben Essenberg - Acrylic/Oil

Paul Stevens - Photography

Teri & Rachelle Meager - Acrylic/Oil

3D TOP AWARDS

John Mascoll - Wood

Rocky Bridges - Mixed Media

Beth Garcia - Sculpture

Sandra Brewster - Glass

AWARD OF DISTINCTION $500

Bruce Nawrocke - Acrylic/Oil

Sharon Scalise - Jewelry

Melissa Menzer - Mixed Media

Holly Ham brick - Mixed Media

Ralph Rankin - Digital

Bonnie Eastwood - Mixed Media

Marilyn Vaillancourt - Jewelry

Dennis Debon - Glass

AWARD OF MERIT $300

Hernie Vann - Acrylic/Oil

Peggy Miller - Jewelry

Rollin Karg - Glass

Nicholas Toth - Metal

Li Wang - Acrylic/Oil

Jeff Eckert - Graphics/Drawing

Kevin Liang - Acrylic/Oil

Douglas Adams - Ceramics

AWARD OF APPRECIATION $250

Jon Smith - Acrylic/Oil

Joyce Slate - Jewelry

Lynn Hardest - Jewelry

Mina Heuslin - Ceramics

This past weekend started the in town Atlanta shows with the Festival on Ponce. Spring is always busy. I had 11 shows in twelve weeks but cut it down to 9, still might kill me but a bit more manageable I hope. This is the first one and it started with a bang.

This festival is in its third year. I have done it all three years. First year Jimmy Carter and secret service visited my booth:) No they didn't buy anything from me. I have written two other detailed reviews on booths, load in and out already so if you want more details just do a search, but I will keep this review a little shorter on these things.

The setting is in a long narrow park with one side being Ponce De Leon, a busy road and on the other side a small neighborhood road.  The festival can be seen by the passing traffic.  Load in is on Friday all day.  Some spots need to dolly in, others just have to walk their stuff across a small street.  Not too bad but you can't drive up right to your spot.  Still it is a pretty easy load in.  There are only 125 artist and parking is relatively easy.  Most artists are considerate of eachother and we make it all work. In my spot I was able to set up my 15 foot double trim and another 10 foot trim behind, so needless to say most of us have lots of space.  I was set up and out in a couple hours.  Not bad for basically setting up 3 booths.   

Saturday the weather was beautiful.  Plenty of sun and temps in the high 60s. The neighborhood is very family, mainly 30-40s with kids.  A weathy, educated and established neighborhood.  You don't really look at the shoes and purses at this show, but the strollers and sports wear to get an idea about the patrons.  It is one of those rare shows when a couple with three young kids (who can see the bouncey houses) and a dog walk into your booth with the parents and the parents are still ready to spend a couple thousand on a piece. 

Sales started for me at 10:05 am on Saturday.  They were strong all day.  The crowds didn't get strong until after noon, but then stayed steady.  They have amazing acoustical live music through out the show.  I usually am not a fan of musical entertainment at art shows but at this one it works. Actually I requested to be near the music because it is played at the perfect level to not interfere with the booths and the patrons all come and picnic around the music.  Third pic is of the patrons listening to the music around my monster set up. That way the adults can shop while the kids run and enjoy the grassy area.   Most of the people I talked to were happy with Saturday sales. 

Sunday called for rain, all day rain.  It was chilly and wet.  I wound up putting my tear down clothes on underneath my show clothes for warmth.  I was told I was the prettiest homeless lady they had seen in years:) The rain stayed away for most of the day.  People started to come in the early afternoon.  Not as many picnickers but a decent crowd considering the weather. Sales started for me at 1pm.  That is my usual for an Atlanta show, main sales start after 1pm on Sunday.  So I was thrilled that I had strong sales on both Saturday and Sunday.  At 3:30ish they told the artists that rain was coming.  Nothing dangerous but it would b wet so if you wanted you could start packing up.  Last year I was selling strong in the rain so I wanted to stay.  But by 4pm the shoppers were almost nonexistent. So I strted t slowly packup.  Since everyone had left the streets were clear and we could bring our cars in near our booths.  I was able to pack up the art dry and then all the tents easily with out getting very wet.  I was driving out around 5pm. 

I was in a pod of 5 booths.  4 of us had great shows.  One was not happy.  The other artists I know were happy.  The jewlers were hot and cold on the show.  I loaded many cars that had multiple works by different artists.  Most of the buyers that I encountered were buying multiple items. 

Since this was my third year, and the shows third year,  I am happy to see the show continues to be a good one and keeps getting stronger.   Another plus to this show that was repeated over and over by patrons, was that they preferred Ponce because it was more civilized place to shop for art compared to the circus that Piedmont Park could be.   I really like how they have an area for the crafts in one section and the art in another.  The show is small, only 125 artists and some of them craft.  It works for me.  I also really love the music venue.  It works.  Even the kid area is separate but easily accessible.  The bouncy houses and face painting and kid craft area is NOT mixed in with the art.  Even the food trucks that come are high end.  No funnel cakes.  Last year there was a fancy coffee truck, missed having that this year but you cant have everything:)