Blog

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  

There were a few exceptions but the overall  the art at this festival is wonderful.  If you applied and did not get in, know that a really good artist got 'your' space. Actually way too many artists got your spaces.  At 380 artists, this is too large.  It makes it difficult to decide what to buy, to get back to the booths where you wanted to buy, heck, to remember where you saw what.  

As in the past, there are more vendor booths than at any other show I have ever been to.  It was actually worse this year.  There was hardly an empty space on the east side of Bayshore Drive that didn't have some vendor.  The only exception was the sculpture garden.  The Verizon booth was as big as ever and while quieter in the morning, it did get louder in the afternoon.  It didn't seem as pervasive and annoying as in years past so maybe they are getting the message,  this is an art festival, not a rock concert.  If there are going to be that many vendor booths, it would be nice if TPTB would cut down on the number of artist booths.  Give the artists a chance to make more money instead of divvying up the pie into so many smaller pieces.  

Most of the artists I spoke with were having decent to wonderful shows.  I didn't necessarily see a lot of packages as we walked around but the size of the show means a lot of deliveries by artists or holding of the art till the patron is ready to leave.  (or you bring bags to the car and return to the show to buy more, cough, cough)

The weather could not have been more perfect. The crowds were gigantic, making it difficult to navigate but in the coolness, you didn't mind.  It made it so much easier to wander the mile long stretch of tents.

I met Allan Teger and he has some wonderful new photos.  He is the nicest man along with his enormous talent.  He has a book of 114 of his photos which is now sitting on my coffee table.  (Connie, he asked me to send along his regards to you)

This year, instead of the artist dinner,  the artists were invited to a gallery opening in the Grove.  Sort of like a busman's holiday and to me seems like an insult to the artists at the festival.  Most galleries don't offer seating so that means after spending most of the day on your feet, you get to stand up some more.  And this is just more buying competition for the artists who certainly have enough with all those booths at the show.  You have to wonder what the people running the festival were thinking, or were they thinking at all.

Top notch art and perfect weather made for a wonderful weekend.  I can only hope that the artists enjoyed it as much as I did.

September 7 & 8  
Chicago, Illinois
Intersection of Broadway and Belmont
Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
175 Artists
Deadline: March 1

The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is Chicago's premier fine art and fine craft festival showcasing over 170 juried artists.  Lakeview  is located on the north side of Chicago, near Wrigley Field, north  Halsted and Lincoln Park in a very diverse, culturally rich community with unique boutique stores, cafes and restaurants.

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has hosted this event for the past seven years.  More than 40,000 attendees are expected to attend this year's festival.  The festival is set on Broadway Avenue just north of Belmont Avenue.

This festival has a strong marketing and media plan and hosts an annual artist reception.  Other amenities include artist reserved parking, Saturday night Artist Party, and a full breakfast served Saturday and Sunday.

Checks payable to:  Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

The event was founded in 2005 by the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. This festival is produced by the Chamber of Commerce with recruitment of artists from EM Events, an event planning company founded by Erin Melloy. 

I saw the great post about Artigras and it got me thinking about the past.

I have done the show since the late 80's.

Originally, it was on RCA Victor Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

Then it moved to the PGA Gardens Mall, where it was the best it has ever been.  Everybody made money there.

Then, in 1994, the McArthur Foundation sold  a large parcel of land that was crucial for parking for the show.  Exit the Gardens Mall and Enter Abacoa.

The show has been there 19 years.  It is north of WPB and it attracts a different crowd then the Mall.

Our sales show that.

It is a paycheck.  That is all I can say.

The Grove isn't exactly as it was in its heyday.  So you takes your picks and live with the results.

So, I have done Abacoa 16 years.  The Mall, at least nine years, and RCA twice.

Which brings me to several humerous episodes from the old days at RCA.

Back then, Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson were quite the item.

Him, being a good ol' boy from Jupiter; her being some fabulous  woman from another planet where certain body parts seemed to defy gravity.

They would always show up early the first day and do the Preview Stroll.

Burt would tip his hat.  He'd chuckle and make smart remarks about the art.  He let you know he was famous.  She, just let her body do the talking.

They have both been off the scene for years now.  My God!  Burt's Dinner Theater is gone now.

Which brings me to the real rationale of this whole silly blog.

Somebody has to entertain you because I don't see anybody else out here doing it.

So, one time at the RCA show this glitzy couple are walking the show and buying up a storm of art from jewelers and photographers.

Heard about them before they got to me.

Saw them well before they got to me.  It was hard to miss her with all the sunny reflections off her gold she was wearing.

This woman was good looking and well jeweled.  She had stones and gold everywhere.

As the Pink Floyd song said, "Shine on you crazy diamond."

The guy was dressed smartly in elegant black.  Nice hat, expensive belt and smart boots.

He was sure of himself.

Well, he had the good sense to buy about $750 of my images to hang in his yacht.

He pulled out his gold card and gave it to me.  Noticed he had a little of a southern drawl.

His voice sounded familiar, but I could not quite place it.

I looked down on the card and it said, "Jimmy Dean."

Well, sugar, it was ol' BIg Bad John himself.  This was years before he would be known as Mr. Sausage from Tennessee.

Impressed, I said," That sure is a famous name."

He looked me right in the eye and said, "Yep.  Had it all my life."

He walked out of my booth with a big chuckle.

That was probably the high point of my Artigras in the last 31 years ago.

Thought you might get a chuckle out of it.

Any of you care to share info about any famous faces you have sold to at shows?

Hope you liked the story.

While we wait to hear the news about this year's show here are some great links to give a real feel of what this big event is all about. This was the 50th annual festival with the committee working year round to make each one better than the last. 380 artists were represented.

Here's a video from NBC News in Miami, an interview with Monty Trainer, the Festival's President: http://www.nbcmiami.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Coconut-Grove-Arts-Festival/190704251

Here are more photos of shoppers for some ambiance:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/18/3241475/2013-coconut-grove-arts-festival.html

I like this link the best because it features the art giving you a nice overview of the quality of the art, including this mixed media retablo by Nicario Jimenez:

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2013/02/coconut_grove_arts_festival_food_art.php

In an adjacent property visitors could attend the St. Stephens Art Show, at the St. Stephens Episcopal  Church you could find another 160 artists, although its artist roster was heavier on local and regional artists than Coconut Grove. 

St. Stephens, plus photos: http://www.examiner.com/article/st-stephen-s-art-show-attracted-more-than-160-artists

JUPITER — The 2013 ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and produced by the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Don McWhorter of Carrollton, Ga., has won Best in Show for his work in ceramics.

“I am very flattered to be named Best in Show at ArtiGras,” said McWhorter, who has shown his ceramic work at 18 of the last 20 ArtiGras Fine Art Festivals. “The other artists here are just phenomenal, and I honored just to be in the same show as them, let alone win an award.”

Photo by Rebecca Seelig

The winners were selected by three judges who scored each artist and awarded a Best in Show and a first-place winner in each of the 14 categories. The following is a list of the artists who placed first in each category:

Don McWhorter, Ceramics, Best in Show, Carrollton, GA

Robin Rodgers, Ceramics, Tallahassee, FL

Edward Loedding, Digital Art, Brandon, VT

Flo Kemp, Drawing and Printmaking, Setauket, NY

Shelly Cox, Emerging Artists, Jupiter, FL

Jean Yao, Fiber-Nonwearable, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Leah Dziewit, Fiber - Wearable, Maple City, MI

Richard Ryan, Glass, Bourbonnais, IL

Michael Alexander, Jewelry, New York, NY

Vince Pompei, Metal, St. Petersburg, FL

B. Corey Johnson, Mixed Media, Royal Palm Beach, FL

Danny O'Driscoll, Painting, Batesburg, SC

Richard Auger, Photography, Summerfield, FL

Peter Rujuwa, Sculpture, Indianapolis, IN

Barrie Harding, Wood, Dunnellon, FL

(I reviewed this show in depth two years ago.  Much of the background information can be read here.)

One glance at the long line of show-goers queued up along Periwinkle Way waiting for the gates to open at the Sanibel Rotary show, and you couldn't help but feel a bit optimistic.  This show is worth doing, once, just to experience the crowds spilling into the Sanibel Community Center grounds at the opening bell.   For many of us, it was art show madness until well after lunchtime: this is a local show, attended by residents and vacationers who know it's coming every year, plan accordingly, and, for the most part, intend to buy if they like what they see.

Except for lulls on late Saturday afternoon (thanks to an approaching cold front, which squelched the attendance and buying energy a little after 3 PM) and Sunday morning (50-degree temps and chilly winds, plus the usual early-Sunday-morning malaise), the crowds kept comin'.  By the show's end I'd had my best sales of the season, by a significant amount. 

But that happy report comes with a disclaimer:  A wildlife/bird photographer, I shoot about half my images on this beautiful island, or within 20 minutes of it.  And Sanibel, which eschews big-box development in favor of sugar sand, shelling, and biking trails, draws nature lovers like nowhere else--especially those who can afford to pay for it.  So, on a weekend nearly perfect for an art show (mostly sunny, and cool enough to keep folks away from the beaches), I'd expect to do well here. 

And lots of other folks, did too!  But, as with most shows these days, not everyone did: my neighbor, a accomplished 2-D artist with sunny, bright semi-abstract paintings of birds and beach scenes, sold only a few reproductions.  Another neighbor, who sold beautiful copper wall hangings and copper/glass tables, covered his nut but didn't show much profit, and isn't sure he'll return.  One local photographer did quite well; another just made expenses.

The general impression I got was that folks who had done the show before did well; first-timers, maybe, not so much.  But I hope those of you who exhibited weigh in below with a comment on your experience. I didn't have much time to walk the show. 

The weather was both hero and villain.  The Saturday-afternoon cold front dropped temperatures about 15 degrees between 3 and 4 pm, and winds whipped through the area until mid-morning on Sunday.  Several tents (E-Z Ups and their ilk) were flipped overnight; just about everyone was nervous. But luckily, there was no rain.  Sunday, once the winds died down, was more beautiful show weather than anyone, including the weather forecasters, expected.

Overall, this is a well-organized, decent-quality show (with a couple hiccups), attended by locals and seasonal Sanibel renters... not weekend tourists who are looking for a beach, a bargain, and a bratwurst.  It may take a year or two to sell here, but if your work catches a wave, a home run is possible.  If it doesn't, it can be an expensive area to "miss" in...but hey, there are worse places to hang out for the weekend. 

Quick notes:

Jury/Booth Fee:  $35/$275, separate checks, both cashed on receipt.  (They promise a refund if you don't get in, but don't say by when.  Hate that.)

Entry fee for patrons: Yes ($4).  But this is Sanibel, hardly anyone would mind.

Setup/teardown:  Setup Fri., noon to 6 pm arrival time (gates closed at 6).  The truly strong-hearted (or light-loaded) could wait 'til early Saturday. A tight layout but access was well coordinated, if somewhat over-managed at times, by the Rotarians.  Parking was along the road just east of the show center, across busy Periwinkle Way, but the Rotary folks, aided by the local police during show hours, managed the traffic and logistics just fine.

Teardown started at 4 PM Sunday at show close. Again, well managed.  Nearly everyone was on the road by 6:15, despite the tight quarters. 

Artist amenities:  Awards (listed below); water, boothsitters available. Restrooms in the Community Center.

Marketing: They added a newly-designed website (very professional) and gave each artist their own web page featuring the works submitted to the jury.

Art donation request:  Yes, on Saturday morning.  But they weren't pushy about it. 

Bonus amenities:  A shipping service was advertised (courtesy of a local retailer, who touted the ability to ship to Canada, Germany, and the UK, whose citizens flock to the island).  But I found out on Sunday morning that they were a no-show. 

Other tips for artists: 

* There aren't any chain motels, chain shopping, or chain anything on Sanibel.  Best bet is to use Priceline, etc. and search in S. Fort Myers, only 15 minutes away from the show site.  Cheapest prices, such as they are this time of year, are along US 41 and in North Fort Myers, but it's a 35-minute ride, at best.  Trailer Parks are all off-island, according to the show organizers.

* There is a $6 toll to get from the mainland onto Sanibel (one way). Plan accordingly.

* The show takes place on fine-grained sand, so be prepared to dust and clean your work and your tent in the week after the show.  If it rains...even worse!

* There is ANOTHER show at the same venue one month later--run by the Sanibel-Captiva Lions.  Compared with this show, it's generally hotter, not quite as well attended (it's a Friday/Saturday event), juried to a lesser standard, and (although it's possible to have a gangbuster show) the Lions' show doesn't have the cachet that this one does.

AWARDS:

There were awards, though (the judge(s) must have been incognito.  I never saw 'em.)  All winners got ribbons and a free jury fee ($35 value) for next year's show.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners got cash prizes ($300, 200, 100, respectively).

Two-Dimensional Art

1st Place  -- Katie Wilson
2nd Place -- Ronnie Phillips
3rd Place -- David Bruner
Honorable Mention:  Edgar Reims and Janet Searfoss


Three-Dimensional Art

1st Place  -- Kit Karbler
2nd Place -- Susan Livingston
3rd Place -- Russ Schmidt
Honorable Mention:  Ron Lemoine and Toby McGee


Creative Crafts

1st Place  -- Obayana Ajanaku
2nd Place -- Katie Gardinia
3rd Place -- William Greenwood
Honorable Mention:  Luc Century and Carol Clay

I've done the State Street show in the past and the South University Show. I was greatly disappointed in my booth placement at both of those events in past years. Now I'm in the Original Street Fair in 2013 and I've been asked to select a booth location on one of the forms. Anyone out there have a recommendation? Or a warning to stay away from certain areas?

My choices are on the street on E. Washington (North side of the street is the only location that allows canopies), the street on North University or in Ingalls Mall. Looks like there is a stage in the mall. Could be noisy. Advice from those who have done this show in the past will be greatly appreciated!

April 27 & 28
Charlotte, North Carolina
Sugar Creek Greenway on Kings Drive
Saturday, 11am-8pm
Sunday, 11am-6pm
Presented by Festival in the Park
75 fine & emerging artists
Deadline: March 1

Since the fall of 1964, Festival in the Park has brought Charlotteans from all walks of life together to enjoy arts, crafts, music and family entertainment. With the mission of bringing the community together by celebrating the arts, the Festival Board is excited to broaden its reach and to announce a spring fine arts event, the Kings Drive Art Walk.

We invite you to participate in our spring event which will be held along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a newly reclaimed natural waterway between East Morehead Street and Pearle Street Bridge along Kings Drive. With a focus on fine and emerging artists, our new spring festival on this beautiful and easily accessible venue will become an annual fine arts outing!

Most importantly, the King's Drive section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway is adjacent to some of Charlotte's most prestigious and affluent neighborhoods - with homeowners who appreciate and can afford fine are. We intend to target these neighborhoods with appropriate promotional materials.

What to expect:

• All booth locations along a greenway; no "hidden" spaces
• Short dolly-in for setup and teardown    
• Advertising in social media, radio, local newspaper, area neighborhood magazines
• free parking and 24-hour security
• a vibrant local economy; artists at past 2 years of KDAW have been very happy with sales
• sponsoring partners are the Arts & Science Council, Metropolitan, CBS Radio stations and others
• 2012 attendance was 25,000

          Jury/Booth Fees: $25/$250
electricity available for an additional $25.

More information: www.FESTIVALinthePARK.org

Where to get the application
http://www.festivalinthepark.org/kingsdrive.asp

Julie Austin has been the executive director since November 1998 and her father started the Festival in the Park in 1964.

Contact information: Julie Whitney Austin, 704.338.1060