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Listen to the conversations around you…… colleagues at the office, customers in the coffeehouse line, those who serve you, those you serve, the people you meet each day. "Give me a tall latte." "Hand me that hammer." "Have a good one."

Notice anything missing? The traditional magic words "please" and "thank you" that many people learn as children appear to be disappearing.

I blame the casualty on the casual.

The slow erosion of the 'magic words' in our everyday vernacular has to do with the predilection toward all things casual in our society today. Casual conversation, casual dress and casual behavior have hijacked practically all areas of life, and I do not think it is doing anyone a service.

Other polite phrases also seem to be falling by the wayside. "You're welcome," for instance. Say "thank you" to someone these days, and instead of hearing "you're welcome," you're more liable to hear: "Sure." "No problem." "You bet." "Enjoy." Or a long list of replies that replace the traditional "you're welcome."

Instead of saying "thank you," people say "got it." Or "have a good one." Or, more often, nothing at all. And in lieu of saying "no, thank you," reactions such as "I'm good" are increasingly common.

The responses 'have a good one,' 'I'm good' or 'you bet,' do not carry the same sentiment or convey the same conviction as when we are sincerely expressing our gratitude or thanks. They feel less invested, almost as if they are painful to utter under our breath.

Please excuse us for asking the questions:

Are we just finding new ways to say old, polite phrases?

Are good manners merely morphing?

Or are they fading away altogether?

Becoming More Rude…….

Simple things that we took for granted as children no longer seem to count.

Saying please and thank you, asking permission, offering unsolicited help, and following up on solutions to problems are no longer as important.

Go through any drive-through at a fast-food restaurant in America.

Go through any checkout line in a grocery store.

Stand in line at a convenience store. If you are very lucky, the person waiting on you will make eye contact. Maybe they will speak. More likely, they will hand you your drink and bag while looking back over their shoulder, never even acknowledging your person-hood much less your status as a customer.

The checkout person "will check you out," all the while being 'checked out' emotionally from the situation. Worst of all, as I experienced in an airport in the last couple of years, a kiosk worker will blandly bag your item, swipe your debit card, hand you your receipt, all while having a conversation on her cellphone. Amazing. Outrageous.

People are becoming more rude and less civil……

It is important to show respect for other people by greeting them when you first see them… in the hallway, at a meeting, on the street and especially at our shows!!!!

The form of greeting, though, has morphed over time.

"How do you do?" became "Hello, how are you?" which eventually changed into "Hello, how are things?" Or "How's it going?"

As a result of the metamorphosis, today it would sound a little stilted and perhaps even disrespectful if a sarcastic tone is used to say 'How do you do?' "

And what about other popular substitutions, such as "no problem" for "you're welcome"?

The phrase "you're welcome" has long been the commonly accepted courteous response. But  the norms, and the manners and the mores…may change.

What won't change, is the importance of acknowledging appreciation expressed….

Food for thought...get a plate!!

Lynn

Throughout my first year of doing shows I have learned a lot from the artists around me; what lights work, how to display and promote my art, travel advice/tips, booth advice, pricing advice, and most of all what shows and where I should travel.  The only problem with this last bit of advice is that I have found that everyone has a different opinion about every single show.  How do we take advice from others when every show is such a gamble?  Then I start to think, when I do good at a show one year, how can I ensure that I will be in it next year? And even if I do get into the shows I have done well in, who is to say that I will do well in them time and time again?  This business is such a gamble, and although the advice is great, it also is a bit saddening.  I have spoken to many artists who have been doing the same shows years and years in a row, and doing well at them, which is great... but then where could I fit into that show ever and see if I can do well in it as well if all of these artists have been doing them over and over?  When is it time to switch things up and freshen the shows with new artists?  I know this must be hard for different venues because it is wonderful to have artists come back for more, and some get discouraged when they have been doing a show for 7 years or so and then one year they can't get in anymore.  To me this is such an interesting topic, and I'm not sure what the right answer is.  I live in the St. Louis area, and obviously we have the large St. Louis Art fair every year, and I had a chance to speak with a lot of the artists in length because I work at a local establishment and every single one of them knew each other, and had been doing the show for years and years.  I applied this year and did not get in, which I was not surprised about because I had heard that it is like finding a needle in a haystack to get into this fair if #1, you're from St. Louis, and #2, it's your first year applying.  Both of these realities are pretty heartbreaking and discouraging, and honestly I'm not sure what the point of throwing away $45-$50 each year is if the odds of me getting in are so slim.  I'm wondering what people's take on these issues are.  I feel it at both ends, hearing from friends who I look up to and have given me support about the art show experience who are having hard times getting into shows they have been doing for years, and those who are just starting out and getting into the same shows.  I know that both are part of the trade, but which is worse???

Dag nabit, I told myself I would never do it again...and despite the self admonishments and promises to self, I did!

Our last show of 2013 was last weekend in Ferndale. The Funky Ferndale show seems to always be playing with start times on Friday. This year it started at: I don't know because really you set your booth up and people come all day. We zipped up at 8, we have a corner & our booth had electricity. This year, as the last 3 years we pull our travel trailer & stay at the show. I don't know about the parking for this show, because a few years ago I saw that it was going to be tough to park my trailer as the show does not offer overnight parking for your travel trailer or RV. No easy campgrounds so I would like to suggest to everyone who pulls a trailer & stays in it or a RV or van, to use your Google maps and zone in on businesses that close for the weekend. This technique for staying in cities near my show that does not offer parking has worked nearly every time. In Ann Arbor, parking is very tough, so I researched spots & found a church to park our trailer in. I called, asked, and I offered to donate a piece of art (they did not ask for it) and they let us stay 2 miles from the show from Tuesday till Sunday Morning. Churches are great places to ask. Look & think about businesses close and who have a large parking lot... it depends on the parking lot. Back to Ferndale. I use this technique there and we have a great place to sleep & stay all weekend. 

Sales for us on Friday were brisk. Last year we had a $700 piece stolen - and the more "finer" the art, the more we took it home. So this year we brought smaller & just a vast assortment of our art, many new pieces - with nothing over $350. We use this show as a good place to wheel & deel with older art... kinda fun! The show runs with the DIY across Woodward - and that brings in a urban crowd. Young, hip, vegan, coffee loving, inspiring LGBT men & women - just a COOL group of people! If you have funky art, which we do, we so very much enjoy this show. Our spot is really great & others did not have that experience. My friend was in no mans land and she had a terrible show with her bags, unfortunately not many ventured to her booth. The row she set up in was confusing. I heard it was that way because the fire marshall. The shops downtown ferndale are EDGY and awe-tastic! I heavily contemplated a tattoo while eating a rosemary shortbread cookie & drinking that coffee... Set up & take down are easy because we have learned the proper times to arrive & take down from doing the show before. The Rust Belt art market is a hub of talent - to many restaurants to eat at, but the Thai, I dream about that Shrimp Pad Thai. 

Saturday & Sunday were busy and fast. I like Detroit. We have such fun doing these shows all summer around the area - suburbs and downtown. Its a place of inspiration - as well as many places around Michigan. We are lucky to live here. Nothing stolen this year. In fact, I had such a vibrant crowd - Young old, all ethnic backgrounds  - so many religions - Art is a soup. I take more away from being in the creative soup that us humans all mix together  - I go back to my studio and make new things. These crowds inspire me to be authentic - and that gives me permission to be authentic in my work.

September 25, 5 pm ET

Our guests are potters Jan Richardson and Robert Briscoe,  well known in the artist community not only for their fine work but their generosity in developing opportunities for other artists. 

Living in rural Maryland Jan developed the Valley Craft Network in 1982, a tour that continues to bring buyers from nearby Baltimore and Washington, DC, into the region to visit studios.

After a move to Washington State about six years ago she found few opportunities for selling her work and since then has worked in her community with the Peninsula Arts Association to create the Peninsula Artists Studio Tour and the Peninsula Clay Artists annual Clay Show, also bringing in guest artists and hosting workshops to promote the arts.

Robert Briscoe has been exhibiting his functional beautiful pottery at art festivals since 1970. In 1992 together with 7 of his friends they started the St. Croix Valley Pottery Studio Tour, which has become a national pottery phenomenon.

It started as a simple idea: bring together a group of potters to create an event that would be larger in scope than any individual's studio sale. In its' 22nd year it has grown to include 50 potters (43 of them invited from elsewhere).

The studios are within an hours' drive of Minneapolis. Collectors and pottery lovers come from all over North. America to enjoy the celebration and collect this fine handmade work.

Can you do this in your community? Can you bring others together to benefit not only yourselves but to promote tourism? Listen to these veterans as they teach you how.

The members have chosen Jim's Parker's post "A Trifecta of National Shows -- Des Moines, Cherry Creek & Ann Arbor (the original)" as August's Post of the Month! Jim's partner, Karyn, always a support to him seems to be almost as good a gymnast as he is! 

December 28 & 29 (New Year's Eve Weekend)
Saint Augustine, Florida
Old Town Art & Craft Show-Winter  
Francis Field
10am-5pm
Holiday Art Shows
125 Exhibitors
Deadline: October 4

Please join us for the Old Town Art & Craft Show-Winter, New Year's Eve weekend.  this is a carefully juried fine art and fine craft celebration of the arts.

New Year's Eve weekend is an extremely busy weekend with both tourists and locals alike converging in historic downtown to enjoy the Nation's Oldest City. 

We are excited to offer you this premier event during the festive Christmas season in Saint Augustine.

Show Highlights:

• Free admission
• Reasonable booth fees
• Overnight security
• Easy drive up load and unload
• Free artist parking nearby
• Extensive marketing campaign
• Artist friendly, knowledgeable staff
• Free postcards for your customers
• Friday set-up
• By artists for artists

Holiday Art Shows offers three options for submitting your application; please choose whichever is most convenient and comfortable for you.

1. Holiday Art Shows online application: www.holidayartshows.com/online-application.html 
2. www.Zapplication.org/index.php 
3. Print and mail application: http://www.holidayartshows.com/support-files/old-town-application-13.pdf

Media campaign includes: Arbus, regional newspapers, Folio   Weekly (Jacksonville), radio, posters, flyers, banners, signage, social networking, and postcards.

Sponsored by Arbus-The Arts and Business Magazine of Northeast Florida, and Folio Weekly.  We look forward to receiving your application!

Holiday Art Shows

PO Box 861026

Saint Augustine, FL  32086

www.OldTownArtShow.com  

Lynn Wettach, Show Director

lynn@holidayartshows.com

Picasso was known to sign checks with flourish so that people he paid would be more likely to frame the check and hang it on the wall than to cash it. I know times are tougher now in the art show industry, but when you make a sale to a famous person and they pay by check, do you ever consider saving the check. Or maybe you scan the check for possible promotional use and then deposit it.

I recently licensed a picture for the back cover and a few interior photos of Julius Erving's (Dr J) autobiography published by Harper Collins and scheduled for November release. Julius Erving is arguably one of the best basketball players ever. The publisher paid for the cover photos and Julius Erving himself paid for the interior photos. My first thought after opening the envelope and removing the check from Julius Erving was that it would make a great souvenir and addition to my sports web site, www.BermanSports.com. So I scanned the check for promotional use and deposited it. At some point you'll probably be able to see a small portion of the check along a picture of the book's back cover when I add a page about the book to my web site.

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
http://BermanSports.com
412-401-8100

Patrons enjoying a rare mild (rainless) night at Autumn & Art @ Bradley Fair in Wichita

The picture doesn't do it justice but the weather was spectacular all weekend...except when it poured at load out time!

Okay, I wont repeat most of what I said about last years show, see the link to review there:

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/which-ways-wichita

I will add a few items though.

Show Hours and Dates: Autumn & Art @ Bradley Fair - Wichita, KS.

Sept. 13 - 15 Friday Patron Preview 6-9 PM, Sat 10-7 and Sun 10-5

Logistics:

Still easy to get in, unload and set-up, very well organized for the load-out but....and that's a big BUT. The weather was threatening the last half hour and the volunteer team was sticking to their guns about being packed up before rolling in. I had all my stock in boxes lined up in the street (not the gutter) and my neighbor had already pulled out so there was plenty of room for me to pull in as we were at the end of the row. Nope, have to have it all packed up. Well, it started to rain...and it poured, then the volunteer guy relented and let me drive in but by then the damage was done. It was raining so hard I gave up and left the tent poles up while I retreated to the van. The gutters filled up with water way past my boxes, you get the picture. I was so soaked I gave up and ran out to grab the boxes before they floated down the street with all the garbage the other neighbor left in the street. Happy to say no damage to the art but the boxes? Well I have some rebuilding to do!

Amenities:

Still great stuff. Great Friday night artists dinner with beef or chicken, smashed potatoes and salad. Lunch was provided both Sat. and Sun, whose heard of that in a long time! Plenty of water and snacks the rest of the weekend AND a first class trailer potty, air conditioned, running water...The only criticism, and its a small one, booth sitters tended to come around mostly in the afternoon and not too frequently, that's the worst I can say.

Storage, Booth Space, Load-In/Out:

Plenty for all.

Demographics/Buying Trends:

Unlike last years show that was so ho-hum this year was much better. They beefed up the Patron's program to encourage them to come back all weekend, and they did, with a special patron's area, drinks, food, etc. Right off the bat I made a couple of sales Friday night! Saturday, not-so-much. There was a little action in the morning and I could've taken a nap the rest of the day. Sunday was the big selling day and I sold pretty much all day with Be-Backs!

Pretty much bought the whole range of prices, low, middle and high. All age groups were buying also. As I was trying to pack to get out at 5 I made two big sales! Sales VS Getting out of the rain? Hmmmm

Quality/Range of Art:

Still great quality of art with among myself, other returning artists from last year and some new ones as well

Food:

There wasn't the usual "Fair Food" Jason's Deli was there but then artists didn't have to go to them for food, see above. The patron's were treated to dinner from Newport Grill, RedRock Canyon Grill and YaYa's Eurobistro.

Reflections:

I'm glad I returned to this show. Although I sent out postcards to last years patrons (one did say hello) I'd say there was a whole other crowd that showed up this year and in greater numbers than last. So it seems that their marketing is working and bringing in the potential buyers in greater numbers than last year. I added about 1/3 more in sales from last year so with sales numbers up it was well worth the drive! I'd say that this is a first class show in terms of management, artist treatment, artist numbers (small show under 100) and potential for growth.

One other down side, they were top heavy on Photography! I thought that was only jewelry! There were about 22/80 almost a third of the show! but despite this I felt I had a pretty good show.

What a surprise. I live in a small town where I mostly only see the highway and the other houses, but the morning was magical. I'm going to try to carry that through this day. How did your morning start?

Photo from the Huffington Post.

All summer long I have been thinking about our inside display for the jewelry.  We have used our Corelle dishes – and placed black acquarium rocks in it.  Then we’ve laid each collection in an individual plate with signs stating each collection’s name and few word description.

The display is pretty.  We always have comments on how clever it looks – how the display ‘pops,’ and so on.  So the comments have been about the ‘cool’ display but not always about the ‘wow’ factor of the jewelry. 

We aren’t getting any younger (just better).  The rocks are heavy.  The schlep factor is beginning to take its toll.  I have osteoarthritis and am now using crutches because I cannot walk, sit, stand, lay down well.  Hip replacement is on the horizon.  Jay has his own physical issues. 

The plates have to be individually wrapped.  The rocks fall onto the floor and have to be swept.  Kids stick their hands in the rocks.  The rocks take time to set up and take down.

So, I was in the dollar store this summer and found a packet of four round (wish they were square) plates – plastic.  Lightweight.  Could be thrown in a box without thinking of breakage.  But now, how to alleviate the rocks?

Last year I took Jamie, one of my granddaughters, to the fabric store to buy material for her tallit (prayer shawl).  She had been thinking about the design for some time and told me what she envisioned.  It was doable.  Jamie is a ‘yellow’ girl – she loves yellow.  And Jamie loves sparkles.  We found yellow fabric for the corners and the atarah (where the prayer is written).  I placed the leftover fabric onto the orange plate and placed the jewelry on top.  It looks beautiful. 

The next problem is what to place the yellow sparkle material to even out the plate and place the jewelry onto. We tried different mediums.   We cut out Styrofoam and thought we might cover these pieces.  We took left over pieces of wood. But none of these were working.  Then we tried cork – the kind that can be used as a bulletin board.  Ah hah – this was going to work.

So Jay has now cut out the circles of the cork.  We will be wrapping material around the cork and then use Velcro for the jewelry to stay in place.  I’ve looked at display stands and that will be the next purchase. 

We hope to have the new display ready to go within the next few weeks- knowing that we may need tweaking.  And we know that the display will look beautiful and the jewelry will pop!

For the third year, we attended the Old Hilliard Art Fair in Old Hilliard, OH, a suburb on the western side of Columbus, held this year on Saturday, Sept. 14.  For two years it has been something of a middling show, but it's not that far of a trip for us and it's only a one day show.

This year, however, this became the ugly stepchild of the Old Hilliard Street Fair.  The entire venue was put on an empty grass lot off the beaten path while the buy-sell and "crap" booths occupied main street and its immediate offshoots.  Just to make sure that there were enough distractions to keep people away from the art part, a kids' activities sections was added within easy eyesight and easier access.

The end results was that attendance in the arts section was anemic, to say the least.  This time, we did not make booth.  Attendance for the street fair and kids' section was not bad, but it never filtered to the arts part.  We realize now that the arts council has no support from the local community.  Although the field was marked off for the designated booths, someone had parked a car right in the middle of one of those spaces during the night.  Why?  Because, while all the other areas that would be part of the street fair had posted temporary "No Parking" signs put up by the police department, they conveniently forgot about the artists.

In conclusion, there is no way that we would even suggest that anyone attend a future incarnation of the Old Hilliard Art Fair.  Because there is no Old Hilliard Art Fair, only an area designated for "artists."  during a street fair.  When the local arts council can obtain local support for their activities, we'll be happy to take another look.  But for now, good bye Old Hilliard.

As a parting remark, we have had some very successful shows in Ohio.  The best have always had the support of the local Chamber of Commerce.  Lesson learned.  As we continue in our art show endeavors, it's something we will keep an eye out for.

I wish all a good show!

Had the experience of doing Funky Ferndale this past weekend in Ferndale, MI. Found it quite interesting overall. Felt a bit like a northern version of Key west. Folks were very friendly and receptive to our work.

What a gorgeous setting and incredible weather this last weekend. (Sept. 14 & 15) This has to be the best show for literally "catering" to their vendors! There was a whole shop front just for us to go to to get drinks, snacks, food....and dinner was catered!!! Imagine that!!!

The friendliest crowd ever...ok, here is the down side, small turn out. Erin and I (my daughter) did fabulous because we have prices for everyone; a few exhibitors left Saturday. Not everyone is there for a 1200.00 painting...we were constant, very few people walked by us without looking. Our jewelry is very different, we are NOT bored housewives stringing beads together!!! Even other jewelers didn't do as well as we did. We were packing up and people were coming back to grab something they saw!

We found out that another very popular festival changed its weekend to the same one...maybe that was it. But....when was the last time you went to a show with this view, breezes off the river, 70 degree weather and endless coffee! Most relaxing show we've ever been to!

Saturday, February 22  

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
9:30 - 4:00
Approx. 125 spaces
Deadline: October 1

You've  heard how fun it is. This is your chance to find out for yourself! This  is the show to sell your seconds, overstock, duds or things you're just  tired of looking at in your booth, even your art supplies or art you've  traded for!

What's not to like? Indoors in the deep of winter and beloved by customers. Bad weather does not deter these shoppers, they come by the droves.

It's  only 6½ hours long with morning set-up. Make it easy on yourself, rent  some tables and forget the normal time consuming display.

It's  run by Bonnie Blandford (jeweler) and Michael Kifer (potter) who both  make their living doing art fairs so they know how to make it  more fun! Besides, who doesn't need money in February?

The scoop:

• $15 application fee
• Booth fees starting at $125 for a 10 x 10
• Very few rules (no buy/sell)
• Share a booth if you'd like, but all parties must apply
• Mark things down and move them out! 

Applications, more information and pictures are at:
www.GarageSaleArtFair.com

This was my first time at this show and there was mixed reviews from the artists.  Even though it was my first time, I, as well as numerous others believe the attendance was less than expected.  Weather was PERFECT and maybe that contributed to it.

My "art" is not traditional in the since.  I produce fine writing instruments. OK, ink pens but unique and one of a kind.  We even heard another artist complaining to the next booth about them "letting a pen turner" in an art show. 

With that said, I had a great show.  Selling more than any other show in 4 yrs. The promoters were helpful to the extent of being on call for the wife, (handicapped), for a ride to the potty.  And the venue was great as well.  Only down side we saw was no dedicated parking for the artist.

Now, I may be new on the scene, but my observation of those who weren't selling is this.  If you are setting 20' across the street (after visiting one of the numerous bars during selling hours) yacking with your neighbor instead of engaging potential customers, your not gonna sell anything. 

Okay... I made it through this years Funky Ferndale Art Fair. It is located in suburban Detroit, Michigan in Oakland County. Funky Ferndale takes up the west side of Nine Mile Road and the DIY Street Fair is on the east side of Nine Mile Road with Woodward Avenue being the divider for both shows. The difference between Funky Ferndale is that it is a juried show and the DIY Street Fair is a first come first serve booth fee.

Set up was pretty easy although my tent was on the south side of Nine Mile (unloading was from the north so I had to bring items through my neighbor's booth to get to mine. I was also a neighbor to Steven Daniel's Adventures of a Tree Frog. He gave me some pointers at the fair which were helpful.

The fair runs three days (Friday 3-8PM, Saturday 10AM-8PM and Sunday 12PM-5PM). I don't quite understand the Friday portion for the crowds were very light on Friday and I only had $140 of sales.

Saturday was a much different story - selling a lot of 5x7s and an occasional 8x10 but none of my framed pieces sold. So I guess I will not be doing anymore framing this year. That was my only disappointment from this show. I had debuted a gigantic Village People print (#1/125) in Lego form at this fair. A lot of complements on it but no takers. Sales on Saturday were $727.50 and my highest price point that sold that day was $35. So a lot of volume but no big piece and I had to cart all those frames back home on Sunday. :(

Mark Loeb (show director) stopped by my booth on Saturday and was questioning about a new poster for the fair. So maybe a commissioned Lego minifigure piece for the show!

Sunday, it rained off and on. So sales were not all that great and it limited the crowd a bit. But I did $250 on a rain soaked afternoon. But it really came down closer to 5PM. That means I had my first tear down in the rain. Bummer.

DIY Street Fair Main Stage

DIY Street Fair at night (They run 'til midnight on Friday and Saturday)

Funky Ferndale on Sunday

More Funky Ferndale on Sunday