Blog

June 12-14
Logan, Utah
31st Annual Festival of Fine Art, Music & Food
Historic Logan Tabernacle
Thu.& Fri. 11am-9pm; Sun. 10am-8pm
150 Exhibitors
Deadline:  February 21

Summerfest Arts Faire is seeking artists for its 31st annual event, held on the grounds of the Historic Logan Tabernacle in beautiful Cache Valley, Utah.  We are excited to enter our 4th decade of providing a free community festival of high-quality art, music and food.  

Summerfest is Northern Utah's premier event for collectors and community members to purchase unique and beautiful art.  We jury our artists, entertainers and food vendors to insure artistic excellence in every aspect of our event.  Our community loves Summerfest and makes our artists feel like they have come home.  We are continually expanding our advertising footprint in order to attract an even larger art-buying public.

Cache Valley is an art destination and we are committed to our artists' success. You'll find:

• large 12'x12' booth sizes
• low fees
• excellent hospitality and many other artist amenities.
• Wednesday set-up is available and encouraged.
• Dedicated art it assistance is offered throughout the day.  
• Artists are invited to participate in our Plein Air paint out and attend the Awards Ceremony and Welcome Reception held on Wednesday evening.
• Free parking and lodging discounts are also available.

Summerfest is a non-profit corporation inent on elevating our community through exposure to, and acquisition of fine art.  We hope you will join us this year!

What Artists Say:
~Just wanted to take a moment and thank you for a GREAT weekend.  We had a great time and enjoyed Summerfest a lot. You and your staff did an excellent job!!  From the communication, to the show layout, to the fantastic patrons the show drew, this is one of the best shows we have done in years.  We will definitely be back next year if you will have us!!!" Culinary artisan, Tom Stuntz

~I have already told you how great the volunteers were-both at set up and during the event... The only issue I see with the volunteers is that you have set a high bar for next year!!!" Mixed Media artist, Sharon Ohlhorst

~Just wanted to take a minute and thank you for another excellent Summerfest.  Pat and I really enjoy coming to Logan for Summerfest and year after year-your show is among our very best. Leather artist, Joe and Pat White 

~Thanks to all of you who put together the festival.  I love coming to Logan and you all put on a wonderful Art show that is a bonus to the people of Logan and all who come to see the wonderful art." Painter, Paul Twitchell

For more information : www.logansummerfest.com/applications/artist-application

Applications are accepted: www.Zapplication.org

Email or call with any questions:  Debbie Ditton
(435)213-3858, debbie@logansummerfest.com

Deadline: February 14 - 6 pm ET

What was the best content on AFI in January?

• Carol Knox - "Mock Jury - St. Louis", Jan. 27
• Lori Kay - "Bye bye Suncoast "art" festival", Jan. 21
• Amy Fletcher - "Callanwolde: Has this ever happened to anyone else-juried in and then bumped?", Jan. 18
• Melanie Rolfes - "Las Olas Part I. 2014", Jan. 6
• Nels Johnson - "A Pirate Looks at 68", a 3 part series, Dec. 31-Jan. 2

Who was the best community member who shared generously and you could count on to help you out?

• Greg Little
• Karole Bowlds
• Jacki Bilsborrow
• Geoff Coe
• Larry Berman
• Karen Holtkamp
• Other

Vote here: Click here to take survey

 It will only take 15 seconds!

I have completed my first year on the art fair circuit. I still feel like someone who has many more questions than answers. However I do want to give back to this site which has been so very informative for me during this time of extreme growing pains.

I am a fiber artist who creates 2D work which look much like paintings. I use mostly recycled fabric which I overdye.  I didn't know what to expect from a "clearance sale" .After a year of trial and error I felt I had plenty to clear out from my studio. This show apparently has a significant following.

The load in and load out were magnificently easy. We were able to pull our van straight into the expo center and unload. My booth was very close by. It doesn't get any easier. The staff was helpful. They were easily found and gave me my informational materials. They provided coffee in the mornings. There was storage provided in the expo center but it is not around your booth. It's a bit of a walk. There is a 10x10 space allotted for your booth.

The expectations of booths were lower as it was a clearance sale so things were not super fancy. Many people used makeshift sale signs. I was amazed that people came to the show at all. The weather was miserable with ice and snow both days. There were several thousand people over both days and people were there to buy and get a bargain. Everyone was asking for discounts which was fine with me at a sale like this.

The quality of the art was high and looked like many of the artists who attend Winterfair. I walked around a few times and saw a potters booth with a 70% off sign- he had 3 pieces left on the shelf. I had a respectable weekend. Less than what I initially hoped for but significantly better than I expected with such bad weather. I hope to get in the show again next year. If the sun were shining I think the potential is there to clear out the old art and clean up on sales. Have a great day!

Sharon

September 6 & 7
LaGrange, Illinois 
Intersection of Burlington & Brainard
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 10am-4pm
Presented by the La Grange Business Association
90 artists
Deadline:  March 1

Celebrating its 19th year, the West End Art Festival is a La Grange tradition whose purpose is to bring a quality, fine art event to the Village of La Grange and surrounding communities and highlight the west end business district.  Artists from across the country participate in La Grange's late summer festival that attracts art admirers and patrons each year.

Presented by the La Grange business Association and held in cooperation with the Village of La Grange, the festival is held in the shadow of the landmark Stone Avenue Station along Burlington Avenue.  The charming and historic West End area of La Grange provides a picture-perfect setting to showcase art.  Other highlights include live music, food from local La Grange restaurants and children's art activities for an event to be enjoyed by all ages.

Festival Facts:

• Application Deadline:  March 1
• Jury Fee: $10
• Booth Fee: $285
• Prints Allowed
• Artists: 90 maximum
• Ribbon Awards:  $1,100
• Attendance:  7,000 +

To learn more and apply, visit:  www.emevents.com/

The West End Art Festival is one of a series of Chicago area art fairs organized by Erin Melloy of EM Events, a well-established promoter of art shows in the Chicago area.  EM Events works closely with some of Chicagoland's most innovative and creative communities and organizations to produce premier  art festivals of distinction.  EM Events are held in partnership with local business organizations, bringing close interaction between each community and its' local art fair, ensuring loyal patrons at each show.

At EM Events, it's about the art.  For additional information please contact: Erin Melloy:(630)536-8416, emelloy@emevents.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find even more events like this one: www.CallsforArtists.com

Over the years, at AFI, there has been some talk and friction between those who have art degrees from college and those who do not. I am one who believes that art is not subjective, that there are definite constructs that define art and what denotes good art. That's why there are museums and libraries that are dedicated to the subject. Art classes, while being a relatively new phenomenon attempts to teach people what is art, art history, etc. I decided to take a college ceramics class. It had been over 30 years since I took a college ceramics class. Here is my experience: I had to write this in segments because my laptop is on its last leg and I'm getting the BSOD frequently and I want to publish what I've written before it disappears and I have to rewrite it. Part 1:  

A few months ago I promised to write an article on my college experience.  Michigan has a law that says anyone over a certain age can take a college course, for free.  Since Northern Michigan University has a phenomenal ceramics facility, and a world renowned ceramics instructor, Brian Kakus, I thought I would take advantage of this.  So, last May I approached him and he agreed to let me take a class. I thought I would do an independent study and I knew what I wanted to do. Soda firing has become the hot thing in clay, much like Raku was in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I wanted to do something different because over the years there has been a mistaken idea that Raku was too easy and it was getting harder and harder to get into shows. The climax came when I found out the only reason why I didn’t get into Cherry Creek last year was because I had Raku. Never mind that what I do goes way beyond conventional Raku and to get the colors I get takes a certain amount of skill and effort. So, I was really psyched for this class. I got a couple of the definitive books on soda firing and high firing in general.  I did numerous drawings of work I wanted to make. I was ready to learn.

Two weeks before the class was supposed to start I had a chance meeting with a senior ceramics student. After a polite introduction, she smugly exclaimed she was in charge of the kiln room. I rolled my eyes. I was thinking, you are the instructor’s lackey so don’t act so arrogant. I asked her if people touched other people work because when I went to art school, nothing was sacred and people touched other people’s tools and work. She did nothing to allay my concerns so I jokingly suggested that I bring my taser and set it on low to keep people from even thinking about touching my stuff. I thought she would laugh and agree with me. Instead she started talking about how they got people kicked out of the classroom. I asked her if she thought I was serious because there was no way any intelligent person could think I wasn’t joking. She walked away from me in a huff. The experience was so unsettling that I thought about not taking the class. I was thinking there was too much of an age gap between me and the typical 20 year old college student. Note to Barry:  Do not make jokes to the college students. They have no sense of humor, nor, are they smart enough to understand my dry sense of humor.

A couple days before class is to start, I go see Professor Kakus to remind him of our conversation months earlier and he tells me that, while there are a couple of non-traditional, non-degree students, if I want to be part of this, I have to sign up for the senior level degree class. He does not allow any independent studies or audits, which every other Professor at the university allows. I’m not sure he can legally do this but I wanted to use the facility and I wanted to learn something, so, I agreed to take his senior class.  He tells me that there is hardly any space and that degree students have priority to kilns and work space. I should back up a minute. Over the summer I mentioned to a few people that I was going to take a ceramics class at Northern. To my surprise, a few people had mentioned that they had taken a class from him and that he like to create controversy, to create problems where none exist. So, I was prepared for this when I went to my first class session. I agreed to everything he asked me to do. How bad could this be? I’m a smart guy. I know how to navigate mine fields. It’s college, not the real world. It’ll be a piece of cake.

June 14 & 15 
Royal Oak, Michigan
on Washington Avenue in the downtown
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce
Sat. 11am-7pm; Sun. 12 noon-5pm
125 artists
Deadline: March 3

The Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show, in its 20th year, celebrates artwork created by combining heat with minerals and earth.  Held in Royal Oak, MI, this show attracts an educated audience who enjoy collecting art.  It features over 120 artists from the U.S.  The show is held outdoors in the heart of Royal Oak.

When artists first hear about a show with only Clay, Glass and Metal they worry about too much competition.  Actually it's an advantage.  You are not competing with prints, photos and corn dogs.  Everyone there is interested in your artwork.

Patrons are astounded by the variety and depth of possibilities.  Artists report that it is a pleasure to work with customers that already have an understanding of the medium.

The Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show provides:

• Qualified Buyers
• Cash Awards
• Overnight Security & Free Parking
• Artist Breakfast

There is a three year jury rotation system.  If you have participated in the last three years you are automatically accepted when you send in your booth and application fees by deadline.  Why shouldn't artists be able to plan their year?

The Art Fair is organized by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows a veteran organizer of metro Detroit events.

Open only to artists working in clay, glass and/or metal.  Applications now available through www.Zapplication.org

For information or a paper application, contact Mary Strope,  mary@integrityshows.com

Mark Loeb, Integrity Shows President, has been producing and consulting with events since 1982.  Integrity Shows offers artist friendly policies such as a three year acceptance system, helping to create a less stressful experience and allowing artists to plan their show schedule.  Among the shows produced by Integrity Shows is Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show, Funky Ferndale Art Fair, Jazzin on Jefferson, Chelsea Invitational Craft Fair and several Christmas shows. 

This week, it appears as sales of my photography will be great.  The good sales did get me thinking – if I can achieve this type of sales in the future, should I quit doing art fairs?

After debating this question with myself, the answer is a most definite NO.  Art fairs are one heck of a lot of work, the hours and long and exhausting, sales are a game of chance and a strong potential exists for a negative profit.  But, art fairs provide about my only chance to see how others react to my images, view what images grab attention and to talk to potential customers.  As my primary reason for selling images is because I am passionate about my art and to have fun, I need the art fairs to see if I am communicating with the public and the impact of my images and what images.

I also enjoy just interacting with the public, seeing what other artists are doing and building relationships.  Art fairs have also provided me with additional opportunities to sell my work from contacts established.

If I can establish good sales through methods other than art fairs, I may reduce the number of art fairs that I do but I will not cease doing them.

April 11-13
Novi, Michigan
Suburban Collection Showplace

Friday, April 11, 2014 - 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 12, 2014 - 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, April 13, 2014 - 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

200 Artists
Deadline: February 10

Eager patrons lined up for the Great Lakes Art Fair

The annual Spring Great Lakes Art Fair at the Suburban Collection Showplace offers artists a wonderful opportunity to show their work in a single, upscale, easily accessible indoor location, the sprawling "weather-free" Suburban Collection Showplace in affluent suburban Novi.

The Spring Great Lakes Art Fair combines exclusive and desirable works from local, regional and national artists and craftspeople with a charming village marketplace setting, seasonal motif and on site café with delicious light fare.  The show offers an unofficial kick-off to the warm weather Art Fair season, and a chance to see new artwork before it "hits the streets" at outdoor fairs across the region.

"Since we have consolidated the bi-annual Great Lakes Art Fairs into a single Spring event we have had heightened interest from both artists and patrons," says Blair Bowman, Owner of the Suburban Collection Showplace and the Great Lakes Art Fair.

Expect:

• drive up to your booth to unload and load
• extensive regional marketing to bring people to the show
• artist reception with tasty food and wine bar
• friendly staff whose goal is to make you glad to be here; coffee, snacks, etc.

As the economy improves attendance and sales at the show have grown. Spring 2013 brought nearly record levels of buyers to the show. April means buyers eager to find an art fair and an opportunity for you to showcase your newest work. We know you are looking for income in April and we hope you will choose our show to start your 2014 season.

The Great Lakes Art Fair is a juried art fair, with a panel of select artists and curators collaborating to determine the ideal mix of mediums and artists that comprise the Fair. Artist applications are being accepted until February 10.

The just opened Hyatt Place Hotel on premise at the Suburban Collection Showplace also offers new convenience, amenities and ease of access for visiting artists and patrons.

Learn more and apply: www.GreatLakesArtFair.com

Questions? contact Jackie McMahon: info@GreatLakesArtFair.com

Nels and Geoff, you have inspired me to come out of hibernation and post about my first show of the season, the St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival. 

Across the bay from Tampa, I find St. Pete to be a charming city.  This first year show was set in North Straub Park, flanked by Bayshore Dr. on one side and Beach Dr. on the other and next to the Museum of Fine Art.  Beach Dr. is home to high end specialty shops, galleries, museums and restaurants and tons of foot traffic.  Bayshore Dr. seems to be protected from the high winds of Tampa Bay by what they call ‘Yacht Basins’.  The park has a mix of grass and sand and it is a location that is flat as a pancake.  No staking allowed due to sprinkler system.  The location is wheelchair accessible.  Since it had been raining all week, it seemed to be rough going in the sandy areas but much easier in the grass.

Once you checked in and found your space, you dollied in and set up.  Plenty of room behind for storage.  Bring quarters to feed the meters.  ‘cause there’s only metered parking in the area and it’s from 9am-6pm, 7 days a week.  I may have gotten lucky in not getting a ticket when I ran out of quarters but I wouldn’t want to make a habit of it… For breakdown, you could either dolly out or we were able to drive in once we were broken down to load up.  Overall, pretty easy.  Artist parking on Saturday and Sunday was a couple blocks away in a $3 lot. 

This is my favorite sized show.  Right around 100 artists, I think.  Laid out in 3 rows or so and small enough that folks walked the entire show.  I specifically chose this show because it was in St. Pete.  I’ve been trying to find my sweet spot in Florida and had previously done well in the area so wanted to see if I could repeat success. 

Good communications to the artists, particularly around the logistics of the ongoing rain last week and how it was affecting the location.  Lots of advertising was done for this show.  TV spots, print, etc. and plenty of signage.  Between the advertising and the fact that it was the first nice weekend in over two weeks, the people came out.  More dog strollers than kid strollers.  All age groups.  I saw more small-medium size prints walking by than 3D but am not sure how others really did so chime in here and share your experience!  I had a solid show and after so-so sales at my fall shows, I really needed this.   

My sales?  I took inventory with a price point of $115-$875.  I’ve been hauling around this larger hanging glass piece for 10 months and people have been cringing at the price.  Until this past weekend.  I still didn’t sell that particular piece but thanks to some follow-up calls the last couple of days, I ended up with multiple ‘paid for’ commissions for something similar plus another commission for a smaller piece.  Interestingly enough, I only sold 1 piece of glass off of my shelves and nothing under $400.  These patrons were buying for their St. Pete homes.  These were my people. 

And I highly recommend eating on the patio at Red Mesa… really good food and margaritas as big as your head! 

Well, it has been five years since I last did this show.Been doing Ft. Myers instead, until this year.

No Edison-ville this year, so it was back to the hills of Mt. Dora.

This is an antique-ky kind of town with lots of old money inhabiting it.  A little like if they dropped a burb of Conneticut in the middle of Florida.  Its about 30 miles from Orlando, a few lights down from the "Villages", and about two hours from my home in Ybor.

It always draws huge crowds (think 150,000) to its tight little, hilly streets.  Its has got 300 exhibitors easy.  Rumor has it, that the Art Center added another 50-plus exhibitors.

Also they started a quaint new wrinkle to their show.  If you wanted to be in the center core of streets of the show, you paid extra for that. People in the outer reaches paid a lot less.

I saw a number of "scab" setups near and behind booths.  So everybody is trying to horn in on the action that crowds bring.

In the past, this show has always been a winner for me, far beyond just earning a paycheck.  

This year I barely earned a paycheck.

I was not alone in this category.  It was down for far more than it was up.

Which seems to be the early trend in Florida shows so far this year.

That said, their were a good number of winners who sold big dollars of stuff.  One was right next to me.

She was a clay artist from out west, this was her first foray into Florida.  She does scalloped, organic looking clay pieces in solid colors.  She damn near sold out.  She went home with a whole bunch of empty boxes.

A good glass artist that I know, from up north, had made more than 10K in his first two shows.  It came to a grinding halt in Mt. Dora, but when you average that out after three shows, they are doing pretty fine.

Mt. Dora is hilly.  There are few flat spots.  Bring shims, boards, whatever.

It is all on the street so bring weights.

Space on your booth sides can be tight unless you paid for a corner spot--or were lucky enough to be next to a jeweler.

Most artists have ample storage behind them.

They give out good snacks, artist breakfast, water and great awards.

Now folks, what I just described above is called "meat"

When you know info like I just provided, it takes uncertainty out of the equation. So lurkers, learn.  Nobody will wail at you for providing the basics.  But, it will make all  our lives easier.

I could go on and say more but I am going to bed, had a long day.

Artigras next.

Later, Gators--Nels.

PS.  Any typos, I will edit them out tomorrow morn.  The sheets are calling me.

April 5 & 6
Atlanta, Georgia
Olmsted Linear Park, Druid Hills,
  near Emory University
Saturday & Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm
125 Artists
Deadline: February 7

Spring Ponce officially kicks off the festival season here in Atlanta, which is quickly being recognized as the Arts Capital of the South. Partnered with the Southeast Tourism Society and several local arts groups, Spring Ponce is nestled amongst the top tier of Decatur and Midtown Atlanta's affluent neighborhood of North Druid Hills. The area's inhabitants are highly professional, enthusiastic art buyers and supporters of the arts.
 
Our Goal:
This event will showcase a limited number of 125 juried artists and crafters to increase the participants' opportunity for success. The festival is organized and run by artists and volunteers who understand the needs and challenges of artists and how best to connect with consumers. With the support of 5 neighborhood associations, this event has quickly marked its position as a must do event in the greater Atlanta/Decatur community.
 
Over the years, the Olmsted Linear Park has remained one of Atlanta's most visible parks. To recapture the grandeur of this beautiful and historic park, concerned citizens launched a grassroots effort more than a decade ago and the results demonstrate their success and commitment.
 
In addition to the many artists and artwork the festival will include an amazing line up of food trucks, live music, children's activities, as well as free parking and free admission.

Expect:  

• an intimate Juried Art Show featuring no more than 125 fine artists and fine craft artist
• Extensive advertising, Promotions and Social Media presence
• Oversized 10 x10 space (Many of the booths have extra space behind the booths that permit larger set-up)
• Jury Fee: $25; Booth Fees: $250
• Ribbon Awards
• Attendance: 40,000 (+) as measured by APD
• 24-Hour Security/Overnight Security by Atlanta Police Department

Apply online at: www.Zapplication.org
To learn more about the event, visit: http://www.festivalonponce.com
You can also apply at: http://www.affps.com
 
Email questions to lisa@affps.com
Office: 404-873-1222; Office Fax: 404-873-1223  

Review of the 2014 Southwest Arts Festival in Indio, CA (near Palm Springs, CA). This is a good looking 3-day show with 281 artists in attendance. It was well attended, by my view. There is a gate fee of $8 and parking is $5 for patrons. The organizers take 15% of your gross sales. All sales are logged into a sales book provided each day to the artist then turned in each evening by the artist. This is my second time participating in this show.

Load in was easy and mellow all day Thursday before the show. You can drive right up to your space and unload. Load out was just as mellow on Sunday night. My booth space was perfect and so was the weather. I brought along my latest series of work and was proud to show.

I guess I just did not have what the patrons wanted at this event since I sold $0. What I did see selling were both large and small items. By small I mean items around $20-$40, and by large $6,000.

The artist next to me was probably able to pay off her mortgage with her sales. Amazing.

The selling items had a lot of color! Seems that bright colors were the secret this year.

Will I go back? I should. It's a great area with a lot of snowbirds and gulf-birds (if that's a word).

I'm hoping I get some comments on this post (good and bad) so that I can gauge whether I should try and return in 2015.

Thanks all!

I had very high hopes for this show as I have heard that this is a show with good attendance and advertising.  It is a show run by the Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County.  They run both the Fair Diddley show in Woodstock, IL and the Fall Diddley show in Belvidere, IL (that review to come soon).  We decided to give this one a try. 

Set-up was a nightmare as everyone had to line up to enter the town center and this was not well posted as to where the line started and where to go.  I just found a line and got in it.  Two lines of vehicles were trying to merge from opposite sides of the block and there were a lot of middle fingers and screaming from vendor to vendor at this time.  Should have been my first clue to just turn the car around and go home.

We finally got to the town center after about an hour and had to hurriedly empty out our vehicle and try to get it out of the way.  More vendors were again screaming at each other to move trailers, vans, etc.  (Honestly, I have not seen tempers so flared by vendors at a show as this one.  I was embarrassed for them.  Lucky us had to be located next to one particularly angry individual and his wife).  We decided to just put on a smile and hope that things improved.

We got set up, the weather was perfect and we waited.  There were a lot of people in attendance, but few buying anything.  I had one lady pick up one of my handcrafted pieces and look at the price and exclaim to her friend, “Wow, I have expensive taste!  This one is $20!!”  Unfortunately, if your items were priced over $5 to $10, sales seemed to be quite low across the board.  This is a craft show, not an art show.  The only saving grace was the Starbucks that was very close to our booth location.  We were able to survive the day on numerous caffeinated beverages.

The parting shot of this show for me was the pan handler that came to many of the vendors with a long story asking for money to see her long lost husband as we were all packing up to go home.  We tried to find one of the show contacts to help escourt her off the grounds, but to no avail.  Long story short-we will never again do this show.  I would have rather have burned the money and stayed home and thoroughly bleach out the litter boxes. 

If you are a crafter with cheaper priced items—you may do really well at this show.  The people were there and it was well advertised, but otherwise, stay home and enjoy the day knowing that you dodged a bullet with this one.

Has anyone attended the Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show in Pennsylvania?  I have read everything I can find about the show and I am interested in attending with my booth but I am wondering if any vendors reading this have done the show.  If so can you fill me in regarding some pertinent specifics.  It would be great to know how the attendance was setting up and tearing down conditions, parking, etc.  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

June 28 & 29  
Grand Haven, Michigan
Downtown Grand Haven 

First 3 blocks of Washington 
Sat. 10am-7pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
Presented by: The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven,
Spring Lake and Ferrysburg
110 Exhibitors
Deadline: February 14

The Grand Haven Art Festival transforms Washington Avenue into a high class, outdoor art gallery.  Residents and visitors from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Detroit and more, visit the annual Grand Haven Art Festival looking to purchase those perfect pieces for their home, cottage, and office.  Join us as we celebrate the arts in Grand Haven, Michigan!

Grand Haven is a quaint beach town that sits along the shores of both the Grand River and Lake Michigan.  A beautiful 2.5 mile boardwalk connects the historic downtown shopping area to the sandy shores of the State and City beaches as well as the two picturesque lighthouses.  

Best of Show__David Hunter-  Evening Cumulus    /Winter Park, FL

Judges Choice 2D_Rocky Bridges    /Tarpon Springs, FL

Judges Choice 3D_Richard Ryan    /Bourbonnais, IL

Wendy Alderman Award_Eddie Meyers     /Lake Mary, FL

Awards of Excellence 2D

            1.__Carol Napoli    / New Smyrna Beach, FL

            2._John Margerum    /Oviedo, FL

            3._Edson Campos   / Winter Park, FL

            4._Jeannie Maddox    /Dothan, AL   

            5._Bruce Holwerda   / Hooover, AL

            6._Jim Swallow   / St. Petersburg, FL

            7._Jinsheng Song   /Ft. McCoy, FL

            8._Beth Erlund  /Morrison, CO

            9._Zhiyong Ye  /Leesburg, Fl

            10._Shelagh Forest  /Gainseville, FL   

            11._Keith Andry  /  Baton Rouge, LA

            12._Sean Barry  /Atlanta, GA

Video from a trip to the One of a Kind Show in Chicago, December 2013. Only 3 and a half minutes, but you'll get a feeling of the activity on the floor of the show and hear an interview with Ed Seidman, a 30 year shopper at the nation's art fairs. Why does he buy? Find out here.

Anyone know about these up coming shows in Florida?

Hyde Park, Tampa

Venice Art Classic

Uptown Art Expo, Orlando

The Gasparilla and Venice shows are the same day, does that change the crowds?