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I love it when an art event gets the community involved in picking the poster and encourages other activities pre-art fair, in this case the KIA Art Fair that is the first Saturday of June. It is a sweet show, well supported by the region and it is full of good artists.

So I found this today: The 2012 Billboard Contest - Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Welcome to the 2012 Billboard Art Contest. We received 72 applications from across Michigan in multiple mediums. 20 artists were selected to compete for the Top 10 spots by a jury panel. Artists were chosen for the quality of their art and ability to present on a billboard.

Some of the artists who are competing are members here. Are you one of them?

Here is well-known Michigan artist Rebecca Hungerford's poster art:

Here is ceramics star Michael Kifer's poster art:

I really like this one - don't know the artist, Alec Hall:

Visit the link right now (until April 17) and vote for your choice:

http://www.kiarts.org/page.php?page_id=365

Do you know of any other art fairs that do this kind of promotion? Why not suggest this to your favorite show?

One thing that I am always trying to look for is additional ways to increase sales. While most of my sales come from art festivals, I do generate sales from gallerys and what I call "annual" shows. I know many artists don't like showing in gallerys, mainly for the high commission cost associated with these types of sales, and that is understandable. I guess I look at it not as losing 40-50% when I sell in a gallery, but I make 40-50% more when I sell otherwise. But that's not really what I want to focus on here. 

I wanted to look at these so called annual type shows. I currently participate in 4 of these sort of shows per year, 3 are in retail art galleries, and 1 at another venue. The great thing about these shows is that my sole responsibility is creating the work, and making sure it's there on time. Everything else is handled by the show. These types of shows tend to be large, group shows with many artists invloved. Thus, for the most part I am limited to the amount of pieces I can send to the show. For these shows, I send between 2 - 3 original works, which work great as I am not committing a great deal of time. I do ensure that my work, and framing is of the highest quality as I want to be invited back the following year. Yes, another benefit, I only need to jury into 1 of the 4 shows, and the other 3 have no jury selection process (other than the gallery owner liking your work). 

In my "research" I have found that there are hundreds, if not thousands of these shows in North America on a yearly basis. Some are held in "retail" galleries, and many are held at museums, art clubs, and other art venues. Many of these shows are what tend to be called "miniature shows". This normally means that the actual artwork (frame not included) needs to be under a certain size, say 120 - 140 square inches. These "limitations" allow for me to work on smaller pieces, framing costs stay low, and shipping costs also remain reasonable.

So where do you find these shows. The way I was able to find these and others that I hope to participate in was by spending time and visiting websites of other artists. Most artists (myself included) have a page showing upcoming shows or events. Most also include links to the website of the show. This has been a very easy way to go about finding shows, and then seeing if my work might fit into the show. From there, sometimes you need to do nothing more than send an email (make sure your website link is included in the email) and ask about participating in the show. Other times you will find the information needed for applying to the show. Sometimes you will be invited to a show, which was how I got into 1 of the above 4 shows, even easier. 

Having 2 - 3 works in a show won't likely make you a wealth person, but it will hopefully add some money to your bottom line. The other benefit, your work will be seen by a different segment of collectors, and by more people. 

My one caution is this (just my opinion), don't increase your prices by the commission rate to make up for it. I know this is something many artists hate, but hear me out. Most painters (not all) price work based on size. So if you bought a 10"x10" painting from me and paid $500.00 at a gallery show and then noticed that I sell that same size painting on-line or otherwise for $250.00 you will question this, and wonder if you have paid to much. This will likely lead you to feel ripped-off and thus I have done far more harm than good. If you venture into these types of shows, just understand that this is one of the trade offs of doing so. From experience I can honestly say that they have been very great experiences and have certainly added additional revenue for me. 

I hope this will give people some additional ideas, and lead to more sales. 

Thankyou for all the coments on the I Phone Cube : )

July 28 & 29 

Belleville, Michigan

up to 100 artists 

Deadline: May 1

The Belleville Area Council for the Arts presents the annual Artaffair on Main. Nestled on the shores of picturesque Belleville Lake, quaint tree lined Downtown Belleville provides the perfect venue for a late July fine art, contemporary craft and antique extravaganza. 

Belleville is an ideal location situated between Ann Arbor and Detroit,  convenient to area expressways I-94, I-275 and US-23;  only minutes west of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and a short drive from the Ambassador Bridge from Canada.
 
Artaffair is a juried show, therefore, we ask that only the highest quality hand-crafted items be submitted. No commercial or manufactured items will be allowed. In order to maintain a balanced show, the number of exhibitors participating in each category will be limited so that we can provide maximum appeal to  visitors.
 
The Belleville Area Council for the Arts (BACA) has been in existence for over twenty years and has a proven track record of hosting many successful artistic and cultural events such as Brunch with Bach, Art Smart,  Art Colony, many community art shows and the Music Lakeside concert series.  All revenue from the Artaffair will be used to fund BACA art and cultural events throughout the year.

Will you be in Ann Arbor the previous week? Why not plan to spend the week in Michigan's vacationlands and come to Belleville the following weekend.

Learn more and apply: ArtAffairOnMain.com

Publisher's note: Although this is only the second year for this event, its timing is on a pretty "open" weekend, in the heart of Michigan's "art fair country", the committee is motivated to position it for its success. Mary Strope, who has been involved in the development of art and fine craft events for over 25 years and who lives in Belleville is part of the working group.

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

And you thought there were no more art fairs open for this summer... there are!
Find even more at www.CallsforArtists.com.

I am looking for a new popup tent. Saw one years ago I liked just don't remember the name. Oval aluminum frame. King something I believe. Any ideas on the EZ- up ecllipse 11

Here's a great article from the Huffington Post, written by Mat Gleason, an art critic. I'm posting this here because it is enlightening to hear what this man says about his excursion to Las Vegas where he did the jurying, looks like it was on a monitor (!), and his take on what should and should not be in an art show:

I was invited to jury the 23rd annual juried show for the Contemporary Art Center in Las Vegas. Filmmaker Eric Minh Swenson has made what I believe to be the first documentary of jurying an exhibit of contemporary art. He accompanied me on the journeys involved -- first, the arduous task of reviewing the submissions. Six hundred fourteen artworks were submitted for my perusal, and then to celebrate the exhibit in Sin City itself.

Of course, it is well written, but the documentary video of his trip is also interesting. He talks about the pieces he has chosen, specifically saying he will not choose anything with "glamour"... what does he choose?

...I saw great pictures that did not conform to the art magazine flavor of the month but were epic combinations of talent and imagination nonetheless. I had to go rogue and reward originality and independence over pleasant half-step improvements on mainstream art world art.

He was overwhelmed with over 600 images. Let's invite this guy to an art fair jury!

Here's the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mat-gleason/artist-juried-shows-winne_b_1411692.html

These two shows are both being held on the weekend of Sept. 28-29-30.  Any opinions on which is the better show?  Neither is particularly expensive; both are attractive from a travel/intinerary standpoint. 

Thanks!

April 14 & 15

The 7th Annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival returns to the visually stunning setting of The Woodlands Waterway in The Woodlands, just north of Houston, Texas. Produced by The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council Inc., in alliance with community partners, the WWAF raises funds for the Council's non-profit mission to provide regional cultural enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts.

This award winning two-day celebration of the arts attracts art patrons and tourists from across the nation. Featuring 200 juried fine art and fine craft artists from 36 different states and 3 countries along with performing arts, delicious food, wine tasting and an "Art of Food" Chef demonstration tent to complement your experience.

Still considered a 'new' show among the artists in the Texas spring circuit, the festival has quickly earned a stellar reputation in artist care as well as in art sales. Eric Lee, invited 2012 fine artist in our show told us recently:

This will be my fifth year at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, and like the community that hosts it, it just feels right. The festival staff, volunteers and patrons all appreciate the art and the artists that create it. A wonderful show.

More than 16,000 people attended last year's festival. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is ranked among the Top 100 Art Festivals in the U.S. by Art Fair Source Book. 

For detailed information about the festival and to purchase tickets online, visit www.woodlandsartsfestival.com

Same question, which should I do? I have always done well at the Fall paradise City show, so why am I looking to switch?

I have always heard that the St James Court show is the IT show , so I applied,

now I have a dilema. I am a clothing and accessories maker, any thoughts please? Thank you so much, and I am doing the Wyandotte street fest, in reply to the last post, but I have never done it before.... 6 weeks in a row on the road, ( Wyandotte will be #4 just before Ann Arbor Street Fest...).it is starting to make me a bit nervous.. Oh well, that's always a fun place to be.. (nervous that is), thank you so much, Liza

I've been applying to the CPFA show for the past 5 years to no avail, but I have just recently been accepted.  I've heard wonderful things about this show, however I have heard being on the side street is not so advantageous.  I've been placed on Fraser street.  My work is very edgy and usually attracts a younger crowd and I seem to benefit from late hour shows that go into the evening.  I do VERY WELL at the Deep Ellum Arts Fest, 4th Avenue Street Fair, Utah Arts Fest and shows in Denver & Chicago.  I have average sales at Florida shows, mostly towards Miami area and I do average in Tampa area.  I don't do so well in older/conservative/fine art crowds.  I have lower priced originals for not-so rich young art buyers and I seem to do better in Fair-type party atmosphere shows than I do at Fine Art shows.  Though my work doesn't seem to be classified as fine art, I have won Best of Show awards at the 2011 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, the 2011 South Miami Arts Festival, and 2011 Highland Fest.  Anyway, I've also been accepted the Wyandotte Street Fair, which I've heard good/bad things.  I'm torn between which show to do.  My worry with the Penn State show is that I'll be on the side street and that my work won't be as appreciated as it will be in the center of the action at the Wyandotte Street Fair.  I can only choose one as they fall on the same date.  Can anyone please provide any insight on Fraser street of the Central Penn show?  Other factors include, I live in Utah and the Michigan drive is obviously much closer than the Penn drive.  The Wyandotte show goes until 11pm and the Penn goes til 8pm.  Can anyone please provide any pros/cons of either show?  Thank you so much for your help. 

- Tai

www.weirdchief.com

My work for reference to your help:

Call for Artists

September 15 & 16, 2012
Saturday, 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Omaha, Nebraska
Aksarben Village, 67th and Center

*Extended Deadline: April 15, 2012

NOTEWORTHY:
*Affluent Shoppers
*Mixed-use Urban Lifestyle Setting
*Established Neighborhood
*Multi-use Park and Amphitheater
*Free and Convenient Parking Garage
*Jury/Booth Fees: $25/$300; electricity available at $75 extra charge


ARTsarben will showcase the work of 80 artists from throughout the U.S.  The goal of this art festival is to feature traditional fine art that will attract buyers and browsers of every age group. This festival will also include fine crafts such as offbeat, creative and assemblage artwork. Overall however, keep in mind this is a high quality juried fine art show.

Aksarben Village is a $300 million development that combines retail, restaurants, entertainment, residential and hotels to offer an exciting planned urban community in the heart of Omaha.  For more information about the Aksarben Village area, please visit www.aksarbenvillage.com.

Established art fair presenters the Omaha Summer Arts Festival and Vic Gutman & Associates are proud to partner to introduce this new fall event. For more information about the surprises that await you click on the appropriate links, or contact us with your questions. Apply today at Zapplicaiton.org.


NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:

*Extended Deadline:  April 15, 2012

Notification: April 20, 2012

Booth Fees Due: May 20, 2012

Apply Online at: www.zapplication.org

By search:
ARTsarben – Omaha Summer Arts Festival Presents ARTsarben at Aksarben Village

Email Inquiries to: amcnabney@vgagroup.com

If you are doing Howard Alans Pittsburg Shadyside in august have I got a deal for you. I've reserved a two bedroom suite at the Shadyside Inn which is two blocks from the show site and I'm looking for two female roomates looking to split the cost. The suite has a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and free parking. I'll be taking one bedroom and the second has two twin beds in it so you might be sharing a room if I get two people interested. The cost will be 60.00 a night for friday & saturday. with two roomates or 100.00 a night with one roomate. You won't find a cheaper rate this close. If interested drop me an email kays.kreatioms@yahoo.com  If you would like to see the hotel go to www.shadysideinn.com

September 15 & 16
Atlanta, Georgia
Piedmont Park
200 Artists

Deadline: April 23

Bringing together outstanding artists from all over the country with the large and enthusiastic art buying community of the Atlant area, AAF will feature 200 of the country's finest painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craftsmen, glass blowers and more!
              
              
Important Dates/Deadlines:

• Application deadline: Midnight (EST), April 23
• Notifications emailed by: May 4
• Acceptance fees due by: June 1
• Booth, corner & electrical fees refunded until: June 30
• Set up dates: Sept. 13 & 14
• Show dates: Sept. 15 & 16

Items of Interest:

• Held in Piedmont Park
• Juried show; artists selected by a panel of experts
• Limited number of participants to increase sales
• $7,500 in award money
• Artists retain all proceeds from their sales
• Commemorative poster image will be selected from a show participant

Artist Amenities:

• Artist Awards Dinner
• Artist hospitality providing continental breakfast & refreshments
• Booth sitting
• Load-in/load-out at booth space
• Free parking (parking information will be forthcoming in artist acceptance packet and/or check-in packet)
• 24 hour security patrols
• Discounted rates at participating hotels

How to apply:

You can download and view the The 2012 Atlanta Arts Festival Prospectus (165kb pdf)

Please note that all applications must be submitted electronically via Zapp: https://www.zapplication.org/index.php 

Thank you for your interest in the Atlanta Arts Festival.

Contact us if you have any questions:

Email: info@atlantaartsfestival.com 

I mean't to add this a long time ago.  I've been so busy with other things that had to be done first.  I thought some of you might be interested in this show.  It is held every February in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  It is a one day show. February is a great time for something like this because people are tired of being stuck in the house and they are ready to do some shopping.

The place was packed.

The Garage Sale Art Fair is a place to sell off old stock, slightly damaged stock, or any artwork that you don't mind selling at a discount. I wanted to add it here so some of you could decide if this would be something you might be interested in for next year. 

Connie knows everybody!

The place was packed with shoppers.  I wanted to take some photos of the booths without people so you could see the set up but it was hard because there were lots of shoppers.  And they were there to shop!  When we arrived at about 10 am there was a line of people waiting to get in to the place. 

Vinnie chatting with Connie.

The artists came from all over and they had nice things to sell.  There was a good variety, too.  The show didn't seem heavy in any one medium.  As I walked around, I asked some of the artists (when I could get one not busy with a customer) how things were going.  I got good responses. 

They were buying, too

This is a show put on by Bonnie Blandford.  She has lots of people there working to keep the show running smoothly. Those workers were visible, too.  If you needed to talk to one because of a problem you could get to one within minutes.  There are drawings for cash giveaways every hour.  They also announce periodic mark downs or half hour specials.  All of this extra excitement keeps the shoppers there and ready to buy. 

We did see several AFI members taking advantage of the eager shoppers.  To name a few, there was Vinnie Sutherland, Ginny Herzog, Beth Keenan, Steven Huyser-Honig, Stan Baker (who was making a killing again this year).Who do you think would have a phone like this?

I've added a few photos.  Sorry about the poor quality.  I used my cheap little Nikon because I didn't want to carry around the good camera that is heavier.

Hi friends!

My name is Krisztian Gajdus and I am an engineer who live in germany. I start to draw when I was very young and learned painting autodidactic in hungary & germany. I decided to show it a general public now. I hope you enjoy my artworks! Comments are wellcome.

You can watch it in my Photos or follow the Link: http://alltradeart.coffeerings.co.uk/gajdus-krisztian

Best regards to all

K. Gajdus

Saw this on the news last night and googled the company. There are salespeople all over the country going from one small business to the next telling owners how they can save them bundles of money. It is only a matter of time before they hit the art show circuit.

Basically they promise really low percentages (verbally), you sign a 3 year contract and when your bank statement arrives none of the things they had promised are true.  In the past they were making most of their money by making you lease a wireless terminal from them (another 3 yr. contract) and then charging a ridiculous amount for it each month. When I checked their site I saw that they are now getting into the smartphone swiper business also.  Don't sign anything until you have googled the company and checked it out first! If it sounds too good, it probably is.

Payment Solutions Corp- no,no, no!

Glad he's dead?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-us--obit-kinkade,0,5107630.story

I’m a fine crafter, not a fine artist.

There.   I’ve said it.

I visit this site often, and I’m an avid reader of the comments here. I love to read the blogs about shows you’ve done, or your philosophies and perspectives on the art world. I’m fascinated by the thread about show integrity. I don’t tend to comment much because, well,

I’m a fine crafter, not a fine artist.

As a result, I’ve not always felt that my input belongs here. You see, I don’t have an artist’s background. I taught myself how to sew. I started sewing clothing for my daughter because I couldn’t find quality pieces in stores without paying an arm and a leg. Then the patterns weren’t really what I wanted her to wear, so I started creating my own designs. I’d take the leftover fabric and make an outfit for her doll, just for fun. And then, her friends wanted to match their dolls too, word got out, and here I am. And I know what I am.

I didn’t study art in college; I haven’t taken courses in design. I have an MA, not an MFA. So when I read the posts written by fine artists, I stay on the sidelines, watching and learning, but not commenting because, well, you know...

But now I’m diving into a new adventure, one where I get to swim with the big kids. I’ll be participating in the Great Lakes Art Fair in Novi, Michigan, next week. I’ve attended the show several times, but never applied before, because I felt I didn’t fit in – you know, that “art” thing. But a few fine art friends of mine – who’ve done the show - encouraged me to apply, and so I did, and, well, I was accepted.

So here I am, getting ready to step into a new realm of shows. I’m eagerly anticipating it, because I like to push my limits – how else will I grow? I’m looking forward to the challenge this offers me, since I’m definitely going to be the little kid in that big kids’ pool.

I’ve got to be honest, however. After reading comments here about the declining quality of shows or that of the accepted artists, I do have a bit of trepidation as well. Perhaps I’m one of the riff-raff who are besmirching the art world with my pedestrian wares, and, accepted or not, the big kids won’t be happy to see me swimming amongst them.

I hope that’s not the case.  I’d like to think that, even though I’m not formally trained and my work is far from museum quality, there still is a place for someone like me at a show like this. I may not be a fine artist, but my work is original, well done, and created entirely by me and me alone. I’ve never claimed to be more than I am, but I do take pride in what I am.

I’m a fine crafter, not a fine artist.

I hope there’s room for me in the pool.

A  recognized master in the medium of graphite, David will surprise you  with what is possible using only a pencil. On his technique, David  explains, "While many artists draw with an  emphasis on lines, I use  light and shadow-contrast-to delineate  surfaces, much like a painter  uses color. In that respect, my approach  to drawing is more like  painting."

"Cloud Gate", two cradled Claybord™ panels, 30" x 10" and 30" x 30"

Discovering in junior high that he wanted to be an artist, he has spent the intervening years exploring many media and has been able to make his youthful dream come true. Growing up in Oregon he spent many years as the senior photographer for Harry & David and the Jackson & Perkins mail order catalogs. So chances are pretty good you have seen his photos!

He says,  "It was a great job that I loved very much but my passion always lay  with drawing. In fact, the photography supported me while I began my art  career and allowed me to, fifteen years ago, turn my attention to  becoming a full-time artist and I've never looked back!"

Coming to the art fairs about five years ago with his drawings he says this is the best and most risky decision he has ever made. He has embraced the lifestyle wholeheartedly and the shows and the patrons have reinforced his choice. Mainly traveling the Western events from Washington to Texas he is piling up awards and is enthusiastic about his "new" career.

See him in April in The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival near Houston and at the Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival.

Learn more: www.artfaircalendar.com/featuredartist