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Hi Folks,

     We don't exhibit at many twilight hour shows in MI summer, but are regulars to at least two that close 9pm, with large crowds continuing past 10pm.  In addition, we make jewelry and after having seen wholesale displays, and a craft booth at Allen Park Street Fair last year, we've tried to find out more about designing multiple "within-canopy" (via clamps) LED light sources to use not only in the late evening, but throughout a given day.  We've looked all over the net but we're not electricians, so the technical jargon throws us a curve ball that we can't hit.

     At Allen Park last year, one of our neighbors had such a scheme.  When we asked about it, they showed us the clamping architecture for the lights and said that if went to Lowe's, we might pay $150 for a "power converter," which they said they charged up after hours (i.e., at their hotel) and provided the LED strips a power source during the day.

     When we search the web, we can find a bunch of well-known name brand "jump starter" / "emergency power supply" within the same product description (e.g., Stanley).  At Amazon, most of the reviews focus on jump starting cars "and jee whiz, I jumped 5 cars in a row before I had to charge," 5 stars.  Product descriptions are sprinkled with amps and milliamps, but nothing with regard to the number of hours of sustained power to a low consumption device, such as LEDs, USBs, etc.  Nor has a web search turned up a design, if we might call it that, to clamp strip LEDs to canopy under-structure, powered by either a "converter," a "jumper," "emergency" power suppy, or a "portable power supply."

     If you're an electrical whiz in this biz and know what we're asking about, could you please help us out?

[And while we're waiting for a response, we're going to call Eminem's agent and see if we can sell the line above for one of his jams.]

June 13-15
Logan, Utah
Historic Logan Tabernacle
Thur. & Fri. 11am-9pm; Sat.: 10am-8pm
Limited to 150 Exhibitors in 18 categories
Deadline: March 8


Summerfest Arts Faire is seeking artists for its 30th Anniversary event, held on the grounds of the Historic Logan Tabernacle in beautiful Cache Valley, Utah.

We are excited to celebrate 30 years of providing a free community festival of high-quality art, music and food.  Summerfest is Northern Utah's premier event for collectors and community members to purchase unique and beautiful art.

Our community loves Summerfest and makes our artists feel like they have come home.  This year, we are expanding our advertising into even more affluent communities in order to attract an even larger art-buying public.  Our average attendance over the past 4 years has been 65,000.

For more information: www.logansummerfest.com/artist-information.php
Application : www.Zapplication.org

Cache Valley is an art destination and we are committed to the artists with NEW larger booth sizes, low fees and excellent artist hospitality:

• Jury/booth: $25/$250 for 12x12 space: larger sizes, electricity and corner booths also available
• Assistance for set-up and take-down
• Boothsitters
• Air-conditioned, artist only Hospitality Suite with inside bathroom

Summerfest is well supported by the local communities, school districts, University and business sponsors.  We are a non-profit corporation intent on elevating our community through exposure to, and acquisition of fine art.  We hope you will join us this year!

Please feel free to email or call with any questions:
Debbie Ditton, debbie@logansummerfest.com, (435)213-3858

Congratulations to Nels Johnson. Your post "Why We Do Art Fairs (besides the money)" was voted best January blog!

Does anyone know how to charge for a logo design?

Please let me know ... I've been asked to design one and to let them know the cost.

Thanks - deborah:)

Any recommendations for a simple art/craft accounting system? Expenses broken down into supplies, services (giclee printing etc), mileage, travel and lodging. Sales. Inventory, etc

Here are a few photos from the Buyers Market in Philadelphia, February 16-18, 2013. There was good merchandising going on, with many of the exhibitors showing their work in a manner so the buyer could imagine how it would look in their gallery or gift store.

Starting with some of my favorites:

1. A large corner booth painted to garner attention and to showcase brightly-colored glass

2. Such a clean and simple booth which really showed off the mosaic work.

3. I liked the way this potter showed a large variety of work and used the vertical space so well.

4. These jewelers were using many recycled elements and their booth was very cool, suited their work well and quite a contrast to the very slick booths that many jewelers had.

5. Clearly a pro in the business, many price points, groupings of objects and the lighting drew you in.

6. I like how this monochromatic booth really showcases the work.

7. This is an example of high contrast to showcase the work.

8. Lots of small pieces, but a great way to display and light to draw those wholesale buyers in closer.

 9. This was a small booth, perhaps 6 x 10, yet each piece was distinct and well lit making you want to come closer.

10. A view down one of the center aisles.

11. Frequent visitors to AFI will recognize this work.

And a few booths that need some work (to my eye). Any suggestions for these exhibitors?

12.

13.

14. ???

People you need to meet:

15. Jeweler Jennifer Merchant

16. Glassblower Andrew Madvin

17. Potters Justin & Melanie McKenney

18. Jeweler Susan Crow

19. Potter Laurie Eskenazi

20. Beaded jeweler Kathy King

21. Buyers Richard and Joanna Rothbard from the American Craftsman Galleries in NYC.

Learn more about the show and watch a video: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/what-i-did-on-my-winter-vacation

Does anyone have any information on this particular show at the end of April? I couldn't find anything in the Art Fair Calender or maybe I missed it. It seems to be a Sunday only show in an area without many art shows but with a large sightseeing population.  I am about 6 hours away and wondering if it is worth the drive?  If you have done this show or have any comments, I would really appreciated your take on it.

2013 is bringing some big changes for us.   We are joining the nomadic, itinerant life!!  We’re selling the house, getting rid of stuff, moving from our 2000 square foot house to a 38 foot RV.  What? Why? Are we crazy?  All those questions from our friends and family so I thought I’d share a bit of our journey, plus answer a few of the messages I’ve been sent by a few of my AFI friends wondering why I haven’t been very active on AFI for the past couple of months.

In late 2011 we made the decision that it was time to downsize, we just weren’t sure what the end result would look like, but we knew it was time to reduce our expenses, house size, time spent on home/yard maintenance and find a new place to live where we could enjoy a little more sunshine than Seattle gives us.  We had the “American Dream”,  a nice house, a big yard, a great view, good neighbors, etc. etc.  However, we were tired of long drives home on Sunday nights, hiring people to take care of our yard when we’re gone for weeks at a time, not enjoying the Mt. Rainier view we paid for when we bought our house because we’re never home in the summer, spending money on mortgage, insurance, utilities, etc. in a home that was unoccupied for portions of the year.    So, once again we decided to not follow “conventional wisdom” and make lifestyles changes that suited us and our goals rather than listening to what everyone thought we should do.

As 2012 progressed and we spent 25% of the year on the road, we made the decision that at least for now, downsizing meant selling the house and becoming full time RVer’s.  I know this is not the lifestyle for everyone, not all art can be made in the RV, but for us with our jewelry, it works.   Life on the road is simpler for us, we won’t spend as much time driving to and from shows, dealing with a yard, house, etc.  We’re empty nesters, we’re not to retirement age yet, we can travel and enjoy life while we’re still young enough to be safe on the roads and maybe, we’ll finally satisfy our wanderlust!! 

This change will also allow us to broaden our geography and find new shows in the future.  So, we’re running away from home, trying to figure out where we might eventually want to live when we grow up!!  In the meantime, I’m hoping to meet a few more of you as we travel further away from the Pacific NW and embark on a grand adventure as we run away from home now that we’re both officially past “middle age”!

See you down the road!!!

December 5-8
Chicago, Illinois
13th Annual One of a Kind Show and Sale
Merchandise Mart

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more shows looking for artists at www.CallsforArtists.com

Some of you may remember a blog I wrote last May entitled “Dear Promoters: Please Promote”.  It was sparked by my attendance at a Cincinnati-area show that seemed to be a shadow of its former glorious self; the artists were of the same high quality but there weren’t enough shoppers around to appreciate them.  Several of you chimed in, some about this particular show and others about the generally low attendance we see at too many shows these days.

As chance would have it, last week brought an emailed “don’t miss the application deadline” reminder from this very show, which prompted an email exchange between the show staff and me.  Here’s what I learned.

The show organizers say they were aware that their numbers were down, and became more aware when they read our comments on this site.  They agreed that they need to improve in the publicity arena and felt they needed to learn more from the exhibiting artists.  While they had discontinued artist evaluations years ago because no one responded, they decided to try again and sent a survey in August (the show was in late May).  They say they received "many compliments... also valuable input for improvement and we have taken positive steps to address these issues."  One of those issues, BTW, was the load-out process that Robert Wallis alluded to which has now been streamlined.

In terms of publicity, the Wyoming Art Show shared with me their new six-point Publicity Plan, the points being Social Media/Online, Promotional Materials, Signage, Local Promotion, and Advertising.  Well, okay, that's only five points, but there's probably a sixth point lurking in the closet somewhere.  I see the plan calls for promotion on major radio and news sources, an effort to get printed postcards and posters into businesses in the wider Cincinnati area, and an email blast to 18,000 recipients tied to a popular citywide entertainment publication, to name just a few line items.  They've developed a new and well-done e-postcard that will go to the artists for distribution to their customer lists. 

All in all, it looks to me like the show staff is taking their role seriously and doing what they can to kick up the attendance for the 2013 show.  I hope it works -- this really is a nice show in a beautiful tree-lined area with killer art and a ridiculously affordable booth fee.  And, apparently, they have actually listened to and acted upon artists' comments, so it's hard to ask for more than that.

Connie and all posters, thanks again for delivering and using a site that gets noticed by show organizers.  Sometimes good things happen when we whine.

Well, no more Tequila Reports.

Lifestyle change for me has made those "days in the past."  Hereafter, I will still enthrall you with favorite hideaways and drink bargains.

I guess we could call it "Nels' Days of Wines and Roses."  It is only red wine for me, but I can still cut loose with a good tale or two.

So, on the way back from a mediocre Naples National Show, it got me thinking about the Florida Keys, which then got me thinking about my favorite bars in the state.  

Most of them happen to be on, or near, water.  Imagine that!

So here they come with no particular order of importance.  They are all great places to visit, at least in my mind.

NUMBER ONE-- BERNINIS IN YBOR CITY, RIGHT ON SEVENTH AVENUE (the main drag) AND 17TH STREET.

This is an important one, especially if you are in Tampa this week doing Gasparilla Art Festival.

They do any cocktail made with Finlandia Vodka for only $2 from 11am-7pm.  Been that way for three years now--talk about a recession-fighter.  You can have a martini up, dirty, with grapefruit or orange.  You name it with Finlandia, they do it.  It is the best deal going anywhere right now.

Also,any day from 4:30-7pm, all entrees are 50% off.  Filets are $14 instead of $28 (just one example.)

NUMBER TWO--ALSO IN YBOR, THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT on seventh avenue at 22ND STREET.

Go there to have some Sangria or maybe an after dinner Spanish Brandy like Cardinal Mendoza.

Breathe in the atmosphere.  The original bar is still there, built in 1907.  Check out the old mosaic tiles with paintings and ogle the various stained glass panels.  Check out the Flamenco dancers.  There is a lot to see and do in this place.  Walk to it after doing Berninis.

NUMBER THREE--THE AFTERDECK BAR AT LOUIE'S BACKYARD RESTAURANT, KEY WEST.

We are now in the Florida Keys where many of my favorites are located.

Louies' sits in an old neighborhood right on the Atlantic Ocean in Key West. It was an old sea captains house two stories high.  The afterdeck bar sits behind the restaurant on a large deck over the water.  It has a great L-shaped bar covered with a neat overhang canopy, so even in a passing storm, one can drink and stay dry.

In my humble opinion, on a full moon night, on the Atlantic Coast, there is no place better to tipple one than Louie's.  Breathe in the salt air.  Feel the ocean breezes  caress every pore. Know that life doesn't get much better than this.  Have any drink, try to do it with a friend.  They are not cheap, but they are worth every penny you spend there.  Live like a millionaire for the moment.

NUMBER FOUR--PEPES ELDEST BAR IN KEY WEST, ON CAROLINE AND ELIZABETH STREET (approximately).

The restaurant is in a narrow building with a high shaped roof.  Thru side doors, you will enter a bougainvillea-covered courtyard with another intimate L-shaped bar, with a narrow canopy around.

Pepes is the oldest bar in Key West.  They make one of the best "Top-shelf Margaritas."

They use an old fruit-squeezer and juice one Keylime and one lemon.  They add appropriate Tequila (say, Sauza Tres Generaciones) and top with a circle of Grand Marnier, and salt the rim if you wish.

This is a great place for lunch or breakfast.  I have eaten, and drank here, for 40 years.  It is one of my all-time favorites.

When I first land in Key West, I park my van in the lot across, and trot right into the bar.  Now my Key West adventure starts.  I have began many a photo-shoot, or art show, over the years this way.  None have let me down yet.  It must be Pepe's magic.

NUMBER FIVE--THE GREEN PARROT BAR,ON WHITEHEAD STREET IN KEY WEST (not far from Hemingway's house)

What I am going to say about the Parrot could easily be said about Blue Heaven Bar also ( it is on Petronia and Johnson Street in Key West).  I give the nod to the Green Parrot, because it is cheaper to drink there, and frankly, most people have more fun there.

We are talking about drinking, not eating, (there, I would give Blue Heaven the nod).  The Parrot is one of the most reasonable places to drink at, and it oozes that "End of the Road Charm" that everybody seeks in Key West.

The place rocks with live music, it rolls with a great pool table, and look out for "Flying Darts."

Many a fine conversation has been tuned here over a shot of  "Jack Black"  chased by a cold Corona.

If you can't have fun here, you can't have fun anywhere.  You might as well jump off the Island and start swimming for Cuba.

NUMBER SIX--ROBBIES HUNGRY TARPON BAR, ISLAMORADA

Yep, we are finally leaving Key West and heading up North.

At Robbies, you can buy a handful of cat-pellets and feed hungry tarpon by the hundreds.  The water is just full of the critters.

Afterwards sit back with a nice iced-rum drink in a great old weathered chair, right on the water.  Inhale the whole place, let out a deep sigh.  Now isn't life just precious?  The food isn't too shabby there either.  But I go for the view and the rum.

NUMBER SEVEN--THE JACK LONDON BAR AT WORLDWIDE SPORTSMAN MARINA, ISLAMORADA.

This sits upstairs in the main Wordwide Store.  They did it way before Bass Pro figured it out.

Sit there at this comfortable bar, or sink down deep in one of the leather divans.  Savor an aged rum, or maybe a great anejo tequila.  Sip a fine cognac.  Again, you are going to feel like a millionaire again, for just the price of a drink.  The view over the back bay Gulf is "Killer" here.

Check out all the old pictures of the author, Jack London, here. They have one taken of him in Tahiti back in the 40-ies.  He is standing beside an old tribal chief and behind them, strung up on a huge tripod, is a world-class Marlin that London battled all day, and then successfully reeled in.

There are journals of his there, signed first editions, and a lot of his various reels and rods.  He was a hell of an adventurer and you get to spend some quality time with his heritage.  A sunset at this bar is to "To Die For."

NUMBER EIGHT--THE LORLILIE BAR IN ISLAMORADA, RIGHT ON A1A--LOOK FOR SEQUINED MERMAID.

This famous bar sits right on the water facing a word-class sunset view.  It is always packed for Happy Hour.

Drinks are cheap and hundreds are being downed.  You can rub shoulders with all the old-time fishing guides here--you will know them by their smell.

This is a large place with multiple bars, one can always find a stool or a table.  In the back, by a tiki hut, a live musician always plays.  I think they bring in a "stuffed one" on halloween.

Lou Garofalo and I (Terry Causey's hubby) always have rollicking good time here)  Some mornings we wake up, buried in sand up to our necks , and wonder "How in the Hell did we get here?"

If you only have time for one stop in the keys, especially at sunset, this is the place.  BTW a "Lorlilie" is the Indian's name for a mermaid.  Or so I have been told.

NUMBER NINE--JB'S FISHCAMP RESTAURANT, NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA

Well, I have reluctantly, left the Keys for places north, this time on the East Coast.

Of course, I am a little prejudiced about JBs because I lived in NSB back in the 80-ies.

What makes this place so unique and memorable, is the fact that view across from JBs has been that way  forever and it will never change.

It is on the water facing west at almost the end of the road, A1A, before you get to Canaveral Seashore Park.  It faces virgin wetlands and estuaries that can never be developed.  No condos to spoil the view.

Just have a nice cold beer, maybe eat some steamed blue crabs, and chill out.  Time stops here--enjoy the journey, and be thankful that there are still a handful of places like this left in Florida.

I never tire of the view, nor should you.

NUMBER TEN--THE HURRICANE BAR, PASS-A-GRILLE BEACH (ST. PETE BEACH)

WELL, THIS ONE IS IN MY HOME TOWN, I GOTTA INCLUDE IT.

The Hurricane used to be a one-story, almost fortress-like, bar on the beach when I was kid in high school and college.  It sat right across from the Gulf at the very tip of the Pinellas County peninsula.

In the old days, there was an old house that was a bar that sat right across from it, on the water.  But a latter-day hurricane blew it away.

So the Hurricane Bar got smart and rebuilt.  It turned the place into six-story restaurant-bar complex.  The crown is the Roof-Top Bar with 360-degree view of everything.

Again, have cold one, maybe a legendary daiquiri or a frozen rum concoction.

Take in the view, smell the salt air, savor the breezes and know life is good on the water--as long as there aren't any hurricanes brewing.

JEEZ!  I ALREADY HIT 10, AND I HAD AT LEAST 10 MORE IN MIND.

WELL, MY FINGERTIPS ARE FULLY NUMB NOW (I am a hunt and peck typist) SO I GOTTA GO NOW.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY VERY FIRST "WINE-O REPORT."  Nels. 

Last night I tried to order a few items from Nile Corp -- some new tray liners and some trays.  When I hit 'submit' nothing happened -- no confirmation -- and then I got a weird page -- saying that the test failed.  I went back to tracking and it had my number but said 'unavailable.'  So I thought that indeed this didn't go through.

Today I called Customer Service.  Apparently they did send a confirmation (I still haven't received it.)  When I stated I didn't receive it, I was told numerous times that it was sent.  Period.  The end.  There was no - let me apologize for the confusion and try to clear it up -- it was 'we sent it' -- rudely and with anger.  I asked for the supervisor and was told she was the manager and she apparently has no one above her -- I guess that gives her the right to be mean to customers.  She told me to check 'junk' - not there.  Again - I was told and told the confirmation sent.

She was so rude I cancelled the order.  I then tried to get into my account to see 'tracking' and it said that I had to fill in information as a new customer.  Done.  Just Done.  I wrote them -- and told them to apologize.  I received a letter back saying we do apologize but ... the letter should have stopped at we do apologize.  The email again said we answered her email (I received an answer AFTER sending off my second email) and we DID send you a confirmation. 

I told them that their total lack of customer service was going to be written about ... it is totally ridiculous in today's world to not listen to people and try to 'fix problems' -- but instead reflect the company in such a negative light.  It is worth paying more by ordering at another company that treats me with respect then to order from a company that is totally out of control in their customer service department.  I did write back -- and told them that I shouldn't have to be the person to tell them to apologize ... and sending my order (under $30) gratis would have gone a long way.  

My opinion -- don't buy from NILE CORP.

September 28 & 29  

Peoria, Illinois

51st Annual Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair
Peoria Riverfront Festival Park 

Peoria Riverfront Gateway Building 
150 Artists 

Deadline: March 14

$10,000 Total Awards

Best of show: $2,500

10 Awards of Excellence of $750 each 

10 Honorable Mentions: Automatic Invite for 2014

Location: Peoria is halfway between Chicago and St. Louis

Friday: Patron Preview Party

Saturday: 9am-5pm

Sunday: 10am-5pm

Rated #68 in the Top 200 Art Fairs by Sunshine Artist Magazine

Ranked nationwide in the top 200 Fairs from Art Fair Sourcebook

• #103 in Fine Art
• #131 in Fine Craft

Whether you're a first-timer...

 “This is the best run, most friendly, well organized show that I have done. The lunches, amenities, and coordination make this event extremely artist-friendly. Plus, the Peoria, IL scenery is beautiful. I will definitely apply for next year’s fair!” – 2012 Fine Art Fair Artist. 

Or back for more...

"I love this show.  It's a whole community thing, not just an elite group of artists.  It's super fun to be around, and we feel appreciated by both the producers and the community at large.  One of the best things about the show is the location." – Sally Bright, Returning Fine Art Fair Artist (2010, 2011, 2012)     

The Fine Art Fair is known for...

• An appreciative buying audience for ALL mediums
• Pre-fair sales at Friday Preview Party and after-fair sales
• Easy set-up and teardown/level and accessible
• Convenient reserved free parking for artists
• Affordable and close accommodations (over 800 hotel rooms within walking distance of the venue)
• Over 450 energetic community volunteers-willing to please and deliver refreshments
• Booth sitters available if you need to grab a snack or take a break
• Overnight security Friday & Saturday
• Complimentary meals all weekend with Saturday art awards reception dinner
• Saturday night complimentary artist awards dinner (with entertainment)
• Opportunity to mix & mingle at the Friday night pre-sale Preview Party
• Artist-only break room and information center
• Beautiful outdoor Riverfront venue
• The company of highly respected, nationally recognized, award-winning artists
• ATM on site for IMMEDIATE CASH PURCHASES!
• Good old-fashioned mid-western hospitality!!

Ask the artists who have exhibited in Peoria.  No one does it better!  We excel in artist amenities from complimentary lunch and breakfast to an Artist Awards and Appreciation dinner.  We work hard to make your experience, in the heart of the Midwest, one you won't forget.  With 35% of our exhibiting artists new each year, we never tire of hearing: "Wow, I never thought I'd do this well or have this much fun in Peoria, IL!"

Visit our Facebook page 

to become a fan and to keep up with the most up to date happening organized by the Peoria Art Guild.

Application available at: http://www.zapplication.org 

For additional information, please call 309-671-1093, visit www.peoriafineartfair.com
or email: events@peoriaartguld.org

This was my first large show and what an experience. Thursday night was early set up, went pretty smooth except for the pick up truck that decided to block the path to exit. Other than that it was pretty easy. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the vendors. Of course there was buy/sell but even the hand made items were very "swap mart" like, for instance there was a booth selling marshmallow guns. Friday was the first day, it was a high of 64, that's cold for us near Phoenix. The crowd was probably 90% over 70, don't know too many people over 70 that's looking for wall art. I'm an abstract painter that uses bright colors and my market is around the 40-60 age, so this was not a good start. Many vendors have done this show for many years, so they had their followers come first thing in the morning to buy their goods and saw people leaving the show with quality art. After that it was lots of people buying canes, wind socks and cheap jewelry. The day ended with $0.

Saturday was warmer and good weather. I was hoping for a younger crowd but it was about the same as Friday. Pretty good crowd but not what it has been in recent years, as told by other vendors. Some quality art were seen in people's hands but again mostly small stuff. Many vendors were puzzled by the crowd. One vendor told me to count how many shoppers were smiling, most people look like they were not having a good time. Sales were slow for most but jewelry under $100 seemed to be selling well. Again I ended the day with $0.

Sunday was the experience I was talking about. Apparently there was a micro-burst in the middle of the night and when I walked up to where my booth was, I saw a tent and debris scattered in the middle of the road. Luckily it was not my booth, but my heart sank when I saw this. It was my neighbors double booth, he sold jewelry and their merchandise was not damaged but it was a big mess to clean up. He had home made weights, probably 20lbs per leg, obviously not enough. Everybody was great and helped him clean & pack up. I'm so glad I found this site and learned about tent weights, I had bought some sand bags that were 40 lbs per leg and that seemed to have worked. My tent or art was not damaged at all, so thanks to all of you! About 10 booths were destroyed, it's too bad they didn't listen to last weeks podcast. I had heard there was also a chocolate booth that was invaded by Havalina's and tore up there tent and everything in it.

So it was finally ready to start and it was cold and very windy, people were literally hanging onto their booths. Even with the bad conditions, people came out and was a younger crowd than previous days. Vendors who stayed had good spirits and people were buying. It was the smallest crowd of the 3 days but the people were more serious buyers. I made some sales, so it wasn't a total loss as I had expected at the start of the day. To sum up the show, I will probably not do this show again for 3 reasons. #1. A few Long time vendors of this show that I talked to are no longer happy with the show and are not going to return. They are finding other shows to take its place. #2. I don't have a following at this show as it was my first and most the sales vendors made were from previous contacts.  #3. It was one of the most expensive booth fee's in AZ at $450. All in all it wasn't a good show but learned a lot and was happy to start doing these bigger festivals. Hopefully my next show in Tempe April 5th is a better experience!

I am considering applying to this show and I am wondering if any of you have done it; if so, what is your feedback?  It is very easy to spend alot of money exhibiting at shows that have previously had a good reputation but may or may not have changed in recent years.

Thank you!

August 31-September 2    
Sausalito, California
Labor Day Weekend
just north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge
in Marinship Park
270 Artists
Deadline: March 1

The Sausalito Art Festival invites you to apply to participate as one of 270 premier artists showcased at one of the top outdoor Fine Art shows in the country.  Held over Labor Day weekend, on Sausalito's spectacular waterfront, the festival attracts more than 30,000 Art collectors to celebrate the virtuoso talents of the finest local, national, and international Artists.  Proceeds from the Festival benefit local non-profits through community grants, in addition to scholarships awarded to deserving Art students annually.

Invited Artists Receive:

• Flat booth fee, NO commissions
• Booth fee includes: white canopy, assisted load-in and load-out
• Highly praised VIP Artist Hospitality, complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks from top Sausalito restaurants
  
• Artist Relations Concierge Services and Booth Sitters
• One complimentary seat at our 2013 Fire and Ice Gala
• Cash prizes
• Free onsite parking
• Artist information included in Official Festival Program and onsite signage

About the Festival:

• Rated consistently in America's Top Ten Outdoor Fine Art Festivals by Art Fair SourceBook and in Top Ten of Sunshine Artist's "Best of Shows" for over a decade
• Winner of multiple Pinnacle Awards from the International Festival & Events Association
• National and regional advertising, promotion, and social media campaign
• Attended by Art Collectors from around the world
• Qualified buying audience: 66% of patrons have an  average household income of $100k or more; 62% are returning art festival patrons; 67% rated the SAF the #1 Art Festival they have attended
• Top name musical entertainment  
• Gourmet food, fine wines, champagne and premium beers
• Beautiful waterfront setting

Application: www.zapplication.org

For more details and Artist's prospectus, visit: www.sausalitoartfestival.org

I was thinking of Mexico to climb Chichen Itza, or Florida to visit friends and great art fairs, but the siren's song lured me to Philadelphia for the Buyers Market of American Craft, presented by the Rosen Group, at the Philadelphia Convention Center, February 16-18. 

For nearly 30 years the BMAC has provided a professional, trade-only setting for buyers and the makers of fine craft to meet, producing the nation's pre-eminent wholesale marketplace.

Mark & John Schlabaugh's wood booth 

I hadn't been to Philadelphia since a NOW Convention when Betty Friedan was its president so was totally unprepared for the beautiful skyline and eccentric mix of historic and modern buildings. Couple that with the first class Convention Center  and the enticing Reading Terminal Market (a huge bustling farmers market) between my hotel and the show, and I knew I'd chosen the perfect destination for a fine art and craft show aficionado.

What I found:

• beautiful convention center
• nearly 800 exhibitors
• carpeted and well lit booths
• a fashion show, "Rock the Runway"
• all exhibitors and buyers have to fill out an extensive application process verifying legitimacy and credentials
• exhibits in all media (2D & 3D) with many jewelers
• show laid out by category to make it easy for buyers to find what they were looking for
• seminars for buyers and artists on marketing fine craft

Security is careful to check for credentials on the people who come through the doors as there was a big problem a few years ago when counterfeiters were discovered roaming the show floor with cameras, stealing ideas. As I was doing a video of the show floor on Monday I was suddenly surrounded by security and escorted off the floor!  "Get that woman in the white blouse," was the cry. As a result I got to see the show office and meet Rebecca Mercado, the show director. Then I got credentialed for my camera. 

If you are interested in being part of the show the Arts Business Institute, run by Carolyn Edlund, presents two days of seminars with authoritative speakers to get you ready. A part of this service is an opportunity to showcase your work to the buyers at the show for a critique. To me, the best part is the access to the show floor for the newcomers. As we well know "walking the show" is the best way to learn. 

An order being placed at Eartha pottery, a common sight throughout the show

One of the people I wanted to meet was Stacey Miller who was on our recent podcast about wholesaling, doing her first show. I visited her on Saturday afternoon and then again on Monday. This show offers mentoring to first time exhibitors and in the meantime her mentor had been there, completely rearranged her booth and it had gone from "okay" to "obviously ready for business." It was a major upgrade. Kudos to the mentor.

Having been immersed in the retail side of fine art and craft events I didn't expect to see many people I knew but did meet folks who are regular visitors to AFI. So great to meet Michael and Victoria Terra, Lance and Amanda Taylor, Susan Crow, Kathy King, Laurie Eskenazi, Laurie Leonard, Stacey Miller, Susanne Lorraine, Paul Willsea, Diane Wright, Jennifer Merchant, Jeannette Payne, Deb Karash, Kathy King, Courtney Gillen ...

AFI members Michael and Victoria Terra

Dinner with my friends Joanna and Richard Rothbard of American Art Marketing was a great catch up time. Similarly, Saturday night with fiber artists Barbara Poole (B.Felt.com) and Ping Wu was stimulating and reminded me of why I miss not hanging out more with artists. Thanks for the fun!

Biggest thrill was to find Loretta Eby and Jeff Jackson who I haven't seen for years but who were our neighbors at art fairs for years. I was afraid they were selling insurance or working in IT, but no, they've just gone wholesale!

It was a pleasure to meet Wendy Rosen, the American crafts advocate; Carolyn Edlund, a solid crafts business writer; Bruce Baker, consultant for craft artisans, Ryan Jones (publisher) and Travis Manney (sales manager) of the Crafts Report. 

The most frustrating thing about the show was that I couldn't buy anything as this is strictly a wholesale show. I surely could have spent my allowance and more, if only!

This busman's holiday suited me just fine.

(A photo essay about the show is coming soon)

YouTube video with interviews and an overview of the event:

See more photos from the show floor at this link: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/photo-essay-buyers-market-of-american-craft

I found this on the the Old Town Triangle Association's website.  I don't know if they did artist surveys last year but they certainly seem to have hit on the areas that  artists complained about.  

Changes are afoot to make this the best Fair ever for our artists and patrons. 

What’s NEW:

• More Openings: In 2013 we are opening 50% of our spaces to applying artists, more than double the number of open spaces last year.
• Fewer Booths: To make sure we have a comfortable environment for all participants, and to reduce the competition for buyers, we are decreasing the number of booths/artists by 16, to 250.
• Better Entertainment: We are ensuring that our music venues and offerings are appropriate to our patronage and environment.
• Better Food: We are re-evaluating our food vendors to make sure the quality of the food is as high as possible for our event.
• Better Outreach: We are formally surveying patrons and meeting with artists to gather information to help improve our Fair, and stepping up our public relations efforts to attract more buyers.

Kudos to the OTTA for caring.  It is really nice to see.

May 4 & 5  

Sanford, Florida

Historic Downtown Sanford
100 Artists
Deadline: March 1  

Our first year in 2012 was a terrific success and we want to keep the creative momentum for 2013.  A different festival experience awaits you! Over 125 Premier Artists will be selected to participate in this art festival.

Throughout the festival we will also include 15-20 demonstrating areas for artists selected through our jury process. These artists will have adjacent spaces to demonstrate their artistic process along with their finished artwork to sell.

$14,000 in Awards - $3,000 Best of Show  

There will be eight (8) defined categories:

Carol Napoli, St. John's River Festival

• Painting includes: watercolor, oil, acrylic
• Fine Craft includes: wood, glass, leather, basketry  and fiber
• Sculpture
• Drawing, Pastel, Pen & Ink
• Digital, Graphics & Mixed Media
• Jewelry
• Clay
• Photography