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Well, Barry Bernstein, you were there, are you not going to do a report on the Grove?

Just wondering.

So the results are starting to roll in for the better mid-atlantic juried events. I know that accepted artists at events do not ask for their scores. Accepted is accepted and you're happy.

But what about those shows where your work is on par with what you see at the event, but you applied early; thought your images were good and your booth image was strong... but still didn't make the cut?

The jury process is not transparent. Most show directors I have requested scores from will not, as a matter of policy discuss jury scoring. Their events are black boxes... You pay a fee to submit your images and get back only a yes, no, or maybe for the event.

If an event has a scoring system for their jurors, why is it a problem to provide something besides an accept/reject/wait list response to artist applications?

If there's a scoring system, please provide the artists scores as a meager form of feedback. We may not like them, may disagree with them, but at least it is something. If you are scoring the booth images, provide your standards and give this as a separate score.

Is there anything wrong with an expectation of feedback given that you are paying a fee to an event to judge your work

I just received two rejections from a prominent Philadelphia event. I wrote the show director (not for the first time) and asked for my scores. The reply back was the same - we do not provide scores, and in time past they have cited other events of their caliber not providing scores either as part of why they do not provide scores.

Word was that ZAPP was going to add a scoring module to their software.... Anybody know the current state of this initiative?

Is anyone getting numeric or otherwise scores from their jury entries?

I applied for my states artist fellowship program this past year. I didn't get the fellowship and they did not provide scores. However, they did provide written comments from the juror.

So, I have to ask my juried brethren: if I can get written feedback from that level of juried competition and do not have to pay a fee, why should I expect any less from a for-profit/non-profit event jury, who is charging me for the privilege of asking to participate in their event?

Yes, scoring disclosure requires explaining what things are being scored in a given event. They may require showing (in example of a booth image) what top-level, middle of the road, and booth-fail booth images look like...

I am uncertain how one would establish criteria for scoring paintings.. Would Jackson Pollack jury into your better quality events these days? (I don't think so) How about Rothko? (well his stuff would match the couch and wall color schemes... Both of them made couch sized pieces... Warhol would probably get into some events, unless they thought his art factory approach meant that the all original aspects by the artist were being betrayed...well actually this might work in his favor - he'd never run out of products to sell...

But, if you are going to be a subjective jury, say so, say what the criteria are; and then disclose how the artists stacked up to those criteria.... If I am paying a fee for the privilege of applying for admission to pay more $ to maybe sell some products, I think it's the least a juried event should provide to those who didn't make the cut... I may not agree with the decision, but I at least know what the jury is looking for and will be able to perhaps craft an entry which will make me more likely to be competitive the next time I apply...or know that I need to improve my display.

Despite not being accepted for the Philadelphia shows (judged by "highly qualified 2D and 3D fine artists" and stated criteria, "Decisions of the jury are based on the quality, uniqueness, consistency and professionalism of the artwork")., I have been accepted for at least one Howard Alan event and waitlisted for the Rockville A-RTS event in 2014. So, I must be doing something right..

What are others experiencing this year on jury score disclosures. I know several artists on this board made a point of asking for scores. Are we making a difference? I note with interest that jury fees seem to be a little bit less aggressive this year....

Final Deadline is March 10

Ours is a truly unique gallery - a massive Civil War-era warehouse on the Red Hook waterfront in Brooklyn, NY. Its enormous space affords us the opportunity to exhibit really huge work, and we welcome it. 

Learn more & apply:  www.wideopenartshow.com       Questions: info@wideopenartshow.com

FEBRUARY 21 - 5 PM ET

Don't miss this one if you are "closing your books" or struggling with what to do about your bookkeeping! 

Did you ever see such a business for high overhead as the art fair business? Travel expenses, booth fees, employees, tents, studio space, art supplies, credit card fees, etc. 

We talk to two artists with bookkeeping experience and we'll learn how they adapted this information for art fair bookkeeping. Our experts are:

• Alison Thomas worked with her husband in his HVAC business and did the bookkeeping with Quickbooks. The business was a corporation with employees so she knows payroll  and payroll taxes and the forms. We'll talk about Quickbooks and how she uses them for her art fair business.
• Leo Charette has been a data manager using computers since the 1980's, so when he started participating in art fairs he developed a system that could manage the interrelated relationships between creating art, selling art and staying in touch with the art fair patrons.

We'll start with the nuts and bolts of how you begin keeping the books and doing your first tax return and then answer your questions. 

Your options:

--Listen live here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs/2014/02/21/taxes-artists-keep-their-books

--Download it for later at that same link

--Call in with questions: (805) 243-1338

--If you can't call in post your question in the comments below and we'll talk about it. 

Has anyone out there actually done the Annapolis show once or more who can provide the skinny on it?  Thanks bunches!

This past weekend there were many shows to choose from, the Grove, Artigras, St. Stephens, and according to several posts that I read from many artists the most profitable by far was Howard Alan's downtown Sarasota art show. I've exhibited at this show for several years and even with the recent encroachment of another promoter oversaturating this area with more shows this remains in my opinion the best of all shows in downtown Sarasota.

The weather this weekend could not have been more perfect both days and it really brought out massive crowds of affluent residents and tourists alike looking to buy art. I saw multiple purchases of large scale 2d art that found new homes as well as 3d and wearables. Many comments I heard were "best Sarasota show ever" "just like the good old days" "best show so far this year". Every artist that I spoke with was very happy with their sales.

There is a section of this show set in the park that has a Friday setup, but the majority of the show is on Main St. and has a Saturday morning setup. Because this can be a tricky setup they have instituted a new procedure that works very well. From 4 to 6:15 your allowed to unload then move your vehicle off show site, at 6:15 all cars must be removed and you're allowed to setup. This is the second year they've done this setup and it works very well. I received two emails outlining the procedures. Breakdown goes smoothly as well as you're not allowed to come in until completely torn down, and there was plenty of staff on hand to be sure everyone followed directions. A continental breakfast was provided both days and there was artist parking arranged for both rvs and other vehicles close to show site.

Debbie, Howard and their staff were on hand and very visible all weekend making sure things ran smoothly.

The members have chosen Carol Knox's blog post, Mock Jury - St. Louis 2014, as the best January contribution to this site. Congratulations and thanks to Carol, a true Olympian, for sharing this information. 

August 1-3
Crested Butte, Colorado
Downtown streets
175 Artists
Deadline: February 28

The Crested Butte Arts Festival celebrates its 42^nd year August 1, 2 and 3, 2014. Approximately 175 artists will line Historic Elk Avenue - nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Sales at this show continue to increase as word spreads about the quality of artists exhibiting after a very competitive jury process. The Crested Butte Arts Festival is gaining national attention and sponsorship and draws a savvy, sophisticated art buying clientele.

The charming and eclectic town of Crested Butte, a National Historic District, is the venue for this outdoor show. Crested Butte is a tourist town, bringing in an affluent, educated crowd of 12,500 for Arts Festival weekend. 

Artist Amenities:

• free snacks and water, booth sitting, 24 hour security, reserved parking
• an artist's VIP area with indoor bathrooms 
• a Saturday night cocktail party
• color thumbnail and links in artist gallery on our website

Admission and parking are free and entertainment, children's programs, culinary demonstrations and hands-on workshops are scheduled throughout the weekend. Truly one of the industry's best kept secrets, the Crested Butte Arts Festival must be experienced to be believed!

Jury fee: $30

Booth fee: $350

Doubles are available

Learn more:  www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com
Apply: www. Zapplication.org

Email questions to Juliette@crestedbutteartsfestival.com or call 970-349-1184 to speak to Juliette Eymere, executive director.

MacJac Artist Studio

(Recently MacJac has been advertising their services for artists on our websites. Here is the story of what exactly they can do for you.)

MacJac Artist Studio, a fast expanding online art studio with a difference, is now making life easier for the independent artists from different parts of the world. This emerging online studio travels to all parts of England, Canada, and America to organize Touring Art Exhibitions displaying their astounding range of products.

Selling art images online has always been a difficult job, particularly for the independent artists. Now they can create their own page with MacJac Artist Studio and display their collection of Art & Photography. In addition MacJac Artist Studio will deliver artwork to buyers in a wide array of substrates such as Metal, Acrylic, Canvas Fine Art Paper, Metallic Photo Paper, Lustre Photo Paper, Rolled Canvas, and much more.


Many online platforms now offer services similar to MacJac Artist Studio. However, the standard of service available at this online studio is unparalleled in terms of speed, ease, and simplicity of use. Art enthusiasts looking to buy artworks online, as well as artists offering to sell artwork, now prefer MacJac Artist Studio because they have the freedom to choose from hundreds of different and unique size combinations. Therefore, they are guaranteed to find exactly what they are looking for. The unique cropping tool makes buying and selling artwork online a breeze.

Emerging artists looking for an online platform to sell their work and build an independent identity can get started simply by creating a new artist account. After the artwork is set up online, it is ready for printing and sale as soon as an order is received.

Artists can generate revenue from their artwork without any further hassles as the production part is completely looked after by MacJac Artist Studio. Members of the studio are also given discount codes and royalties by cheque on orders they place for their own products.

About us:

1. Historically we are a Touring Exhibition Company operating at Major Events across Canada, the USA and England.  Initially we sold only our own home-spun range of Art. Building on that we  expanded to sell thousands of art images at these events to thousands of clients who then form our database of qualified buyers.  In the past on Tour we have met dozens of Artists.  Some of the work we liked, so we began to promote their work both on Tour and Online.  This has been hugely successful.
2. In the past 5 years we have taken on Tour some work from these new but established Artists who form our stable.  The thing they have in common is that their work sells strongly online.
3. In the past two years we have been inundated with a large amount of Artists who want us to take their work on Tour.  It is not possible to take everyone on Tour so therefore we offer the Online Platform where artists can show and sell their work to our ever growing database of qualified buyers and enormous amount of online buyers.  We, nowadays, select our On Tour range from some of our most successful online Artists

Currently we have a proud statistic that shows that 93% of all our new Artists joining our online platform successfully sell their work within the first three months.

We offer three opportunities to artists:

• A online studio where you can upload images, using state of the art tools that enable you to print on a wide variety of 9 different substrates - from canvas to metal and everything in between, for your own use or to sell to clients
• Your own online gallery where clients come to shop
• An opportunity for your work to be exhibited at first class venues throughout North America

To start selling artwork online right away, please join MacJac Artist Studio by visiting http://www.macjacartiststudio.com/.

About MacJac Artist Studio: MacJac Artist Studio is the Artist Membership entity of MacJac Consultants Corp dba MacJac "The gift of Art". To date the MacJac exhibition has travelled to well over 500 first class venues across Canada, the USA and Europe, offering shoppers "a fine-quality gallery without conventional walls." Exhibitions typically last from one to ten weeks. They also market and sell the work of individual artists via MacJac Art website.

June 26-28 
Columbus, OH
Easton Town Center
105 Exhibitors
Deadline: March 1

The 15^th Annual Easton Art Affair is one of Ohio's premier Fine Art/Fine Craft shows. In 2010 Artfair Source Book ranked this outstanding show at #79 in Fine Art sales and #104 for sales in Fine Craft of United States shows. The show also has a fabulous review in the 2012 Sunshine Artist.

The show is held on the streets of the "Entertainment Forum" of Columbus, Easton Town Center, which is visited by over 48,000 patrons per weekend, (by car count).  Take a virtual tour at www.eastontowncenter.com.

Huff-Burch Promotions, developer and organizer of Easton Art Affair, has 40 years of experience in the Art show industry. It is the only show we produce, so extensive attention is given to all details, ensuring the exhibitor a very hassle free successful event! Our location, marketing and advertising are aimed specifically at your customers. 

This is a must for your 2014 schedule.  To make it even more convenient, this year all application will be accepted through ZAPP.  Go to www.zapplication.org  to apply now.

SHOW DATES/HOURS:

June 26-28

Friday: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday: 11am - 9:00pm

Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00pm

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application deadline for jury: March 1, 2014. Exhibitors will be accepted after jury date according to category openings.

All applicants must use ZAPP, www.zapplication.org to apply. There is a $25 administration fee.
 

Jury Notification: will be emailed between March 8

Booth fee due date: April 20 paid thru ZAPP, money order or check to Huff-Pomotions. Payment by check is preferred.

SET-UP:

Thursday night 9:00pm-11:30pm, check in at 8pm

Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm, check in at 9:00am

All oversized vehicles must set up Thursday night, or may have to dolly on Friday.

AMENITIES:

• $2,000 cash awards
• RV parking available (free) sorry, no hook ups
• Easy booth-side set-up and tear down.
• Electric provided at no charge for demonstration (ie., water fountains, lamps)
• Full-color promotional mailers and handouts provided upon request
• Free admission for show patrons
• Free parking

Annapolis, Maryland
200 Artists
Deadline: March 4

It is with great enthusiasm that we invite you to apply to exhibit at the Fifth Annual Annapolis Arts, Crafts and Wine Festival. This premier event showcases the prized works of over 200 artists employing a variety of medium: painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, jewelry, fiber art, glass, wood, leather, metal and photography.

About the region:

• a population of over a half-million
• the Annapolis area has a median household income 30% higher than the national average.
• It is the destination of more than 4 million visitors each year, accounting for $1.8 billion in revenue.
• Maryland is the wealthiest state in the nation and the Annapolis jurisdiction is the fourth most affluent in the state.
• Annapolis is also conveniently located approximately 35 miles from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and its affluent Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs.

Well-known for its maritime culture, colonial heritage and charming downtown shopping district, Annapolis was named one of the nation's Top 25 Arts Destinations in American Style magazine's 12th Annual Arts Designation Poll.

To ensure widespread awareness of the festival, the event is being aggressively marketed throughout the region with a multimedia advertising and publicity campaign via TV, cable, print, radio and online, as well as through posters, postcards and brochures. Formerly called The Annapolis Arts and Crafts Festival, the event has added a new dimension of a large selection of Maryland wines and will now be known as "The Annapolis Arts, Crafts and Wine Festival."

The event is produced by City Dock Productions, an event management company with over 36 years of experience presenting arts and crafts festivals, music festivals, wine and craft beer festivals and other consumer product shows and public events. The festival is endorsed by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is an ideal venue, easy to reach, just off Rt. 50, and with ample parking for both exhibitors and the public, the site is available for setup on Friday, June 6.

Artists can drive up and offload right at their booths. Plenty of nearby hotel accommodations in every price range, continuous shuttle bus service to downtown and all of the many shops, restaurants and attractions of historic Annapolis are just some of the amenities exhibitors will enjoy.

The Annapolis Arts, Crafts and Wine Festival staff takes great pride in our event--and in you and  your work. We look forward to having you as part of our fifth annual event.

Apply today: www.JuriedArtServices.com

Learn more: www.annapolisartscraftsandwinefestival.com

Contact: James Barthold, General Manager
Email: info@annapolisshows@gmail.com

Try this on for size.  Last year, we had a Fantastic Valentines weekend at a show that had folks lined up for our stuff.  For whatever reason, did not even get wait listed this year, so found another well attended event closer to home.  Friday/Saturday.  Arrived at 7am to 33degrees (Lake City, Fl), unloaded our truck that we had for 22 hours at that time.  I then took the truck to park like a good vendor.  Crossing the road in the truck I was involved in a collision that totalled my F250 Diesel that took months to find.  No one died, but it was horrible.  I was not injured, thank God.  My daughter brought us our Van (which we have not sold yet).  Spent the day in a moderate amount of pain, sold enough to cover our expenses and a bit more!  

I stayed home on Saturday to nurse my wounds, Wife and Daughter went to the show.  They arrived to find dozens of tent upended, destroyed and shredded.  Even a Light Dome 2 spaces down.  Our King Canopy Goliath was unfazed, but the wind under the sides did make a mess (no loss!).  The organizers moved us to consolidate the vendors that remained.  Someone counted 32 tents in the dumpster!  Stayed very windy all day, but still had a few sales.

End result - all show expenses paid, including the deductible on the wreck and the ticket I got for failure to yield.  I had diligently insured the truck so no big financial loss there.  Feeling pretty good today, and feeling very blessed.

I think it all boils down to perspective sometimes.

May 17

Fifteen years ago, the Oak Park Arts District launched "What's Blooming on Harrison" as a celebration of the arts within our community.

Over the years, this popular cultural event has highlighted the district through artist demonstrations, live music, dance performances and a juried art fair.  Not only is it looked forward to by the district's neighbors within Oak Park but by the surrounding suburbs and the city of Chicago as well.

Submit your application fee through our Paypal link or send a check to: OPADBA, PO Box 4441, Oak Park, IL 60304

I have had a roller coaster day with acceptances and rejections. I just was accepted to Columbus I am looking for some wisdom on booth request location....any advice would be appreciated. Thanks- sharon

May 10 & 11
Dallas, Texas
Dallas Zoo
100 Artists
Deadline: February 14

• 100 Juried Artists
• 24-hour security
• Artist will be able to drive onto zoo property for easy load in and load out. 
• Complimentary refreshments are available in the air conditioned Artist Hospitality room
• Booth sitters are available upon request.
• The show will be marketed heavily through paid advertisement, social media, radio, television and visitor contact

You are invited to apply to become one of only 100 artists and craftsmen who will be selected to participate in the 2nd annual Paw Prints Art Fair at the Dallas Zoo.  This juried event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11.

This annual May event is committed to delivering a quality experience for both artists and patrons.  The Dallas Zoo is located in the heart of Dallas and offers the perfect backdrop for art of all mediums.  Guests will be able to browse through the wide variety of artwork while listening to live music provided by locally recognized musicians.

Now accepting applications:

• www.Zapplication.org 
• Deadline:  February 14, 2014
• Notification:  February 28, 2014
• Booth Fee due:  March 28, 2014

For more information:  

www.dallaszoo.com/make-a-donation/galas-fundraising-events/paw-prints-art-fair

Email questions:  Amy Glover at:  amy.glover@dallaszoo.com 

May 31 & June 1
Saint Louis, Missouri
Locust Street between 27th and 33rd
Just East of The Fox Theatre
100 Artist booths
50 Craft booths (in separate area)
40 Food booths
Application Deadline - March 1

Presented by BLUE MOON, Miller Lite, and The Riverfront Times. The tree lined midtown streets of St. Louis come alive for this exciting 2nd Annual ART FAIR, taste, and entertainment event. With an expected attendance of 60,000 people and produced by Dennis Gorg, known for the Central West End Art Fair & Taste, Farm Aid and other major events, the best in local, regional, and national arts will come together.

Despite rain all weekend last year, 25,000 people attended!

The event features fine artists, a special area for craft booths, and food booths. main stage entertainment and a food truck challenge. The natives love this show and we think you will too. Here's what you'll find:

• Artist's listing in program book
• Website featuring artists
• Great PR and marketing
• Children's area
• Main stage entertainment
• Craft village  
• Food truck challenge
• Beer Garden, Wine and whisky tastings, and more! 

If you love festival events where affluent people gather for a good time, this may be the one for you.

Application online at www.MidtownTaste.com

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Find even more art fairs looking for you: www.CallsforArtists.com

Photographer Jack Stoddart left the art fair business behind some years ago and now hosts music festivals of Americana Roots Music on his farmland in the hollows of central Tennessee. The festivals are called "Jammin' at Hippie Jack's." The music is recorded and is syndicated on many PBS stations around the country.

Jack and his family and friends also is to help others in their community. Enjoy this music video as the Hippie Jack Family gives back:

Learn more about Jammin' at Hippie Jack's: http://jamminathippiejacks.com/

August 31-September 1
Lake Forest, Illinois
Market Square 
Labor Day weekend 10am-5pm 
Deadline: February 18

Art Fair on the Square is the Deer Path Art League signature event.  Celebration 60 years, the Art Fair attracts visitors from Chicago, Milwaukee and over 22 suburban communities, and helps to fulfill the Art League's mission to "spark, nurture and enhance creativity as well as raise community awareness and appreciation of the arts".  The mission is as true today as it was in 1954. 

Last year nearly 500 national and international artists applied to participate in this event.  The selected exhibitors work in a variety of disciplines including ceramics, digital art, drawing/pastels, fiber, glass, graphics/printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture & wood. 

Silhouetted against classical architecture and stately mature trees, the juried artists set up their outdoor galleries around history Market Square in downtown Lake Forest, IL.  This centralized arrangement makes it easy for visitors to walk the entire show.  "Not too big and not too small," the show is the perfect size to comfortably visit and interact with the artists. 

Featured specialty booths will include Creation Station an interactive children's art tent, the entrepreneurial Young Artists gallery replete with their artisanal crafts and the Emerging Artists area, which highlights the inspired work of high school and college students.

For more info: 

Please call: (847)234-3743

email:  Artfair2014@deerpathartleague.org

Apply: www.Zapplication.org 

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Find even more art fairs like this one looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com