September 14 & 15 
La Grange, Illinois
Intersection of Burlington & Brainard Ave.
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 10am-4pm
90 max. artist
Deadline: March 1
Celebrating its 18th year, the West End Art Festival is a La Grange tradition whose purpose is to bring a quality, fine art event to the Village of La Grange and surrounding communities and highlight the west end business district. Artists from across the country participate in La Grange's late summer festival that attracts art admirers and patrons each year.
Presented by the La Grange business Association and held in cooperation with the Village of La Grange, the festival is held in the shadow of the landmark Stone Avenue Station along Burlington Avenue between Brainart and Spring Avenues. The charming and historic West End area of La Grange provides a picture-perfect setting to showcase art. Other highlights include live music, food from local La Grange restaurants and children's art activities for an event to be enjoyed by all ages.
This show is one of a series of Chicago area art fairs managed by Erin Melloy of EM Events. EM Events are held in partnership with local business organizations bring close interaction between each community and its' local art fair and ensuring you loyal patrons.
Learn more and apply: http://emevents.com
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Most likely in most areas of craftsmanship and art, there is a popularity factor where a certain type of work saturates the market, it's brought into the "craft" stores such as Michael's with much less quality of products, and the work is simplified to the level that "everyone" can do it with just a few quick turns of this, dabs of that, well you get it.
As a former clothing designer, I am feeling a need to branch back out into this area. The part I find somewhat humorous are the remarks people are making to me, because it's a side of me none of them know about, all they view me as is X who does Y.
Has anyone else gone back to what they used to create so many years ago that your current clientele have no idea that is another facet to your abilities? Did it work for you? Are you still doing both? Or?
I am feeling the best I have for many years now making this decision, and I would really appreciate hearing from others who have done similar, are contemplating it...or perhaps feel somewhat lost and are trying to find their direction. Thank you.
- "Why We Do Art Shows (Besides the Money)", Nels Johnson
- "Heat, Humidity Scuttle Estero, FL, Show", Geoff Coe
- "Art: A Competitive Pursuit?", Marti McGinnis
- "Chicago Wholesale Market, Beckman's Show", Carla Bank
Deadline: January 21 - 9 pm ET
So fast & easy and we need to say thank you to these generous people
who keep you coming back to AFI
May 24-26 
Denver, Colorado
Fri. 4pm-8pm; Sat. 11am-8pm; Sun. 11am-5pm
135 Artists Booths
Deadline: February 21
Since 1999 the Downtown Denver Arts Festival is a fine arts and fine crafts festival that continues to be dedicated to supporting Colorado artists while also showcasing juried national artists. Downtown Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier event each Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
The festival is returning 'home' in our 15th year to the Denver Performing Arts complex (DPAC).
The DPAC was the original home of the festival and is the largest performing arts complex in the country. With over 14 performances scheduled in the theaters (including 5 Les Miserables) during the days of the festival those patrons will be added to the already large crowds that we have every year (125,000+).
Even More:
- Over 100,000 vehicles drive by the location every day so the high visibility of the show will add to the crowds.
- With an advertising budget of over $120,000 the event is well known in the Denver Metro area.
- With Entercom Radio (the largest in Denver) and Channel 9 (NBC) as our partners along with
extensive PR, print media distribution, social media and online promotions the artists know that the show is well advertised. - The Director Jim DeLutes, a former art show artist, has run the show for the last 7 years and is excited about returning the festival to the sculpture gardens of the Performing Arts complex since promotion of the arts in Denver is the only focus of DPAC.
Application is available on: www.Zapplication.org
Get more info and see our galleries of last year's artists at:
Jim Delutes-Director (303)330-8237
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Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2 PM ET
Everything an Artist Needs to Know about Insurance - sponsored by ACTinspro.com
Art fairs can be a dangerous business fraught with problems of high winds, theft, traveling with artwork, liability issues, damages to equipment and accidents of all kinds.
Valerie Bjarnson, Director of Online Programs for Veracity Insurance Solutions whose innovative insurance programs have made reasonably priced insurance available to artists, joins Connie Mettler to discuss why an artist needs liability insurance.
We'll discuss
- liability issues
- bodily injury and property damage
- weather related losses
- theft and the best way insurance can keep protect you and your livelihood
whether you only do a few shows a year or are a full time art fair traveler participating in more shows than you can remember. More shows are requiring artists to show proof of liability insurance. Learn how to satisfy this requirement.
Get definitive answers for all your insurance questions and learn more: www.ACTinspro.com.
Do you have questions about insurance or stories to share about your insurance? Put them in the comments and I'll be sure to include them in the discussion. We'll take phone calls in the last half hour call in: 805-243-1338.
Listen here: www.ArtFairRadio.com
Hi
I build my own prints bins. Last year after my rain experience in Bucktown Art Fair, I realize the my 2X4 feet wood bin and card boxes for my frame was not way to go.
I build a new wood box for my frame and still a big but in wheels and I can use as a table. I redoing my bins but I decide to reuse what I have before. Here comes my problem and question. My old bin have honey maple finish and the frame box is walnut.
Does matter that the frame box a different color than the print bin. Basic idea does matter that you have two pieces of furniture in same room that different color? I think it wont make any difference in the sales (I think). What is the big deal, staining plywood it takes about a week and stripping the old color can add a couple of more days and is a lot of freaking work.
I am not lazy and I live in an apartment in Chicago, IL.
Artists - Canada wants you in Vancouver May 11 & 12!
Get your passports ready and head North.
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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.
June 29
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Veteran's Memorial Park
75 Artists
Deadline: April 1
Elk Rapids is at the center of some of the most affluent real estate in northern Michigan, on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, near Charlevoix and Harbor Springs. This area has really blossomed with new homes, golf courses and galleries in the last ten years, making it a desired vacation second home location, for people from Chicago and Detroit.
The art fair is held in Veteran's Memorial Park, by Grand Traverse Bay in the heart of this charming harbor town. Patrons can walk two short blocks where they will find restaurants, antique shops and art galleries. Elk Rapids already attracts an art-loving clientele the year around.
The organizers have planned every detail including a reception (appetizers and wine) the night before for the artists and volunteers. The next morning volunteers are on hand with golf carts at 5am to unload artists vans and help with setup. Then the sun comes out and the people show up. As they know this is a one-day show so it is "now or never."
Prize money:
$1000 Best of show; 2 - $400 Honorable Mention; $125 People's Choice
Space Fees:
1 space, 1 artist - $125; 1 space, 2 artists - $175; 2 spaces, 1 artist - $250
Artist Testimonials:--This was a terrific show, well organized, advertised, and well attended. Glad to be in the show.
--My compliments to all involved. The art presented was upscale. Very well done.
--Thanks for selecting fine art (as opposed to crafts). It's very difficult to find art shows, and if you continue to keep a high standard and accept only fine art, you will get that reputation and buyers coming with the knowledge that it is an art show and they are prepared to spend accordingly.
For more information and to download an application visit:
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.
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| 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.
