Blog

Well, it was a little over six months ago I got the "Zipper Treatment" (Open Heart Surgery).

I have a lot to be thankful for.

First, and foremost, I am breathing and eating on this side of grass.

Second.  The wonderful encouragement from members of the AFI Community.  It meant a lot, not only in posts, but seeing and talking with friends at the shows.

I am one inch slimmer in the waist since operation (now, 36 inches).  I am 48 pounds lighter, which is like shedding three cinder blocks off your back when moving.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, all numbers are down, in a positive direction.

Tequila Reports will be hereafter referred to as the "Wino Reports" since I can no longer do six shots of Patron in a day.  It was a great run, over 40 years, but I gotta outlast Bill Coleman, photographer, who did shows into his early 80-ies.

I may have to cheat and become a painter in the next six years.  Not dissing painters.  Photographers have to schlep too much luggage around.

Here is apic of my graduation today at the Tampa General Hospital Heart Clinic today.  That is nurse Julie and Doctor Tom with me.  I finished 36 sessions since November.

I signed up with them to keep going three times a week at 7:30 AM.  

This summer, when I am in Saugatuck, there is a gym two blocks from where I live.

Also there is Mount Baldy, a forest-covered sand-dune, with 310 steps to the top.  I plan on hitting it at least twice a week..

It is wonderful to feel so vital, and alive.

Took Ellen out to early Valentine's meal tonite.  Very romantic and sexy.

Aloha, and thanks for all your great support, Nels.

Veteran's Memorial Park

75 Artists

Deadline: April 1  

Where is Elk Rapids?  Visit this link.

 Artist Testimonials:

A friend sent me this picture a short time ago and I was wondering why.   Until I saw that the kid had bought MY stuff.

He's probably the smartest kid in his gifted class.  

   But seriously folks,  anyone doing Gasparilla should consider donating art to the cause.  Your stuff goes to a special tent for kids only and parents aren't allowed to come in and influence their choices.  

    Of course, when they come to your booth to meet you, it's because they were dragged there by their parents.  But the looks you get can be very rewarding  

Can't believe there isn't a review for Prairie Village, but hoping to hear it and Vail are good add on or in case not accepted shows, particularly for higher end 2D.  Wisdom, thoughts?  Thanks!  CL

Some good friends of mine have told me this show has huge crowds but they are not artists so their perspective may be different than mine.  I'd love to know if anyone has done this show and if it lives up to it's promos.

Im sure many of your are too high end for his shows but with my price point average around $55 Im curious if his one day shows are worth while. Most are in NJ which is not far from me, but I have never met an artist or crafter who has done his shows.

Bayou City Art Festival is sponsoring an "art heist" as a fund raiser for their charities.  This in itself is not a bad thing, raising money for charity is a good thing.

What is wrong with this?  It takes place during the last afternoon of the show.  This takes serious buyers away from the show and occupies them during the final hours of the show.  You all know that time--all those "be backs" will be busy.  Those deciding on one of two pieces--also busy.  Those who weren't sure about that "big" piece--sorry, they may be winning a donated piece and not want yours anymore.

So, you are asked to donate a piece of your art (for a contribution worth more than the IRS says), you lose affluent buyers for a significant time during the festival and you still get to pay for your travel, hotel, food, booth expenses as if it was a full festival. 

Whoever thought of this didn't think it through.

It's a damn shame.

August 23-25  
Evanston, Illinois
Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Northwestern University
160 Artists
Deadline: March 1
Preview Party: Thurs. August 22, 6:30-9:00 pm
Fri. 10am-8pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
 
The Auxiliary of NorthShore University Health System at Evanston & Glenbrook Hospitals presents one of the most renowned craft shows in the nation the American Craft Exposition (ACE).  Mark your calendars for the impressive juried exposition of handcrafted works of art which gives guests the opportunity to appreciate and purchase the work of more than 150 master craftspeople from across the country.

ACE is a nationally renowned exhibition and sale of fine craft where attendees can meet the artists behind the work.  This show assembles the country's finest artists and more than a dozen emerging artists showcasing new achievements in metal, glass, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, fiber decorative, fiber wearable, leather, wood, mixed media and baskets.

ACE is the only volunteer-produced Exposition of its caliber in the country with more than 100 volunteers working year-round to present this amazing show.

This year's 28th annual show will be held at the Henry Crown   Sports Pavilion on Northwestern University's campus in Evanston, IL, beginning with the Preview Party on August 22m and continuing August 23-25.  Funds raised at this year's exposition will support pioneering research being conducted at North Shore that is already showing promising results in preventing ovarian cancer in at-risk women.

Apply: JuriedArtServices.com
Call: (224)364-7270
Email: ACE@northshore.org
Visit website: www.americancraftexpo.org

June 8 & 9  
Excelsior, Minnesota
On the shores of Lake Minnetonka
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-4pm
180+ Artists
Deadline: February 28

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber will host it's 33rd annual Art on the Lake.  Every year 18,000+ art lovers across the metropolitan area come to historic downtown Excelsior to attend the two-day event and enjoy fine art, entertainment, beer, wine and shopping.

Shane & Kelly Anderson - 2012 Award winner

Excelsior is an eclectic and charming historic town located on the beautiful waterfront of Lake Minnetonka.  Art On the Lake showcases a wide array of high quality art and contemporary and traditional crafts presented by more than 180 artisans.  The show has been highly praised by participants and visitors.

The beautiful lakefront setting is set adjacent to a Main Street filled with independent retailers, art galleries, diverse dining experiences and a blend of recreational activities from biking to boating.

Where is Excelsior? Click here.

Noteworthy:

• Limited to under 200 artists
• Estimated Attendance: 18,000+
• Artist Purchase Awards
• Jury/Booth fees: $25/$225 single
• Application deadline-must be postmarked by Feb 28, 2013
• Artist amenities include hospitality for artists open entire show, ample free parking, overnight police security

Exhibitors are provided marketing opportunities in print media, radio, Facebook, Twitter and Art on the Lake website.  Art on the Lake is the perfect fit for both emerging and seasoned artists that offers the personal service and smile of a small town with the cultural diversity of the big city.  Our show seeks to maintain the highest standards for both the artists and the public.

For more info: www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamberchamber.com

or call: (952)474-6461

This is almost like the ending in the Movie Western, "Shane."
At the end, young Brandon DeWilde yells out to the good guy, Alan Ladd, after he has disposed of the villain played by Jack Palance.
"Shane, Shane, come back! Do ya hear me? Shane, Shane...."
Instead oldster Nels Johnson, played only by himself,yells out to Barry Witt.
"Barry,Barry, pull back!"An echo is heard over the din of artists' load out.
"Howard, Howard, pull back!" Silence.
Well something has to give down there in over saturated Estero-Naples Wonderland. And, of course that puts Bonita Springs right in the middle.
You got 40 jillion shows going on down there now, and then you got these two directors going head-to-head.
Coconut Point (Howard Alan). The Promenade Art Show at Bonita Springs (Barry Witt).
I know, maybe I did not get the exact show names right, but you get the jist.
Oh, did I mention? They were both last weekend. Maybe five miles apart from each other.
I can see John Wayne riding in now on the windshield of an old 1986 Dodge Van.
"Now listen here Pilgrims. If you guys don't get this matter straightened out soon, I am going to take my herd of whales elsewhere."
A "Whale" in restaurant-talk is a big-spender who puts out a grand or better for a few good bottles of wine.
Well, I am co-opting the term "Whale" for our art biz.
Here, a Whale is a big spender who buys a single piece or a package of art for serious moola, again, a grand or better.
Well Bonita had sparse crowds, but their were some good Whales there.
Painter sold one for $4800. A 3-D Artist couple nailed a biggie for over $3K. Sculptor by me,sold a bunch. Made mucho moola.
Others, barely broke even and made expenses.
A number, me included, made a paycheck.
But, I have done the Bonita shows from their inception. Not every January one. But I have done many. For me, the numbers keeping going down at every show I do there. For some others too.
It is a very well run show. Barry Witt has a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly from setup to teardown.
Some will make serious money there. There are savvy buyers. They want to see unique work. They have the means to buy.
So, if you are new, you takes your chances. Some win, some lose.
BTW. From reports from several artists I know at Howard's show. The results were similar.
They had big crowds, much larger than Bonita, but sales were spotty.
Some were big winners, some were losers, and many made a paycheck.
I just wish the boys would work it out so they did not go head to head on the same weekend.
Maybe I have to send Clint Eastwood in to straighten things out.

This is my second time there in the last two years and there is a fairly high level of quality  art.  

As we arrived at one of  the many free parking garages, there was a line of cars entering.  This was at 10am, the opening time of the show.  

This show used to be well organized with booths around the center esplanade and down two short side streets.  This year, I found booths near the the museum with their backs to the food (a good thing) but there were double rows and some booths perpendicular to the double rows.  I know I didn't see every booth because I am easily confused.

We went up there because I was picking up a pair of earrings from Carol Adams, a wonderful jeweler.  There were also a lot of artists that I have become friendly with over the years and I enjoy seeing both them and their wonderful work.  

This is the show where I first found out about the watch guys.  I knew the watch guys were going to be there this year as I had seen their names on the list.  So pity the poor judge  literally standing in front of me when I entered the festival area from the garage.  I asked if I could speak with her, she kindly said yes and I told her about the watches and all the related info.  I gave her my card and told her I would gladly provide the information backing up what I told her.  Since this is at least the third year they have been in the show, I don't hold out much hope but I tried.  Sadly the ubiquitous clay flowers and Asian embroiderers were also at the show.  Other than these booths, I saw very little that was of poor quality and most booths were above average.

Museum shows seem to find artists that I don't see at every show.  It pretty much insures that I don't leave empty-handed.  I found glass and jewelry (big surprise for those who know me)

this is a show in a rich demographic area but that doesn't guarantee sales.  I heard several people bemoan the fact that they "had too much stuff already" or "the walls were full".  

This show was a good appetizer for the main feast--Coconut Grove.  

My understanding is that the promoter supplies a tent that up to five artist share and is confined to a 10x10 space. My question for anyone who has done this show, how do these shelters hold up in bad weather, especially during rain. When I asked the promoter her response was "as good as it can". Which makes me wonder. Also It dosent seem like there is any additional space (either behind the booth or on the side). Is there anyone who can give some insight on these issues?

We are so happy to announce that Connie Mettler will be speaking at ArtSmart!

“ArtSmart”, a three day Creative and Professional Development Conference for Artists, will take place at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield Missouri, March 15 – March 17.
Guest presenter Reed McMillan will open the conference with “Changes that Compel Creativity,” which will address the political, social and economic challenges artists face and how they can utilize those challenges to succeed.

Connie Mettler, founder and operator of 4 art fair oriented websites, will present sessions as well on increasing your opportunities for success as an artist.

The annual ArtSmart conference, presented by The Best of Missouri Hands, is a must to attend if you are an amateur or a professional artist who is looking to up your game and expand your potential. ArtSmart is supported by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
To learn more about ArtSmart and the Best of Missouri Hands, or to register on line for ArtSmart, visit www.bestofmissourihands.org

Email:  director@bestofmissourihands.org 
University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center - Springfield, Missouri Hotels
333 S John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield, Missouri 65806

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/events/artsmart-creative-and-professional-development-conference-for

August 17 & 18  
Michigan City, Indiana
32nd Annual Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Lakefront Art Festival
Washington Park
100 Artists
Deadline: Feb. 28

The Lakefront Art Festival attracts thousands of visitors from surrounding states to a festive, high-quality event held under shady trees in a grassy park on the shore of Lake Michigan.  In 2012 they had over 6000 visitors attend the festival. Because the event is sponsored by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, it is overseen by arts professionals, committed to making every aspect of the festival a quality venue for artists and visitors.  Click here to find Michigan City.

Why this should be of interest to you:

• small town art fair in the heart of vacation country
• advertising extends to Chicago, South Bend and Fort Wayne
• a weekend get away place for Chicagoans
• $3000 in artist prized
• sponsored by an art center
• an art purchase program
• volunteers who understand artist's needs
• $175 booth fee; $30/$60 jury fee  
  
  

Artist Amenities include:

• light refreshments, coffee, and other beverages
• Row Captains on hand to assist you when you need a break
• a Sunday morning Roundtable discussion at 8:30am to solicit your evaluations festival activities with committee representatives
• $3000 in Artist Awards in 6 categories
• serious regional marketing that includes:  full-color postcards mailed to a list of over 7500; local and regional print advertising as well as outdoor, radio, television and internet; Visitors Center display; Television, radio and newspaper press coverage; PLUS an event-day newspaper insert with map and complete artist listings.

These days there is a lot of talk among artists about keeping their overhead down.  One of the best ways is to exhibit at local events and the Lakefront Art Festival is in the heart of where a lot of artists live.

For more information and applications:

 www.lubeznikcenter.org/Special_Events.com  

Becky Jascoviak, Marketing Director

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Michigan City, Indiana 46360

(219)874-4900

bjascoviak@lubeznikcenter.org  

It brought back memories as I read Nels recent post about the "history of art fair tents." I've been doing art fairs on and off since the early '70s but I also had a long career as a filmmaker and video producer. I exhibited in the "Images" art fair in New Smyrna Beach in 1983... my first Florida art fair. The experience got me thinking about the people who choose this occupation. I noticed that there are some very fascinating characters who exhibit at art fairs. I thought it might be interesting to get to know some of these artists in a documentary. In 1984 I didn't exhibit at Images, but I brought a video production crew down from Chicago. We shot video and collected interviews all weekend and produced a 25 minute documentary called "Art Fair."

The doc aired on PBS stations in several markets around the country and even garnered an Emmy nomination in Chicago. (It didn't win. A documentary about the Chicago Yacht Club's entry in the America's Cup sailboat race won the Emmy in that category.)

Today I dug out this old video and uploaded it to UTube. I watched it again and was surprised to see that there were very few tents being used at Images in 1984. Check out the video. Its kind of fun to look back. I wonder how many of you will recognize some of the artists we interviewed. I wonder how many of them are still out there exhibiting at art fairs. The video is about 24 minutes long although the UTube entry says it is over an hour long. But, the last 36 minutes is black, so I don't recommend you watch that part. Enjoy!

Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q16q5Ju_pBk&feature=youtu.be 

May 31, June 1-2

Prairie Village, Kansas

57th year

100 Artists

Deadline: February 18

The Prairie Village Art Show is not located on a prairie but in the heart of the Kansas City metro area and surrounded by upper income demographics. Forbes magazine recently listed Mission Hills, KS, as being the 3rd most affluent city in the country and it is next to the show. The show is well attended and draws patrons from the entire metropolitan area.

This show is small with only 100 artists but they come from all parts of the country. The Art Fair Sourcebooksays that Prairie Village "Attracts an affluent and educated clientele."

What to Expect:

• 20,000 Upper Income patrons
• 24 hour security
• Electricity included with booth fee
• Friday night Wine
• Saturday night dinner delivered to booth
• Artist's lounge with restrooms, snacks and air conditioning
• Parking nearby and overnight parking allowed
• Discounted Hotel Rates
• Booth sitters

The Village in Prairie Village is one of those "lifestyle" shopping areas, intimate enough for ease of shopping yet anchored by well-known names such as Macy's and Starbucks with lots of restaurants. Does it sound as though your clientele will be showing up here? Then you know what to do! Apply today.

Application on line at:www.zapplication.org

For more info visit

www.prairievillageshops.com

or contact Donna Potts at: 913-362-9668

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Find more shows looking for you at callsforartists.com

Im thinking of selling at the  Fine Furnishing show in Baltimore. They also have shows in Providence RI and Milwaukee. Most of the items are wood related but they do have crafters and artist as well. I sell digital art work