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Did anyone do the Delray Affair in 2012? Could only find reviews for 2011 and they weren't great but one was hopeful for a turnaround in 2012.

Does anyone know where to find "for sale by artist" display panels besides our classified ads here?

I used to do Howard Alan Shows.   He has “regulars” who do many of his shows.  I was one of them.  He  and Debby knew my work well.  They know the work of their regulars.   Some weekends I would call about a show I hadn’t even apply for and he would say, “Sure, I’ll find you a space”.  I liked Howard and Debby, and though their entry fees were high, they put on many good shows.  But then they implement a $15 jury fee for each and every show we applied for.   That’s when I quit applying.

When I started doing art festivals in 1981, there was no such thing as a jury fee.  Then, in the mid-eighties I saw my first one.  It was $5.  Until then, shows funded their own juries to assemble the best mix of artists they could.  Now, 25 years later, shows treat the jury fee as a revenue stream, a cash cow from hundreds, even thousands of artists they know will never get anything but a “Dear John” letter.  Good shows today get more than a thousand applications and charge upwards of $40.  Do any of us really think it costs $40,000 to jury an event?  The bottom line is we are often funding shows in which we do not participate.

Two years ago, when I was accepted to Main Street Fort Worth I was rewarded not only with a $20K show, but they reduced my entry fee 10% because they got so much money from an overwhelming  number of jury applications.  Why should we, the few who got into the show, be subsidized by the many who were rejected?  Why not reduce next year’s jury fee by $5 so all applicants could benefit?  Why not reduce the jury fee to what it actually costs to jury the show?  Then charge the lucky ones who actually do the show enough to cover the costs.  Seems like a common sense approach.

I recently sent a $25 jury fee to The Des Moines Arts Festival through Zapplication and went off on a road trip to do shows in Memphis and Pensacola.  When I got home and caught-up on my email, I found  one from Stephen King the director of The Des Moines Arts show.  In it, he said he thought my digital photography should be moved from the photography category to the mixed media category.  The email said if I agreed I should respond by a certain date.  The date was long past.  So, I thought, since I had not responded, at least my application would be juried in the right category.  Right?

Not so.

On my next visit to Zapp, I found my category had been changed to Mixed Media!  Then I got an email from the show giving the statistics of the applications.  In photography there were approximately 100 applications.  In mixed media there were over 150.  Needless to say, I recently got my “Dear John” letter from Mr. King.

What did I get for $25?

Here is what I wrote on the Des Moines application to describe my work in 200 characters or less:

“Images of wit & humor from my imagination. By blending digital files in Photoshop, I work to emulate traditional darkroom photography. All work is produced to archival standards.”

Here are several statements taken directly from the Des Moines application:

In addition to the rules of exhibiting, the following guidelines/restrictions apply to the jury process:

5. Photography may only be submitted for jury in the photography category.

Photography – The process of capturing images that begins with a camera lens, then printing the images, by chemical or digital means, onto a surface. The photography category includes traditional film photography, hand colored images, emulsion transfers and digital photography that has not been excessively manipulated to achieve results beyond what could be done in a traditional darkroom.

Mixed Media – Includes any combination of a variety of materials to create an original work of art.

In 31 years of applying to thousands of shows, I’ve never applied in any other category unless photography was divided  and there was a Digital category.

Back in November when I got Mr. Kings email, I replied that I thought he should put me back in the right category and that his email intimated I wouldn’t be switched without my permission.  Recently, I emailed him asking for my jury fee back “ for cause”.  I didn’t get a reply back then and I don’t expect I will now.

Just what is it we get for our jury fee?

Hi, is anyone applying for this show or has done it before, I'd appreciate any feedback on it?  I checked the show review site and could only find other dates and shows in Naples, I am thinking of applying for this 2013 one? 

“You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.  You're a nasty, wasty skunk.  Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk.”

Expecting Mr. Grinch?  Guess again.  I’m not sure about the Mayans being wrong, but always a pleasure to imbibe with Munks.

http://instudiowithjohnstillmunks.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/for-you-for-Christmas/

April 20-May 27
Lincoln, California
"A clay art show and competition"
Presented by the Art League of Lincoln, CA, a non-profit corporation

Gladding McBean Clay Manufacturing Company
601 7th Street, Lincoln, California
Deadline: Feb. 4, 2013

I am chained to my easel drawing dogs, grandkids, families, homes and the like to be discovered under my clients' trees, hopefully with much happiness. I promised myself I wouldn't goof around writing my blog until I was done! But I'm a born procrastinator. I hope you have a minute or two to enjoy and I wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

http://pencilenvy.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-stinky-christmas-carol.html

Merry Christmas!

Wendy

One of the great things about my online business is that it requires some offline activity and my favorite activity is visiting art fairs. December 1 I was in Columbus, OH, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds to attend the Ohio Designer Craftsmen's Winterfair. This is a long established event and my husband participated in it for nearly 20 years, so I knew it well.

The show is held in a large exhibition space with spacious parking nearby. There are wide aisles and it is a comfortable venue to visit. There were over 400 exhibitors. This used to be a very fine gallery quality event, but as the show grew from 250 to this size (and it has been this size for a very long time) the quality has declined. Nevertheless, I spotted no buy/sell, except for the gourmet food area. It is organized by an artist's organization and they pretty much know what is in the show.

Glass display by Robert Coleman

The aisles were full when I got there at noon on Saturday and there was a lot of shopping happening. Artists reported good sales on Friday.

Who was there? I visited with Mike Barnes, Ray Becker, Amy Beeler, Scott Berry, Adrienne Blum, Don Bodenberg, Lois Bosworth, Joe Cyberski, Patty DeMaria, Tahmi Schepper, Bruce Erdman (aka Cherry Sphere), Jerry Farnsworth, Lynn Fisher, Nina Harris, Tom Harris, Denise Houck, Linda McGurn, Rebecca Nobles, Barbara Rubright, John Russell, Jim & Rombye Perry, Kathy Sheldon, Charlie & Paula Shoulders, Simon & Joy Tarasiewicz, Barbara Nelson, Neil Kemarly, Chuck Wimmer and many more.

Here's a video with quickie interviews with even more artists that will also give you an idea of this event:

The entrepreneurial life of an artist requires continuous learning and experimenting and we need to stay on top of what else is going on out there in the arts and put our own careers in perspective.

My friend, Richard Rothbard, just sent me this link to Fine Art Magazine. Want to know what the BIG "real" art fairs are doing? Who is buying art and what kind of art is being celebrated?

This amazing website opens up like a magazine and you can page through it and read the articles about high society and who is buying what and see the work of up and coming artists, as well as establishment figures.

Really worth a look: http://issuu.com/fineartmagazine/docs/fine-art-magazine-winter-2012-2013

Plus, there is an article about Richard and Joanna Rothbard, their galleries and their shows and how they have developed markets for people who do the street art fairs.

Has anyone here attended these big glossy events or participated in them? Do you see them as a goal or inspiration to market/work/innovate/grow?

April 13 & 14
Historic, Old-World Cedar Key, Florida
120 Spaces
Deadline: December 15

Have you heard of Cedar Key?

Four reasons to apply Today!

1. The Most Magical Spot In The USA.  People spend their lives searching for a haven like Cedar Key.  Seven Islands connected by bridges on the Gulf, 60 miles west of Gainesville with 1800's buildings and Native American history.  Surrounded by tranquil beauty with mystical islands, bird sanctuaries and the best darn clams, oysters, crabs and redfish, anywhere!  Plus, unmatched hospitality of our historic community of artists, fishermen (and women) and creative, eclectic people.  The vibe in Cedar Key is what Key West was-sixty years ago.  It's where you'll find members of your tribe-on the water, in the bars, at the show, in the gulf-front park.

2. Money & Patrons.  22,000 people attend the free festival.  $10,000 in Prize Money plus $8,000 in Patron Purchase Awards.  Low fees: application $32-booth $150.

3. Plan Your Florida Tour with 3 consecutive Shows in Two Weeks.  Leverage your time!  Bookend Cedar Key show with two larger shows:  Gainesville Santa Fe Art Festival and St. Petersburg Mainsail Festival are the weekend before and after. (apply separately)

4. Who Loves Ya Baby?  We take real good care of you!  Complimentary Artists Breakfasts and Award Reception, friendly booth sitters, affordable booth fees, comfortable 10x12 spaces.  Friday pm and Saturday am set up.  Great food (only local, home-made food at the festival), great drinks, cool places to watch the sunset (Low Key Hideaway Tiki Bar) and friendly people everywhere.  You'll think your dreaming-but you'll be in wondrous Cedar Key!  Prepare to fall in love!

Hosted by the Cedar Key Art Center, we live for INSPIRATION, PASSION-and are ROOTING for more western, mid-west and northern artists.  Established and Emerging-to join our strong contingent of southeastern artists at our annual, juried fine arts and crafts festival.  A smart planner can work three shows in two weeks!

Questions?  Call me, Call me Anytime!
Laura Matson Hahn, Event coordinator, (352)543-5400, email:  cedarkeyarts@bellsouth.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fill up your 2013 art fair season.
Visit www.CallsforArtists.com now for a solid list of shows looking for you!

It seems more than a few people had a poor year.  I was a first timer in 2012 and was left with virtually nothing to invest into 2013.  I really think many of the jury approvals are based upon the fact that progressively fewer artists are surviving to submit art/pay the fees, etc. 

As the world is supposed to end soon, I guess I won't worry about it, but good grief the fees were sure steep and I even heard veterans saying how poorly they did!  Now, I'm not whining as I'll just try something else, but ya gotta wonder if a change isn't due...

The following may have been covered in previous posts and, if so, I apologize for wasting everyone's time. However, I'm stuck on a couple of things and hope someone can help.
I recently began using the Square and I love it. But, I'm disappointed that I've been able to find very little in the way of tech support or instruction on how to use the system to its full capability. Can anyone direct me to a website or other source of instructional material? Can someone tell me how to process a transaction manually I.e. the card isn't available as with a telephone order. It's in areas like this where I've been unable to find anything in writing. Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated.

I went to see the Tempe Festival of the Arts this weekend. I went on Saturday (2nd day) afternoon and went into a painters booth and she had several works on her walls with a large sign marked sold. Her paintings ranged from $3,000-$8,000. My wife didn't think she may have actually sold them but put a sign up to get people talking and yes I saw people wispering about the sold signs. Now I don't think any artist would mark a painting sold if it wasn't really sold but my wife thinks people may do that to make people think that their art is hot and selling well. Has anyone done this or know anyone that has done this? I'm not accusing anyone of doing this, I was just curious if this was a marketing strategy or not?

It's that time of the year! The time where people from all over the world come together to do something nice for each other ...

Let's try something new online. Ever been in a "job" where they did the Secret Santa thing? You draw a name and then do nice things for a person secretly during the holiday season and give them a gift at the end -- all anonymously?

We are all so connected with each other in our business that this seems a good time to have some fun with each other. Find the details here: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/secret-santa-looking-for-you

And Join in the Cheer!

March 16 & 17

Gulf Coast Town Center, one of south west Florida's most popular upscale open air shopping destination provides the perfect venue for this magnificent outdoor fine art festival showcasing unique handmade and inspiring creations from some of the nation's best and most talented artists. There are all forms of art for sale including ceramics, metal, glass, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, wood, stone, fiber, photography, and more.

All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. Join us and meet award winning artists and thousands of art enthusiasts at this huge outdoor festival.

Artist Amenities:

• Extra space behind your booth for storage.  
• Drive up access for easy unloading and end of festival loading.  
• Friday setup from 3pm-6pm with overnight security and also Sat morning from 6am-9am.  
• Complimentary continental breakfast, coffee and water (Sat & Sun from 6am - 9am).  
• Floating volunteers will be available to provide breaks for the artists.  
• Ice cold bottled water will be handed out during the festival.  
• On-site vehicle, trailer and RV parking.  
• Discounted lodging rates at local hotels & local restaurant discounts.  
• Free golf cart shuttle service as needed.  
• Security will be provided from the close of Friday evening setup (6:00pm) until Saturday morning at 10:00am, and from the close of the festival Saturday evening (5:00pm) until Sunday morning at 10:00am.  

        
Free Admission and Parking
All festivals are open to the public with free admission and free parking

Learn more about our shows at: www.BluArtFestivals.com
Apply online at: www.Zapplication.com

I just got an invitation off of the wait list for Baltimore ACC.  I only have 8 weeks to prepare and am skeptical about spending close to 3000 for show costs alone.  I make hand painted silk wearables that do well in the marketplace.  I have been in the business full time for 11 years.  I did the Rosen wholesale show my very first year and it was awful, but that was 10 years ago.  I have done other expensive shows that have paid off well for me. I have done the Atlanta acc show and it was marginally worth it.  I am trying to jump up a notch into the higher tier shows, and thought this might be a good place to try.  If anyone has advice, I only have 24 hours to make this decision.

 THANKS!  Traci

June 8 & 9
Chicago, Illinois
Old Town Neighborhood
presented by the Old Town Triangle Assn.
250 Artists
Deadline: December 15

The Old Town Art Fair is a fine art show located on the streets, amid the charming homes and leafy parkways, of the historic Old Town Triangle neighborhood on Chicago's near north side. Picked as one of AmericanStyle Magazine's Top Ten art fairs, it has been a perennial favorite of artists, art lovers and art buyers since 1948. This volunteer-run event benefits neighborhood groups and schools and the Old Town Triangle Association, presenter of the Fair.

The 64th annual edition promises to be something even more special! 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.

All two- and three-dimensional fine artists who meet the show's qualifications are invited to apply for this premier event. Please visit www.zapplication.orgfor details and to complete an application.

Has anyone else ever been faced with the following situation?  For me, 2012 was not a good year.  I didn't get into several shows I applied to, I selected a couple of real dogs and, I had a couple of rather nice surprises.  However, I'm not going into 2013 with a nest-egg that would support General Motors!  And, now, with no impressive amount of money, it seems I'm being invited to every show to which I apply.  Wouldn't yo know!  I had hoped for a trip through Florida in the Spring and have been accepted into

Winter Park, Naples National, Gasprilla, Under the Oaks and Arti Gras but it would cost me $5000 to make a trip.  I realize I might triple my investment but, unfortunately, if you want to dance, you have to pay the band --- up-front.

Think I'll just stay home and start doing flea-markets!