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Has anyone done the 4th Ave Fair in Tucson? Was on their waitlist for winter - heard that is a great show, but how is Spring?

Acting on a tip that I got from Larry Berman, which was posted on my last blog (http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/another-shot-at-having-images-pre-viewed#comments), I attended the first day, elimination round of jurying for the Cherry Creek Arts Show. I know that there is antagonism among artists about the jury process in general but let-me-tell-you, attending an actual jury process is a very humbling experience.

First, they are bringing together a group of people that most likely don't know each other as they may not have met before. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and experience. In the case of this years Cherry Creek jury there were two (of twelve) artists from last years show who had been award recipients and were therefore exempt from the jury process and were asked to be jurors. Two other jurors represented the artist/teacher category and the fifth juror is an arts collector/patron and the son of artists. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, they come with a different mind/tool set. This was not a group comprised of "professional jurors" as has sometimes been intimated on this blog site. They were pretty "ordinary", so-to-speak, people that had been given a mission to accomplish within 20 hours. 

Next, and this was the part that made me feel humble and gave me a lot more respect for the process in general. In the case of Cherry Creek they had to view the work of almost 2000 artists; that's 4 images of work and one booth shot projected all at once for each artist. Not all of the art was projected at once but was divided into categories. The first group was graphics and print making. There were about 41 entries in this category. First, the jurors were given a quick preview of the entire group, about 3 seconds per artist. They were  instructed to score each artist from 1-7 on their computers, using the Zapp system software. One of the artists asked if a 4 was acceptable, as some shows force the jury into a high or low score, in this case for this round a 4 was okay to use. They were then shown each artist's images again for about 10 seconds each (I counted!) and scored them for the first "silent" elimination round. Terry Adams, Director Cherry Creek Arts Festival had previously instructed them that they were not looking for any particular ratio in each category only the art that demonstrated excellence as-well-as diversity in each category.

The pace was fairly brisk and Terry checked to make sure things weren't moving too fast for the jurors. With only 20 hours and that many applicants they had a long way to go! Terry instructed the jurors that they were to refer to the projected image for scoring as the monitors had low-resolution images intended for reference only, to make sure they were on the right group.

If I had to score that group it would have been a very difficult task as I thought the majority of the work demonstrated that "excellence" that Terry referred to. That's the part that earned my respect for the process! Also these were the most consistent in terms of image quality.

The next group up was glass. This group was comprised of about 65 artists and it was where the greatest diversity in the quality of images was apparent. Referring back to my experience in the mock jury (see the blog referenced above) I could see how some artists might be eliminated at this point. Take note glass artists, you might want to project those images of yours to see how they measure up! I know personally what a struggle it is to make decisions about ones own art so it might be helpful to get an objective viewpoint about the quality of the images that you choose here.

The things that stood out for me in this group of images were: The glass that was shown on a plain white background tended to get washed out even if the work was very good. Also, after sitting in the dark for a long period of time when that glaring white shows up it really hurts the eyes! Glass artists that had been professionally shot (or did so themselves) with a graduated grey or black background tended to show up better (check out sites that show the artists work to see what I mean here). As for those graduated backgrounds, personally I would make sure the images you provide all have the same color temperature! What do I mean? Not all blacks showed up as black! Some of the graduated blacks looked more on the grey side then black and when viewed as a group you have this inconsistency from image to image. Also, what about the white that shows up at the bottom, color temperature again was a factor in my viewing, some were warmer (yellow looking) and others cooler and more neutral lending an inconsistent look from image to image for the same artist. I know I'm being nit picky here but its your application, don't you think you should put your best foot forward!

Remember the discussion of booth shots? There was a lot of diversity here as well. Some were well staged whereas others made it difficult to separate the figure from the ground. At least one artist didn't have a booth shot but referenced some show they were doing with type over some random picture, oh, by-the-way, having yourself in the photo or a poster referencing your name/company is probably not a good choice for a booth shot, better to have a grouping of art then that.

They were about to move on to one of the bigger groups, over a hundred artists, but after only an hour and a half of this I was fried. Besides which I wasn't there to see the entire show juried I just wanted an experience of it.

I came back today thinking that they would have the entries narrowed down quite a bit and I'd be able to see the final elimination round but apparently things moved quicker than I expected and by the time I arrived they had already made the final cuts and were ready to show "the show" to the jurors. As can be expected I was respectfully asked to leave so that I wouldn't have what they considered confidential advance information about the show. No problem!

Based on what I saw the first day this had to be a daunting task and I have a better understanding and respect for the process then I did prior to this. Is it a perfect process? Maybe not but given the numbers they had to deal with and the time limitations inherent in the process what else can be done? Like I said, I didn't see the entire jury process and I imagine, based on what I did see, that some elimination may have been easier than others based on comparisons of image quality and of course the quality of the work itself. Again, based on the quality of the sample I saw it would have to be a difficult and challenging task for anyone. Cheers!

Embracing Our Differences invites art submissions for it's 10th annual outdoor art exhibit celebrating diversity.

• National and international submissions are encouraged.
• 39 artists will be selected for the exhibit.
• The exhibit will be displayed April and May 2013 at Island Park along Sarasota, Florida's beautiful bayfront.
• Since 2004, the exhibit has been viewed by more than 1,350,000 visitors.
• The exhibit will contain 38 billboard-sized (16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high) images of the selected artworks.

        Final selections will be chosen based on artistic excellence in reflection of the theme "embracing our differences".  Submissions will also be evaluated on how effectively it will read outdoors when enlarged to billboard size.  Final selections will be made by a 3-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals.  A total of $3,000 in awards will be presented.  There is no submission fee nor limit on the number of entries.

The mission of Embracing Our Differences is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice.

Submission forms and more information concerning past winning entries are available at : www.EmbracingOurDifferences.org or by emailing: Info@EmbracingOurDifferences.org

Link to Prospectus: http://embracingourdifferences.org/pdfs/2013eodartists.pdf

Michael Shelton
Embracing Our Differences
PO Box 2559
Sarasota, FL 34230
941-928-0567

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In my recent post, I told the story of applying to an art show and having the director take it upon himself to switch my category.  No one mentioned this in the follow-up comments and I am wondering what you all think of it?  

Has it happened to you? 

If it did, how would you feel? 

Would you feel entitled to a refund? 

Would you ask for it?

If you got no response would you be surprised?  (When customers send me a payment I answer their missives).

If you missed it, here it is:

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?

 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.

Update:  Still haven't heard from Mr. King.

After all the discussion about some feed back for our app fees, I decided to call Liz Smith the director of Artisphere Show ( of which I was not accepted into for the 2nd year)

I wanted to get additional info as to scores , how many accepted per category, etc.

I must say that Liz was very forthcoming as we talked for about 45 minutes. She told me that 854 applied for 120 spaces of which 13 went to last years winners. There were 88 that applied in my category with 13 accepted and one being a past winner. She told me my score and the score that makes the cut.

She accessed my images and we discussed what she thought would have made a stronger presentation. Her suggestion was that I submit my images of all the same size art work. Ie: all square format and with a diversity of color palettes rather then showing similar pieces such as a series.She said that they can see from the booth slide that I work in other dimensions.

The jurors do read the artist statements first.

I questioned how a potter and a jeweler were qualified to judge 2-d work. She said that the judges were well versed in all media. I really don't know how well that works!!!

This show has an open jury but at 3 1/2 hours from me it is impossible to sit in on it.

She suggested that I call her in august before the deadline for next year.and we can discuss what may work better for me or help me as much as she could.

Don't know if there will be a next year for me. My friend was wait listed for 4 years in a row and at times #1 on the wait list and has never gotten in .

Well that is about it, Ya'll have a Merry Christmas.

You are going to love this one! Not only did we get the info about the nation's top art fairs (do I hear Coconut Grove, Plaza Art Fair, Cherry Creek, Bayou City, Fort Worth) -- no surprises there ;), but also we get a vote for a well-attended high end crowd at Sunfest in Ocean City, MD.

Photographer Allan Teger called in early and we had a long chat about his 35 year career in the shows. Don't know Allan or his work? Here is his website: www.bodyscapes.com. He's been successful selling at art fairs, the bulk of his income, but he also has a successful online business selling his hand printed black and white photos to collectors. He's been featured in a lot of magazines and also has his work in galleries.

About half way through the show contemporary abstract artist Melissa Ayr called in from her gallery in San Francisco. She had just returned from the art world's fabulous Art Basel Miami where her work was exhibited by her representative at the Red Dot Art Fair. She had tales of high-flying parties and the gallery rep world that was fascinating.

Melissa and Allan were perfect foils for each other, comparing notes on how to build an art career.

Are you interested in being more successful at the nation's art fairs or do you have aspirations for an international career? This podcast will answer many of your questions.

• Did you know these podcasts are available on iTunes? Search for "art fair artists success show".
• Did you know that you can download them to listen to at a later date? Here's that link.
• or listen right now right here.

February 1 - St. Louis, MO, Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel - 5 pm to 9 pm

Cultural Festivals presents Photographing Art Work Workshop presented by Larry Berman. Learn how to put your art work in images to wow the jurors. Providing professional images of your work is one of the best investment you can make in your career. 

Registration%20Form%20-%20Berman%20Workshop.docx

Cost: $10

For more info: 314-863-0278

February 2 - Jury Image Workshop - 9 am to 5 pm

Artists, take advantage of this great opportunity to improve your jury submissions and have your images critiqued by past SLAF jurors.  Images will be displayed in the same way we do for the yearly SLAF jury.  Jurors will speak openly about submitted artist images.  There is no cost to participate. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE OF 11:59PM CST, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013. 

The workshop is limited to the first 150 applications.

Artists can submit images and attend this free workshop and still have 7 weeks before the 2013 Art Fair application deadline to update and submit their applications.

1) Create a FREE user account or login online at www.zapplication.org

2) Upload your artist images

3) Apply NOW to this mock show and join us 2/2/13.

More information will be sent to applicants prior to the workshop. We hope you find this to be helpful as you prepare your application for art fairs.

Whether you are new to the digital application process or looking to improve your jury submissions, all artists are welcome to attend and learn!

Applications for the 2013 Saint Louis Art Fair presented by Sterling Bank are due March 21, 2013. Learn more at www.culturalfestivals.com

It has been suggested that I give a bit more information on what we do and where we live.  We live outside of Washington, D.C. in Maryland.  I design and create Spiritual Message Designs -- the designs each tell a story - utilizing Hebrew letters that are configured into different shapes.  So the design - Ahava (means love) has letters that are shaped like hearts - so love is truly in the heart.  We have taken some of the designs and then etched them into glass and ahava is also available in a mobile using exotic hardwoods (love is in the air).  DorLDor.com -- click jewelry and etched glass.  We hope that the designs touch individual hearts and souls and new stories will be woven from the designs.

The jewelry is made from molds - there are currently 15 designs and available as pendant, dangle and stud earrings, stick pin, push pin, bracelet and tallit (prayershawl) clips.  Most are in 3 sizes as well.

The glass is sandblasted - there are round plates, rectangular plates, paperweights, vases, goblets - all are signed. 

So, with this information, I ask to refer to my previous question of information regarding crocker park, ohio; syracuse, ny july show; lincoln park and any other show that may be suggested.  thanks in advance -

LOOKING AT OPTIONS FOR NEXT YEAR.  NEED TO KNOW OPINIONS ON CROCKER PARK IN OHIO, SYRACUSE IN JULY, NEW YORK SHOWS (I.E., LINCOLN AND ANY ON LONG ISLAND), HARPERS FERRY IN WEST VIRGINIA. 

THANKS IN ADVANCE.  WE NEED TO EXTEND OUR HORIZONS AND FIND PLACES THAT SEE THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE MESSAGES. 

DEBORAHJ

May 18 & 19
East Lansing, Michigan
downtown East Lansing
200-220 Artists
Deadline: Jan. 31

#55 Sunshine Artist ranking

A non-profit event produced by Art Festival Board of Directors under the auspices of the East Lansing Arts Commission/City of East Lansing.

• well-educated visitors, including professional people from State government and the University
• dedicated volunteers who welcome artists with friendly smiles facilitation a smooth load in and out
• booth sitting services
• well-planned eclectic live music entertainment that enhances the art rather than distracts from it
• international flavors is a unique food court
• a festive mood as this is the kickoff of the art fair season
• affiliation with the Public TV and radio stations, bringing the right people to you

Please note:

Discount application fee of $25, September 1-November 30.  Fee increases to $35 December 1.

I attended the fair in 2012, see our YouTube video:

For more info: www.elartfest.com

Apply : www.ZAPPlication.org

Corinn VanWyck, Arts Program Coordinator

East Lansing Art Festival (517)319-6804

email: cvanwyck@cityofeastlansing.com

Tuesday, December 18, 4pm ET

You are the guest on this podcast which will be a call-in show.

• Will you share your 2012 show experiences?
• What was your best show this year?
• How many shows did you participate in?
• What is your best tip for the rest of us?

When I attended the Columbus Winterfair and asked this question of artists the answers were varied and somewhat surprising. Only did a few shows? That is fine, tell us what you learned. We hope to hear from old timers and newcomers also.

Here's the number: (805) 243-1338

Updating this post to make it easier for the folks on AFI to find when searching!  

I actually wrote two posts about OOAK ... here is the beginning of the Post Setup/Pre Show post:

 Today, at the Chicago Merchandise Mart,  I set up the best indoor booth I've ever put together.  One of a Kind begins tomorrow and we are participating!This event costs more than 5 times the average fee that I will pay for a show.  What do you get for that much money?  After setup and before sales here is what I think I paid for:... (click to read the whole thing)

Here is the beginning of the post show writeup:

Last weekend Wendy and I had a booth at One of A Kind (OOAK) in Chicago for the first time.  It is quite an event.  It takes up the entire 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart which is roughly an entire city block.  It runs 4 days, with  over 600 artists and by many estimates more than 70,000 potential customers.  It is also more than 5x what I usually spend on a booth.... (click to read the whole thing)

If you have more questions about the show let me know, this was all I could think to write after a few days of recovery.

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