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The people in Louisville really have their social media machine in high gear. In this city the St. James Court Art Show in popularity is only second to the Kentucky Derby! Imagine that. In fact, it is so popular they close the public schools on Friday.

Here are some good links with videos in case you are considering participating in 2013:

• From the Louisville Courier: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20121005/BETTERLIFE05/310050008/Find-your-way-around-St-James-Court-Art-Show-website-your-phone?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p&nclick_check=1
  
  See the artists setting up and an idea of the neighborhood.
  
  
• From the TV station with some very nice photos.
  http://www.wdrb.com/story/19734764/preparations-underway-for-st-james-art-show
  WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

This is a terrific show for some, but not so for others. But if you are in the business at least worth a try once or twice.

·    Artists  are treated to a special artist hospitality area offering a  complimentary continental breakfast, beverages and snacks throughout the  day.

·    A  strategic marketing campaign targets local and visiting art consumers  through media partnerships in print, radio, television as well as direct  mail, visitor guides, concierges and social media. The average attendee  is a married, college-educated professional between the ages of 30-65  with annual income of $50,000 - $150,000.

·    Local hotel partners offer special discounted rates for exhibiting artists and their guests.

·    Dedicated hospitality and volunteer booth sitters also are available to assist artists.

Peter's Valley is in northern NJ -- not near much of anything -- beautiful Pocono mountains in the distance.  We asked for a bit more space for Jay's wheelchair-- and alas, we were given more space.  Lindsey the coordinator came by to make sure that the space was adequate and comfortable for us.  She made sure that parking for us was close and safe.  After the first day of the show, more handicap parking spaces were marked and made available.  This show absolutely did its best to accommodate Jay's and my needs.

Now... when it comes to sales ... we did ok -- not great, not terrible -- ok.  It's hard to judge because we are a niche market - universal spiritual messages that are using Hebrew letters - so people assume that it is just "Jewish" -- which it's not.  Hebrew letters are like Asian letters in the way they can be manipulated into different shapes.  The first day I mixed the jewelry up 3x -- the try to change the 'aura' and maybe generate more sales.  Sunday we were talking steadily to people - and never had time to make the changes.  Saturday was very cloudy and despite the lighting we had up, I felt that our product wasn't showing as well as it could.  We went to Walmart and bought clip lights on sale $4.95 and Sunday Jay put up 4 more lights -- with that and the sunshine people could see the etched glass and the jewelry a lot better.  We got our usual ''oohs and aaahs' -- people saying they never saw anything like this before -- thanking us for being there and then walking away.  We heard the fabulous, amazing, brilliant, how do you think of these, etc. but then we had so many walkers. Surprising, we didn't sell any glass -- happy we sold jewelry.  The numbers are such that we are on 'the line' of should we try one more year or not.  We shall see. 

Am working on my show schedule for 2013 and wanted to look at JazzFest.  I have been to their site and looked around on ZAPP for an artist application.  No luck.  Is there some information out there that can help.  I understood JazzFest to be a rather large art event.

Congratulations, Warren. Your post Nightmare on Elm Street has been selected to win this prestigious award, Post of the Month, by a jury of your peers.

March 7-10

La Quinta, California

a short drive from legendary Palm Springs  

10am-5pm daily
230 Artists 

Deadline - October 15

La Quinta Arts Festival will celebrate its 31st Anniversary in 2013 on the spectacular grounds of the La Quinta Civic Center Campus, a short drive from legendary Palm Springs, California.  The  Campus is a life-size picture postcard framed by majestic  mountains,  lush green lawns, and a lake - a spectacular outdoor gallery  extolled  by Art Fair SourceBook as "the most stunning festival site in the country."

Hosting 230 of the nation's foremost contemporary artists, this four day show attracts an affluent demographic and many wealthy snowbirds  who  have second homes in the desert. Art sales consistently exceed  $2  million each year. The festival runs concurrent with the BNP  Paribas  Open, an international tennis event, attended by 350,000 of a  highly  appealing demographic as well as the polo finals - both located a  few  miles from the festival.

 
La Quinta Arts Festival requires the Artist to pay a show fee of 20% of all art sales made at, or as a result of participating in La Quinta Arts Festival.  A low booth fee of $275 for a 12x12 space means minimal up-front investment to participate, and allows LQAF to be successful only if the artists are successful. 

(The Big Mountain Lion sculpture near the center of this picture was purchased by a couple from Michigan for
$60,000.  It was be delivered in July. The sculpture is by Jason Napier of Friday Harbor, Wisconsin)
         

Noteworthy:

• Consistently ranked among the Top Ten Fine Art Festivals in the Nation by both Artists and Festival Patrons
• 2.5 million dollars worth of art was sold in 2012 
• Juried online by 5 respected authorities from across the country in each  of the 11 media categories
• Dedicated 24/7 Artist Hotline
• 24 Hour Private Security and Police
• Leisurely 2 day set-up and tear-down. Also Paid Labor Assistance with flatbed golf carts.
• Artist  Hospitality  includes morning and afternoon snacks, chilled bottled  water  throughout the day, a gourmet lunch box delivered daily to each  booth.  (Artist selects lunch order.)
• Impressive Artist Award Reception  
• Booth Fees from $275 to $775 - all booths located on lush grass
• Volunteer Booth Sitters - contact by cell phone for your convenience  
• Currently ranked #2 Fine Art Festival in the Nation by Art Fair SourceBook 2012 and #7 Fine Art Fair by American Style Magazine 2012
  

For more information and to apply through ZAPP

Click here: www.lqaf.com/artists-resources/la-quinta-arts-festival-participation/   

Any questions, please contact Dedicated Artist Helpline:

Phone: 760-564-1244, ext. 112, Email: Helpline@LQAF.com  

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Find more shows for your art fair schedule at CallsforArtists.com.
On this list you'll even find events who are looking for artists for 2012!

Here are the Top Ten finalists in the big art competition being held throughout downtown Grand Rapids, MI. On Friday the winner of the $250,000 prize will be announced. In all, $560,000 in total prize money -- $360,000 awarded by public vote, $200,000 awarded by a select group of art experts will be handed out.

These ten were chosen by popular vote (not jurors, the public are the voters) from a field of 1517 entries.

Who do you think will be the winner? Who is your favorite?

"Rebirth of Spring" by Frits Hoendervanger

Stick-to-it-ive-ness: Unwavering pertinacity; perseverance by Richard Morse

"Origami" by Kumi Yamashita

"Song of Lift" by Martijn van Wagtendonk

"Return to Eden" by Sandra Bryant

"Elephants" by Adonna Khare

"The Chase" by a team of artists

"Life in Wood" by Dan Heffron

"City Band" by Chris LaPorte

"Lights in the Night" by Mark Carpenter and Don Johnson

If you don't know, Kickstarter is a website that helps fund creative and innovative projects through crowd funding.  I am working with Kickstarter to raise funds for my next photographic adventure, this time to Australia.  I will only receive the funds if my project meets its pledge goal by Oct. 29.  If the project does not reach the goal, I receive nothing.  The best part is that no one is "donating" anything to me, Kickstarter requires all projects to return something tangible to the investors in the project.  In terms of my project, investors have the choice of purchasing a photograph from either my previous work, or the work I will shoot in Australia.

I think this is a great way to raise funds for arts projects and even exhibitions.  Its also a great source of promotion for your artwork.  It can take away the entire notion of "well, if I only had the money to..." It also exposes your work to a new audience!

You can check out my project here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1986082413/kite-aerial-photography-in-australia

I encourage everyone to look at the rest of the site and also, since we are all creative people here, keep it in mind for your own future projects.  So far my experiences with them have been excellent!

I will update with its progress.

Septemberfest in Schaumburg IL is a large festival which includes a carnival, large food area and main stage with bands and entertainment into the evening.  All are set on and around the grounds of the Schaumburg Municipal center.  The Arts and Crafts area consists of probably 250+ artists and crafters.  Well it has the possibility of having that many.  

We have done this show for about 4 years now.  Parking for guests is very limited, but they seem to come out for the show and the music at the main stage. The arts area closes at 5pm and we watch the people coming to the nightly band concerts carrying their lawn chairs and coolers.  As far as the art show goes, we have watched it deteriorate seriously over the last couple of years.   What do I mean by deteriorate?   An influx of buy and sellers..  This year I would say that close to 35-40% were buy and sell.

As an example, a year ago there was a person that was 2 booths over from us.  That person had a double booth.  The only thing in their booth were items that were shipped from Eastern Asia.  Their items were stored behind the tent in their original baxes and they would restock from them. 

Management for the show was made aware of these vendors on the first day of the show.  Management chose to do nothing about it.  Septemberfest agreement states that the artist must be in the booth with their product.  If the items are buy and sell, the vendor will be asked to tear down and leave.   When this was mentioned to management they said that they did not want any confrontations with the vendor so they would leave them there and not have them come back.  Strange way to handle things when their agreement says if you have buy and sell you will be asked to leave and no refund.  Confrontation would not be an issue when they have plenty of Schaumburg police on site all day. 

So this one vendor got to stay the whole show and make life miserable for true artists trying to sell their art work.  Then we get to this year.   Guess what????     Yep, this vendor was back.   In a different location but back again.  When management was confronted they said well he paid his fee before we found out he was buy and sell so we had to let him in.  Then they go on to tell me that it will all be changed next year bacause they have a new president.   Well in my thoughts it is not the president who lets these people in but the people running the arts portion of the festival.  If they wont remove somone who is violating their policy.  It makes me believe that all they want to do is fill spaces in this show and they do not care who applies. 

Maybe a festial is not the best venue for art.  We will look to other locations to fill the void in our calendar. 

B. David Kruser

After reviewing all the suggestions I received - here are the changes I made (and the one I didn't).  I decided to keep my Salvage Artist identity.  I have developed a following with that identity and didn't really feel I could change the name.  I did change my artist statement (see the new one at www.salavgeartist.com ) and how I described myself and my art.  With the help of my wonderful husband, we revamped my booth.  I had my first opportunity to try out the changes this weekend at the New Hope Arts & Craft Show.  My sales were not a lot better, but the reponse was very different.  People thought my artwork was decidedly more upscale.  They thought my prices, which I had raised back up to where I thought they should be, were very reasonable.  I even had a couple of artists stop by to tell me they thougth my booth was beautiful!  I have attached a picture of the new booth to this blog, it is hard to see, but the shears are a very pretty shade of green.  I usually have more pieces in my booth, but edited some out to do a new booth shot.  thanks for all the suggestions!

This is my second year doing the Riverfront Art Festival.  It is held in Genoa Park, Columbus, Ohio (same place the large Columbus Arts Festival is held in the spring).

This show was bought by the Columbus Dispatch in 2011.  I did the 2011 show also, and they made great improvements in 2012.  I did really horribly in 2011, but the weather was really awful (in the 40s and rainy), so I thought I would give it another shot.  I mean, I certainly would not have gone out of the house in that weather if I didnt have to!  This year, the weather was beautiful and I did leaps and bounds better. 

There still werent a ton of people out.  Nothing like the Columbus Arts Festival or even Easton I'd guess.  There would be little spurts where there would be a good crowd and then really slow.  But I saw quite a few 2D artwork being carried around, both small and large, so that was good.  I sold 6 decent sized originals (between $200-400) and 12 prints.  I'm a local artist so expenses were low for me, so I did quite well all things considered.  I almost cleared $2000 profit, so I was definitely happy with that.

Load in/out was sort of silly.  They have 4 sections.  A and B are across from each other.  C and D are down the road, also across from each other.  They had all section A come at 8am, all section B come at 9am, etc.  They called it staggered.  In my book, making an entire section come at once is not staggered -- that is a cluster.  Especially if the 8am people did not move, and now the 9am people come and its double blocked.  Fortunately people didnt really listen and just came whenever they felt like it, or else it would have been a big mess.  There were no instructions for tear down other than be out by 10pm (tear down was 5pm).  Unfortunately people went and got their vans/trailers and parked in front of their tents while they took their merry time breaking down.  I had broken down my entire tent and just needed to load the trailer, and I had to circle around several times until I could find a spot to park since everyone else was blocking my space and had barely even taken their artwork off the walls.

It seems there was a lot more advertising done this year.  I live in Columbus and didnt see fliers or any commercials, but the newspaper was definitely advertising, as was their facebook page.  The Dispatch is trying hard to be good promoters, and they are still learning, but at least they are trying.  Which in my book, definitely counts for something.

They have a program called ArtBucks, which is really nice.  Last year they gave each college student $100 artbucks to spend with the artists.  This year, they gave out six $100 certificates every hour randomely.  I dont think it worked as well this year as it did last year, (I hardly saw anyone with them) but I'm sure they will tweak that next year until they find the best way to do it.  Its a great program and definitely helps draw people in.

The range of quality in artists was huge.  There were some really great artists, some mediocre, and then there were some incredibly crafty vendors too.  I can't remember, but I think they were part of an art league, so I think they might have been trying to sell little items to raise money.  Still, that type of thing does not really do good things for the artists, especially the ones whose booths were right next to the craft tent.  Fortunately, my booth was at the other end.

I had a good amount of space behind my booth for storage.  I think everyone did.  Easy access to electricity.  The parking was a good walk away depending on where your booth was, but it was free and I don't know how they could get us any closer anyway unless artists got a free pass to park in the COSI parking lot.  Good artist amenities including free coffee, water, panera bagels, chips, cookies, etc.  Quite a nice spread.  The staff were always walking around and very visable.  The judging awards were great too.  $1500 for best of show, $1000 for 2nd, and $500 for third.  Although I really have to disagree with the judges.... sorry if anyone reading this won :/.  I'm really not just being a sore "loser" either.  Everyone I talked to was very surprised with the choices (including some of the winners). 

I'd definitely do the show again.  I think it has potential, and the Dispatch is really trying to bring people in.  The patrons seemed very appreciative and interested.  My suggestion would be to change the hours a bit though.  The hours are Friday 5-9p, Saturday noon-9p, and Sunday noon-5p.  Friday actually had a good crowd and I made half my sales.  It seemed that most serious people came Saturday morning before noon.  I made a big sale at 11am as I was opening my tent and another shortly after noon.  Then it was all just little prints.  So maybe change Saturday to 10-5p or at least 10-7p.

I'm intersted to know how others did.  I heard mixed reviews as I was walking around.  Either I did a lot better than others, or I have lower expectations ;). 

Who gets into almost all of the top shows and can win Best of Show? Meet Jody dePew McLeane (pastel drawings) and Ted Gall (sculptor), involved in the art fair business for over 40 years and consistently exhibiting at the "dream shows." They are the proof that you can earn a living participating at the art fairs. Both artists declare that the art fairs are the source of all their income.

The essence of this show is:

• how to build a long term career selling at art fairs
• sustaining a body of work that continues to grow and yield creative fulfillment
• adapting to changing economic conditions
• tips for someone starting out today

Listen to it here:

We just got back from the Country Folk Art Festival in St. Charles, IL, and it is good to see a part of the country where prosperity seems to be intact and flourishing.  My work (Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired etchings) was very well received with good sales for most people.  Don't let the "country" throw you, this was for the most part upscale, well-made work.  Although it is a thirty-year old show, this particular show has gone through a down cycle and now, under new ownership, is on its way back.  It has a loyal following in the greater Chicago area.  

Traditional artists and craftspeople are needed, however, especially in certain specific areas.  It is good to help grow a show, and if you happen to be a potter, producer of wearables, maker of silver, pewter or cast iron objects, possibly even a photographer, consider submitting for the spring show - March 22, 23, 24, 2013.

Robin Reed is adamant about no buy-sell.  Her insistence on quality will hold her in good stead with artists and craftspeople.  Her booth prices are very fair.  Being new to the biz there are a few odds and ends she still needs to be work out, but altogether we were very pleased with the show's production.   

THE KING OF KINGS

This sounds like an opportunity too good to be true and well you know what they say about that. It sounds like an amazing event for artists but when you look at their website there isn't that many artists, compared to what their saying. Does anyone know anything about this? Is it just another scam taking advantage of artists or is it a genuine opportunity?

January 26 & 27
Islamorada, Florida - in the Keys
Deadline: November 9
100 Artist Booths

The Islamorada Fine Art Expo is set in a warm tropical paradise and is creating new standards for South Florida art shows.  Attendees stroll the flowering tree covered streets and meander through beautiful gardens.

Located in the heART of the Florida Keys, this event is a high-end juried show held within the confines of the Morada Way Arts and cultural district.  Event marketing targets patrons of the arts from both inside and outside of Monroe County.

Ocean/Sotheby's International Realty is returning as the title sponsor, and Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay is the presenting sponsor.

The weekend begins with Friday evening's "meet and greet" the artists VIP event with ticketed patrons previewing the amazing works of EXPO's artists and giving those in attendance the opportunity to learn the artist's' story of their creative journey.  Last year many of the artists had sales even before the gates opened.

        The Islamorada Fine Art Expo is open 10am-5pm. Both days will feature remarkable fine art and hand crafted items, music, food, and spectacular performance art surprises.  Attendee's experiences will include cutting edge "performance art" presentations not encountered in traditional outdoor art fairs.  Adding to the unique feel is the ambiance provided by our Art District's neighborhood shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants doing "business as usual."

From ARTnews magazine:

        The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote community awareness, knowledge and support of the arts and culture in Islamorada and the Upper Florida Keys.

Daniela Woody, Director of Marketing
Morada Way Arts & Cultural District
81549 Old Highway
Islamorada, Florida Keys 33036
305-664-9100
Daniela@MoradaWayArts.org

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Find even more art fairs looking for artists including some for 2012:
www.CallsforArtists.com

It is important to place the Role And Responsibility of the Artist in its true perspective lest we lose sight of it in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

   Artists are The Gatekeepers Of Truth;The Standard Bearers of Courage and Conviction who are called upon throughout The Ages to become Beacons Of Light And Transformation while travelling The Road Least Taken.

  The nature of our Creative Endeavors bespeaks The Noblest Of Virtues; It is from such that Clairvoyance is conveyed thereby leading to the Envisioning and Eventaul Emergence of A brighter Future and A Better World.

This is my first post!  I have been getting the Insider the past several months and I have appreciated the posts.  My comments today are regarding Art Prize 2012.

Last year at this time I joined Grand Valley Artists.  As a result, I was able this year to enter a piece into Art Prize.  Our location was at Huntington Bank at 50 Monroe in the "heart" of the action.  Besides getting a prime location, the bank was wonderful to work with.  They assigned someone to work with the artists, so the installations were easy.  The bank also had a reception for the artists in the bank's location and invited their clients.  So we got some exposure with the bank's clients and hope some of the art will sell.

I recomend artist involvement in Art Prize.  Now is the time to think about being part of 2013.  The prize money is substantial too ($536,000 this year). These are some of the guidelines established from the previous winners and printed in an article in the Grand Rapids Press.

The art piece should be large, family friendly, made from natural materials, made in a unique way and 6 other suggestions listed in the article.  I made mine 30"x60" (larger than my normal 18x24) and I use colored pencils to paint my subjects - flowers.  While I did use some of the guidelines suggested, I need to do more.  I didn't make the top 25 vote getters this week.  However, I don't care, I'm happy for the exposure.

If you think this might be the right venue, you should come to GR and check it out.

Kansas City Plaza- beautiful weather- great art- lots of people- good music- good time.  I was in KC this weekend on vacation so I was not in the show but I stayed in a hotel down on the plaza and saw the show go up and I saw it go down so I thought I would write a review as a spectator.  I am originally from Kansas and my family is in the area so I try to make it to KC on this weekend every year.  Usually the weather does not cooperate but it was incredibly beautiful this year after a one long hot summer in KC.

It was a little windy on Friday, but hey its Kansas!  This show starts at 5 on Friday nite and did the elite of KC ever come out in droves for the opening which lasts until 10 at night.   I loved walking the booths early and getting to see everyones best art displayed and ready to go for the big weekend.  Every booth has electricity and with the lighting, they all looked like mini- galleries.  The 27 Plaza restaruants all had mini booths in the art show so there was plenty of good food and alcohol.  It seemed like everyone had a drink in their hand Friday night.  I did not see alot of art selling but they were definitely looking and drinking and socializing.

There is always great top notch mixed media 2D and 3D in this show of 240 artists.  This year there seemed to be more jewelry than ever before.  There were 40 jewelry booths.  It was all incredible top notch work but after awhile I stopped looking at the jewelry just because there was so much of it.  They had three huge stages set up with non- stop bands playing,  a kids art area and one whole section of the show was just food and drink.  I could not even walk thru this area on Friday night as it was so packed. 

I did not walk the show again until Sunday at 3 when I returned to the area.  I found a tall pale ale at half price and walked the show till it ended at 5.  The crowd was completely different than Friday nights crowd.  There were more families with strollers and older couples.  My favorite figurative painter had done well, she had several missing pieces and many red dots, one ceramic guy had hardly any inventory left.  The photography booths were packed with people and I am sure they did very well.  I  talked to mostly 2D artists, several were very happy, some were not.  One artist was very dissapointed she had not made one sale.  Several of my favorite pieces from Friday night were still hanging in their booths.  I would venture to say that the art that was selling was to a younger hip crowd, the more macabe,  mysterious, gothic kind of art seemed to be doing well.  I was surprised to see giclees and prints this year over other years at the plaza as it used to be only originals.  There was also a belt buckle guy who made no effort to decorate his ez-up booth and cardboard table with handwritten signs whose work I would question as being mass produced.  I watched the artists pack up and many seemed to have a lot of inventory  at the end of the show.  I also watched several armored trucks pull up and pick up huge bags of money from the food and alcohol vendors so I am sure they did very well...........