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I was in the Detroit area but just couldn't break away from a family wedding to go check out Arts, Beats, and Eats.  As I traveled around between Trenton to West Bloomfield and back and Trenton to Ypsilanti and back I kept hearing one report after another about Arts, Beats, and Eats.  I can't tell you how many times I heard it mentioned on the radio.  I was thinking about you all there and just thought you might like to know that that is just about all they seemed to talk about on that radio station. 

My son was also in town for Jazz Fest in Detroit.  He also mentioned hearing about ABE while at the Jazz Fest.

Jim Parker was featured in an article written building up to the start of ABE.  You might like to see what they wrote about Jim and see a few of his photos.

http://www.paragonapartments.com/blog/2012/08/23/arts-beats-eats-artist-preview-jim-parker-turns-his-hobby-into-a-career/

Can anyone let us know what you thought of the Art portion of ABE this year?  How did things go for you? 

I know this is a little late, but the information within is designed to be bipartisan; understanding of the investment from the artist and understanding of the logistics from the promoter.

I live in Philadelphia, so it's hard not to love Pittsburgh...we're distant, competing cousins of one another.  Last year was my first year at Shadyside and most artists would have considered my booth "stuck towards the end" (towards Bruegger's Bagels), and I still had a decent show: expenses plus some and some more for the bank.

Logistically I would say that the show is a) lucky to be there and b) a set-up/break-down headache; and I would follow that by saying that a set-up/break-down experience is only remembered through the lens of how much money you make.  Has anyone done Three Rivers?  I had to dolly two blocks and the entire length of the park to get to my booth, but the money I made quieted my critical claims.  The parking situation is cumbersome, but only if you don't read your information packet.  My husband was a marketing grunt in a law firm in Philly, so all emails are treated with immediate responses: I haven't received one email from a promoter that was not worth opening--information packets are worth the time to glance over...DVR your show, and read on.

So I'm done setting up, and I'm parked at the "school" parking lot and before 10am rolls around I have people poking around my booth asking how much things are and if I'm going to be around tomorrow; sure sign of a veteran art fair walker.  I made my first sale around 10:15 (thank you square) and it was enough to almost cover my booth, not a bad start.  The energy of the neighborhood is young, and it rewards people who are not afraid to take chances with their medium.  I met allot of doctors, engineers, and young professionals (teachers, nurses, business folks, and masters students) who were not only interested in my work, but the whole picture of who I am as an artist--and that's rare.  My sales for Saturday were stronger than Sunday, but after Saturday I could have easily gone home happy.  The thing I like most about Shadyside is the people; of course I won't lie and say I don't like their money, but I am just as excited to bring them new ideas and designs, as they are to receive them.

If I could offer criticism to the show it would file under the "knit-picking" range: flower pots that block the sidewalk, sewer ranges that smell, trash cans that overflow, cars passing by three out of seven main avenues...but again, living in Philly makes me offer this caveat: if you're concerned for you and your clients well-being in a city environment to the point where an abundance of patrons is a negative factor...then don't do city shows.  Having done Rittenhouse and Manayunk in Philly I can tell you that the abundance of stress for set-up/break-down are well worth it for the sheer number of people that descend on the location.  The same can be said for Shadyside, and many other Howard Alan shows.  Who among you wouldn't go through the same trouble for Alexandria or Delray?  I can't wait to wipe the sweat from my brow this coming Saturday--and I know it's going to be a humid mess--to parade my work to those people who will spend their day off and hard earned dollars, on my work...and I know I'm throwing my hat in for Shadyside next year.

Anyone been to the Chinese place on Walnut?  Their $2 won-ton soup is OUT OF CONTROL!!  All my best to the community of artists who don't believe in the word "recession".

The wonderful thing about art shows and fairs is about meeting new and interesting people who appreciate and value the contributions of others. However, there are those out there who have this "Do you know who I am?" attitude who are those I'd personally like to avoid. The last time I checked unless you're Gergov or Jim Warren, I could care less about who you are and who "follows you" as these people are just those looking to use you for what you can do for them.

Gergov who sells his paintings for $20,000 for originals is someone I admire, respect and upon meeting him was the kindest soul in the world. Here is an artist who's work inspires the soul. Not only is he humble but he is graceous and happy you are a collector of his work. So that being said who the hell are these no body, losers who think they are someone? What makes you better then the artist just starting out or those working at it for years? Are you better then Peter Max? Are you better then Michael Goddard? Are you so admired that you forgot what its like to have passion for the work you create?

These real artists haven't forgotten who they are, who buys their work and who pays their bills. The "do you know who I am" artist of the world are the nobodies. They find out when times are tough, when they can't pay their bills or other things happen. They find out that they are in fact no one special. I know now to do my research and avoid the "do you know who I am?" artists at all costs as they are poisonous to your sold.

Emerging artists hold true to your hearts and don't ever let the "do you know who I am artists?" poison your souls. The day they look in the mirror on judgement day is the day they will see they are in fact no one.

(For those who do not know me, I make wooden instruments - lap dulcimers & bowed psalteries)

WELL, IT FINALLY HAPPENED!  After working with wood and making instruments since the mid 1970’s, last Friday, Aug, 23, it finally happened.  I was cutting some pieces on the table saw when, in a split second, I was staring down at four bloody fingers dangling by thin strips of flesh from my right hand.  It happened so fast that I really don’t know how it happened.  I do distinctly recall thinking, and perhaps uttering, some pointedly unkind thoughts regarding the specific circumstances which had befallen me.

I wound up in Charlotte in the care of a group hand specialist surgeons who told me candidly that I might very well lose all four fingers, but under the best case scenario I was facing a long, frustrating path of surgeries, skin grafts, physical therapy and that he and I were going to become very familiar with each other.

On Tuesday, the 28^th I emerged from a medicinally induced haze in the ICU.  The surgeons had operated on my hand for 5 hours.  They were not able to save one of my fingers – which will somewhat limit my ability to communicate effectively, if you know what I mean- but were able, at least so far, to fuse bone, shorten and save three fingers.  So the journey of recuperation has begun.

I do not yet know what is going to happen to my art fair schedule for the rest of the year, but – “Oh, the unkindest cut of all,” I did have to drop out of Long’s Park.  However, to quote the indomitable Gen. MacArthur, “I SHALL RETURN”.  I have NOT lost my skill, nor my experience, and I WILL adapt my muscle and eye coordination.

This “down time” is giving me time for serious reflection on the future.  I have just reached my 69^th birthday and, while I have been blessed/cursed with a true love for this business, I know that I cannot go on indefinitely.  So, here’s the deal, at present I have a good supply of bowed psalteries already in stock.  For the future, I am going to create fewer, but higher end psalteries.  There are psaltery makers out there who make very nice functional instruments.  With the materials, inlays etc. that I use, I cannot compete with them pricewise, nor do I wish to.  I am going to concentrate on building truly unique, one-of-a-kind, heirloom instruments that are not just functional instruments, but are functional pieces of art.  This will allow me to grow, be able to “spread my creative wings” and concentrate more on the creation of these truly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of musical art.   This will also create a niche, which, to the best of my knowledge, is virgin territory.

I would appreciate any kind, “healing” thoughts which you may feel inclined to send my way.

Archie Smith

Archie Smith Instruments  

Something fun for this holiday weekend. You may (or may not) know that some of the most popular videos on the Internet are ones featuring cats. The well-regarded modern Walker Art Museum of Minneapolis held its first Internet Cat Video Film Festival recently featuring 70 videos of cats in t-shirts, cats pounding on pianos, etc.

With more than 70 videos, the Walker mounted a social experiment as much as a film festival. At issue was whether cat video lovers used to gorging on the clips in the privacy of their homes would do so in public — an online community of fellow aficionados interacting face to face for the first time.

‘‘It is a cultural phenomenon that raises some interesting questions,’’ said Katie Hill, the Walker program associate who first suggested the festival.

But Hill, a self-described ‘‘art historian and cat lady,’’ was quick to add: ‘‘I’m not a behavioral psychologist, I’m not a sociologist. I just think they’re funny and cute, and I think a lot of other people do, too.’’

Was it well-attended? What do you think? Read the article here in the Boston Globe.

Here's an even better link with photos and video links: http://www.examiner.com/article/over-10-000-attend-first-internet-cat-video-film-festival

Does anyone have any favorite cat videos -- maybe cats that paint?

This post is in honor of our cat Bianca, my sweet computer cat, who died on Friday. We'll definitely miss her hi-jinks.

It was very busy August. Did four shows in five weeks two of them was just awful (Powerhorn and Lincolnshire). Did my best show of the year so far at Geneva, IL.

So what so special about Bucktown Art Fair; Chicago, IL. (last weekend of August same as Port Clinton)

The show is only less than 4 miles way from my home. The show is run by volunteers. The show is very organize in the stuff before the show (application, information about the show, info for the artist etc). Now when you get there is everybody for himself. The show is layout in a park and one side street. They expand the show in the last few years as become a popular show for local artist and we starting to see good out town artist in the show but at the same time sales had been dilute. The potential is always there and it is consider one the best show in area if you looking for good original quality art. Now very few hit big home runs in this show and we depend in bunch of singles. In simple words nothing to expensive and lot of small sales.  You need to do show several times and hope for good whether and same spot. You will lights so with no electric you will need battery system.

Saturday was a typical Saturday at the show. Slow but some good sales. Then Sunday came around. Usually this day you double what you made in Saturday since is heavy traffic. We still get traffic but not to much buying . The reason it rain and I mean it RAIN. I got home to let dry all sides and roof of my Trimline. My pro panels took a couple of day to dry. My clothes went to the dryer as I got home. I look like I just jump into Lake Michigan and stay inside for few hours.

The best thing about this show was that I was very happy with my Trimline. I got last March and never be so happy of spending 1400.00 in the tent. 

The question is what you do when you are out town when this happen to you?

It was nice to see you Munks and was pleasure meeting Laura. I hope she made home safe because I know did get home in one piece Munks.

Looking for 10-15 Artists (or more) with Frugal Art Fair Ideas for a Blog Posting Project!!
 
Join me in sharing Frugal Art Fair ideas in a weekly post on my blog and yours! (Plus an ebook at the end with all the ideas put together in a great format to share)
 
I've found on my blog that readers are really looking for ways to work their art fairs in a frugal and smart way.  I'm looking to do a 10-15 part series on frugal art fair ideas.
 
Just send your idea in a two to three paragraph post with photos if possible and include your website or blog.  I'll post them weekly and let you know when your post goes up.  You get readers, I get readers and we all get great ideas!
 
In addition, at the end, I will create an e-book that will be distributed to all artists to put on their website or blog to share with their readers with all the great ideas!  You WILL be credited with your idea and your website or blog.
 
 
 
So if you're interested in my project and have an idea to share please email Windy Kai at hummingbirdstudios@att.net with your post and pictures.
 
My blog is www.windykai.wordpress.com and www.windykai.com where the weekly posts will be seen and the final ebook posted and distributed to the participating artists.  If we get more than ten to fifteen, we may have quite an ebook on our hands that could lead to greater publishing!
 
I can't wait to see everyone's thoughts and creative ideas!
 
Windy Kai
 
 

Just when you think you've seen every photograph you ever need to see at an art fair someone comes along and grabs your heart with the strength of their imagery.

For Chris Dahlquist learning to use a camera and the darkroom came at the same time she learned to ride a bicycle. Her amazing photographs follow in the tradition of the "pictorialists", early photographers who were interested in "creating" an image rather than simply recording it.  At a glance, you may think the images are from an old archive. Instead, they are the musings of an contemporary explorer of the nation's highways and open spaces.

Just as the  earliest practitioners of daguerreotype and tintype, she treats each metal  plate by hand, preparing it to receive a photograph. She  capitalizes on the smooth surface of steel, a finely textured under  painting, and the translucent qualities of digital pigments to create  each luminous piece.

Disillusioned by a life as a commercial photographer and ready to leave that life behind she began again,

I returned to the start, the root of the discipline; I went back to the days of photographer as experimenter, inventor, and mad scientist. I investigated the line between science and creativity, process and concept, historic materials and contemporary technology. The artwork I have created through this exploration has been varied, but the common theme remains - experimenting with modern process while carefully studying and honoring historic techniques.

Learn more about Chris and her work:

ArtFairCalendar.com/featured artist

Meet her this month: 

September 1-3, Art in the Pearl, Portland, Oregon

September 7-9, St. Louis Art Fair, Clayton, Missouri

November 16-18
Novi, Michigan
Suburban Collection Showplace
Fri.: 1pm-8pm; Sat.: 10am-6pm; Sun.: 11am-5pm
Artist Reception: Sat.: 6pm
200 Artists
Deadline: Sept. 7

Please join us for the Great Lakes Art Fair.  The GLAF delivers an exceptional event experience for artists and their patrons.  This fair is a unique fusion of lush landscapes, tempting food, and an optimal indoor venue of spring and fall events that are rapidly becoming established as the Midwest's premiere indoor art fair!

Art fairs are always looking for ways to enhance the event both for artists and the attending public.  This Fall the show will open on Fri. at 1pm and close at 8pm.  We will be returning with the hugely successful Friday Ladies Night Out promotion that drew over 2000 women to line up for entry of Friday! It also allows for some Friday setup for artists.

A robust marketing campaign is planned with a variety of media partners.
The juried component of the fair will feature 200 local, regional, and national artists.  Expect an elegant entrance gallery showcasing your art, community partnerships and other fresh components that create a wonderful regional marketplace for artists and their patrons.  Our goal is an expansive marketplace that brings fresh energy to the regional artistic community.

Location:
The Suburban collection Showplace is located in Novi, Michigan, situated in Western Oakland County, one of the nation's most affluent areas.  Although 2009 marked the first year for the spring and fall Great Lakes Art Fairs, the Suburban Collection showplace is familiar to patrons as a premier indoor venue for specialty events.

Attendance:
Over the past decade the Suburban Collection showplace has been host to premier indoor art fairs each year during the months of April and October.  Attendance figures from these fairs have averaged in the tens of thousands.

Artist Amenities:

• Custom Great Lakes Art Fair discount coupons
• e-mail blast content
• free tickets, postcards and other collateral materials to distribute to their patrons
• drive up to your booth to unload and load
• artist hospitality area and reception
• artist gallery
• free electrical & free close parking

Please visit our website: www.GreatLakesArtFair.comfor images of past events and list of past participants.

We want you to help us build this biannual event into an event that regional artists can count on.  Please join us.

Apply at our website:

www.GreatLakesArtFair.com/artistapply.html

We usefor our online applications

Questions: info@artfaircalendar.com

Visit the website for more info: www.greatlakesartfair.com

Kristina Jones: (248)348-5660 ext:236

This morning I recieved wonderful news that the Brooklyn Watercolor Society is going to be reviewing my work for membership. This group is a wonderful group of artists and has a supporting nurturing enviornment. I find this to be quite refreshing after a recent negative experience with someone who considers themselves an expert in the art world.

Let me focus on the positive though and the Watercolor Society and all that can be learned by joining art groups. When you join a collaboration of artists you get to learn from them and their experiences. In addition to that you also are able to get support from their experiences which is invaluable when delivered in an efficient manner. I learned not everyone will like your work but there are definitely tasteful and tactful ways of saying that rather then just saying your works sucks. On that note I really do hope that after a review of my work they will accept me into their group.

Now for upcoming art shows, I was considering the local fairs in NYC and am pretty excited with all the prospects available in NYC. Hells Kitchen has a wonderful street fair every week that I am going to check out and I wonder if its' possible to sell Jewelry and Art on the same table. I will have to see what others think of this prospect. Lastly though in as far as life goes, you get positive by throwing out positive and when given negative its better to try to turn it into positive. It's hard though when the negative surrounds you and the negative continually tries to shake your confidence.  I hope all goes well and I will keep you posted.

The Artist- Daniela Lo Presti

I have a 10X10 and a  6X10 ( old Ann Arbor State Street Model )  Lite Dome.  I really like them , they hold up in high winds, dont pool water in the rain , and the company is very helpful.    Both are easier to set up with two people but can be done alone. You do need a three step folding stool to make the job much easier.  I use  a PVC tube weight  filled with lead shot for each cornor. .     Do get all four sides zippered  and an awning zipper as they make life easier in the long run.   Also get the cornor braces if you do a lot of outdoor shows in windy places.   It would be nice to have a container with a handle and two wheels to haul around the unit.   Is any thing like this available anywhere?.    

Sanford, Florida

 Wanted: Your ART for OUR Poster!   

THEME: "A Celebration of the St. Johns River"

BENEFITS:

• Selected Art and artist will be promoted through several venues, Special events, social media, print media and our website
• Free Booth Space for the festival (a $225 value)
• Selected artist will receive 40% from the sale of original artwork.*
• Artist booth designated with Festival Poster Artist signage

SPECS:

• Open to all 2-D art in any medium in a Vertical format.
• Recommended size is 16x20 or larger
• Submissions should be sent via email to riverfest@gmail.com  
• jpg format
• 300dpi
• Please send files sized between 2-5megs
• Can't decide on one submission?  We will allow up to 3 images for consideration
• The winning artist and their artwork will be announced on our website: www.stjohnsriverartfest.com no later than October 15, 2012  

*Artist agrees to sign a contract that releases the copyright of the original to the SJRFA to be auctioned for sale as well as for marketing and promotional materials.

www.508gallery.com  

www.raemariegallery.photoreflect.com  

Two blogs for the price of one.

It's been a while for me. I was a full time part timer for a while, up to 24 shows in a year back in 07/08 while running a demanding business back in Chicago. I was working toward retirement and this is what I wanted to do. I had a camera or two, and somehow managed to communicate what I felt, what I saw using the wonderful medium of photography.Whatever I did, it worked. People liked my expressions and I managed entry into some top shows in the country. Then the double whammy of the enconomy taking a dump, and a nasty back injury put my show career on hold while I dealt with what had to be dealt with. We all have our stories, none of us look for sympathy. Just a story.

I learned the ropes from some of the best out there,learned how to market, how to keep things in perspective. How to help out people that needed a hand.Made more than a few friendships that still pay divedends. I knew how to sell, that was the easy part.Selling became more important than expression.More important that what was my art. So in addition to the other issues. Burnout. I stepped back, and for a while, didn't miss a thing. I traveled, did some fun stuff.People portraiture and the like. But I still wondered if I really missed it.

I did one show last year in Crested.Special place, a special show.I did write it up a bit if you care to look backwards. It hurt like hell to do it,the physical exertion about did me in. So I worked on the damn back a bit, between legal and some maybe not so legal in somes states therapy I managed a grip on the pain. This year I received an invite to do Jim Delutes first year show in Littleton, a one day, pay at the gate Affordable Arts Show.

It was a crap shoot. But I have known Jim for a bit, and while some promoters receive justifiable criticism for half assed efforts Jim takes no prisoners in his efforts to organize and promote an event. I said OK. I need to see if a show could still be the fun event I remembered.

The concept is basic, time honored.Starving Artists, and it doesn't work for everyone. Photographers, jewelers,potters, glass people all manage to produce work that can sell profitably within the rules of the show (nothing more than $100.00). Not for everyone, and the one day event is a make or break deal.

I saw Jim as we were setting up. Are you nervous? I asked."Nope.What can I be nervous about? I spent the last three weeks that way,today is show time". I kinda enjoy an attitude like that.Put it all on the line for as long as is necessary, and let happen what is meant to happen. So Sunday came, we opened the tent flaps. That wonderful smell of grass and art work hit me full on. The press to hang, to arrange everything took a few hours within an hour, but I made it. No idea what would happen, then wifeypoo came back from the gate" They are lined up waiting to get in!" Seriously. Fabulous.

So it went, for four hours Cherie worked the CC machine, I wrapped and hung new work on the walls. Colorado blessed us with one of those blue sky and warm sun days, and we rocked it out.Jim managed to get the word out, the place was packed for the first part of the show, then tapered off pretty quickly. My rule of themb for each day of a show

is $2500.00, and we did a bit better than that. For me, the fun was back again. I had people looking for me "where have you been? I bought from you in_____" That felt pretty damn good I must say. Then there was the young kid. He had seen me at several shows in Colorado but could never afford a piece. He heard about this one,brought his Mom and his piggy bank and found the pic he wanted. Like most of you, I have had the good show, the big sale.This one meant as much to me as any other I have had.The look in the eyes,the pure unadulterated joy of owning a piece that was truly art to them. Not something to compliment the couch.Something to inspire.

Back to the show.Jim's relentless marketing brought the people out, and while I might disgree with him on the one day event (It should be two until it really takes off, or do max.$200.00 the first day, $100.00 the second), the layout was superb. Easy in, easier out.Communcation constant and appropriate. There were some good people there showing, the quality was better than I might have thought. Wide aisles, fair booth fees and for sorebacked veterans like me, the tent rental with panels set up was a real blessing.

I gotta give Jim a bravo and a high five for this show, and if I do any circus' next year, I will save a spot for this one.It felt good.I found that little thing that made it all fun again. Trading places for a day .Pretty damn cool. 

"Looking good Billy Ray! "

"Feeling good Louis!"

Dear members,
It's great that together we have built a friendly, open community where people can discuss the issues important to the art fair business.

I hope that we can continue to do that.

However, recently there has been a lot of discussion that has been less than kind, to say the least.

I'd like to remind everyone that typing here in the Forum is not that different than having conversations in the real world.

For example, making statements and accusations about people or businesses that are untrue, defamatory, or damage a business can lead to legal liability.

Informed opinions, polite argument, and even a certain amount of gossip is no problem.

Libel is a problem.

Definition of Libel  (abridged from Dictionary.com)
To publish in print ...an untruth about another which will do harm to that person or his/her reputation... It is a tort (civil wrong) making the person or entity open to a lawsuit for damages by the person who can prove the statement about him/her was a lie.

The primary examples we are struggling with lately here include discussions where people are stating that others are engaged in fraudulent business practices.

If you are making accusations for which you don't have supporting facts, I'd encourage you to please consider the tone and potential impact of your rhetoric to help reduce its potential for getting you into legal trouble.

I'm just running a Forum here - it's not my place, desire, or job to pass judgment. 

When defamatory statements are made here there may be consequences.  Those consequences may simply be removal of your posts, suspension of your membership, or even legal action.

Some of you may want to quibble with my legalese here but the point is really not up for debate.

Unfounded accusations are not welcome here and can get you into real trouble. 

Thanks.

I'm upgrading from a decent EZ-up and I've been pouring over people's opinions and advice about this brand and that of higher end display canopies throughout the discussions here but I'm still teetering between two major brands. I do my set-up solo - am of a 'certain age', who wants set up and tear down to be a breeze. You know, I want the world - in a display tent!

Must Haves:

• 1 person set up
• 10' x 10'
• dome
• zipped high quality side panels
• skylight
• front and back vents
• awning
• durable
• high quality
• replacement parts available

Considerations:

I'm attracted to the lightweight portability of the aluminum frame components of the Show off but love the guys at Flourish who make the Trimline that has taken over and improved on the Crafthut experience.

My research here through the forums and posts has found that there are enthusiastic supporters of every brand out there. I decided to compare apples with apples to get a handle on how things stack up! All prices shown are from the websites of each individual company as of today August 28, 2012. At first I thought there were wild ($300ish) price differences but then I looked into the add-ons and found they all come in very close to each other price-wise.

Comparing with: upper vents, 4 sidewalls, skylight, front awning)

Trimline:

• comes fully loaded 
• shipping extra (~$80 - 100)
• heavy (steel)
• 36 main components to frame
• Many components = time consuming set up
• Very Stable
• Many replacement and upgrades available
• Great Service
• Comes with anchoring kit
• Awning Add $125
• Carry Bags Add $52
• BONUS: Awesome sales support - thorough online presence with tons of info
• Bottom Line: $1152

ShowOff

• 'free' shipping
• light (marine grade aluminum)
• The top canopy goes on the roof frames while still on the ground - maybe not so easy for the person who finds it difficult to squat or bend over
• 16 main components to frame
• easy solo set-up
• Comes with 2 carry bags
• 2 center zip walls included
• Said to be super stable
• Good web site with plenty of info (not as much as Trimline folks though) responsive to email inquiries
• Bottom Line:  $1170

CraftHut = TrimLine (were bought out)

Light Dome - Finale

• Finale configured comparably $1069 + Shipping (+ $80 - 100)
• (Note: doesn't include skylight as they say their tent material transfers light well)
• Aluminum Frame
• Top canopy must slide onto roof frame with legs partially extended - maybe not as easy for the shorter person
• 21 main components to frame
• do-able solo set up
• Has some tremendously enthusiastic users many of whom attest to its rain and wind worthiness
• Replacement parts and upgrades available
• Carry Bags included
• All 4 walls come with center zip standard
• of the 2 Finale seems to have an edge over the Light Dome
• Not the best web site. Actually pretty 1990's-ish, lol - but a nice gal answered the phone when I called.
• Bottom Line: ~$1150

Suggested additional Upgrade: get a center zipper in each sidewall so solo roll-up is do-able without a special tool

Another Thoughtful Recap

An artist/blogger by the name of Ron Frazier went through this process a couple of years ago and recapped his thinking here: http://ronfrazier.blogspot.com/2007/08/upgrading-to-better-canopy-p...

Be sure to read the comments. They're making me lean towards The Finale as of this writing.

Add YOUR opinions below if you like:

1. What canopy do YOU use? 
   Brand and Model if you know
2. What do your LOVE about it?
   your top 3 features.
3. What do you wish was better?
   (if anything) about it?

What I Chose:
I went with the SHOWOFF. Here's WHY:

• fewer overall parts
• The top is set up before the legs are raised - so no struggling on a step ladder to get situated
• Tons of customizations available (I added zippers to both sidewalls so I can roll them up easily without using a contraption or a neighbor - I also purchased the rear awning fittings but not the pricey vinyl lean to - I intend to either clip my back sidewall up when my booth is open or add a lightweight tarp as necessary)

I didn't ask for nor did I receive any % off from the seller for announcing this choice.

All three main companies make excellent tents that work great for folks with slightly different needs.  

If your needs are similar to mine and this post helped you decide to also go with the SHOWOFF please mention me (Marti McGinnis) as your referral when you buy yours. They'll give me a little rebate. Then when you tell people about your purchase you'll get one too!

----------------------

Comment from Discussion (that I closed and moved here)

Permalink Reply by Brandee Ross 14 hours ago

One of the wonderful thing an artist can do in the development of their work is to join an art organization. I belong to it in order so that it may assist in the development as an artist. The best thing about them is that they have an eclectic group of artists from those who are experienced to those who are novice and from professionals to those who do this as a hobby. They support you in your endeavors and can be just as important as doing art fair as they aid in networking and in the artist's development. As a person who tries to look for the positive it's refreshing to have a group that supports rather then tries to discourage one's development.

It amazes me that those in the industry for 10,20 or 30 years can hinder the development of a person at times by their cruelty to new emerging artists. Is art not subjective after all?  Its a good thing that there are many good people with experience for every bad person who tries to humiliate a person. I have met such wonderful people through my Art Group that it is refreshing to be in a competitive city with people who have soulful love to help others. That there are still those out there who remember where they started and don't try to tear other's down to build themselves up.  Perhaps those who tear other's down have forgotten what it is to have a soul and what it is to be supportive and positive of each other's talents.

I wouldn't change the positive interations that I have had with seasoned veterans in the art world for all the money in the world because they remember to have a heart, love and passion for art. They overflow with beauty and exchange of wonderful ideas and experiences. They support and try to teach and share their knowledge. They remember who they were when they first began and remember that they are never too big to help others. I love my NYC Art Group and the Positive People I meet in the art world. They inspire me to create and be a better person.

This business keeps you humble.

Coming off two strong weekends in Rehoboth Beach, I was eagerly awaiting this past weekend's Seawall Art Show in Portsmouth, VA.  Rarely have I seen more positive "buzz" among artists for a show's pre-event communications, ease of setup and parking, and the immense respect artists are accorded during the event. 
And the weather forecast, viewed three days out, looked fantastic: clear skies, temps around 80.  I had every reason to think this would be a solid show, one that would help me gauge the suitability of the Tidewater area for my bird photography.

And the show delivered on all the aforementioned amenities, from being welcomed at check-in like I'd done the show for twenty years, to the high quality of art surrounding me on all sides, to the tasty artists' Saturday-night dinner under the oaks at the art league headquarters, and a solid awards program (up to $5,000 for best in show). Pro-active, helpful volunteers everywhere you turned. Friendly, accessible show director (Earlene Lampman, perhaps the friendliest, warmest person I've ever met on the circuit).  A pretty setting, right along Portsmouth's historic waterfront.  From that perspective, the show was a complete home run.

And then, there was the weather.

Hurricane Irene caused the show to be cancelled entirely in 2011 (and, in keeping with its reputation for treating artists well, the show refunded $100 of the booth fee). Nothing like that this year, but I couldn't help but wonder if TS Isaac, which was churning things up 1000 miles to the south, might have had something to do with the revised forecast, which began heading downhill on Thursday morning.  Each successive update pumped up the possibility of rain another notch.  By Friday night setup, the next-day forecast called for a 70% chance of rain Saturday, and 40% Sunday. 

Skies were only overcast during early Saturday morning prep, but minutes before the show opened the squalls started rolling in from the south.  Then, thunder.  As I was rolling up the front flap for the third time within 45 minutes, a volunteer came by to announce the entire area was under a tornado warning, and everyone should seek cover in the parking garage. 

Well, the twisters never materialized, but the roiling skies sure were a buzz-killer.  Hardly anyone came on Saturday, even though the clouds began clearing around 1:30 and the day ended in sunshine.  Shoshana Matthews (AFI member and Sunshine Artist reviewer)  told me early Sunday morning that the area surrounding the show had experienced even heavier rains and flooding than what we got, and people had difficulty getting out and around even after the storms had passed.

Sunday wasn't much better, unfortunately.  Although it only spritzed occasionally during show hours, there were again squally showers and occasional rumbles of thunder all around us, and the hoped-for Sunday buying crowd never materialized.  Those that came out weren't spending money, and not just with me.  The long-time veterans of the show (and there were many) with whom I spoke reported that sales were off two-thirds or more from their usual take. 

Because crowds were so sparse and the weather so rough, it's difficult for me to draw a conclusion about the show demographics.  Perhaps people would have bought more had they not had to carry artwork in the rain; perhaps not.  But if you strolled about the historic downtown area, it was hard to miss the number of shuttered businesses and restaurants.

I had two sales all weekend--one medium-sized canvas and an 11x14 print on Saturday; I zeroed on Sunday.  And
 as a final flip-o'-the-finger from the weather gods, a half-hour rainstorm rolled in as we all broke down (an hour early) around 4 PM, giving us all the immense pleasure of a wet load-out.  Yech.

The saving grace for the weekend was that I won the show's Morris Award for mastery of my medium and a  nice check during the Saturday-night awards dinner.  And, of course, forging a few new friendships among the artists and the local arts community--which, judging by the quality of work I saw during the weekend, is thriving if not exactly blessed by the weather gods.

I'll post the entire awards list when I get it.

Show link: www.seawallartshow.org

This is my favorite show of the year because it is in my neighborhood, it is run by local artists as a non-profit event, locals get an extra jury point and it defies the usual logic of "if it has music and dance and kid stuff I ain't going near it".  Buffalonians adore this show. We also do Allentown (the "biggie") and by an enormous margin, Elmwood is the show of choice. There is something about the atmosphere that makes people happy and happy people buy stuff.

I took a picture at set up so you can see the neighborhood

The show is on one street, 180 exhibitors, culturals on side streets or set up in front of driveways where artists can't set up.They take those booths down at night.

The show ends with a children's parade (don't scoff, it is great) and that sort of keeps shoppers from leaving early because everyone wants to see it

Most of the people I talked to had a good show, as did I. If you can take one more ramble about trinkets. I'll tell you about the cards. Last week, in discussion with a couple of other exhibitors and with the encouragement of some members here,  I decided to try reproducing my collage on cards to see how they would sell. I am not a photographer, but I have a decent camera and a nodding acquaintance with photoshop. So,  some came out well, others defied my attempts to try to make them copy like they were meant to look. But I figured this was sort of a focus group experiment to see if they were even a possibility.I sold them at $4 each, 3 for $10. I made $300 on them. Well, alrighty then! And I don't hate making them. That seems to be the secret. For me, at least. Bulk up the bottom line with "trinkets" that don't require a lot o time or that tie you to the work bench making things that sap your creative energy. The word "eureka" comes to mind although that smacks of hyperbole. 

The Craft Hut is back in storage, the rest of the year is indoors and I have nothing except a visit to the West Coast and family before the next one in November. 

I may read a book today.

We have just returned from an art show in Lincoln, IL. The weekend is an event of Art and Balloon's  (Hot Air Balloons). And is produced by the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. On our arrival at 7:00 Saturday morning as we were approaching Lincoln on the Interstate Hwy, we were greeted by  no less than 24 balloons in the air. It was a great welcome to the weekend. I wish I could have gotten a pix, but driving seemed a little more important at the time.

The art show is in the downtown area in a 1 square block area. Some booths are around the parameter of the park, with others on the sidewalk in the park. Most, if not all booths are able to accommodate driving your car right up to your booth for loading and unloading. A very important feature for us, these days.

The show started out a little slow on Saturday morning. There were people viewing the art, but not really buying. This was a change from last year, where buying started early. But as the weekend progressed, the buying kicked in and most artists were happy. We ended up selling our largest piece. Lincoln 2012 is now our 10th best show of all times (in 7 years) Yeah! And it is a 21% increase from last year, which was a decent year also.

We did have some weather challenges. The winds kicked up on Saturday afternoon. There were some very high gusts. To the point that our tent frame has now taking on a new shape. :) Sunday brought some minor rain in the morning (much needed). Most of the day was cloudy, but dry. At about 3:00 on Sunday afternoon, they came through the show and told us that a storm was coming and it was ok to pack up early.

The staff and volunteers are very friendly and helpful. They understand the challenges that an artists goes through at a show and are great to work with, at the show. Thank you! We will be returning to Lincoln in 2013!