Blog

October 18-20

44th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Thur. - Sat.: 8am-5pm
325 Artists booths
Deadline: July 31

The Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival is known for the highest quality, fully juried, art and craft work.  Since 1969 the Bella Vista Arts and Crafts festival has been steadily growing in size and reputation!  Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, our exhibitors say: "This is the friendliest and best organized arts & crafts event I attend!"

Crystal Bridges Museum has spotlighted many of our artisans!

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Find more events for your 2012 season at www.CallsforArtists.com       

I have searched the site for discussion of this topic but can't find any.  I do Mixed Media 2D collage paintings.  I am planning to purchase a Show Off tent soon.  I prefer the look of ProPanels for display but have been advised that the Show Off canvas display walls are easier to put up.  There is possibility that I may have to do some shows alone.  What are your thoughts on the ProPanels vs. the canvas panels?  Does art show as well on the canvas?  Does it really make a difference?  I am considering the light gray canvas, as close to ProPanels gray as possible.  Do the colored canvas walls perform equally with white for display? 

The 53rd Annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Announces 2012 Award Winners
 
Ann Arbor, MI – The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, which took place July 18 - July 21, 2012, presented awards of excellence and originality to ten artists. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, which is one of four concurrent fairs held each July in downtown Ann Arbor, is located on East Washington, Ingalls Mall and North University. After a rigorous day of on-site jurying on Wednesday, ten awards were presented on Thursday morning to the following Street Art Fair artists:

• Chris Beck, Dalton, GA, Metalsmithing
• Brandon Holschuh, Concord Township, OH, Jewelry
• Andy Smith*, Marshville, NC, Clay
• Raymond Papka, Versailles, KY, Mixed Media
• Cali Hobgood*, Urbana, IL, Photography
• Melissa Finelli, Boston, MA, Jewelry
• Beth Bojarski, Milwaukee, WI, Painting
• E. Douglas Wunder, Kutztown, PA, Jewelry
• Matthew Naftzger, Hannibal, MO, Metalsmithing
• Chia Haruta, Hanover, MI, Printmaking

Geoffrey Harris (Digital Art) was named the 2013 Featured Artist. His original art work will be featured on the Street Art Fair’s poster and merchandise next year.

2:40 PM Saturday

Well, I made a public commitment to return to Long Beach Island Center for the Arts & Sciences in my  2011 review of this show, when it was 104 degrees on Saturday and no one in their right mind ventured out to an art show on white hot sandy gravel. So here I was again, hoping that the nearly perfect show weather this year would bring out the buying crowds.  And sadly, they did not.  Attendance was very light at this show Saturday, under perfect show weather: cool, overcast, just a bit breezy, and low humidity.  Sunday was sunnier but still pleasant, and most of the folks flocked to the beach, not to the show.

Setup was scheduled for Friday 5-8 PM, and (if you needed it) 7-10 AM on Saturday.  Like most exhibitors I planned to do so on Friday, but a nasty storm with high winds and heavy rain developed offshore on Thursday night and stalled there, putting nearly all artists into Saturday-morning-setup mode. 

Which is a problem at this show.  It's a small venue with a twisting show layout and limited access.  (Those of you who have done shows on Sanibel know exactly the kind of layout I'm talking about.)  So the dance-with-chaos began not long after sunrise.  Luckily, nearly everyone at this show has lots of experience under their belts.  Some dollied from the street or from their closest available spot in the traffic queue; some waited patiently, opting to unload later than planned.  Most observed the show directive to unload first, then park.  As for me, with a 7 AM arrival I am usually unloading in front of my spot no later than 7:20; with this show it was nearly 8:30 before I snapped the first poles on my Trimline into place.  I made quick introductions to my neighbors (both of whom were great) and let them know that I'd be in "catchup mode" and not chatty until I got back on schedule.  Somehow I got ready on time, ready for customers that were slow to materialize. 

Promoters Nancy and Barbara Boroff of Renaissance Craftables don't stick to the usual 10-5 show script--the show hours were 10-6 Sat./9-4 Sunday-- but I can't say there was any advantage gained. The place was nearly vacant by 4 PM on Saturday, and despite the exhortation in the show literature to "show up on time, people come early" on Sunday, there were few folks browsing the show before 11:30. 

Last year, despite the light turnout, I sold my more expensive images--canvas Gallery Wraps--to nearly everyone, giving me my highest revenue-per-customer tallies outside of Naples.  This year, the odds evened out: I sold only two smaller, slightly damaged ones at a significant discount.  A few matted 16x20s went out the door, along with a smattering of 11x14s.  But although I had a crowded booth for two fleeting occasions late in the day on Sunday and no less than five folks had extended conversations about my wall canvases, none walked out with a package under their arm.  All I had to show for the late-day rally were several oh-so-sincere promises that I'd hear back this week after they'd measured their walls. 

Ummm...We'll see.  I know only that, at the end of a disappointing three-show swing up along the Jersey shore and a raft of hotel bills to pay, I had perhaps a bit too much focus on helping them buy what I had on display, rather than helping them order something larger, later.  My bad. It happens.  But for now, I'm back in Florida for two weeks, trying to figure out how, and if, I'll tweak the product mix for my two-month swing to Delaware and Virginia that starts next month.

As for this show, I'm not certain if I'll return.  A couple of things disturbed me besides the light turnout.

*  Worried about a recurrence of hot weather this year, I had contacted Marcy Boroff before I left Florida to double-check on their policy about using a generator (with which I can power two large fans or even a portable A/C unit).  No, she told me politely, but she said she was working on being able to offer me free electricity as long as I had a 100-foot extension cord.  To her credit, she followed up next day to let me know that electricity would be available.  So I left the generator home.

Imagine my surprise when one of the other exhibitors ran a generator all day on Sunday, without anything being said.

* The show has a policy that you have to show up by a certain time on Saturday for setup, or lose your spot.  And you must promise to exhibit all hours of the show.  So imagine my surprise, again, when an exhibitor across from me not only showed up just before noon on Saturday, but actually was accompanied by two of the show volunteers, hauling in her merchandise and tent on their golf cart.  "Wow, I didn't know valet service was available," my neighbor Glenn commented to me.

On Sunday morning, she didn't arrive until about 11:15, claiming to her neighbors that she didn't get much sleep, and "you wouldn't want me to be cranky."  So far as I and my neighbors know, nothing was ever said.  

I have two Big Suggestions for show directors:

* Don't have more rules than are absolutely necessary

* Having communicated the one that ARE necessary, enforce 'em!  

I've only done this show for two years, but judging from comments I heard from long-time exhibitors, it has slipped badly in recent years: more and more buy/sell, fewer fine artists, over-representation of low-end jewelry, clothing, bracelets, and photography.  I like the Boroffs, but I wish they'd resist the temptation to look the other way when the rules aren't followed and the standards slip.  Artists notice these things, and so does the buying public.

I haven't gone to as many shows this summer because the weather has been too hot  and the house is getting full.

I have been to four Amdur shows and three independent shows.  I wanted to go to at least two independent shows before I reported on the Amdur shows  to get a fairer perspective.

Arlington Heights, IL  (AA show)  It was good, not great.  Some questionable booths but not too many.  Lots of good artists and happily, a few I hadn't seen before.  

Festival of Fine Craft (AA show)  This used to be one of my top five shows.  As a fine craft collector, this show is a highlight of my summer.  Used to be run by the The Art Center of Highland Park, IL but they asked Amy to manage it this year.  I was a little worried that the spirit of the show would change but this year at least, it was pretty much the same as it has been.  Over the years, there has been a decline in some of the media but it is still a nice show.  Credit to Amy for running two shows the same weekend and there were still lots of green shirts at both shows.  

Monument Square (Racine, WI)  This used to be a little gem but hasn't been quite as good the past few years.  This year, the show date changed and it was smaller and very disappointing.  Heard there was a date conflict with the Lakefront site but don't understand how a festival that has been the same weekend for over 20 years wasn't inked in for the same weekend as usual this year.  Cannot recommend this unless you love Kringle and want to go to Racine to get some)

Milwaukee Lakefront Festival of Art (ind)-I already wrote about this show and it still is good year after year.

Botanic Garden (AA)  I only went to this show because I got in for free ($20 per car) and I wanted to meet Michelle Wermuth.    Meeting Michelle was the highlight of the show.   

Krasl, Art on the Bluff (ind)  I already wrote about this one also and will go  back next year.   While not all artists had a good show, the way the artists were treated made it so pleasant.  I can often tell how an artist is doing when I go into a booth and most were happy. 

Buffalo Grove Art Festival  (AA)  Worst AA show I have ever been to.  A lot of the artists I used to see there weren't there this year and their replacements weren't equal to what has been there in the past.  There are always some good artists at every show and this was no exception but over all, it was a major disappointment.  Even if the art was not Buy/Sell, a lot of it looked that way.  Considering the heat on Saturday, there was a good crowd and parking wasn't easy to find.  This show takes place in bland shopping center but the show has been here for so many years that the stores are not relevant and don't affect the crowds. If a rising tide lifts all boats, then a lowering tide sinks all boats.  Well, the "bad" art  booths sunk the "good" art booths.  The overall feel of the show was not one of high quality.  I should have followed my instinct and stayed home.

The next few weeks have some of my favorite shows and I am really looking forward to those.

This is my review of the recent Cain Park art festival. It was my first time at this show and did a comprehensive research before decididng to apply. This review will be similar to the one left by Parker as most of what he said was as close to perfect as this year went.

LOAD IN AND OUT:

Unfortunately I was one that did not get enough space to park behind my booth. But the majority of artist did, so they park, unload and setup without having to move thier car, I had to move but parked about a 2mins walk to my booth.

For those that have to replenish their display this made it very easy.

Load out was very organised and timely. I moved my car in as most artist just had to breakup and load thier car right behind the booth.

SALES:

FRIDAY: Show started at 3pm and this was the only free admission day, the crowd was plentifull but not too heavy. Sales was not super but steady enough to go home happy. Not too many people did well but I saw alot of small ticket item bieng carried around.

SATURDAY: Now we are talking, I crowd was a bit light but expected since there was a $5 fee to get in for adults. This kind of weaved out the window shoppers and casual walkers. I saw a lot of big items being moved around and more original smiles in the faces of artists. I was able to move a big ticket item, a skyline of Detroit that I had planned to take to Ann Arbor after Cain Park. I priced it for $6000 to compesate for not having it to draw the crowd in Ann Arbor if it sold. IT DID. Sales for me turned out to be great on sat, a few of my other big items sold and I went back to the hotel very happy.

SUNDAY: Started as sarturday but a few hours in came the rain that lasted for about an hour. It did put things to a halt but as soon as it stopped, the crowd did come out. Sales were good, matched my saturday sales Detroit excluded. Also saw a lot of bigger items selling from other artists.

CONCLUSION: I mostly go to shows to make some money but it sure does feel good when you are treated with respect and strong organisation. This show had it all, helpers are everywhere and they repeatedly ask if you need help sometimes too much. The director speaks through the speakers encouraging shopper to not hold back on buying art and expresses it in a fun and exciting way while relating his message. A buyer made up her mind to buy a $400 art after hearing a message from the director. I will try to get into this show next year, as with all shows not everyone did well but I did see a lot of sold items moving out. Without my major sale I would have done well enough to reapply. I like this show and the feeling I got from being around people that really appreciate you as an artist and also show this appreciation by making a purchase. This is my experience I am certain others have similar or a different take on this show.

Bless

Harrison Otalor

It all depends on how it is done.  Collage artists recycle, its part of the meshing of textures and patterns.  One thing I have been doing lately that I personally think is OK and feel free to fill me in if you see any horrible red flags going up.  I combine the labels from craft beer bottles (sometimes wine bottles as well)  with hand made papers, ripped and painted and formed into the shape of whatever glass that particular type of beer would be served in.  If you are familiar with it, you could probably figure what type and brand it is, but its not like I put the label on and framed it, it was used in combination with my papers for color and line and contrast and well-- a little humor...  I think it would be worse if I started photocopying the labels.  This is the real deal, I pay the company for each and every label I use.  The money I charge is for my labor in making the art.  I don't believe there can be a black and white rule here.  The artist needs to know that the focal point has to be their own creation.  I do not think that you can totally outlaw taking something already existing and working into it and making it something else.  That too can be art, if you start getting too exclusive than I can write off 25% of booths at most art fairs as "no no's if  that's the case...  I am not saying there are not sleazy people/artists out there that take the lazy way out, no doubt but please don't  group hard working collage artist with them just because we utilize recycled materials sometimes.  Thanks ;)

Thursday, July 26, 5 pm E.T.

Finally got there. I was like getting to the grand buffet and finding only a few slivers of beat up melon.  

For example: 

Ann Arbor State Street.  

Tuesday night an artists' dinner is held, we had the "privilege" of sitting with the Mayor and the show organizer. Tom, the show organizer, boosted that his was the only show that would allow stores to have street booths and that Urban Outfitters would do more than $250,000 during the four days of the show. That is $1/4 million that wasn't spent on art. That was only one vendor.

Consideration should be given to renaming the event the Ann Arbor Flea and Art Market.

October 27
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Waukesha Expo
deadline August 1

**One Day Only**
10am-4pm

Public admission: $3 Adults, children under 12 free
**Get In Free** with 2 can goods for Waukesha Food Pantry
All admission proceeds are donated to the Waukesha Food Pantry

ArtWorks: One of a Kind-One day show.  Artworks is a fine art and fine craft show.  This location, just outside of Milwaukee, has proved to be a successful location for art shows.  Now we are expanding to the beginning of the holiday gift-giving season. Various media will be shown including painting, jewelry, fiber, photography, ceramics, mixed media and wood.

For more info:
Contact: Colin Murray (608)712-3440
Concessions available and Free parking

Application online: www.artworkswisconsin.com

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Looking for more 2012 shows? Visit CallsforArtists.com

I just got back from the College Hills show in lovely Cedar Falls, IA.  It is a Fri and Sat show.  Not a Sat Sun or Fri Sat Sun.  It's FRI and SAT.  Setup was Thurs afternoon.  I'm working along all week minding my own business when my friend Paula Grill, an AFI member also doing that show, called Wed at 9:30PM.  She stated that we had made our hotel reservations for LAST wk and not THIS wk, when the fair was.  (I should mention here that Paula couldn't make the show now, because her husband got sick and was in the hospital.)  

Ok, panic no. 1.  Then she started talking something about leaving tomorrow and it hit me like a train - In my brain I had me leaving on FRIDAY!  Panic no. 2.  My van was not loaded, no suitcase packed and it was poring cats and dogs with lightning outside.  Total drought here all month and it decides to rain TONITE.  On top of all this?  No reservation and one that was missed AND charged to my credit card.  All $215 of it.

Somehow managed to pack what I could that nite, then got up super early after a lousy nite's sleep, to load my van. Called the hotel.  It was the "Wingate" by Wynham Hotels in lovely Cedar Falls, IA.  Explained my situation and got a new reservation.  Asked the clerk if it was possible to use last wks charges on this wks stay since I major goofed up.  Used a medical excuse, which is not a lie, because I take this cancer medication that seriously makes my brain foggy.  She said I could take it up with the manager when I arrived.  Wanted to mention that I made the first reservations thru Priceline.  Not a bid, but one that was a sale.  The price was alittle cheaper than what the show got there, for the artists.  I know, I know.  Priceline....

Left about 10am, all well and good but still missing a few years on my life.  And the story continues......

Get to the hotel.  Nice place.  NOT nice manager.  In fact I think a she must have worked at one of those motels where you can stop for a "nap"?  You know the kind.  She proceeds to tell me that Priceline should issue me a refund that they are third party only.  Get to my room to call Priceline.  No way on the face of this earth and then some, was I going to get a refund.  Long story short, they said, "Well Wingate got paid last week so they should honor the request."  

Cue to the show....  Setup was a breeze.  Nice park on the campus of Northern Iowa Univ.  Drive up to your space, unload, no problem.  Still wigging in my head on what day it actually was, but so far so good.   Fri was mid 80's with a good crowd of ohhh 70-80 yr olds.  It's Fri, for cryin' out loud.  Sold like nothing.  Sat was supposed to be a heat wave.  95+.  That did not happen.  Cloudy, a tad rainy and the crowd was way light probably due to the forecast.  Finally towards the end of the day, sold one piece to a great couple for $800.  Again, extremely easy teardown.  Get your car whenever, drive to your spot.  All very relaxed.  Wonderful artist hospitality house with coffee, iced tea, all the water you needed, snacks, fruit and indoor restroom.  Sack lunch for the way home!  Alittle disappointed in the sales, but that's always the risk you take.  Wonderful quality of artists and the best balance of categories I've ever seen.  Promoters were always present to check on situations.  Artist party on Fri nite was good food, jazz band and open bar.  Fun.

Get back to the hotel....NOT fun.  My room was right by the side parking lot and exit door so I go in that way.  As I walk up to my door, I see it is ajar, as in the metal bar thingie was swung out inbetween the door jam and the door, keeping in open.  Panic no. 17.  I slowly open the door and immediately check for my laptop.  All looked good so I walked in, dropped my stuff and went to the front desk to tell the clerk about the door.  She says the manager will actually be in from 11pm to 2 am (go figure)  so she'll make sure and tell her.  I also said I wanted to talk to her about the charge debacle before the bill was actually processed.  

Called the front desk about 11:30, talk to the manager.  She imMEDiately started yelling, saying she's NOT responsible and can't do anything and she's sick of talking to me and she has to balance her books, etc etc.  Ran the medical thing past her again, of course, she's not budging.  So I hang up.  THEN I realize I forgot to mention the door.  Call her back.  Ask if she heard about the door.... "I checked the camera! which happens to be right in front of your door! and all the doors! in the hall were closed!  I am hanging up NOW!"  I was shocked to say the least.  Asked her if she was calling me a liar?  I'm sure she thought I was trying one last scam to get money off my room.  I start to raise my voice about how dare she accuse me of that and she says "You need to talk to me in a proFESSional way! or I will escort you out of the building!  Do you want me to escort you out?!"

At this point I realized maybe some liquor was involved in her mood and I just hung up.  

Of course, there was the bill under my door the next day for another cool $250.  I wrote her a note and had the clerk put it in her mailbox.  Said that I was amazed at her reaction, calling me a liar, making me feel like I was scamming her for money off.  Said she runs the hotel recklessly and she's lucky this time that nothing was stolen.  Told her to check her tape again.  Also left a note for the housekeeping, telling them that whomever was in my room the night before, left it open.  

Boy is Wynham Corporate going to hear from me.  I realize that I'm probably screwed on the refund but I do want them to know about the Manager From The No-Tell Mo-Tells.  Stay tuned.  If I get anywhere, I'll post again.  

Alot of lessons learned here.....Not using Priceline anymore, getting a HUGE dry erase calendar, talking to my oncologist about this medication and opening a bottle of wine.

Cheers and many sales to all!

I AM POSITIVE. 

I CAN DO THIS.

I CAN SMILE FOR 8-12 HOURS.

I CAN BE FRIENDLY, POSITIVE, AND UPBEAT DESPITE THE SWEAT DRIPPING OFF ME.

OK.  I'm trying to stay 'in the zone' of positive thoughts, positive vibes and auroas.  And people -love the jewelry and the glass.  Lots of compliments.  Sometimes identifying which piece should go to whom.  Thanking both of us for making the jewelry and glass.  Ooos and ahhhs. 

And then they say: 

   Do you have a card (all over the table - cards and postcards).

   Do you have a website (yes but pricing is higher) and I think that the website holds us back at shows because most people - 99.99% do not contact us after shows.

  Will you be showing anywhere else?  (If I say yes, will you promise to buy there?  And what's wrong with buying it at this show).  If I say yes - and tell them, they walk along.  If I say no this is it for this city -- or 'we'll be in  atlanta (not chicago) -- they walk away.  I sometimes think they ask the question and don't listen tot he answer.

    So, does anyone have any suggestions on closing a sale?  Sometimes I ask people - which design speaks to them.  or I see that they keep on going back to a particular design and I suggest that's the piece that is pulling at them ... it works sometimes and not others.

   I'm all ears -- and would love to hear from people before show opens tomorrow -- but even after that, suggestions would be valued.

Thanks in advance - Deborah@DorLDor.com

we are at booth 59 - please come over and say hi to us -- deborah and jay:)

spiritual message (not massage) jewelry and judaica

:)

When applying for a show, it makes sense to submit a photo of an outdoor booth if you're applying to an outdoor show.  And, an indoor booth photo for an indoor show.

I'm wondering how much it hurts if you submit an indoor booth photo to an outdoor show.  Going back to paragraph one, I suppose it would only make sense if your indoor photo is better.  But, unless it is significantly better, would you lose the advantage gained simply because it doesn't match the type show to which you are applying?  I've always hesitated to send an indoor photo to an outdoor show but I'm wondering just how much it really does hurt your chances.  And, I've seen a couple of outdoor show that specify only outdoor booth photos.  But, if they don't specify, does it really matter all that much?

I'd be interested in hearing others' opinions on this.

An exciting weekend for me in St. Joe, July 14-15, where I really got a good art fair "fix." Who wasn't going to be there?

Potter Patrick Dragon who told me about his leaving the art fair business to
return to teaching in the Fall. We'll miss his amazing pots.

Photographer Chris Dahlquist

Mixed media by Steve Cambronne

Sculpture by Scott Causey, on the Bluffs of Lake Michigan

• My apologies for not having more photos, especially one of Geri, who has made so many contributions to AFI, but my camera battery died half way through the day! Another day...
  
  
• P. S. On Tuesday I went to some good friends' house for dinner and lo and behold they'd also been to St. Joe and purchased these two sculptures from Cliff Matyszczyk:
• 

I used to be a corporate person and I met my husband at work.  I wrote my blog this week about one of my coworkers who I used to flirt with.  I wonder if there is any new romances happening in the art fair world?  I hope so!  Work is a great place to meet wonderful people, even if you aren't seeing the same people every day like I used to.

If you're not busy getting ready for an art show, here's a story I hope you'll enjoy:

http://pencilenvy.blogspot.com/2012/07/confessions-of-corporate-flirt.html

Happy selling!

Wendy

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs are the granddaddy upon which many other shows got their get up and go, copycats, improvements, lessons learned, etc.

Once upon a time in 1969 a bunch of people wanted to horn in on the fabulous success they were seeing for artists in the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair and grabbed property nearby and had a "free fair." Yep, you saw the date and I hope a bunch of you remember the '60's. AA was a great place to be in those days. Many of the original group have continued to participate every year since then so I'd like to give a little heads up to these pioneers who helped the rest of us find our art fair legs.

One of the reasons so many of these people could continue year in and year out is that for many of the early years if you joined the Guild you'd be able to participate in the show without jurying and there was a long waiting list of people waiting for that opportunity.

Walt Pinkus sent me this list and these are just the Michigan list. Walt and his wife Ruth are participating for the last time.

Stan Baker, Donna Beaubien, Rex Benson, John Berry, Marilyn Bishop, Bonnie Blandford, Phil Borkowski, Carlye Crisler, Joe Cyberski, Callie Dean, Laurie Fowler, Helmut Goral, Mary Humphrey, Ruth Petersen & David Jellema, Jan Kaulins, Michael Kifer, Esther Kirschenbaum, Sam Machulis, Chris Maher, Rita Meech & Terry Oss, Nels Nelson, Rick Ott, Ken Pellar, Jim Reinert, Sharon St. Mary, Simon & Joy Tarasiewicz, Sally Thielen, Ron & Cynthia Tschudy, Susan Wright, Kay Yourist.

I think most of them are exhibiting there again this year. What a life!

Does anyone have any other names to add to the list? Or can you add names from 1969?

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