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33rd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift & Craft Fair - Dec. 6-8: Arlington Heights, IL

This event has been around for a long time and supports the Lambs Farm, a non-profit organization serving people with developmental disabilities. I've had it on my radar to attend for awhile now. It is held indoors at the Arlington Racecourse, a very attractive venue. My art fair friend Sandy Dunstone and I attended on Saturday and there were huge crowds spread over 3 levels with a reported 500 booths.

I'll let the photos tell the story, but basically there were a lot of Christmas decorations, lots and lots of food vendors who had prepared products that would make good gifts, commercial vendors (think Cutco, Chicago Tribune, Pampered Chef, etc. There were even people who had purchased products, e.g., cake pans in boxes, pet treats, for sale in their booth). 

What I learned is that this event brings in busloads of people to shop (I could see evidence of that in the size of the crowds), but that it used to be run by Arts Plus, a local art organization. Now it is run by Tower Show Productions and from the looks of it there is no saying "no" to anyone who sends in a check. There is an admission fee of $8.

Booth fees start at $450 for prime placement on the first floor and I believe they may be only $250 on the third floor. 

Over the past several months I have lost 4 pair of earrings so I was definitely shopping for some replacements but almost every jewelry booth (and there were a lot) looked the same! Swarovski crystals everywhere, Michael's beads strung about, etc. It was hard to believe I wasn't going to score here. I took very few photos and when I did a quick video of some work that I thought caught the flavor of the event an exhibitor asked me to delete it. I suppose protecting his one of a kind work, that to me looked like five other people's.

Learn more about this show: http://holidaylightslambsfarm.com

Were there people making money? Of course, folks! Big crowds getting good deals means some people are doing fine and they have the right product for the marketplace. 

We spoke with many exhibitors, some who had participated in it before the organization running it changed hands. No one seemed displeased with it. Yes, they said, it was better before the great recession, but it was great to sleep at home and be able to make a decent profit. 

Did we spend money? Well, yes we did. It was a great place to pick up some Christmas gifts. 

On CBS Sunday Morning a few weeks ago they did a segment about discounts and getting shopping deals over the years. The summation basically was everyone wants a good deal and a bargain and they go looking for them. If you think you can sell in an atmosphere like this this may be the show for you. Just think about it: you can be part of the OOAK Show and spend $2500+ or be in Arlington and spend $400. 

What do you think would work for you?

(See Part I about the One of a Kind Show in Chicago this same weekend right here: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/a-tale-of-two-shows)

Saturday I attended the Mock Jury held by the St. Louis Art Fair organization.  Two things I have to say up front:  (1) I’m not a beginner and; (2) I’m blown away by the effort expended by this organization solely for the benefit of the local artists.  Many thanks to Cultural Festivals!

So, if I’m not new to the artist community, why did I go?  Because I sell well at the shows I make it in to, but can’t seem to get into the ones I want.

Did I learn anything?  Absolutely!  Ironically, it wasn’t anything truly new.  I could have told you that your submissions must represent a “body of work”.  I could have told you that your booth shot can keep you out of a show.  What I couldn’t have told you was how to make my choices look like a body without being an iteration.  How to manipulate my booth image and when.  That the people who run these shows are there to help.  And just how important the words you put on your applications really are.

The single key to the success of the Mock Jury is that you can ask questions.  And, boy, did I!  Ironically, the biggest issue had the simplest answer.  Body of Work.  So the question was “How do I make my…” and the answer was straight arrow in one sentence – choose a central theme and go from there.  Simple, right?  It could be colors or patterns or shapes.  Don’t know why I didn’t see it before.  For me for this year it will be a set of rainbow colors that are in a couple of my favorite pieces.  I could hardly sleep that night for the creative ideas racing through my mind.

The booth issue was surprising.  First, did you know that some shows will reject your application if they don’t see your submission pieces predominantly displayed?  Do you really read the show application to see if you must have a frontal exterior shot or if you can use a more attractive partial shot?  And do you live by the standard “less is more”?  I got tired of hearing comments from the judges like “too much clutter”, “can’t tell what that thing is”, “don’t want to see the chair”, and “can’t have the name in the shot”.  They only liked the booths that were really Spartan.  I’ve known that my booth shots were weak but not how weak and why.  The judges explained that a poor booth shot will not keep you out of the first round of judging but easily can make the difference in the final round.

 A new concept for me was that show administrators can be your friend.  You can actually talk to them and get assistance.  They may call you if there is a problem with your application or something not allowed in your booth shot or just to clarify an issue which the judges may question.  They will not get you into a show – that’s up to the jury – but they will help you put your best foot forward.

And, finally, there is the topic of words.  Not every judge on every jury knows the secrets of your art form.  They see the image of the final product.  Little did I know how beneficial it can be to explain what you have done, exactly how it is accomplished, and why it matters to you.  If you are an artist applying to Fine Art Fairs, please tell me that you know that you only get about 15 seconds to make it through the 1^st round.  So your images must be top notch professional.  What I did not realize, however, is that in the subsequent rounds more time is allowed.  Judges ask questions and discuss the art.  Your descriptions on your application to the show can make or break you.  It clarifies to the judge what was involved and where your passion lies.  It can tip the scale for you in the final competition.

If you get a chance to go to a Mock Jury – do it!  These judges reviewed every participant in depth – all 100.  What you learn hearing them talk about your submission is worth your weight in gold but I was also fascinated by the total.

Being able to write off the loss of a bad show should balance the profit of a good one, I mean we all have to pay taxes right? I didn't sell anything at the shows in 2013 but I plan to use the loss to my benefit.

June 7 & 8
Columbia, Missouri
Presented by the Columbia Art League
Stephens Lake Park
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 10am-4pm
110 Artists
Deadline: Feb. 7, 2014
Apply at: www.ArtInTheParkColumbia.org

Art in the Park is the oldest and largest art festival in mid-Missouri. It is the highlight of the summer season in this arts-focused city, home of the University of Missouri and winner of the first ever Missouri Arts Council's Creative Community Award in 2007.

The 2014 festival will be held at Stephens Lake Park, a historic tree-lined park set around the serene Stephens Lake.  In support of the main event, Columbia's premier Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, the 2014 Art in the Park will include strolling children's entertainment, a children's art area, and Emerging Artist Pavilion showing work by local high school and undergraduate students, a Young Collector's Tent, and food court.

Key to the festival's success is a dedication to promote the importance of art sales by the organizers, Columbia Art League.  Executive Director, Diana Moxon, has run the festival for the past 8 years and sees her mission as an advocate for the visiting artists.  Her advance media mantra is that it's not enough simply to show up, but that shopping for art is vital to the longevity of the festival.

Expect a comprehensive marketing campaign:

• TV, Radio, local, regional & national print media, billboards, yard signs, social networking, postcards, posters and web campaigns
• The festival enjoys repeat sponsorship year on year from a variety of local banks and businesses.

Cash awards are $4,250 with a top prize of $1,000.  The festival is designated a Signature Series event by the local Convention & Visitor's Bureau and supported by Columbia's Office of Cultural Affairs and the Missouri Arts council.  Festival entrance is free and estimated attendance is around 15,000.

Amenities for Artists include:

• Artist breakfast at the park on Sat. and Sun.
• Artist Award Dinner Sat. night
• Lunch boxes delivered to booths on Sat., Artist Hospitality tent with snacks
• Limited edition festival reusable acrylic tumbler
• Water delivered to artist's booths all weekend
• Booth sitters, extensive volunteer assistance with load-in and load-out
• Hotel discounts

Every other show should take notes from what Art in the Park does and try to emulate the standards they set.  The festival setting is beautiful and the work that the Columbia Art League and their volunteers do to make the event successful is outstanding:  Reinhard Herzog, Ballwin, MO (2010-2013)

Thanks again for the best run event I ever attended.  I always enjoy Columbia and you all make it great.Mike McNeil, Bloomington, IL (2013)

If organizers of other shows would use you as a role model, we would have many better shows out there! You do so much advertising and listening to artists.  I appreciate all your efforts." Kris Clement, Springfield, MO (2013)

Wonderful show, wonderful artist treatment.  I will apply again next year. Elle Heiligenstein, Belleville, IL (2013)

I can't think of one thing you could do better, or any service you could add.  Thank you for making my first outdoor art experience a good one! Lorraine McFarland, Rolla, MO (2013)

Apply today: http://artintheparkcolumbia.org

I wondered if anyone is doing this show, I'm not familiar with the area or the show, any suggestions? Thank you,

Hello Everyone!

I found AFI through Google and have been scouring it end to end. I have gleaned so much really useful information, for which I am deeply grateful to you all.

I am a Jeweler and have been doing shows since 2009, all Juried - mostly local (Tacoma, WA area) art fairs like Art on the Ave, Proctor Arts Fest, the Taste of Tacoma's Art a la Carte, etc.  I feel like it's time to try for some better shows, which  means - I've learned - professional jury photos and a really good booth shot.  My booth sucks - good custom-made table covers, but a hodgepodge of cobbled together display pieces, and far too many of them. Horrible, just horrible. I've designed a new booth, done a Photoshop Mockup and done my best with some new photos, using tips I picked up here. Until now, everything has been on a white background, which is good for Etsy. I had neither time nor funds to get photos taken for me before the first few deadlines.

I made an album showing the photos I did and submitted to the Bellevue Art Museum ArtsFest. I know, it's a huge longshot, the photos probably aren't good enough - heck, the work may not be either - but if it puts me on the mailing list for future shows so I can keep trying, it'll be $40 well spent.

The new booth is in the works - the display pieces on the left are designed, we just need to buy the materials and build them. Where's an affordable place to buy fabric drapes for the walls?

Do these pieces count as a 'cohesive body of work'? They are two different 'lines', but there are similarities and all are meant to represent emotions that are part of the human experience.

Let me have it, please - the good, the bad and the ugly. I want to learn.

Thank you,

Robin D.

Current Jury Photos

I just want to thank everyone who took the time to reply to my query about my booth title: Torched in the Head Glass by Susan Parry Designs. I realize I should trust my own instincts and be true to myself.

Thank you again!!!!

June 14 & 15  
Wheaton, Illinois
Cantigny Park
Saturday, 10am-5pm| Sunday, 10am-4pm
Deadline: February 1

Cantigny Park is pleased to announce Art in Bloom, an outdoor arts festival.  More than 80 juried artists will showcase their work amidst Cantigny's beautiful gardens, grounds and museums. Cantigny is a 500-acre park and part of the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation. It is home to two museums, formal gardens, picnic grounds, restaurants and 27 holes of championship golf.

Art in Bloom is always among the park's most popular events.  Quality of artwork will take precedence over quantity of artists so the show may vary in size somewhat. Friday night set-up is available as well as an air conditioned artist break room, snacks, and    volunteers galore. This event is located on grass under large trees. Ample parking is another valuable asset!

Our publicity campaign will include, but is not limited to, radio, newspaper, eblast, Twitter, Facebook, postcards, web, Cantigny Visitors Guide as well as our Spring and Summer Events guide, posters and banners.  In addition we plan on working with many of Cantigny's partners, affiliates and sponsors to help make this art fair the best that it can be.

FESTIVAL FACTS:

• Deadline: February 1, 2014
• Jury Fee: $10
• Booth Fee: $285
• Artists: approximately 80
• Prints Allowed
• Ribbon Awards: $1,100.00
• Attendance: 8,000+  

To learn more and apply: www.emevents.com
 
Art in Bloom 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. At EM Events, it's about the art.

For additional information please contact: 
Erin Melloy, 630.536.8416,  emelloy@emevents.com

July 19 & 20

Bayfield, Wisconsin 
Memorial Park
Deadline: Until full

Exhibitor Fee: $175 + $20 jury fee

Number of Exhibitors: 75

The Bayfield community will celebrate its unique connection to the arts on Saturday, July 19th from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, July 20th from 10:00am to 4:00pm, during Bayfield's 52nd annual Festival of Arts weekend.

Over 70 artists from  throughout the Midwest gather for this juried arts & crafts show which is held in Memorial Park on the shores of Lake Superior.

Visitors will find a wide selection of pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, and glass among the mediums exhibited. Events will include a live art auction, fine art vendors, and local gallery tours and demonstrations. 5 "Best in Show" awards are given, including $100 cash and free admission to the next year's festival. Free admission.

Learn more and apply:

        


Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau
P.O. Box 138
Bayfield, WI  54814
(715)779-3335 (800)447-4094
Email: debi@bayfield.org

Hello, All:

I have pondered about this show for a couple of years and I have heard good and bad things about this event (just like any other, right?)  Can anyone offer info:  attendance, buying energy, etc.?  Is it worth a 7 hour drive?  Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Congratulations to long-time member and frequent contributor, Pat Sorbini, whose post "Re-Calculating" was voted "Post of the Month" for December 2013. Well worth a read for all of us in January as we plan for the year ahead.

Try as I might, scouring the Internet as hard as I could there are no images of Pat to be found. So here is a simple thank you, job well done to you Pat for not only this thoughtful contribution but for all of your heartfelt posts. Read more of them here.

The members also voted special recognition for their help and contributions to the site to Larry Berman, Geoff Coe and Nels Johnson. Thanks, guys, for everything.

June 6, 7 & 8
Omaha, Nebraska
Downtown Omaha alongside a beautiful and scenic park
135 Fine Art Exhibitors
Deadline:  February 1

The Best in the Midwest:
Attracting more than 80,000 patrons from throughout the region, the Omaha Summer Arts Festival is consistently ranked in the top 100 art fairs in the country and enjoys an established tradition of excellence.

This popular show features 135 juried artists from across the country selling their fine art and contemporary crafts in 14 media categories.  An experienced staff of dedicated, event professionals produces the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.

Members of the Festival's Board of Directors visit each artist individually providing an opportunity for one-on-one feedback and evaluation.  We care about the artists, listen to their input and react to their concerns.

Each artist is provided an 11'x11' space with an additional 2'x11' storage area at the back. An exceptional show layout allows every artist to pull his or her vehicle in front of their booth for easy set-up and tear down.

Outstanding Artist Amenities:

• $2,500 in Cash Merit Awards
• A variety of options for discounted lodging within one mile of the show
• Complimentary lunch delivered to each artists' booth on Friday
• Artist Awards Brunch on Saturday & Continental Breakfast and Artists' Meeting on Sunday
• Artist Concierge Dest, centrally located, with dedicated cell phone number for Artist requests
• Private, air-conditioned Artists' Lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages, private, indoor restrooms, artist-only computers, free WiFi and chair massages by appointment
• Artwork Delivery Program picking up from your booth and delivering to your customers' vehicles
• Experienced booth sitters & water delivery to Artists' booths throughout the weekend
• Assistance with load-in and tear-down
• Complimentary sand tubes delivered to your booth and removed at the end of the show
• 24 hour security provided by off-duty Omaha Police Officers 

Application:  www.Zapplication.org 

The Omaha Summer Arts Festival is a magnet that draws people together to celebrate art in all of its forms and varied expressions. Its mission is to present culturally diverse, high-quality arts programs, performances and exhibits in downtown Omaha for the general public to appreciate and enjoy. 

Apply today to be a part of the tradition as the Omaha Summer Arts Festival

For more information:

Emily Peklo, Visual Arts Coordinator

epeklo@vgagroup.com - www.summerarts.org 

(402)345-5401 Ext: 106 

Fellow Artists, I need your opinion, please.

I am a glass artist who primarily works over the torch. Most of what I make is wearable, some not. A few years ago, I applied for and received a registered trademark for "Torch in the Head" and have that on my booth sign, web site, and business cards. I meant this to be used as a pun as I was an English major in my former life who loved and still loves word play.

 This sign attracts a lot of attention from walker-bys, many who become customers because they first think they're reading "touched in the head" and want to hear more about it. I then somewhat jokingly explain that I work over the head of a torch and that you've got to be a little "touched" to want to work with 2,000-3,000 degrees of heat--plus, I have red hair, which admittedly comes from a bottle these days.

A few months ago, I did a show and was visited by the promoter who thought that was a terrible name asking me why I wanted to demean myself. He thinks I should use my name alone. I then asked a well-known marketing guru who thought I should change it because it could connote a painful image of someone's head on fire.

I did ornaments for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington DC (2010) and no-one said anything negative about the moniker then, but perhaps that should be handled as a  different critter.

I am now slowly getting into some higher end shows and wonder if I should change my name--or only use the more somber name for them. Hope I make sense--And Thank you in advance <3

After looking back at 2013, I have decided to concentrate on applying to shows that are sponsored and run by local non-profit arts organizations. Those are the shows where I had the best sales. And after a solid crushing defeat at each of the 3 Amdur shows I did in the Chicago suburbs, I am hesitant to try for a professional promoter again. 

I am curious if anyone else has noticed a difference between the type of crowd attracted by local arts centers and the crowds that attend the for-profit promoter shows?

I certainly have. The arts centers seem to draw from their member base and their respect in the community. I see avid collectors and shoppers on a mission. Many will visit every booth before they make their purchasing decisions. Even if they don't buy from me, I'm happy to see them, because I know I at least have a chance to succeed at that show. And overall last year, my sales were best at the shows run by local arts centers.

At the suburban Chicago shows, I saw very few collectors. The crowds were just walking by and looking. Few artists seemed happy. I'm not sure if it was because of the location of the shows,  the way people perceive a professional promoter, or something else entirely, like the people just didn't like my work. Hey, it happens. I chose the Amdur shows because they are run so well. But that isn't much help if they don't attract people who will buy my work. 

Perhaps, during the recession, art buyers are reserving their dollars for their community arts centers, to keep them going. Is the buy local movement supporting this?

Has anyone else been considering these points in their 2014 applications?

Geneva, Illinois
Downtown, 8 S. Third Street

Saturday 10-5 | Sunday 10-5

presented by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Geneva, a chic and charming historic town located on the Fox River, will celebrate its 13th annual Fine Arts Fair in 2014. Its prestigious reputation of offering a superb selection of fine art by renowned artists and cutting edge newcomers attracts beginning and avid collectors. 

The show is tucked among 100+ specialty shops located in Victorian-style homes and century-old buildings. Awards for emerging and seasoned artists along with warm small-town hospitality, offer a picture-postcard setting for this juried art celebration.FESTIVAL FACTS:

• Sunshine Artist's Top 200 for 2013
• Jury Fee: $20
• Booth Fee: $300
• Ribbon Awards: $4,000
• Attendance: 20,000+

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

PLEASE NOTE: Prints, photography, digital art and computer generated art: Prints must be produced by traditional printmaking techniques. Giclee prints are allowed only in digital photography. Photography may be wet darkroom (chemicals) or digital darkroom. We define computer generated art as an art form created entirely with a computer.

Emerging Artists: Emerging Artists are required to abide by the same rules as professional artists. The jury fee is waived for emerging artists. If accepted the space fee is $100. Note: emerging artists are considered those who have never paid for a booth space at a fine art or craft fair. Accepted emerging artists will receive one "wall" to display artwork on that is approximately 6' high by 8' long. Artists need to supply their own chair, umbrella and pedestals. Limited photography spaces are available.

The Geneva Fine Arts Fair is one of a series of Chicago area art fairs managed 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 premiere art festivals of distinction.

This is my first post and inquiry.  I was so looking forward to doing this show at the Callanwolde Mansion in Atlanta, GA.  I applied and was accepted by the jury.  I went to pay my single booth fee (a week before the deadline) through ZAPP and received the message that it was "SOLD OUT".  Confused, I clicked on the double booth (which I did not need or want) and it was available.  Again, I tried to click on the single booth with the same message.  After sending two emails and not getting a response about the "sold out" question, I finally got this e-mail:

2014 Callanwolde Arts Festival: January 25-26, 2014
STATUS NOTIFICATION
Dear Amy,

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2014 Callanwolde Arts Festival.

When the jury made its selections, you were either Invited or placed on the Wait List.  

The response to this event was immediate and very strong.  Those who received the invitation to participate secured their space quickly, many with double spaces.

Although we set the deadline to confirm your participation (make payment) and open the Wait List on January 13, we are now completely SOLD OUT.

How did this happen?

The jury invited 90 artists to participate.  This venue will hold a maximum of 86 artists.  There is no room to "expand" to include more space.  We were quite surprised that no one declined, and many purchased a double space. It is very unusual for our events to sell out so quickly and it really put us in a bind, because we hate to lose you!   

We regret that we are unable to invite you to join us for this event, however if we receive any cancellations, you will be the first to know!    

Don't forget, we have many more events in 2014!  Click HERE to see them all.
If you have questions, please send us an email and we will do our best to reply to you quickly.
 
Sincerely,
Patrick, Randall, Lisa and Sarah
Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces
info@affps.com 

After going back and forth, insulted by one of the staff (saying I shouldn't have waited until the last minute to pay, which I didn't), I finally just gave up on them... they were selling double booths (and then not single) before everyone who had been juried in had a chance to get a single booth.

I was very frustrated and miffed...

Has anyone else have this happen to them?  Should the people in charge of this made some of the double boothers, give up half their booths to accomodate the four of us that just were plain out of luck...

I would just like to say I will never enter another Paragon sponsored show again.

I am new to the Art Show business and have had only three shows to date. Paragon put on a show in Sarasota last November that I was invited to attend. I found the show producers rude and not at all accommodating for the Artists.

We were supposed to have a free breakfast, coffee and bagels, fresh fruit etc. The vendor didn't show up until the show began at 10 am, no time for coffee and even those who were lucky enough to have someone watch their booth, the coffee was ok, but the bagels and fresh fruit turned out to be packaged cinnamon rolls, that was it, yuck. The only "pay for" offerings were beverages, no other food at all. The only restaurants were blocks away.

Parking was blocks away and a lot of the other artists parked in spots considered "for patron only" even though they were behind a building close to the tents but not being used. If you got caught you were rudely asked to move, even when the spots were clearly not being used by anyone else.

The portable potties were in one location only, at the opposite end of the street.

I saw al least two buy and re-sell vendors, one across from me that used a blow torch to "melt" wax off stone, a ploy to attract attention. This vendor receives stone statues in bulk from African workshops then re-sells them as his own. He even got into the "Fort Myers" show, how does that happen?

I was at the show by myself, no one to help set up or take down, I am a 58 year old female. When we started break down Sunday evening about an hour into it the show producer, on bicycle smoking a cigarette, rode up to me and asked " Why is it taking you so long to pack up?" I was the last to leave and even though there were plenty of show people around no one offered to help. The producer and his crew watched me load the last piece into my trailer and drive away.

I heard the producer bad mouthing Howard Allen shows, my second show in Venice was produced by Howard Allen and I will say it was much better organized and the people were 100% more friendly. Never again Paragon!