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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?

I'm corresponding with a group associated with

a Cinco de Mayo celebration regarding our solar

powered BubbleYou® Bubble Tower -the world's biggest bubble toy ® http://www.bubbletower.com/

So I'm wondering, What should a "Cinco de Mayo Bubble Tower" look like?

This is a 14 foot tall, four legged pyramid structure.

Each leg is covered , usually with some kind of textile,

although we have painted discarded vinyl billoards, and

even discarded burlap coffee sacks in previous designs.

Would /should the creation of the Cinco de Mayo design

 be part of the festival programming, during the event?

Or a collaborative effort, prior to the date?

Some ideas:
Quilt patches to be assembled on the date. Contest for the best patch?

Yarn bombing?

We could provide a white, blank canvas and the community provide one or more graffiti artists to create the art?

? Have four design teams, one for each leg of the Bubble Tower. Team members pay a fee to be on the team. This would give the festival some income. Just a thought.

? seek participation by various groups including: urban clothing design, skate board , cultural groups, community muralists and artists and??

Just some thoughts that keep me awake at 3 am ! ;>)
Feel free to weigh in with YOUR ideas, sane or crazy, provocative or not, be expressive! Thank you!

It occurred to me (while reading a very nice 'thank-you' response from an AFI member who found one of my comments helpful) to make a request of the AFI community.  Here it is:

The vast majority of readers on this site are "lurkers": Folks who visit and read, but don't write.  And God bless ya, I'm not here to criticize this: It's true of just about every other blog site on the Internet (including the ones that specialize in serving writers and bloggers!).

But I do have a friendly proposition for those of you who get help from something you read here:
Pay it forward!

That means (pick one!):
* Post a comment saying, "Thanks, that was helpful!"
* Ask a follow-up question
* Comment on another topic

And if you ask a question about a particular show that hasn't been formally reviewed, and you get information that helps you decide to actually DO the show, how 'about writing a short review of your experience afterward?

Doesn't have to be complicated; just cover the same questions you had when you asked about it in the first place.  Here are the most frequent questions asked about shows:
* How were sales?  Attendance?  Were packages being carried around, or were folks sight-seeing?
* Is it worth the trip for an out of towner?
* How is the setup? Was it "day before show", "morning of show", or both? 

* How far away was the artist parking?
* Were there amenities/awards?
* What did the crowd seem most/least interested in: 2D? 3D? Or dogs, music, wine?
* Is there a particular type of art/ craft that would do well/poorly?
* All things being equal, would you do the show again?

BONUS POINTS if you do any of the above RIGHT AFTER YOU REALIZE YOU GOT HELP HERE.  To wait, is to be like one of those show visitors who says, "I really like this.  Let me think about it!"  ;-)

Thanks--in advance!

Just a short little note.

With multitudes of artist doing the multitudes of shows in Florida, show reports have been pretty spare so far this season.

I sure would love to hear about other's experiences at some of these shows.

Or, is it going to be that mentality that says, "I aint telling no one about any of my shows."

So let's see some reviews even if they are short and sweet.

Well, Images went to an official three-day show this year for the first time.  Last year it was a voluntary setup and sales on Friday.

All I can say is, "Its a big waste of time for the majority of artists there.

New Smyrna Beach is a mellow Atlantic coast town below Daytona beach.

It has gotten more developed over the years with better shops and restaurants popping up everywhere.

I lived there 1981-85 while I was in the photo program at Daytona Beach.  I was doing shows and Images was one of them.

New Smyrna has grown in population over time.  The show has always been around 250 artists (which is too many for the numbers attending).  Making it a three-dayer is a mistake, but the powers that be want it, so tough toofskis if you don't like it.

They run the entire show on paved streets. You need weights.  Most people have ample storage behind the booth.  Some get room on the sides.  Corner booths can be bought for extra.

You are dealing with a conservative crowd, mostly older, that likes the usual suspects of images.

The guy across from me with the cut wood images was selling all day long.  They love the birds, flowers, boat and coastal scenes.  Not a lot of real art from the heart gets sold here.

So here is the rundown for this year.

Early, Friday morn, we could set up booths anytime after 6 am.  Show started at 1 pm and went to five.

It was fricking frigid, never got up more than 52 degrees with icy winds blowing thru especially on the booths on Canal Street.

The show has good volunteer support and is there when you need them.  Nice booth sitters, good artist food(with Sat. nite dinner and then awards.)

So, we were all set up on Friday waiting.  With the chill conditions there were not a lot of people walking around.

It continued that way until 5 pm.  I think most of the artists,like me, did not even do $200 in sales.  There is a good Patron's Purchase Award program there and I did see a lot of Patron Ribbons on booths--that was probably the high point of the day.

Saturday, it was much warmer with the sun shining, and we were all hopeful for sales.

They were pretty slim, especially for 2-D art.  I did not see many frames or canvases going down the avenue.  Mostly just people carrying small pieces in little bags.

I had a slim day, a lot less than what I did last year.

Sunday morning was a little overcast and slightly chilly, but as the day progressed it got nicer and nicer.  Can't say the same for sales.  It was pretty lackluster.

I ended up being off by 30 per cent over last year, and that was after having an extra day for sales.  A lot of my fellow artists were in the same boat.

So who knows?  Maybe this was just an off year.

I think Images is one of those shows you just have to try to see if your audience is there.

April 18-May 31  
Roseville, California
In partnership with the Blue Line Arts Gallery
80 juried pieces 
Deadline: February 10

Our 2014 America's ClayFest II Art Show and Competition is celebrating it's second year as America's ClayFest II, carrying on the tradition of 25 years of clay competition. 

Formerly known as the "Feats of Clay."  Our show will again be held this year in partnership with the Blue Line Arts Gallery in Roseville, California.

We have had entry submissions from all over America, Europe, Asia and South America and all clay artists are encouraged and welcome to submit their work.  Our Juror this year is MS Candace Groot, Artist and Director of the Virginia Groot Foundation in Chicago, Illinois.  She will be selecting 80 pieces of art work to be displayed in the beautiful Blue Line Arts Gallery.

In addition, there is also a separate "Student Division" for all high school and college student ceramic.  Artists whose work will be displayed at the Sierra College Art Gallery in Rocklin, California concurrently with the America's ClayFest II show.  The Juror for the Student Division is Mr. Ray Gonzales from Lincoln, California.  Ray is one of the original "founding fathers" of the Feats of Clay. 

We will once again be awarding over $3,500 in prize money.

For more info:
Mike Daley, Administrator/Curator
America's ClayFest II
580 Sixth Street
Lincoln, CA 95648

mdaley@all4art.net

We are a Non-Profit, Public Benefit, California Corporation dedicated to the education and enhancement of the Arts in our area.

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

I've been doing shows for a good number of years but it never hurts to get a reality check once-in-a-while and make sure the rudder is heading in the right direction. I saw a reference to a new book called Death To the Starving Artist by Nikolas Allen and feeling as though I were a starving artist after the shows in 2013 I thought I would look into it, see what he had to say and see if I missed anything important. I requested the book from the local library (hey! I'm starving I can't afford to buy every book I see!) and they bought it so I could read it.

What were some of the take-aways that I got from reading this newest entry to the artist self-promotion jungle? The book has some of the usual gibberish that I've run into before (see my list of books to consider at the end of this discussion) like pursuing other venues such as coffee houses, hair salons, empty buildings, what-evah. What he has done differently with that information is conceptualize it in terms of where you are in your art career, where do you want to be and who do you want as an audience? He compares your art career to a ladder and suggests that certain venues are more appropriate to certain stages of your career. I've certainly done my share of going up and down the rungs as I've done a lot of that alternative space stuff but never stopped to think of it in those terms before, it was worth some self-reflection. What may have (or not) served me in the past may not serve me in the present or on into the future and besides which, where is it that I want to go?

Another important point he made, which was well served, was crafting a meaningful marketing message. How do you talk to people, do you hem and haw or do you have a concise concept of what you do that you can deliver within the first few seconds of contact. And speaking of contact, do you hide out or do you engage? The new form of reading a book in the back of your tent is now perusing your Smart whatever device and hiding out in the back! When it comes to naming your business which way do you go? Do you use your name only or a catchy phrase or some combination of the two?  I just saw a post on this site over that very issue. We've all heard this, and most of us do it, the mailing list! You need to remind your patrons that you still exist! But beyond that how do you maintain active contact with your patrons? What kind of contact do you maintain and how do you do it in this world of social media and other frippery. I thought he made several good points in this particular chapter. Well worth consideration for the beginner or veteran artist.

In the third section of his book he talks about the "tools" needed to reach your audience. I've struggled with bio's and artists statements and I feel his treatment of the subject was concise and finally made some sense to me, or was it because after the third go round it finally sunk in? If you've struggled with this subject, or are about to, it's worth the read. He takes on websites and social media concepts as well. I think he overemphasized self-made websites as there are a ton of ready-made templates and services out there for the faint of heart.

At one point I thought he was a little dismissive, or at the very least, minimally mentioned, Art Fair Artist, as a means to an end before he went on to the Galleries section. But in his defense he is looking a the overall picture of artists not just one avenue. If your looking specifically at running your business in the artfair realm you'd be better off reading Maria Arango's book (see below).

The last part of the book is a good overall look at the different tools an artist can enlist to forward their goals and one should consider which, if any, are appropriate to your level as well as your end game. All-in all I found it an easy read and I came away with a few new tips, a few "I hadn't thought of that befores" and some insights on doing what I do a little differently next time around. 

Further Reading:

By the way there is a nice freebie on his website that can help you move forward in terms of marketing yourself at: www.DeathToTheStarvingArtist.com/workbook.

One of the most enjoyable reads and a great primer to this whole art fair thing is: Arango, Maria, Art Festival Guide, The Artist's Guide to Selling in Art Festivals. Her book goes into many of the details of the artfair artist.

Bhandari, Heather Darcy, and Melber, Jonathan, Art/Work ___Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career.

Stanfield, Alyson B., I'd Rather be in the Studio.

Lang, Cay, Taking the Leap, Building a Career as a Visual Artist.

Grant, Daniel, Selling Art Without Galleries.

Michels, Caroll, How To Survive & Prosper as an Artist.

Grant, Daniel, "Take This Under Advisement,  Need a Career Jumpstart? Artistic Advisors are Ready to Assist You," Sunshine Artist, Feb., 2014, pp. 22-25.

Getting Exposure, The Artist's Guide to Exhibiting the Work, an Art Calendar Guide by the editors of ArtCalendar Magazine

Has anyone participated in the Howard Allen "The Villages Craft Show" in Lake Sumter usually held the end of February.  This is it's 5th year and I'm considering participating.  My sister, who lives in the Villages, said that the show last month (in a different Village) had a lot of sightseers but she didn't see many packages any where.  Would like a little insight on what to expect if possible.  Thanks

Most artists I spoke with had a good show, as did we.  The weather was not co-operative: cold on Saturday and with occasional rain on Sunday.  This did hurt attendance, but those who show-up were there for a reason: to shop!

Once again, Howard Alan & Co. did a magnificent job co-ordinating the event.  Set-up and tear-down could be a nightmare, but thanks to the vigilant staff (made up of fellow artists, with Howard and Debbie ever-present) it went smoothly.  The booths are set in a large park in the middle of a traffic circle, around which every car on Longboat Key must travel.  The staff seemed to know every artist by name, and co-ordinated the movement of every vehicle, which worked wonderfully.

There are a lot of entertaining places to visit in Sarasota if one is staying over.  The Ringling Museum of Art, which includes the Circus Museum and the Ringling Mansion, is a must-see attraction. The Selby Botanical Gardens, which are very pretty, are pricey at $19.  There are several theaters, including the Asolo Theater at on the Ringling, where I saw a terrific performance of a comedy by Christopher Durang. And there is a very popular Comedy Club.  

For Nels: Perhaps the best part of visiting Sarasota is the Early-Bird-Special, available at many restaurants. The best, said with no fear of contradiction, is at Libby's Cafe.  They serve a three-course gourmet dinner from 3:30 to 5:30 weekdays for $16, including a glass of wine.  Happy hour starts at 4:00, in case one glass is not enough.