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Hi all,

Just wanted to post a review of my experience at Fest for All in Baton Rouge, LA this past weekend. It was my third year doing the show and this one reached a new personal best for me.

Saturday was a bit slower than I had expected but still very steady. I sold 9 pieces beginning at 10:15 and ending around 5:00. Lots of interest all around. The show has long hours but luckily the show organizers provided lunch for all of the artists. The sandwiches were a great boost and considering I had left my water in the car, I was grateful for the bottled water they provided for us. I do think that the show could have ended a bit earlier on Saturday....maybe 6:00 instead of 7.

Sunday was fantastic. I sold another 9 pieces and received two commissions. Sales were steady starting at 12:30 up until 6:00. Two pieces were higher price points, (over 1k). My work is 2D mixed media, works on paper.

Load out and load in were very straightforward and easy. I was really impressed with how accommodating the organizers were- they even let me set up early knowing that I was on my own. One of the show organizers even stopped by to help me load up my vehicle. I thought that the show was run well and am looking forward to returning in 2014. I hope they will accept my application next year.

Dear Jurors;

My name is Gayle Weiss and I am a Chicagoland jewelry designer with 12 years of art fair experience. Erin Malloy was kind enough to offer to forward this email for your consideration. The reason I am writing is to foster a meaningful discussion around the criteria for show acceptance. Because having a conversation without input from the decision makers who most impact our outcomes is just plain unproductive.

I hope it doesn't sound like sour grapes, but please understand that none of us have any argument with competition for limited opportunities or coveted spaces  and none of us are strangers to a full category. But, when all else is equal, many of us are mystified by a rejection and many of us are prized participants at seemingly similar shows. I've been listening to this evolving conversation amongst artists pertaining to submissions and how guidelines impact judges' final decisions. There's a growing feeling that art fair decisions can really come down to two crucial components. First, having a single booth photo from which to judge and second, disallowing a meaningful statement with a submission about artists' work and approach. In actuality, these may be the only substantive determinants when it comes down to a difficult choice for a judge, especially in the most crowded category of jewelry design.

So, the following thoughts are based on my distillation of this ongoing community conversation, as well as my own feelings on the topic.

First the booth issue:

Some very high end shows seem to value uniformity and a "jewelry store" showcase model for booth layouts. As beautiful and professional as this approach might be, there's a sense of distance that's created when a potential customer is separated from the art and the artist. And, of course, I realize each artist makes a decision as to how they wish to display their work, but there are only a few layouts of this type for a 10' x10' space. After a while they all begin to look alike.

This past summer, I had a lovely opportunity to work the Port Clinton show with Sandy Matasick, an award winning jewelry designer from Gainesville, FL. As the proud owner of one of her pieces and as a fellow artist, we've become great pals and she now stays at my home during this Amdur Productions show.
Not all shows are like this, but while I was helping Sandy with her sales, I noticed an almost benumbed crowd. I recognized a feeling like this in myself while walking through art fairs and noticed the similarity of the jewelry displays. It seems the less interactive a booth and the more space that is put between an artist and their wares, the less engaged the audience. I couldn't help but notice that booths with inviting, open space are far more accessible, active and engaging than booths that create a separation with glass cases or the likes. Yet, the professional look and a great booth photo would never indicate there might be a concern.

In my own booth, I highly value openness because it invites a conversation; I get an opportunity to tell the stories behind my designs. It's a great choice for me because of the unique and vintage elements in my work. I search long and hard to find components that make my designs different and inimitable. It's true that I am not a metal smith, also true that I cold-connect my work, true again that I construct similarly to other jewelry artists. What makes me different is exactly what my client values....that no one else will ever have what they have....alone, they own the bragging rights to a one-of-a-kind piece. I cannot make that happen if I cannot let my client touch, feel, try on, and allow me to help them adjust and visualize their accessories. A closed off booth cannot foster that kind of interaction and it would hurt my sales.

I guess what I'm saying about judging booth photos, is that unless there is a statement allowed to support an artist's booth choice, it wouldn't be fair to exclude them based on only a jury's aesthetic. On a point system, one judge's consistent opinion of what a booth "should look like," can kill an applicant's chances.

To Be Continued - Part II: The Artist's Statement

Have any members of Artfairinsiders done this show? Anything I should know about it before accepting the invitation? Any info would be appreciated. TIA. Judy Peterson

Ok, y'all!! Still have the accent in my head, I am going to break this down into two sections, the positives first and then the negatives and I will warn you now, there are a lot of negatives. 

The Positives:

Set-up and check in for this show was a breeze.  I had no issues at all and was alone with no help from any volunteers and I got the whole display up and polished in about 2 hours.  Security was very evident and I felt totally comfortable leaving all the art there overnight.  I had about $10,000.00 in inventory.  My neighbors were all very nice and friendly and the weather was perfect.  The weather for this show was perfect all weekend actually.  No rain and temps in the mid-upper 70's with a light breeze.  I returned Saturday and not a thing was out of place in my booth.

Saturday crowds were light and thready.  I would have a bunch of people in the booth, then a trickle and then a bunch more.  I recieved countless comments on my work, the people were very polite and kind and the compliments were flowing freely and seemed genuine.  Parents were controlling their children and their dogs and I met some very nice people and petted some wonderful dogs.  My neighbors were friendly and chatty and I enjoyed them.  Greg Little, AFI member was two booths down from me with his wife Carol.  Greg and Carol are wonderful people, very nice and fun to talk to.  The three of us had dinner Saturday night at a Greek restaurant and visited and ate good food.  I really hope to meet up with them again.  Greg had a great show and won the award of distinction.  Greg's work is amazing and I am so glad he won.  He said it was his first award.    

I had one sale on Saturday evening, toward the end of the show.  It is funny, I was in the bathroom when the sale occurred and my neighbor actually handled it for me. 

Sunday was more of the same.  Light, thready crowds, lighter than Saturday.  I had a zero sale day on Sunday, but again nice people, warm compliments and good weather. 

The negatives:  Stop reading this now if you don't want to be depressed or very mad.  If you are contemplating doing this show, please read it word for word and e mail me for pictures.  I have proof of everything.  I am not the type to critique without proof.....

I drove 650 miles each way for this show.  I chose to do that willingly, so no one is to blame there.  I arrived Friday night and while I was setting up passers by in droves going to and from a concert kept asking me and my neighbors, "What's all this for?"  They seemed to have no idea that there was an art fair there that weekend.  My neighbors were concerned that either they didn't promote this show or the promotions were centered on the music festival going on and not the art.      

Saturday was light, thready crowds as I mentioned earlier.  I would not say this show was well attended at all.  I was surprised at how many people were carrying these lawn chair in a bag things.  I had never seen these before and then it happened.  A very careless woman comes into my booth with her lawn chair strung over her shoulder and knocks over a pedestal.  She destroyed a $300.00 piece.  My claws don't usually come out, but they did then.  I told her she needed to pay for it and of course she refused.  I said some very unpleasant things told her where to shove her lawn chair and to get the blank out of my booth. 

Compliments galore all day from everyone who entered my booth, but these people were not buying.  I saw very few packages going by and most of them were carrying beers and ice cream cones.  I know a few people had a good show, but I did not and several other artists I spoke to didn't either.  One painter came up to me and was noticably upset with lackluster sales and I tried to council her as best as I could.  It was very hard to not break out in tears several times throughout Saturday.  I almost did once and had to go to the restroom and then call my husband. 

Due to the fact that they had no booth sitters and no volunteers checking on artists with the exception of the free lunch that we will get to later, I had to leave my booth unattended or under watch from a neighbor multiple times to use the restroom or take a refreshment break.  This made me nervous and I felt bad imposing upon my neighbors so much.  They were gracious though and I appreciated that.  My one sale from the show came late Saturday evening and was sold by my neighbor, Shirley while I was in the bathroom.  Go figure.  Thanks to Shirley for being an angel.      

Lunch:  Ok, this is where I get insulted.  This show gave the artists lunch both days as one of the very few amenities it offered.  It was a joke.  I recieved a 2 inch square sandwich/hors d'ouvre and a bag of crushed potato chips and a bottle of water each day for lunch.  I know how this sounds and it was so absurd, I took a picture of it, e mail me if you want to see the proof.  I am not one to be ungracious or unappreciative of anything.  I have manners, am polite and appreciate the effort, but come the f**k on!!  If you are going to do something, do it right or not at all.  I would and I am sure anyone with a modicum of class or respect for another person would have been embarrassed to serve that.  My advice to this show is to spend the money for the lunch on a volunteer coordinator or better advertising.  We can fend for ourselves and do much, much better.  Just about everyone I spoke to ended up getting something else anyway.  We were all starving again in an hour. Thank god they had good popcorn available in the arts center for purchase. 

Amenities for the artists:  the lunch both days as mentioned above, a beer cozy that went straight into the trash and a little promo bag of coffee from a local coffee distributor.  It was actually good.  That was it!! No booth sitters, no director's cell phone number in case of emergency, no artist reception, no t shirt, nothing!!  Again, I don't need much and I appreciate everything that anyone gives me, but this show advertises southern hospitality and falls flat on its face in reality. 

Ok, I met the director of the show on Saturday after I asked her who she was and then introduced myself.  She was talking to someone else outside my booth and I approached her because I saw her radio and had hoped she was a booth sitter.  She was too busy to talk to me and promptly left and said she would be back tomorrow (Sunday).  I never saw her again.   She has recieved an e mail from me already, I will update this blog if I ever hear back from her.     

I met my first volunteer on Sunday night as I was packing up my van.  A lady named Nancy, who was very nice, unfortunately got an earful.  I asked her where she had been all weekend and where the other volunteers were.  She didn't give me a straight answer, but did help me load up a few things.  In all fairness, I was told by another artist that they had a hard time getting volunteers for this show.  Appearantly this show was moved up a month earlier than usual so as to not compete with New Orleans and this was the first year for the new date.  It would have been nice to know that up front. 

Financial:  I did not come remotely close to making expenses for this show.  I had one sale, had a piece broken that cannot be fixed and was told by several other artists that the sales were way, way down from previous years.  At least four other artists I spoke to said they would not be back.  In all fairness, my neighbor, Greg as I mentioned before, had a great show.   I am so glad he won the award too, he certainly deserved it. 

I had to drive straight home on Sunday night becuase I could not justify the cost of spending the night in a hotel.  I drove the 650 miles home and got in at 5:30 this morning.  I already had incurred so many costs, and with one sale, I didn't want to go in the hole even more. 

Blacklisting:  Here's the deal...I will never review a show or say anything negative about a show that is not true and that I can't prove.  I am someone who struggles every month to pay the bills and can't afford to do shows that are this bad on a regular basis.  Occasionally, we all have bad shows, it's part of the business, but I also think there are things shows are responsible for doing/providing when they take our booth fees and I will hold them accountable.  I have serious concerns, empathy and respect for other artists that compell me to share information that may help them avoid situations like this.  I think that when a show is this bad and underperforms what it promises/sells to us as artists, we need to be informed about it.  If a show director is going to blacklist me for speaking the truth, be my guest!  I do not deal with people that are untrustworthy or corrupt, so if you are a director and want to avoid having me in your show because you are afraid I will speak the truth, go right ahead and blacklist me forever, take me out of your shows if they are in the future and send me my booth fee back.  I don't want to do your show if it is poorly ran anyway.  I simply can't afford to.    

Ok, bottom line is this:  I had high hopes for this show.  I went into it with an open mind, a positive attitude and spoke kindly to everyone around me and everyone who entered my booth and complimented my work.  I willingly and happily drove a long way and took the risk.  My attitude could not have been better for this show.  I am sorry to have to write such a negative review, but it is true and deserved.  I will never do this show again and will never recommend it to anyone.  If you are local and have low costs and a free weekend, it may be ok for you.  I did not make booth fee and application fee for this show.  Advice to anyone travelling to shows, avoid this mess at all costs. 

I will be at Great Lakes Art Fair in Novi, MI this weekend, I hope and pray for a  better show there, look for my review next Monday here on AFI.  Thanks! Elle     

I was excepted into Leeper park. I am a Nature photographer. Does anyone have any knowledge or

experience that photographers especially nature photographers have a chance to do well there.

Is it a nature lovers area? Those who have done this show can you give me a idea what to expect.

Thanks

Joe      

This past Saturday at the Fairview Fine Art Festival (Paragon Fine Art Festivals) an artist had a $4000 original painting stolen from inside their booth. A tragedy no one wants to experience.  The next morning the director, Bill Kinney, went down to the security office and asked to view the security videos from the streets.  As it turns out no one had entered or exited the site.  This left one possibility – the high-end condominiums adjacent to the site.  After viewing additional security video on the street where the show was set up, they discovered and identified a man walking his dog as the culprit.  The artist was notified by police and this evening the police will be sitting in front of the culprit's home waiting for him to arrive so they can arrest him for grand larceny.  

PS:  Yes, there was security at the show.

This was my first time doing this show, so it was definitely a learning experience. It's located right by ASU on Mill Ave, a popular college hangout. Load in was Thursday night between 9pm and 9am Friday. Load in wasn't too bad other than the trailer a few cars in front of me falling into a small ditch with the construction going on in the area. Once I got thru I was able to park right by my tent, so unloading was pretty easy and the horrible techno music that was blaring from one of the clubs made me move a little bit faster. My booth was near the beginning and was one of the lucky ones to be in the shade for most of the day. It was a beautiful weekend but may have been a little warm for some out in the sun all day. It was a clear and sunny day in the 90's with a breeze every once in a while.

Friday morning there was people there at 9, the show didn't start until 10. Most of them were there to buy from artists they have seen before. There was a good crowd the entire day but I did all of my sales within the first 2 hours but it wasn't much. Although there was a lot of people, they just didn't seem to be buying large items.  Luckily this area is lined with bars so it was time to go grab a cold beer at the end of the day!

Saturday started off a little slower but it was definitely more crowded. I saw many people with bags in their hand and a lot of large art being carried out. This was a good day for me as a couple of smaller originals were sold. I even had something that probably rarely happens. A person that took one of my cards on Friday called me and wanted to see a piece that I had on my website but was not hung at the show. They actually came to pick it up with cash in hand!

And the there was Sunday. Again the crowds were big but this time not as much art being carried. I had a lot of interest, probably more interest than Saturday, but no sales. Several people spent 15-20 minutes talking to me but when they asked were I am located, which is nearby, they said "oh so we can see you anytime, do you have a website and a card?". This happened over and over, I felt like lying to them. At the end of the day I had a small commission and some people to follow up with, but only $50 cash and carry. As badly as I needed a cold beer, it was time to tear down. Tear down was easy as we could again park our cars in from of our booth and load up.

Because I didn't have any travel expenses this show was good for me, bringing in a little over $2k. I know many would think that's not good, but I'm just getting started in this business and learning the ropes. I had talked to several of the painters at this show and they say many of their sales come from people coming back and buying at the next show. Two of the painters I talked to brought in over $10k but they have been doing this show for several years.

All the artists near were great and very helpful, even got to meet a couple AFI'ers. So over all I consider it a successful weekend and hope to get into the next one in the Fall and increase my sales!

This has been rolling around in my head for weeks, it's Monday and I'm looking at what seems to be a huge mess of red tape of things that I have to do and un-do. So what better than to air out my thoughts on a subject that has perplexed and annoyed me for years right?

Okay, so my issue. When I was going to college, I was in the Fine Art Department and quickly learned the professors there were snobs. So much so, they deemed photography NOT a fine art and put it into the Visual and Communications Department. While taking that class, the professor let two senior students teach the class most of the time. On one of our "lessons" was how to mount, matt, frame and sign our work. These things came easy to me being as I had worked for Dad and Connie for years, but it was interesting to hear it coming from someone else. 

So the girl who was teaching the class that day, was telling us that we were to sign our prints on the BACK of the photographs....NEVER on the front and don't EVER sign in ink. I wanted clarification. Was she talking about the actual prints or the matting? She had been speaking of the prints. I waited patiently until they were done and asked how someone was suppose to know who the artist was if the photograph was signed on the back of the print and it was mounted. She said that was just what you do. Then I asked what happens if the photograph is slip matted because then the artists signature needs to be on the photograph if the customer chooses to frame it a different way. Again, that was a no-no. I asked according to whom and her response was, " That's what the purists do." I said, "Well, that's how my Dad and/or most of the artists I've seen at the art fairs sign them." Her response? "That's why they're in art fairs."

I wanted to punch her.

My point was, who cares how you sign your work, number it (unless you're in art fairs and it's required) or what you use to sign it with. And who the hell decides what's considered "fine art", what's not and that's the end of it, period. I found this to be extremely irritating and cruel to the person creating, well anything they consider art.

Now don't get me wrong, I realize that some things are really not cool to put in art fairs. For example, the things that are all bought in pieces from China or Japan and glued together to be sold whilst sitting in a booth next to an artist that's been making say, sculptures from metal, by hand, for their entire career. However, as far as I'm concerned, most, if not all art is subjective. A topic I brought up in a critique in ceramics class. One persons pile of dog crap might be another persons piece of art they've been looking for their whole lives! 

My whole point ( and this ended up being a point reiterated over and over again in school) was that the "Purists" attitude sucked and as far as I've read, most of them died poor.

I remember when I was going to school, my Dad and I had taken a day trip over to a train show going on in Toledo. While we were in the car, I told him about that day I was in photography class. My Dad is not one for long conversations or answers unless you make an extra effort on the question. Then you might illicit more than a "yes" or "no" answer. But I wanted to know his response being as he's been a photographer since he was 13...he's now 75. His answer? "This has been discussed forever. It's a moot point." 

There ya go.

I am not the most experienced artist out there, but for some reason I have gotten us into all the shows that we signed up for this year, this is a first for us.  The answer (for us) is that I listened to other artist when they had a suggestion...that simple.  We ha\/e friends that argue that the problem is with Zapp or the jury system, etc.  always an excuse.  Sorry honey that is not it, I don't care how long you ha\/e been doing art shows, sometimes a friend can suggest something that works, please listen, you may not ha\/e so much to grip about in the future.  If someone suggest  a new picture, think about it, if someone says maybe a different booth shot, listen, if someone says try a new show or a different area, we just might know what we are talking about.  We are friends, wanting to help, please don't tune us out...

Thanks for letting me get this off my chest,

a friend

I entered a show through Juried Art Services that was called the love film and art festival in Los Angeles April 13 & 14 and found out this weekend it was a total scam!!! I contacted the Los Angeles State Historic Park where the show was supposed to be and was informed that the park was never even booked for the show. Needless to say I  am shur I can hold my breath and wait for the 440.00 booth fee back. Juried Art Services still has an entry for a fall show on there site evan when they told me 4 days ago that the show was cancelled. I talked to another artist that lost 2500.00 on this scam because she booked hotel accomidations with the booth fee with the people throwing this show. I can not believe that Juried Art Services is not responding to this. Myself and other artist scamed by this all agreed none of us would have entered this show if it was not on there site. Please forward this to every artist possible.  

August 24  
Green, Ohio
Green Arts Council and the City of Green
Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd.
10am-5pm
60 Exhibitors
Deadline: May 31

Art-A-palooza is a juried art and fine craft show celebrating its ninth year in 2013.  The City of Green is growing exponentially with the recent merging of Akron General Medical Center and Summa Health Systems facilities, as well as significant Fortune 500 companies.  The City of Green is also adjacent to several other upscale communities, and is easily accessed by I-77 and I-76.

The location of the show at Boettler Park provides drive-up accessibility for artist site set-up, and easy parking for RV's and trailers. 

Artists tents are situated around a picturesque pond with a fountain.  Set-up is on Friday the 23rd and overnight security is provided.  The Green Arts council provides an artist breakfast snack, and complimentary water.  Booth sitting is available.

Event promoters cast a wide net of public advertising via social media, target websites and print media, postcard mailing and distribution, radio broadcast, posted notice and piggyback advertising.  Sponsors include local and regional small and large businesses.Children's art activities and food are available. 

Artist surveys prove that the event is a profitable one for most of them.  There are artist cash prizes totaling $700 and amazing booth fees starting at $100.

Where is Green? Click this link.

For more info & to apply: www.greenartscouncil.org, click "art-A-palooza" in menu

Contact info:
Joan Smith at Gallery 143 (330)608-5542, email: gallery143@neo.rr.com
or Jackie Parker (330)697-8460, email: jlptrummy@aol.com

What I am going to say is real.  I did it.  This is not fantasy.

First, a caveat (means, possibly, a warning) when you do the following you can probably give up any hope of getting in that show in the next 20 years, unless they all get Alzheimers, which I do not wish upon anybody.

That said, I got my annual rejection from Oconowoc, WI for the 15th year in a row.  Never have even made the wait list.

So this is what I just Emailed them.  WTF, I have nothing to lose because I will never, ever, let them suck another dollar out of me for a jury fee.

It could be a good model, if you have nothing to lose.  In my case, they have sucked more than $600 out of me in jury fees.  Mind you, I have sent, fresh, new, innovative work every year to them.

Here it goes.

"You people can go recuse yourselves.

I have applied to your show for over 10 years, without, once, even getting on your wait list.

"In the meantime I have been in shows way above your level like St. Louis and the Plaza, to name a few.

"I sent you ground-breaking work never done by many photographers before--and I don't even make your wait list.

"You are mired in mediocrity.  I will never apply to your show again.

"BTW.  I have done shows for more than 37 years and won more than 300 awards in juried competitions.

"Obviously your jury does not know good, original work that stares them in the face (Or is it only floral arrangements of flowers that does it with you folks).

"It is your loss, Nels Johnson."

That is what I sent.

If shows can relentlessly raise their jury and booth fees, w/o due consideration--they ought to be able to take a little heat once in a while.

Of course, you political-correct newbies, and oldies, will go--are you fricking nuts?

Enough is enough.

As the man said in a great movie, "I am tired of it, I aint taking it anymore.

That is all folks.  Nels.

 Up here on the North Coast it is results week for some of the biggest shows. I've been doing this for about 15 years now and I have become a tad hardened to it all. Granted, if I don't get any of the half dozen big ones, my season is toast and so is my credit history, but what I have learned is that you survive. And I also learned that a yes or no from a show jury does not define you or your talent. I didn't always feel that way, it grew with me as my hide thickened. It is a lesson you have to learn for yourself. I don't think there is a Bruce Baker tape about it.

So, today I got a few calls from  fellow art carnies, wondering if I had heard from this show or that. We were supposed to be notified by now, they said. I'm gonna call, one said. I sent an email, another declared.

Seriously folks? Breathe. There is probably one woman slogging through a cyber tower of email addys right now, hoping she doesn't accept the rejected. 

I called, one person reported. The jury meets Saturday. That was good to know. And then *ping*, an email for me with good news on the other show. I dutifully called back to say "check your email" and then there was an hour of silence. Bummer.

Sure enough, there was a rejection for one of them. Not even a wait list. We will return your check ASAP. This is a talented woman with unusual work and she has been rejected by several of the good ones this year. I don't get it, and she just assumes she should burn her equipment and look for work with a regular pay check and, probably, an apron and baseball cap. She raged. She sounded so dispirited. She says she can't keep doing this, looking for affirmation from these shows. Oh wait a minute, friend of mine. These are people who are good at running events. They do not have the power or ability to judge your body of work on a grander scale. They have so many slots for your medium and it is very competitive and they have a certain vision for how they want their show to "look". This is not where you seek affirmation. 

I am not delusional. I know I get into some of these shows because I have little competition. So I don't know what else to say to these friends of mine who take these rejections to heart and soul. All I can share with them is that it took me a long time to figure out how to play this and in there, somehow, I got better. I found shows that suited me and my widgets. I applied to shows I always thought were above my level because I had nothing to lose and I got some of them! Go figure. I met people who became good friends, who literally changed my life. 

And I learned that this business of art shows, this business of hunkering down under a tent for a few days with your guts on display for folks chowing down kettle corn, this way of life that rolls from application to show to counting out the bills to another show and another accounting until your Summer is over and your kids are suddenly grown...this business is not for everyone. 

I know there will be a day (or 12) this Summer when I'll be in my tent, dusting my books and pretty collages to keep busy while the jeweler across the road is swatting away people with a broom and I will feel envy and wonder if I should change course at this late stage until I remember that I am doing what I want to do, the way I want to do it. That enough people like what I do that I can keep the lights on and gas in my car. That if this show bites there is another one coming up in a week or two and I may rich and be-ribboned there. You just never know.

Trying to be sympathetic to my crushed friends while doing a happy jig in my head, that's the hard part. It's like trying to ...well, you know.

Ann and I are taking the month of April off.  Meantime, you should see what the other guy looks like.

Mulberry Street Festival, Macon GA, March 23-34, 2013

Just imagine.  It is your 43 annual festival.  You have about 230 artists coming.  You have thousands of people looking forward to the festival in downtown Macon where it has been held for 43 years.  You have been watching the weather with great trepidation all week.  It is Friday afternoon.  Forcast is now for severe thunderstorms.  Chance of hail.  Wind.  Just two years ago the festival suffered a severe micro burst.  It is 3 p.m.  Artists will be signing in and setting up their booths at 6 p.m.  Imagine the potential damage to artists, products, and the people who might come to the festival.  Imagine the potential legal aspects.  The decision is made to cancel the event.  But no.  Wait.  What if there was another venue option?  What if it could be moved and held under cover?  Yes.  Maybe.  But could another venue be found and get all necessary approvals?  What about publicity?  What about traffic?

They actually did it.  Middle Georgia Arts Association moved the venue to the State Farmers Market where there would be cover against the elements.  As artists arrived at the usual check in site they were re-directed to the Farmers Market.  Of course there were now no assigned spaces.  It was find a spot and get set up best you can.  And the artists did it.  Well, some were a bit grumpy.  Some people don’t like change even if it is good for you.  But overall most artists greatly appreciated the protection.  And it did rain.  A LOT.  And there was some wind.  There was hail but that was a little further north of Macon.  Could have been on our tents!  The local newspapers, radio, TV News stations were all making the announcements.  Social media spread the word like wild fire.  And the people came.  They came in droves.  Buses were provided to shuttle people who were parking at the nearby college and the mall.  Police officers helped direct traffic.  People were able to enjoy the festival even though it was raining – outside the covered Farmers Market.  Sales were all across the board.  For me it was another great show.  On Saturday we did not have time to take lunch.  Sunday was also steady. 

Imagine the impossible.  And Middle Georgia Arts Association took on mission impossible and put on a great, and safe, festival.  I was in awe at what they accomplished.  Hats off to all those who made the 43^rd Annual Mulberry Street Festival the success it was. 

Here are some pics of the event. I know, not some of my best photography but I was trying to grab a couple quick shots between sales. Saturday night there were thunderstorms.  There was wind.  There were a couple tents tossed about.  And with all sympathy to those who experienced some damage, ahem….where are your tent weights?  Please people, unless you are inside a fully contained building use weights for your safety and the safety of those around you.

September 27-29
Columbus, Ohio
Genoa Park
Fri. 5 pm-9pm; Sat. Noon-9pm; Sun. Noon-5pm
120 artists
Deadline: April 7

Join us for the 2013 Riverfront Arts Festival. This year Genoa Park will play host to more than 100 local and national artists of the highest caliber, featuring a variety of fabrications and designs from fine oil paintings to functional pottery and textiles. While the heartbeat of the festival is the amazing selection of visual artists, the park also features a waterfront amphitheater, which will host our most incredible musical lineup ever.   

The  Riverfront  Art  Festival celebrates its seventh anniversary this year. It  features  a  picturesque setting, winding along the west bank of the  Scioto River  in  downtown Columbus. The location is nearly  synonymous  with  festival-going, in a city ranked by American  Style Magazine as one of the top 10 big cities for art.

This year we will have more than $250,000 in media support 

from our radio, television and print partners at our  disposal, which will be utilized to drive traffic to the festival.

Late  September in Columbus is beautiful. Add in the opera and live jazz and doesn't this sound like a great place to finish up your outdoor fair season?

For more info: www.dispatchevents.com

Apply: www.zapplication.org 

Questions? Amanda Leeman, Promotions One, Inc., 614-299-9221, aleeman@dispatch.com

June 15-16  
Minneapolis, Minnesota
downtown on the Mississippi Riverfront 
250 Exhibitors

 Apply now: www.Zapplication.org