Blog

We all start wondering when to give a break to a show.

I apply four years ago to the South University section of the Ann Arbor show. I got in the show and did a grand total of 2000.00 the first year. After all the expenses that was not great but I consider a vacation week from my regular job. Also is the first time I did the show so it should get better.

I got an invite for next year(2010) and ask for what I consider a better spot. I end up making 1200.00. I was wondering if I should do the show or not but I got an invite again for 2011. In 2011 show came and end.  In the 2011 I only make 400.00  and one of the Captain during the show ask me if will come back next year and respond was I need to think about because I only make 400 during the show but I had a wonderful time.

Some reason or another I did get an invite I was told to reapply. After these three years I choose not to do it because it was insane to do it.

So the question when you decide to drop a show? Keep in mind (sales wise) to me a good 2 day local show 2000 to 3000 and 4000 to 5000 for an out town show.

I have been doing commission work for... well, it seems all my professional life as a costumer!  Most of my independent costume design work is done with a contract for a stipend to design and produce the costumes.  It was part of my job to figure out what was needed and to make it happen.  It's not much different than any commissioned art piece--I talk with the customer, find out what they need, and then make it happen.  Just one costume at a time...

Over the last couple of years, I've been doing a lot more commission work for individuals that want a specific variation on one of the products they've 

seen in my shop, or they are looking for a specific item and they can't really find it for sale on the market.  I've made 1980s ladies velour vests, wired lace ruffs, and vests for the groom in bridal parties.  I've been hired by friends for my costume construction skills, and even made capes for drag queens!

But my latest piece was made for a performer who completely fits my style:  a juggler in a cabaret act.

This client found the listing in my Etsy shop for my "Ringmaster Vest".  It was very earthy in tone, with a swallowtail back--a very unusual piece fit for a specific look or need.  But when you're looking for a costume for your act, my work can fit the bill...

He wanted to know if I could make him a similar vest in different colors.  I said I could, quoted him a price and made a listing on Etsy.  When he purchased it, I went to work.

I gathered fabrics that I thought were indicative of what he was thinking, scanned in a photograph of them, and sent him the update.   We had conversed about his situation and the style he desired over email previously, so I was pretty sure I was moving in the right direction.  After some feedback, I gave him a rendering using the fabrics I'd swatched so he could visualize the vest more specifically with a bit more of a guide rather than words...  With his okay, I started assembling the vest.

And here's the finished product! I had to modify the pattern I was already using for my Ringmaster vest to incorporate more fabric choices and make it a smaller size.  I also used rhinestones to enhance the fabric motifs and decorate the collar.  So it wasn't an exact duplicate of the Ringmaster vest by any means, and that took a bit of coordinating and adjusting, but in the end I think the piece is incredibly effective.

I may end up doing more commission work in the future, but I have to really evaluate the price structure.  I'm learning that I have a tendency to underestimate the time investment in my projects...  I guess I never really learned to get over my eyes being bigger than my stomach...  Which could be dangerous in the future, so I have to be diligent.

Do any of you do commission work?  Do you use a specific form/format/method/system for engaging in commission work with clients?  Do you have policies that facilitate the process for you?  Do you use contracts or rely upon email agreements?  Do you have set prices, or do they vary depending on parts of the artistic process?  I'd really be curious to know.  I have not found a formulaic "structure" for the process myself, but I don't ever make anything until they've paid me first.  I spend a lot of time going back and forth in discussion prior to even starting, but I think that's better than finding out after-the-fact that what you've made isn't what the client wanted.  Being a costumer, I find that the artistic side of the process isn't my problem--it's the business side!  Go figure!!  Haha!!

I plan on taking a "catalog" of my commissioned works and other costuming items with me to the fairs and festivals so potential clients can peruse possibilities.  Anything "outside the box" of my catalog would need to be hammered out, of course.  But I think it might be a good tool to have on hand to facilitate future sales and work.  We'll see if it's effective or not--I haven't done my first fair yet, so it's all theoretical at this point!

Until next time, Live Life With Relish!

In submitting photos along with a show application, would it be considered a "no-no" to submit a photo that has two different pieces in the same photo?  I have a photo that illustrates two different types of wooden carrier.  They are very much alike except one has a swinging-handle and a lid while the other has a fixed-handle with no lid and the interier is divided into sections.  In essence, they are two different versions of the same piece.  Since a juror only has a few seconds to look at the photo would it be too confusing and might it also give the appearance of trying to show a juror two pieces while only using one of your photo choices?  I think the photo is a nice illustration  of the two different versions but I'm wondering if I might cut my own throat by  submitting such a photo.  Would appreciate others' opinions.

Saturday - June 9
Jackson, Michigan
Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History
11am-7pm
Deadline: May 11

The Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History is pleased to issue a call for artists for our annual Ella Sharp Art & Wine Festival.  Now in its eighth year, the festival has become an eagerly anticipated event which features the best of local Michigan art, beer, wine, and music. Festival goers can enjoy live music and artist booths nestled on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum.

There is a $5 dollar entrance fee to this year's event, that includes gallery access, live entertainment, artist booths and opportunities for tastings.  
The Festival takes place within the courtyard of the museum's historic Hillside Farm Lane and surrounding grounds. There is no entrance fee to the event itself for guests wishing to peruse artists' booths and take in the live entertainment.

The goal of the Ella Sharp Art & Wine Festival is to showcase the many talented artists, musicians, wineries, Michigan breweries and local businesses available here in Michigan and to connect them with an appreciative audience.

In addition to artist booths, the Festival will offer

All proceeds from the festival benefit the museum and our educational department which runs such  programs as Pioneer Living and Arts Go to School.

The Ella Sharp Museum is situated in a beautiful 530 acre city park and includes five galleries, historical buildings, a museum, fine restaurant and a full season of events that are popular through- out the region. I live nearby, it is a beautiful place that brings fine cultural events to the community.

Sell Your Art!

Register on-line at: http://ellasharp.org/art_wine.html 

Here's the link to info on registering each selling location in California.

 You must register each location that you plan to sell in. It's as easy as a phone call, so don't fret. 

http://www.boe.ca.gov/news/pdf/l306.pdf

Welcome to our newest advertiser, Bumbley.com, where artist John Leben and his wife Marcia host a lovely online retail store, full of fine American-Made fine art and craft.

Maybe another income source for you? Click here now!

June 8-10
Peculiar, Missouri
Fri.: 5pm-10pm; Sat.: 10am-10pm:
Sun.: 12pm-5pm
Deadline: May 7

Uniquely Hometown - Uncommonly Fun

The Clara Brierly Festival of the Arts is held in downtown Peculiar. A twenty minute drive from Kansas City.  The three day outdoor festival is in its fourth year.  There is live entertainment throughout festival, including Nashville recording artist, Drew Davis.  Events are all strategically timed to ensure sustained foot traffic.

The festival is sponsored by the Downtown Peculiar Arts & culture District and has ongoing art workshops and demonstrations.

We have both indoor and outdoor spaces available, Purchase Awards, and a special homemade breakfast is provided on Sunday for our artists.

Reasons you should consider the Clara Brierly Festival of the Arts:

• Our reputation is important and we want you to love us 
• The jury process is very selective in order to have a good mix of mediums and styles and that these are of a high quality
• The hosts of this art festival are a non profit organization dedicated to small town revitalization through a well-planned arts and culture district and artist outreach.  Making sure artists are successful in the keystone of our mission.
• Publicity in  newspapers throughout Missouri and Kansas, as well as radio, TV, and online social networks and media outlets.
• Fees are very reasonable.

How is this art fair peculiar?  Our overall vision of a small townartist community is growing and developing.  We are extremely active in state and local art and tourism organizations, and a very dedicated and invested group of visionaries.  This is evident in the way we develop our events and by the manner in which we treat artists.  We are a small group of volunteers with a huge vision.

Learn more and download the application:  www.downtownpeculiar.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking for more art fairs for 2012?
Visit www.CallsforArtists.com where you'll find art fairs looking for you!

Congratulations to the prizewinners at this past weekend's Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival. Many of them are members of ArtFairInsiders.com and old friends of mine and certainly well-deserved. It is a pleasure to see such fine work being rewarded.

Thanks to Jay Downie, director of the MSFWAF for sending me this information.

Award stipends of $10,500 were distributed to Best of Show and seven Merit Award Winners.  Jury exemption for 2013 has also be given to fourteen Juror Award winners.

Best of show - Matthew Hatala*

wood sculpture by Matthew Hatala

Merit - Alison Antelman

Merit - Sally Bright*

Merit - Glen and Gayle Wans*

Merit - Ray Jones*

Merit - Timothy Marcotte

Merit - Tanya Doskova

Merit - Marilyn Endres

Juror Award - Steven Olszewski

Juror Award - John Ames

Juror Award - Greg Barnes

Best Emerging Artist - Pam Stern

Juror Award - Lisa Telling Kattenbraker*

Juror Award - Renee Engebretson*

Juror Award - lisa burge

Juror Award - E. Douglas Wunder

Juror Award - Carol Hearty

Juror Award - Randall Riemer

Juror Award - Theresa Honeywell

Juror Award - Phil Singer

Juror Award - Mark MacKinnon*

Juror Award - Kim Obrzut

Juror Award - Richard Carner

Looks like cash prizes divided up between eight winners, but, of course, we all know the biggest prize is the invitation to return. Congratulations to everyone!

*member of ArtFairInsiders.com

Should I be flattered or disappointed?  As a "newbie" to the art fair circuit, I guess that I should be pleased that I have been accepted to most shows that I have applied for and I have been wait listed for a couple of really reputable shows...My question is.... does anyone know the percentage of artists that get wait listed for a show and what are the real possibilities of getting accepted once on that list?

Some really nice award money was passed out this past weekend at the Mainsail Arts Festival. Congratulations to the winners!

Best of Mainsail Award – $10,000

John Mascoll of Safety Harbor, Wood

Award of Excellence – $1,500

Holly Hambrick, Mixed Media

William Kwamena-Poh, Watercolors

Laurie Coppedge, Photography

Mary McFarland, Fibers

Renee Dinauer, Sculpture

Jean Yao, Fibers

Duncan McClellan, Glass - "Life is a Vase Full of Cherries"

Nicario Jiminez, Mixed Media

Peggy Furlin, Watercolors

Marlene Rose, Sculpture

Award of Distinction – $1000

Anna Shapiro, Fibers

Greg Thomas-Moore, Wood

Pam Fox, Jewelry

Scott Hartley, Watercolors

Mina Heuslein, Ceramics

Charles Hazelaar, Sculpture

Chuck Boux, Glass

Z. L. Feng, Watercolors

Mark Wagner, Jewelry

Vonnie Whitworth, Watercolors

Jon Smith, Oil/Acrylic

Nancy Cervenka, Sculpture

David McKirdy, Mixed Media

Erica Hall, Mixed Media

Christian Nevin, Jewelry

Award of Merit – $500

Sue Archer, Watercolors

Jennifer Ardolino, Watercolors

Minh Martin, Glass

Debra Blazer, Jewelry

Ummarid Eitharong, Mixed Media

Vicki Tindal,l Ceramics

Jeff League Mixed Media

Richard Auger, Photography

Dianne Caton, Ceramics

Jeff Eckert, Graphics

Thomas Sullivan, Wood

Lynn Ferris, Watercolors

Bill Sargent, Photography

Lorri Honeycutt, Photography

Katherine Linn, Graphics

Gael & Howard Silverblatt, Jewelry

Joyce Nelson, Jewelry

Richard Currier, Oil/Acrylic

Harry Welsch, Ceramics

Georgia & Byron Knight, Ceramics

Purchase Awards – $200

Ellie Diez-Massaro, Mixed Media   Interior Motives – Leslie Curran

Renee Dinauer Sculpture,   The Mahaffey Company

Jean Yao, Fibers   Anthony J. LaSpada, P.A.

Cesar Nogueira, Sculpture   Douglas C. Buchan & Associates

Martin Taber, Jewelry   Mary Beth Morrow, Unique Art

Keith Kinney, Wood   William & Sally Snyder

Hua Tung, Watercolors   Fred & Monika MacFawn

George Bragg, Metals   Wells, Houser & Schatzel, P.A.

Rocky Bridges, Mixed Media   Eric Lang Peterson/Art Appraiser

Jim Holehouse, Watercolors   Cadillac

This is a long list of artists. I'm pretty surprised how few of them are members here. Congratulations to our group though -- some impressive people.

June 9 & 10
Atlanta, Georgia
Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts
Deadline: May 5
150 artists

The inaugural Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts is a two day outdoor local arts and crafts event located in the very heart of Atlanta connecting Buckhead with Ansley Park along a tree lined thoroughfare near Peachtree Hills Park, easily accessible from Peachtree Road. and the Lindberg Marta Station.

Located in the heart of the City minutes from Midtown and Buckhead, the Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts will bring more than 150 artists to the shady, tree-lined historic neighborhoods. The Peachtree Hills area is rich with one of the largest and most enthusiastic art buying communities in the Atlanta area. This event will feature up to 150 fine painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and more!

This one is really about the community as they have embraced the event to really make it a stand out affair, with homeowners and local businesses posting signs inviting visitors to their historic neighborhood, volunteering for everything Events will be held in and around the Peachtree Hills Park & Recreation Center, including food, music, and a 5K “Commissioners Run” to honor Atlanta’s park commissioner, George Dusenbury.

Presented by the AFFPS, Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, LLC, a non-profit group established in 2005 to support the arts community by operating arts and craft events and festivals in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area.

Learn more: www.peachtreehillsfestival.com

Apply today: www.Zapplication.org

Is anyone reading this doing Early American, Pennsylvania-Dutch inspired work or primitives?  The contemporary shows snub us and the traditionnally-oriented promoters are becoming few and far between.  Yet I hear so often from customers that they love us.  At least in years past I sometimes was accepted into a contemporary show (for variety?) and can remember customers telling me, "Oh, you are what we really want!"  It was indeed gratifying.  Of course, that was also back when people had money to spend.  But these days I feel like a poor, little orphan.  It has been an interesting experience to apply to A-list contemporary shows and be rejected by all but two.  And accepted into a very prestigious traditionalist show.  

With Goodrich all but gone, we seem to be left with Country Living and Barn Star.  They do a fine job, but please tell me somebody else is out there!  We traditionalists have a special message and a special following.  As with everyone else, we so want to get who we are - as presented by the art we do - to the people who are on our wavelength.  

I would really love to hear how you traditionalists are faring, your struggles and successes, and how you see yourself in today's art world.      

Yesterday I got two "friends" asking why I do the shows and work at the frame store. One told me that my work may not sell well enough and stop doing shows and just work.The other one said he has done well at the shows what he should not work in this dead end job.

These comment remind me of Christine Mount Knapp post (Thank you I Have a Job). At this point since I was at work I could not answer but I just smile and told them let me get your stuff so you can be in your way. I got a lot to do. what is wrong with keeping a job and do about 16 shows a year or even 30. The job provides income to cover the rent, health insurance, food, the basics. The art shows provide for the extras, the luxury items. The most important thing the shows provide sense in my life and quiet my soul.

What is wrong with picture. Does mean that I am fail as an artist?

October 13 & 14
Houston, Texas
41 years of Fine Art, Fun and Fundraising
10am-6pm
300 artists
Deadline: April 27

Fall in Houston, the weather cools and Houstonians celebrate at the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown. The festival surrounds the historic Houston City Hall and is set against the dramatic skyline of the nation's fourth largest city. 

The art is juried at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, by an invited panel of artists, collectors and industry professionals. This festival has a demonstrated history in strong sales for artists. 

           
This show is a permanent entry on the calendars of serious collectors, interior designers & pre-holiday shoppers. 18 media categories of art work are represented.
                     Why Houston?

1. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown has a demonstrated history in strong sales for artists.  
2. National studies show Houstonians consistently have twice the  discretionary income that workers in similar industries have around the  country.   
3. With a median household income of over $50,000 and an  income growth since 2000 of 13.1% as reported in Kiplingers.com, Houston  has been ranked the Number 1 city in the U.S. in which to live, work  and play in July of 2008.  

Applications: www.zapplication.org

For more information: Laura Veale laura@bayoucityartfestival.com

www.bayoucityartfestival.com/artist-information

This past weekend we were at An Art Affair in Springfield, IL. This show is produced by Ed Martin, a fellow artists. (http://www.edmartinart.com/) This was the second year for the show and the second time we exhibited at the show. Ed does a great job of taking care of artists and trying to bring in attendees. If you judge a show only by the number of attendees, then you will be disappointed by this show. BUT is you are interested in having conversations with the art-lovers, you might want to consider this show in 2013. There are times that there is virtually no one in the building. But there are other times that we had 6 people in our booth. Sales were up about 6% over last year, at this show. Our total expenses (including booth fee, hotel and gas) was about $400 and we made a nice little profit above that amount. Not bad for a new show AND a spring-time show.

Yes, there were exhibitors who were complaining about the show and were trying to bring us into their misery. But they quickly stopped, when they realized we were not going to join in their pain. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, when it comes to the quality of a show. Realistic expectations are needed. Its a new show, its Spring, the economy is still recovering. When considering all of these factors, we had a good show and we will return next year, depending on the schedule. Thanks to Ed for putting this show together. It is not easy! Next stop Bloomington Spring Fling!

A rep story

I received a call from an artist who needed help with his images. He either called or looked at the ZAPP web site and was referred to me. His images were only about 125 pixels long dimension and he needed to be set up on ZAPP.

Larry: Where did the images come from and where are the originals?

Rep: The images came from a web site.

Larry: Isn't it your web site? Where are the original files?

Rep: It's not my web site. My friend is a jeweler who does art shows in the South and I'm going to sell his work at the Northern art shows.

Larry: Let me understand. You're not the artist but you want me to prepare a set of jury images and set you up on ZAPP?

Rep: Correct. I use to rep him when he sold wholesale and now I'm going to sell the work to the public for him.

Larry: That's called being a rep. Do you realize that you're not allowed to do any of the art shows I'm familiar with? In fact, I've done over 1,000 art shows and every show I've done requires the application be in the artist's name and the artist be there in person. And there is a movement on the art show circuit to eliminate any artist who doesn't make what they sell because it takes the space that a legitimate artist is entitled to.

Rep: Aren't there any shows that I might apply to?

Larry: There might be but I don't know of any. You would have to contact every show and ask if they allow reps. But from my perspective, any show that might let you in after telling them the truth wouldn't be worth doing anyway. But getting back to the images. Does the jeweler already have a ZAPP profile?

Rep: Yes.

Larry: Then why don't you get him to set up an additional ZAPP profile. I don't think you need my services.

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

My family has always been self-employed small business people. I grew up in a family of 8, with three brothers and two sisters. Was there ever enough money?

As a kid we had plenty to eat and lived in a nice house. My first store bought dress was my First Communion dress and I put myself through college. In her later years after some strokes our mother went through a geriatric evaluation. I was there when the social worker visited and asked her questions. "What is your biggest worry?", she asked. Mother replied, "that I'll run out of money." I was sure it would be her health, or a problem with one of her kids, or violence in the world.

Small wonder then that I have also had this worry in my life, as I am sure many of you have also. You have a good show, the bills are paid, it feels wonderful, and maybe you celebrate. Another day it all looks bleak. I'm thinking we all go through this roller coaster of emotions.

Today I read an article in Oprah's magazine More written by Michelle Blake that tells what it took her to stop looking into the abyss and start counting her blessings:

My mother and stepfather, who had both grown up poor, were prone to excesses of hoarding and spending. In our linen closet, I remember seeing rolls and rolls of toilet paper. Sometimes my parents gave lavish parties; at other times they punished my brother and me for spending our 50-cent allowances unwisely. Only my penniless grandmother acted as if money were not a problem.

“If it fits, buy two,” she would say whenever we shopped for clothes.

She also liked to say, “It's just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is to fall in love with a poor man.” Unfortunately, like my grandmother, I did not find that to be true.

I think you'll like this article and be interested in its conclusion: http://www.more.com/money-how-much-is-enough

Do you agree with her?

July 26-28
Chelsea, Michigan
Downtown
Deadline: April 28

After a successful debut in 2011, the 36th Annual Sounds & Sights Festival in historic and culturally savvy Chelsea, Michigan is seeking artists and fine craftsmen and women for its Art Market.  This three-day festival, which attracts over 10,000 guests to downtown Chelsea, runs July 26th -28th.

The Festival Art Market committee is once again looking for a unique combination of artists to display and sell their work, as well as artists that wish to demonstrate their art or craft to festival guests during the weekend. The Art Market will be open Friday and Saturday, July 27th and 28th, from 12pm - 8pm.  Based on the success of the 2011 Art Market, there will be an expanded footprint for 2012.

Additional highlights of the festival include live music across several stages, a food court, a KidZone, a classic car show, a juried Sculpture Walk, in-store events at downtown retail locations and more.

Chelsea is an affluent community, full of people who work in Ann Arbor and Detroit. It also has developed a reputation across the state and the Midwest as an arts community visited by the Chairman for the National Endowment for the Arts who stated "in order for the arts to have  susceptibility in a community, there has to be a history, a strong  private sector that is committed to the arts, and a political structure  that gets it. That is what has happened in Chelsea."