Blog

Has anyone done any of the winter/spring shows at The Villages in Central Florida?  I participated in one in July (crazy hot - sales poor) but was told by other vendors and show staff to not judge the shows there by that particular one, which was way off.  I'll be doing another one in September (with much higher hopes), but am wondering about either a February or March one.  You have to apply months and months ahead.  This venue was highly recommended to me by other vendors, so just want to get the opinion of the others that have some experience with them before I make my decision.

check it out:  http://heartfirestudios.blogspot.com/

To further emphasize why it is important to leave others alone, I will talk about Sales Reps.  Apparantly some people think it is alarming that my website says "contact a Rep" or "if you don't sell it, I'll buy it back".  Yes I have a couple sales Rep, that is because I would rather give someone a cut to sell my stuff if it can save me from going to another show as this "art show" business has kept me on the road missing a good majority of life activites and personal relationships with many people.  I am hoping that a Sales Rep can keep the scars on my hands to 21 and counting to only that and not increasing it, from over working and loading in and out.  I can afford to give them a cut, since I am not paying for show fees and traveling expenses, etc.  It is a great avenue and I would suggest you try it.  And yes, I will buy back my art if you don't sell it, because I frickin need it.  It is one less piece I have to make.  There is always another show where I can use it.

If you go to the Atlantic Gift Mart twice a year, you will see a section for "handcrafted."  Many of these handcrafters/artist can be found in the area of "temporaries."  They want to have someone sell it in trade off for some freedom to be home with their children, friends,  lovedones, another job, volunteering, to give their body a break, etc.

It is very disheartening to see a bully use their friends and groom them to be part of their army.  That bully will love on you all day long.  It is called "grooming".  It is a form of manipulation and basically abuse at your expense.  Don't forget, these are the people that bullied your children in school.  I promise if you remove yourself from negative people, that space, is more likely to be filled with something better.  I promise you don't need them to continue breathing.  You have enough self esteem to do this and if you don't, just try and you will see, your life will become richer.

Sorry to the people that support good emails that I do not respond.  I have not much of a life from this business and the little bit I have can't be on these sites much to know what is going on.  I just want to say that if anyone supports my way of thinking, thank you and pass it on, add to it, speak up.  But if you can't speak up, that is okay because I know you are silently cheering the good on, in the background. 

I would rather use this wonderful site that this person used their intelligence, hard work, and knowledge on what she intented ir to be used for.....informative, helpful, uniting us, mking things a little easier, etc.  They did not create this for people to use for a witch hunt or as a podium for bullies compaigne against love and compassion.  Or for people who love to hear themselves talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and to take their disfuctions out on you.  If we can't afford therapy, then do self therapy.  Have enough self awareness to know why you do what you do.

This is a special message from Art Fair Calendar and Amdur Productions.

Call to Artists:

Amdur Productions proudly announces the launch of Gulfstream Art Festival, a new juried art festival taking place at The Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida on Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The premier event will take place at The Village at Gulfstream Park, South Florida's newest outdoor shopping and entertainment destination.  The art festival will serve as a prelude to the Symphony in Lights which opens on Saturday, November 10.  This highly-anticipated annual event draws thousands of visitors to The Village at Gulfstream Park and will take place this year in conjunction with the new art festival.

100 artists will be juried into the inaugural event.  All applications must be received before midnight on Friday, August 10, 2012, for consideration in the Gulfstream Art Festival. 

The jury fee for the Gulfstream Art Festival is $25 and booth fees are $450 for a standard space, which includes electricity.

http://www.juriedartservices.com

We will be Glencoe this weekend - booth 4 (please stop by and say 'hi.') and we are going to try something new -- to put a sticker on our biz card or post card -- if someone says 'I'll be back' -- especially since we are booth 4.  

So, what would you suggest to put on our be back sticker for those who say 'I'll be back."  $5 off?  10% off?

Any suggestions would be most helpful.  We're going to make these tomorrow for this weekend's show -- so your prompt answers will be welcomed.

Thank you.

Sad to see Michelle lash out at others and basically blame artists for customers not buying her art.  And to think I defended this  Michelle when a customer came in complaining about Michelle's photography.  Saying they couldn't believe she took a picture of a dogwood flower she picked, stuck it on a remote part of a tree and decided to take several angle  pictures of it and sell it.  They then went on in reference to her many shots that were out of focus only to emphasize a small focus of a small image of nothing.  Boy this person went on to talk about how she then went on to mass produce copies of these images.  They seemed to be pissed because they overheard Michelle  relentlessly going on about artist, her award, the promoter, etc, etc in a negative way.  First of all I respect all photographers and appreciate the money investment and time involved including their artful wisdom  in purchasing the right frame to compliment their print.  I really do as that is so important.

Fist of all, Amy Amdur, decided to give an appararent inspiring artist of eight years old, the experience to give an artist an award.  Amy's empathy, passion, humbleness, hard working, hands on, etc, traits never cease to amaze me.  Though she is so successful, she has never let it go to her head, as she remains humble to inspire others, including an 8 year old boy.....never the need to fall in the ditch of snootiness, arrogance, or lack of empathy to artist or people of any financial status.  Could you image Amy Amdur's job, dealing with city quidelines, security, insurance, and endless unappreciative, cranky artists? First of all don't try and accuse me of being Amy's friend, sister, or cousin and making it look like that was the reason I was in the show.  Amy is equal to all.

The economy has changed, and though I love fine art, Amy is listening to her many customers who cannnot afford much and yet would like to purchase something.  She is apparantly a savy business women and instead of having the show so completely aimed at a particular income, she evidentally believes if she offers something for everyone, that the customers are more likely to show up.  First of all it is very grosse to assume you know if things are buy/sell.  If a person has variety, apparantely they are savy business people and want to offer something for everyone's taste.

I sort of had this hope that when people left high school, the bullies evolved into human beings and that their sheep developed their own thought, brain and compassion, but that isn't the case.  We are who we are from beginning to end....most of the time anyways. There will be many bully leaders and the sheep will follow.  Some how, some way there will always be many followers.  Degrees of Hitlers in many people and the sheep they command are always plentiful

In my post, their may be many grammar mistakes and mispellings, but its not worth my time to correct them as everyday is a race to create more art and purchase more bandaides for all the times the wire and beads cut my fingers.

God Bless to all of us hard working artist, fine crafters, hobbiest and hard workers in genereal, as I find you all worthy of a good, plentiful, lovely day.  I actually feel better overjoyed when I see you doing great at a show, even if you may be doing better than me.  To me, it is one less person to be worried for, not jealous of.  I value all of you for your efforts and for the fact that you are not sitting on your butt.  I'm not mad at Michelle as I have not been perfect in my life either, but instead say a prayer that she will do unto others as she would like done unto her.  

I asked on the artfairreview FB page if anyone else got notice from Taca, here's what I got back:

 Rick Steingress Unless things have changed they jury for the next year's show AT the show. It used to be that only 15% of spots rolled over and were open to application. If you applied for the first time that may be the problem. If you've been doing it and got juried out at the show...well that sucks.

This was my reply: 

Wow, this is another one that "lights me up." A grand screwing from a show organizer. Kentuck is the same way, 90% of the booths are "grandfathered" so if you apply you really are among a thousand people vying for 30 booths. It is unfair that they get away with that "lying by omission" thing. We should blackball these shows so that everyone becomes aware of these deceptive practices.

Is it possible to create a page in the group's facebook presence or on this blog that could alert artists to promoters' deceptive practices and ripoffs?

Hi Guys~

I just hung up the phone with Ellen,Nels' wife- The first day after surgery was a good day! Usually the first day is  a difficult day  a struggle, not for Nels...he is not up and walking yet, of course- but doing his breathing exercises and they knock him the hell out- to be expected!! Tomorrow they are hoping that he will leave intensive care to another floor....small steps, Nels, tiny steps. We all know this is not in his vocabulary, but when they tell him he may walk for five minutes, he wants to try for ten!! He is so goal oriented, as most of us are- we want a fast but healthy recovery for our "Mt. Veeder" wine and tequuila friend....and I will check back with his loving wife, my special friend, Ellen, tomorrow- and report back to his patient friends..you all .I will quote our special friend.... Aloha, Patti

Intrigued by what happens at a Zapplication sponsored conference in Chicago on September 6-7? Here's your chance to win a free conference registration - a $315 value. The event is not "about" zapp, it is about many facets of the art festival business with solid strategic information for all involved.

How to win:

• Tell us in the comments below why you want to attend, or email me with your reasons
• Contest opens today August 1 (10 am) and closes on August 10 (5 pm ET)
• Readers of this blog will choose who wins the prize
• Artists, show directors, staff, etc., are eligible to enter. Pretty much anyone art festival related is welcome to participate.
• Please note that registration is non-transferable. If you win the contest and are unable to attend the conference this year, you will forfeit your complimentary registration.

About the Arts Festival Conference:

Now in its fourth year, the Arts Festival Conference, presented by ZAPP®, features targeted professional and business development for artists and administrators in the arts festival field. This year's event takes place September 6-7, 2012, at the Avenue Crowne Plaza Downtown in Chicago, Illinois.

Not the competitive type? See the agenda and register now at bit.ly/zapp2012.

Be part of the dialogue! Join artists, show directors, festival staff, the ZAPP® team and more at the Fourth Annual Arts Festival Conference, September 6-7, 2012, in Chicago, IL. Visit bit.ly/zapp2012 for more details and to register today.

Hi all ~

I just got off the phone with Ellen Marshall, the wife of Nels Johnson. Nels had open heart surgery today- more work had to be done than expected...a QUADRUPLE bypass, instead of a single- a mitro  valve replacement, instead of a repair, and an additional repair on another valve. Of course, this means more recuperation time for our trooper, Nels. And this means more down time for Ellen, as well. He has clearly been given another chance at a healthy future with this surgery- although it is hard to see the forest through the trees right now for both of them. Ellen thanks everyone for your prayers and healing thoughts. Bob and I will post more good news as we receive it.

While everyone is entitled to their own opinions on what is good art and what isn't, there should be minimum standards to even be considered.  I know that quite a lot of art festivals  have specific criteria that they use when jurying different media.  

But, I would have to say that at least half of the people attending art festivals have no idea what they are looking at.  

I attended the Buffalo Grove Invitational  Fine Art Festival on July 21st.  Much has been written about this art festival and some of the posts are still on this website.  This is what was on the website for this festival-----

"This year’s festival will feature a wonderfully chosen, juried group of approximately 150 artists"

I guess that the Invitational part means that any and all artists are invited to send in their app fee to this show.

One person claimed that the promoter was trying to satisfy all price points at this festival.  I don't have a problem with that although most artists these days have already figured out that this economy begs for a variety of price points within a booth.  

But when questionable art is allowed into a festival that is billed as Fine Art, I do have a problem.  To me, this is false advertising.   This is a public that is Wal-martized, Pottery Barned and West Elmed to the nth degree and having questionable art at a festival  exacerbates the problem.  If a person cannot recognize quality they won't be willing to pay for it.  

I saw art at this festival that I also saw at a festival where the booths were inexpensive yard art, toe rings, soap and candles and tie-dyed t-shirts.  Not exactly what is considered fine art. 

After last weekend’s soggy experience in Sequim WA, we were excited to be headed east to the warmest part of Washington.  Several of us who had put up with the rainy weekend were looking forward to the opportunity to dry out and we weren't disappointed. 

This was our 3^rd year participating in this art show.  Last year it was our best show of the year and still stands as our best 2 day show EVER!  So, we went into this weekend with expectations of a good show, but also trying not to be overly optimistic.   Sales?  We hid the dead center of the results from the past 2 years, less than last year but much better than our first year and to date this year, our best 2 day show of 2012 thus far.  In our minds we at least achieved our goal for this show.

Load in / Load out is fairly easy, I blogged about the show logistics, fees, etc. last year so instead of re-writing all of that, I’ll refer you to last year’s blog:

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/allied-arts-leaving-richland-a

We had several repeat customers and seem to be building a great client base in this area.  This is the one big show they have each summer and is well attended.  We were a bit disappointed to see how they had reconfigured the portion of the show where our booth was located.  We had the same booth number but instead of having our nice shady location we were without shade most of the day, we had a lot of comments from customers that we had one of the hottest booth locations, groan, grumble, etc.  Set up and tear down in the direct sunshine was also a little more exhausting, but at least the tent dried very quickly after being packed away in rain the weekend before.

Friday sales started early and rapidly  between 9-11 and then seemed to die for a couple of hours.  The crowd seemed to shrink about 2 PM until early evening.  We had a few sporadic sales through the afternoon and then after 6 PM the crowd seemed to multiply quickly and we closed the evening with a few more sales.  Overall it was our lowest Friday at this show, a decent day but not the great day we had last year on Friday.  Friday’s weather was warm (97 for the high) with higher than normal humidity for this part of the state.  We were saved by having a fairly windy afternoon, that helped keep the air moving and made it feel a little more bearable.

Saturday started slower but sales were very steady for us from 10 – 4 and then a few last minutes sales between 6 PM and 7 PM.    The weather was much more pleasant with a high only in the lower 90’s, low humidity and a wonderful breeze for part of the day.  Saturday was a better sales day for us and the crowd was pretty steady all day.

Overall this is a fairly pleasant show to do.  No artist amenities are offered, the focus is really on just the art.  There is a stage with music and some performances by various dance groups, but it’s off to the side and the volume is not an issue.  The food area is close to the stage and there’s plenty of seating near the food area so we did not have near as many people walking through with messy hands, trying to touch jewelry while eating their junk food.   The show is held the weekend of the hydroplane races on the Columbia River.  I learned this year that this used to be a 3 day show and years ago the organizers decided that holding the show on Sunday wasn’t worthwhile for the artists due to the races, so they shortened it to a 2 day show and eliminated Sunday.  Nice to see a show where the organizers are actually concerned about making it worthwhile for the artists. 

This is a show that most likely remain on our schedule and continues to be the start of our summer road trip. Next stop?  Couer d’Alene ID, Art on the Green.  Hoping to get a few things restocked between now and Thursday.

I just found this in my inbox:

Would you like to exhibit your art in a Lake Bluff Art show without any application fee? Not only would it cost you nothing, but also the tent is already provided.  As if no fee and no tent were not easy enough,  you don’t even have to take your work home over night.

“Art for the Parks” will be the next exhibit and sale presented by Artists on the Bluff, our local arts organization with members from Lake Bluff and the neighboring communities. The event will take place Saturday, August 25th, and Sunday, August 26th, 10am to 5pm each day, in the Lake Bluff Golf Course tent, north Green Bay Road in Lake Bluff. For sale will be paintings, drawings, water colors, jewelry, and ceramics. There will be no entry fee for artists to display and sell their work but 35 percent of sale prices will be devoted...

Learn more and report back to us here! http://gazebonews.com/2012/07/29/art-show-in-lake-bluff-no-entry-fee/

Well, in case you don't know, I have been at the Meijer Heart Center (more specifically, Butterworth Hospital which is attached to it) since last Tuesday.  They knocked 22 pounds off me, mostly water, getting me ready for Open Heat Surgery Tomorrow.  Yes, they will  be cracking my chest open.

The Hospital Bed

They are state of the art here.  you have hand controls,also same controls are on both sideboards of the bed.  So it is all easily reachable.

I can raise or lower the foot end of the bed, do the same with my head end of the bed.

You have two controls for lights, one for reading and one for overall lighting.

I have a control to get to the TV or to get to movies, they have over 100 free movies to watch such as J.Edgar,etc.  You have good choices.

HOSPITAL FOOD

Bottom line, the food is healthy, but bland.  Here are some tricks I quickly learned to help get the most out of your food choices.

Initially,say for breakfast, when the nutritionist hasn't talked to you about choices, they are going to give you the pro forma menu.

In this case you would get coffee with a low fat milk, a juice,usually apple, a cold cereal with fruit like straw berries.  You would get one piece of toast with margarine.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHOICES

You ask the nurse for the nutritionist number in the kitchen.  You call her on the house phone.

You have to prod her about choices.

For example, instead of cold cereal I could order oatmeal or cream of wheat, order two packets of brown sugar to go with it.  Then query about what fresh fruits are available.  I could get strawberries,melon or red grapes.

Next, ask about bread choices.  I found out that I could have a bagel or a English muffin as well as the usual rye, whole wheat choices.  I could get a margarine and cream cheese.

Then I found out I could have eggs, scrambled only.  First day I ordered them that way and they were bland.  Then I got a good idea.  I called and asked if I could get sliced tomatoes, they said yes.  Could I get some onions diced?  Yes.  Now we were cooking with mazola baby.

So, I would order the eggs,bagel, cream cheese, tomatos and onions.  Then I would fashion an egg sandwich with the ingredients, it was a vast improvement over just plain scrambled eggs.

HOW TO IMPROVE ON LUCH OPTIONS

The first lunch I got was plain dried white pice of chicken--nothing on it erred with steamed veggies, then two dinky oatmeal cookies and some apple juice.  Yuck!

IMPROVEMENTS

Found out that soups were available, I ordered chicken w/rice, or chicken/noodles.  Order extra packets of Mr. Dash (I was on a no salt diet) extra packets of pepper--dump all of them in your soup--yummm

Ask about entree choices and pick your best one.  Instead of steamed veggies, get fresh veggies with a dip, much better. Order a juice or a milk.  For dessert I ordered either vanilla or chocolate pudding.  On top of that I got a fresh fruit--I like red grapes.  I was full, good lunches.

DINNER OPTIONS

Again ask about the entree choices and get what you like.  A lot of the time I would have a choice of swiss steak(with a passable gravy), a pork chop with a tropical fruit topping(not bad), a hamburger,pass, a turkey sandwich(dress it up with mayo, tomato,lettuce and a little onion w/mustard.)Other nights it was a big slice of white turkey or chicken, no embellishments.  Most will come w/mashed potatoes and gravy (which I hate), instead I would get white rice w/gravy or a whole baked potato dressed with sour cream, margarine, pepper, and Mr. Dash.  Yummm!  Then order a roll or bread.  Then get fresh fruit like nice pineapple chunks, strawberries or grapes.  Then get a pudding or a sherbet, and ask for animal crackers.  Order a juice or coffee.

Not a bad meal, all things considered.

Finally, dream about how that glass of a good red wine is going to taste ( Mine will come on Oct. 25 my birthday).

You gotta admit this is a very different Tequila Report.

i didnt think that nels and others questions were out of line . if its really none of our business why post at all? it would be good to have a reference points as  to what sales were in round figures, what was being sold, price range of the work and anything else that might help us out .i had read aa posts about how bad it is but leslies post has me rethinking about applying to aa. is so. univ. part of something else or is it a show by itself? more info never hurts, im not the irs . im just trying to figure out a show that ive always heard great things about. recent posts had me wondering. im glad you had a really good show mary and that you knew what ques to ask. i dont...yet, but ill never figure it out if i dont ask. as a general rule i think a lot of posters are too ambiguous. give up the details, good or bad and let us figure it out for ourselves. we thank you.

We were discussing pricing awhile back.  At least questions about price indicate getting PAID.  Everyone I know thinks of me when it comes to any kind of fundraising, whether it be church, school, athletic, animal rescue, on and on.  I usually donate prints for my closest friends, but for most I'll do a gift certificate for my least expensive portrait, knowing that most people will choose a larger size or more subjects.  I figure it is work I wouldn't have gotten anyway and some exposure.  It can be a little frustrating when you are asked over and over to give away your work in support of someone else's charity.

Every once in awhile, I'm the one who chooses to work for free.  I always offer to draw a memorial portrait when someone dear to me has lost someone.  It's a precious alternative to flowers that the family really appreciates.  Sometimes I'm not sure whether to offer a portrait as a wedding gift, or if people would prefer a cash gift. 

In today's blog I write about a time I was inspired to draw someone for free because he was so damn wonderful.  Thanks so much to those who have takent the time to read my blog and for writing such kind messages to me.

http://www.pencilenvy.blogspot.com/2012/07/barry-henby-and-birthday-emergency.html

It was a beautiful weekend, hope you all had great shows!

Wendy

Sunday took us to Appleton, WI's Art at the Park. A couple of years ago, they moved the show from being on the park grass, to being on the street around the park. This was done because of wet grounds from a lot of rain that year. They have continued to keep the exhibitors on the street, which works out very well. For some strange reason, last year was a rough year in sales at this show for many artists. I am glad to report that this year, our sales were up 300% over last years sales. The crowd is very engaged in art. And this year, they were back to buying art. In addition, the Trout Museum has a new Director. She has only been "on the job" for 10 weeks. She personally came into our booth and thanked us for providing an item in the auction. That was very nice. We love the Appleton Show and look forward to returning next year for our seventh year.

I know it sounds odd, but for many of my customers I seem to have become their “secret weapon” in 'keeping up with the Jones’ ' scenarios.   I’m  specifically referring to well to do, more mature ladies (i.e more grown up children) who “do lunch” with their friends, attend fundraisers, love to shop and so on.

They have usually found me online (by chance!) or at a show and live at least a couple of hours drive away (my local customers are more than happy to spread the word).    They buy regularly from me, for both themselves and gifts but overall, we’re not talking huge $ - perhaps $200-300 from each of them a year.   But that’s where it ends.  You would assume that you would get some ‘word of mouth’ happening and a few referrals.  Although I hear that they’ve received so many compliments on their newest purchase, I’m yet to see that translate … EVER… into an enquiry.  

I’ve think I’ve become their secret weapon in the way to outdo their friends (who I assume are similar in style and taste to them).    I’m obviously not well known where they are so that they can't "drop" my name and have it mean anything.  When complimented I assume they just say thank you and move on, or when pressed,  describe me as the little ‘girl’ (although I hardly fit that description any longer) that makes things for them.  To quote one of them  “I told my friends I have this amazing little girl I found who makes them for me”.   End of story.

I’m not comfortable with saying to them  “please let your friends know” as these are established clients and that line seems more appropriate for newer clients - and a bit pushy at this late stage.    

So, is there any way that I can turn this to my advantage?   Or a way to get them to spread the word?  Any ideas welcome!

September 29 & 30
Bloomsbury, New Jersey
on the historic Main Street
60+ Exhibitors
Deadline: August 15

The Bloomsbury Fall Arts Festival provides funding for the Bloomsbury Elementary School cultural arts programs, while providing area residents and visitors the opportunity to appreciate the visual and performing arts.

This is a community run festival and all proceeds go directly to the local elementary school, a very small school (pre-K thru 8th grade, one class for each grade) and a correspondingly very small budget...the festival provides for cultural and/or educational assemblies that the children would otherwise go without.  It supports local artists for and Artist's Day, authors doing readings & workshops, dance/music assemblies and many more activities.

The festival was started more than 10 years ago by a former art teacher at the school, and when she moved from the area community members took over the running of it.  It's an enormous undertaking & many many people are involved & committed to its success.

Bloomsbury Fall Arts Festival is in Hunterdon County, a rural yet affluent area of the state.  The Festival is easy to reach by car-it is immediately adjacent to a major interstate highway, I-78.  We enjoy a high percentage of repeat artists who, among other benefits, simply enjoy the beautiful setting that the Festival provides.

It is held in the Bloomsbury's historic district, on Main Street, which is lined with ancient maples and quaint Victorian-era homes.  It's a very charming location to pitch one's tent!  Past participants have also consistently commented on the warmth and helpfulness demonstrated by the Festival volunteers as well as the town residents.

Local non-profit organizations (churches, PTO and the FD Ladies Auxiliary) provide food booths, all featuring delicious homemade treats.  The festival also boasts a stage with a variety of local musical acts featured throughout the weekend.  In addition, each year there is a children's area with activities.

For more info. and application: www.bloomsburyartsfest.com

Our apologies for last year's sudden cancellation of the event. It was beyond our control but all is well this year. We welcome your application and look forward to seeing familiar faces.