Blog

June 22 & 23
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Summerfest Arts & Craft Fair
Downtown Auburn Hills
Sponsored by the City of Auburn Hills
Fri.: 4pm-10pm; Sat.: 10am-10pm
40 Artists
Deadline: April 1

This is an outdoor show open to all artists and craftsmen!  Please come and share your specialties with the northern Oakland County community: arts, crafts and hand-made items (please no flea market items, used clothing, homemade foods, or drinks) - estimated attendance for this FREE two-day festival is 5,000 people!

Details:

• Spaces 15 x 15
• Early bird special: $30 (by April 1)
• $40 (by May 1st deadline)
• Application online: www.auburnhills.org/index, then click on this image:  

Hi, fellow artisans!  I lurk here more than post, ofcourse, but thought I might just post about an inaugural show in Florida the first weekend in .  I noticed earlier that there was a post from someone wanting input on it.  It is the St Johns River Artfest in Sanford, Florida.  I have been a stained glass artist for over 20 years, but doing shows only about 5.  I have confined myself to Georgia shows, because it is so expensive to travel, but decided to offer my glass to other audiences this year..This is 1 of only 2 shows I have booked so far this year.  The first is the Mossy Creek Festival near Perry Ga, which I have done for a couple of years. 

 I spoke to someone on the planning committee for the St Johns show a while back.  It is a juried show, and I got notice yesterday I have been accepted.  According to the person with whom I spoke, the main purpose of this event is public education about how the art is created, and to that end will have a special section of the show for demonstrating artists.  I applied for that, but have not yet heard if I have been accepted for that.

They are doing extensive advertising in the area, and even their website seems to be artists friendly.  They will have lots of volunteers who will be there for the artists.  The accepted artists will be mentioned in advertising.

I know it is a first time show, and I am rolling the dice, but I just have a good feeling about it.  Apparently, they did not have as many applicants as they wanted, so they are extending the jury period through mid April, and asked that I let other artists know.  If interested, just go to their web site at www.stjohnsriverartfest.com .  I will submt a review after the event...

Even though I have been more of a "lurker" than a participant, I really appreciate the conversations here.  I just have not had anything to contribute til now.   Happy Shows, all.....Mary Anne Maslanka

Working @ the salon til 3 hope to make time to design a few more jewelry pieces, have really good Idea for a silk cord bracelet and necklace...and my next painting is going to be Sunset over Poppy Fields, its a picture I found taken in France on the edge of a vineyard, Gorgeous sunset cant wait to start it!

Sonoran Arts League 12th Annual Festival of Fine Art (http://www.sonoranartsleague.org/festival.php). I had an inkling of a feeling...but I went ahead anyway. The guides were right again but I, a mere mortal who doesn't listen well yet, trudged forward. A friend of the wife who is a long time member of the arts league had told us about this show and how they were trying to get a new variety of art in it and I thought, "what the heck, as good an excuse to get out of winter in Denver as any and it is no further than any of the other shows I've done so far." So, off I rode. This time I had to do it all myself as the wife and I have been gone for about a month with shows and a vacation in Hawai'i with my sister and bro-in-law (what am I doing in Denver?) and she felt the need to spend time with her elderly father with whom she has been living for most of the last 3 years. No big deal, I've done it all myself before, even if the tendinitis in my elbow is acting up a bit.

The show was held at the Stagecoach Village in Cave Creek, AZ. I found out later it was previously held at the town center of Carefree, AZ, not too far away. Which suggests that this show might have an identity crisis. There was also another show at the same time as this show at the Frontier Village, just up the road, organized by another show promoter! I think I read somewhere that this area has too many shows, I'm starting to get the picture...Set-up for this show, like most of the shows that I have done in AZ was the day before. Ran into an artist whom I recognized (apparently she didn't recognize me) and asked her if she knew where the check-in was. She explained that she was an artist (I knew that!) and didn't know anything more than I did but that the gal over there was Candy (the shows organizer/promoter). I made some comment about the Stagecoach Village looking like another Arizona ghost town like Fountain Hills. That comment didn't go over real well as the "artist" got defensive, at that point I retreated. But it does seem that a lot of these newer small shopping areas that have developed around the Phoenix area look like ghost towns to me with low levels of occupancy. Cave Creek is not a new development, it is a town that developed long before Phoenix blossomed and still has the ambiance of a small arts community. Other developments like Stagecoach Village have developed as shopping centers within the town limits later.

I did catch up with Candy, who had taken on the task of organization of this show from the arts league, she was busily trying to figure out spots for the artists as she reported that "10 artists canceled" (more about that later!) and she had to reconfigure her layout on the spot. Good thing it wasn't a huge show! She pointed out a spot on the east side of the mall for me which was soon commandeered by another artist who needed the space to spread his sculptures out. Not to worry, my new space was next to him and it was just as good if not better. Have you ever been to the middle east and gone among the vendors in the little streets and every one of the booths in the bizarre looks like it has almost the same stuff? The show setup had that feel to me on reflection as I and four other photographers were within spitting distance of each other! "Good thing we're all different" reported the guy next to me. It was true, my work is more about 20th century Americana, roadside attractions and rusty automobiles, his was western landscape work, the guy next to him had huge black and white canvas landscapes, the guy around the corner was western/cowboy stuff on leather and the guy down the block had different western landscapes. I guess that is what happens when you have to organize on the fly!

Back to the show...Set-up for this show was Thursday afternoon at 4 I was there at 3 and got my booth space which gave me ample time to get things up, especially with the increase in daylight hours, before the Friday opening time of 10 a.m. Not unlike the Carefree show that I did in January (http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/carefree-fine-art-wine-festival-january-2012) this show was also mostly populated by the snow-bird crowd of lookers. Long story short...Most of us sat around for long periods of time during the day or talked to the curious on Friday. Fortunately, at 4:30 one individual and a young couple came in and saved the day with their purchases. Could they be angels in disguise come to save me? Saturday was pretty much the same along with lots of talking and sharing about my work but the email to a client that I had met at the January show came through. He came in with his wife and put in the order for 5 photos of work that he had commissioned.

Now I had mentioned that 10 artists had canceled this show. There was a kink in the jet stream that had sent it south along the pacific coast midway down the Baja Penninsula and then shooting back up through AZ, UT and western NM and CO. We were sitting right in the middle of it. Apparently those 10 others had gotten nervous and bailed early. Most of the others that were at the show were nervous as hens with a coyote in the house talking about where the weather was, what was expected, etc. Judging only on how it looked in our little corner you would think nothing was out there. Skies were blue on Friday and the temperature was 85 but anyone with a smartphone (me included) was watching the Weather Channel App. It was supposed to be cooler on Saturday with high winds showing up by 2 or 3 in the afternoon and rain showers. When Saturday arrived although it was a bit cooler, only 75 with some overcast and sun peeking in, it was still nice. The artist crowd was getting even more nervous as the day went on with a few taunts from fellow artists about "chicken little artists". Candy was circulating rumors about possibly shutting down the show early and that wasn't well received by some of the participants either. I was feeling like the show was played out so I was good either way. By the end of the day I couldn't discern fact from fiction but the word was the show would pack it in which indeed it did even though, although forecast, there was no wind or rain what-so-ever even at 5! There was some grumbling but most artists pulled up stakes. Two artists in our area decided to stay and left their tents up, at least overnight as-far-as I knew. Wonder what happened to them? As it turned out it rained like crazy Saturday night into Sunday morning with more on the way later in the day. Was it a good call? I think given the combination of lackluster sales and the prospects of bad weather it was well worth it to pull out a day early!

As for getting out of Phoenix on Sunday morning? I-17 going north to Flagstaff was closed due to 19" of snow, I-40 both east and west through Flagstaff was closed due to the snow as well! Although I had another motel night booked I decided to leave a day early via the southern route through Tucson (in heavy rains) and then east into NM. The weather wasn't any better there as vehicles were being routed off the highway in Lordsburg due to high winds and no visibility between there and Las Cruces. I've been snow bound in Las Cruces before but Lordsburg is even worse. I started to feel like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone, the only other thing needed at the MckyD's was Rod Serling!

Show Organizer/Promoter: Sonoran Arts League via Vermillion Promotions

Booth Fee: $25 Jury Fee, $375 Booth Fee, $30 City of Cave Creek Business License and an Arizona License euphuistically referred to as the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT)/License

Logistics: Load-in, depending on where you were located was either easy or a lot of transporting. I was there earlier and was able to park at the middle gazebo and cart my stuff in. If you were at one of the entry points it seemed easier. Some of the streets were narrow and there wasn't much space to park and unload.  Some areas of the show did have a lot of congestion built into the way booths and streets were setup. Some artists may have gotten overlooked at either end of the show. Load-out was pretty much the same. I was packed up and out by 7:30 which was only an extra half-hour from my usual time, sorry sweetie! I think it took the extra time as I first packed everything up and then had to cart all my stuff up a ramp to the nearby parking lot, usually I can drive right up to my piles of stuff.

Show Hours: The show was set to run from 10-5 Friday-Sunday

Amenities: This was not a regular Candy Vermillion Production for which I was told she often provides lunch for the artists, that said, she did have yummy sweet stuff, water, juice and coffee each morning. There were limited booth sitters from the Arts League that went by given that the show was in such a small space anyway that didn't seem to matter much. The show had a few nice food vendors (and popcorn) I think it was the same Greek food guy from Tubac! serving variations on a Greek menu, gyro's, hummus, salad, etc.  Nearby restaurants, were there any? Like I said the shopping area looked like a ghost town. I  looked for food when I drove out one night but didn't see any in the immediate vicinity. I bought stuff at Safeway and kept it in a cooler.  Parking was in an area at the back of the mall, plentiful and free. The walk to the lots was not too bad. Porta potties aplenty seemed to be kept clean!

Reflections: I would probably not do this show again unless I move to Arizona. Although the booth fee was not exorbitant  it is too far to drive, the return was too little and the expenses too much. Another reason I may not do this show again is that there seem to be too many shows going on in this little part of the greater Phoenix area. Overkill! Unless the thought is that vacationers are only around about a week or so and a new batch of blood wont know the difference?

I wish I could say that I've been so busy filling orders from the Jan and Feb shows that I had no time to report on this show till now but although I've been busy it hasn't been as a result of the aforementioned purpose! ;-P I had this show on my radar for a number of years but wasn't able to get to it till this year, just missed the deadline last year.  I should be learning to listen to my spirit guides more carefully for a reason! Years ago (20) I would spend two weeks with a friend as an escape from Denver, in Tucson, between holidays and really enjoyed the mild weather (60-70 or so) thinking I was heading for something similar I chose to go to Tubac, AZ thinking that February should be almost tropical as compared to Denver (it is!). The weather topped out around 60 at least one day and I remember some good gusts of wind that sent dust swirling around and made some artists nervous. Our neighbors recounted the horror that they had experienced the week before in Palm Springs and it made them a little nervous to say the least. (http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/there-but-for-the-grace-of-g-d-go-we). We set our chairs out in the middle of the wide road to catch whatever sun we could over the next several days.

Tubac is located 40 miles south of Tucson and about a half hour north of the border and Nogales, AZ/MX. A little bit of history...The area is believed to have been inhabited approximately 11,000 years ago by mammoth hunters, since 300-1500 A.D. by the Hohokam, followed by the Pima and native O'odham, who "greeted" the Spanish in the 1600's. It was under Mexican control by 1821 and came under possession of the United States in 1853 as part of the Gadsden Purchase. In the meantime it boomed and busted under various mining interests. Arizona became a state in 1812, homesteaders were kicked out. In 1948, artist Dale Nichols arrived establishing the Artists School. The first Tubac Festival of the Arts took place in 1960, with the Tubac Center of the Arts opening in 1972.

The show is organized by the Chamber of Commerce ( A link to the show website: http://www.tubacaz.com/festival.asp) and is likewise manned by volunteers of the chamber. Check in is easy at the chamber building, you're given a map, additional materials and sent on your way. Depending on your location at the show there are either very wide streets for set up or narrow ones. After all this was a colonial town with all the charm of one and the historic streets of one. We were on the main street into town which meant lots of space to set up. In fact there was a large empty area behind our booth that we could just leave our van in as we setup and there was plenty of space for others as well. The show sets up Tuesday afternoon before the official beginning of the show ( Gotta like those day before setups!). And so, on Wednesday, the show began. Being as it was a Wed. crowds were light, or so we thought, Thursday was busy as it was reported that 9-11 tour buses had unloaded eager tourists in the parking lot. Friday was like Wed. with Sat and Sunday being not much better (or does my memory serve me correctly?) The age demographic was generally the "Snow-Bird" retiree who may have come down from Green Valley or even Tucson. Some other visitors came from as far as Phoenix (2.5 hours away). Maybe I'm being too critical but when the 5 foot tall popcorn bags, dogs and baby strollers come out in force it seems to go along with a strolling crowd that doesn't buy much and so it was in Tubac for 5 days. Other reports that I read later (of course) suggested that the 5 day ritual should be shortened by at least 2 days, if only I had known then...We had some sales (never judge a client by the way they look!) and the promise of others " I'd like to buy three of them but I need to measure that space", what else is new? We saw some large pieces walk out as well as the usual yard ornaments. Our neighbor the jeweler sold smaller pieces, earrings and small necklaces, etc. the cowboy leather wallet and belt guy sold at a fairly regular pace while the gold glass guy across the way didn't seem too busy, was it because his booth seemed sort of isolated in the corner there?

Logistics; Load-in, depending on where you were located was either easy or a little chaotic. If you were at one of the entry points it was easier. Some of the streets were narrow and there wasn't much space to park and unload.  Some areas of the show did have a lot of congestion built into the way booths and streets were setup. Some artists may have gotten overlooked on some of the smaller side-streets. Load-out was pretty much the same. We were packed up and out by 7 which is typical for us.

Amenities: Don't expect them, no water, no snacks, limited booth sitters as the chamber volunteers were spread thin. The show had lots of nice food vendors (and popcorn). Several vendors served variations on a Greek menu, gyro's, hummus, etc.  Nearby restaurants were $$. Parking, expect to pay $6 daily in one of several lots scattered around the town. The walk to the lots was not to bad. Porta potties aplenty seemed to be kept clean although I found the secret bathroom around the corner that was deluxe!

Reflections: I would probably not do this show again unless I move to Tucson anytime soon. It is too far to drive, the return was too little and the expense too much. Another reason I may not do this show is that years ago I swore off of doing shows that had any hint of dust and other blowing stuff. It gets into, onto and all around my framed 2-D pieces and I don't like the clean-up afterwards!

September 15 & 16
Omaha, Nebraska
80 Artists
Deadline: April 1

The Aksarben Village Art Fair will showcase the work of 80 artists from throughout the U.S..  The goal of the show is to feature offbeat, creative and novel artwork that is affordable and can be purchased as a gift or enjoyed every day, such as vintage jewelry; hand-sewn purses; one-of-a-kind, whimsical items for the garden and home and other treasures, along with a wide range of artwork that will attract buyers and browsers of every age group.

What you can expect:

• Affluent shoppers
• Mixed-use urban lifestyle setting
• Established neighborhood
• Multi use park and amphitheater
• Free and convenient Parking Garage

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.

Here is your chance to get in on the ground floor of an event organized by solid show promoters.

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 info: www.aksarbenvillage.com 

Apply at: www.zapplication.org   

Email inquiries to: amcnabney@vgagroup.com

I have had too many shows turn around on Sunday afternoon to break down early because of poor sales.  It bugs the hell out of me when other people do that as well.  I think it is incredibly disruptive to the people who are staying and maybe trying to eke out some sort of profit from a bad show.

However, there are valid reasons to break down early.  My general standard is if I feel my work or I am in danger.  That is a call that each person has to make for themselves.  And weather being what weather is, sometimes we make the wrong one.

I think there are valid reasons to not do a show.  There have been a couple occasions when I wish I had made that decision.  I did make that decision once with Naples National and it was the right one for me.  They had changed from an easy load out to a difficult one.  I did not have any vacation time to take Monday off and it is a point of honor with me that I do not call in sick to work just because I am late getting back from the art show.  My co-workers and boss are very decent about working around my shows and I owe it to them to not take advantage of that.  I found out later that people in my section that year got out around 1AM.  That plus a five hour drive home.  It was the right call.  I did eat the booth fee without complaint.  It was my fault for not reading the show literature sooner.  Actually I think that if we are willing to eat the booth fee and attempt to give as much notice as possible it is a personal call.

What are everyone else's principles?

ARtFest Midwest,The other art show in DesMoines. Did anyone do this show in 2011? I am looking for feedback. I have been accepted to this show and I live in Atlanta. With rising gas prices I am not sure its worth the drive.  I paint florals on canvas and metal ceiling tiles.

I've often wondered why a list of artists for an art show can be tough to find until you actually get to the festival. They have worked hard, and we want to thank you for participating! AT the NAA, we're always striving to improve things, even if it's in small ways at first. If you think continuing to have this list available and publicized is a good thing, let us know!

The artists of this show (many who are participants on AFI) are listed below, and we can't wait to see what they've got on display this weekend! To attract buyers, we've been promoting it in the local paper and other print/radio media (maximizing ad dollars through sponsorships), on facebook, through email marketing, and other word-of-mouth generating methods. Below the list is our ad. Feel free to share the image with your Naples customers to let them know you'll be on Fifth Ave South for the street's last festival of the season.

A PDF of the ad in Showcase is linked here: NDN-Showcase-DNFA-2012.pdf

Artists can be found in media order: 

• Ceramics
• Digital Art
• Fiber/Leather
• Furniture, Glass
• Graphic/Printmaking
• Jewelry
• Metal
• Mixed Media 2D
• Mixed Media 3D
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Wood

CERAMICS

216 Aurelio, Martha

230 Beam, Brian www.brianbeampottery.com

221 Blum, Doug B. www.dougblum.com

42 Clegg, Larry R.

108 Collison, Richard www.palmsuppottery.com

141 Dzedzy, Stan

6 Green, Bruce A.

148 Grimsley, Joseph

231 Hedgeman, Tonya C. www.bytonya.com

156 Lee, C. C.

97 Mann, Toni

160 Markiewicz, Gail M.  www.gmceramicart.com

201 Moore, Cindy

86 Moore, John E. www.the hairy-potter.com

55 Nappo, Gabrielle www.gabriellespottery.com

98 Painter, Susan W. www.susanpainterpottery.com

13 Rankin, Ralph

77 Shields, Ken C.

68 Thoreson, Thorwww.gillsrock.com

120 Vaughn, Todd www.gtoddvaughn.com

19 Woods, Glenn www.potteryboys.com

DIGITAL ART

7 Alboher, Lea

41 Billman, Greg

159 Cornell, Robert

185 Leben, John www.lebenart.com

56 Montecalvo, Paul F. www.paulmontecalvophoto.com

76 Parker, Timothy www.art2d.com

FIBER/LEATHER

14 Brogden, Megan www.meganbrogdenstudio.com

33 Cole, Candiss www.candisscole.com

67 Donofrio, Caryn R.

51 Gil, Jorge

205 Kroetsch, Leeann www.threadedartwear.com

146 Laine, Philippe C.

171 Mansard, Iris S. www.raincoatlady.com

220 Melillo, Jeanne M. www.jeannehomedesigns.com

187 Pace, Marie C. www.mariepacedesigns.com

83 Park, Herion www.herion.us

176 Perry, Diane

54 Rubright, Barbara L.

200 Rudoy, Shekina www.shekinadesigns.com

126 Sorrells, Ken www.graffitimats.com

5 Weiss, Jeffrey D.

82 Zarcone, Robert J.

FURNITURE

123 Causey, Teri www.tericausey.com

GLASS

138 Aronzon, Lisa M. www.lisaaronzon.com

213 Carlin, Kevin P. www.motorcityglassworks.com

105 Debon, Dennis www.energywebs.com

90 Eickholt, Robert G.

222 Espinosa, Josephina www.glassisters.com

112 Fishbein, Harvey &

    Leviton, Harvey  www.harvardreflections.com

35 Goldhagen, David www.goldhagenartglass.com

175 Haddad, Jamille www.jamilleatheatwaveglass.com

124 Miller, Lindi L.

80 Miller, Tim S. www.tmillerglass.com

48 North Gerlach, Celeste B.

204 Schmidt, Susan www.artifaxdesigns.com

157 Slade, Bill www.billsladeglass.com

119 Thomas, H. A.

150 Zidek, John www.johnzidek.com

GRAPHICS/PRINTMAKING

163 Packard, Lawrence D.

173 Reynolds, Patrick J. www.patrickjreynolds.com

78 Strailey, Nancy

JEWELRY

3 Angeloni, Liz

12 Brown Gordon, Sue

17 Chuang, Cynthia www.jewelry10.com

50 Coy, Kimberly M.

58 Dinka, Dianna J.

47 Fox, Pam M.

38 Hampel, Christiane www.hampeldesign.com

227 Hausner, Martin

125 Johnston, Sharon www.sharonjohnstonjeweler.com

63 Mahfood, Bernadette S. www.hotflash-designs.com

43 Marksz, Gail & Alex www.markszofpalmbeach.com

218 Nelson, Joyce www.cosmopolitanjewels.com

162 Nilsson, Robert & Teresa

206 Polk, Randy www.randypolk.com

59 Reardon, Kathleen & Thomas www.trkd.com

197 Romano, Gina

219 Strader, Molly www.mollystrader.com

20 Strobel, John www.johnchristinedesigns.com

73 Sundin, Lauran www.lauransundin.com

140,142 Trisko, Robert

70 Vagner, Michael

METAL

196 Cambronne, Steve L. www.stevotomic.com

207 Gurtan, Vedat www.gurtan.com

23 Johnson, Dennis A. www.erlundjohnsonstudios.com

62 Lapso, Kathleen M.

225 Matthews, Mark

115 McCaffrey, Shirley

181 Otfinoski, Peter www.otfinoski.com

166 Pattinian, Merri L.

217 Pompei, Vincent J.

129,130 Ricaurte, Rommel E. www.steel-alive.com

152 Ruby, Kurt

96 Schmidt, Ron

224 Snider, Diane M.  www.wyldeblaze.com

MIXED MEDIA 2D

65 Adams, Cynthia www.casaartstudio.com

208 Bi, Dan

182 Cheng, John

229 Doncaster, Barbara www.barbaradoncaster.com

21 Erlund, Beth www.erlundjohnsonstudios.com

170 Fergus, Virginia S.  www.vsfergus.com

189 Ferrell, Jack

100 Gal, Yoram www.yoramgal.co.il

52 Henderson, Debbie www.debbiehendersonart.com

215 Hunter, Chanpen www.renderingsinframe.com

164 Katic, Milenko R. www.milenkoartstudio.com

228 Kern, Anna T. www.annakernartist.com

66 Manneck, Holly www.manneckart.com

143 Manrique, Belisario N.

212 Mickelsen, Nina www.clarissastudioart.com

121 Miller, Bill & Kelleghan, Susan

234 Mirandon, Nicholas

116 Williams, Liz

161 Wilson, Donna

MIXED MEDIA 3D

8 Collins, Mary-Anne & Bill

114 Fountain, Doug www.dougfountain.com

147 Laurent, Elaine www.elainesells.com

36 Stern, Robert & Patti www.theperfectview.com

232 Wender, Andrew

PAINTING

24 Alexander, Rick L. www.artbyalexander.com

49 Armstrong, David

106 Barter, Stacy www.stacybarter.com

113 Carlson, Julie www.oilsbyjulie.com

168 Conary, Mary Jane www.maryjaneconaryartist.com

158 Couch, Pamela www.pamelacouch.com

128 Crawford, Marta www.martacrawford.com

135,137 Davis, April A. www.aprilwdavis.com

202 Folks, Eva www.evafolks.com

177 Galloway-Carter, Sandra L. www.sandragalloway.com

64 Groenteman, Barbara www.barbaragroenteman.com

110 Guo, Yongqun www.artdesignsyg.com

72 Holehouse, Jim G. www.tropicartdesign.com

89,91 Hummel-Marconi, Debbie www.mything.com

15 Krupp, Barbara www.barbarakrupp.com

44 Lee, Ning www.ningleeart.com

61 Lin, Alan www.xlinart.com

145 Lowe, Michelle Nicole www.michellenicolelowe.com

31 Marshall, Kimberly www.marshallsartz.com

32 Maurer, John www.johnmaurer-art.com

4 Metzler, Janice G.

144 Miller, Charlotte F. www.cfungmiller.com

214 Miller, Sandra L. www.sandmillfineart.com

122 Millsap, Thom www.millsapfineart.web.officelive.com

199 Odmark, Gary W. www.gwodmark.com

2 Ostrowski, Joann S.

93,95 Park, Edward

57 Pearse, Darlene www.darlenepearse.com

75 Plumridge, Don www.donplumridge.com

85 Pollack, Stephanie www.stephaniepollack.com

127 Pransky, Phyllis www.phyllispranskyartist.com

37,39 Reichow, Christine www.christinereichow.com

226 Ross, Tom www.tomrosspaintings.com

101,103 Seslar, Lin

155 Skinner, Joy www.joyskinner.com

172,174 Snow-Hein, Laurie www.lauriesnowhein.com

192 Soderquist, Linda H.

191 Solomon, Anne Marie

209 Thomas, Marcus C. www.marcusthomasartist.com

71 Wang, Jan Peng www.janpengwang.com

109 Wang, Li www.liwangart.com

223 Warman, Abby www.abbywarman.com

84 Whitney, Jan

11 Wu, guanwen

118 Wu, Man-Wai www.manwaiwu.com

88 Yuan, David

180 Zenor, Phillip L.

PHOTOGRAPHY

153 Blekfeld, Bernard

53 Cavanah, Doug

10 Clay, Eric www.fadedbeauty.com

107 Cuba, Carlos www.carlosimages.com

45 Deane, Jennifer Dana www.jddfineart.com

40 Deng, John www.johndengphotography.com

94 Duse, Luciano www.lucianophotography.com

198 Easter, Jeff www.artworksoncanvas.com

46 Gerlach, Pat www.patgerlach.com

81 Gerlich, Jack www.jackgerlich.com

1 Goodman, Dennis www.dennisgoodmanphotography.com

203 Guglielmo, Chris www.aquaexposure.com

16 Humphrey, Larry www.larryhumphrey.com

178 Jasinski, Michael & Brian

102 Johnson, Nels

167,169 Kousnsky, Isack www.isack-art.com

69 Louis, Jean-Claude M. www.jeanclaudelouis.com

74 Megela, Jack www.jackmegelaphotography.com

179 Richmond, James G. www.richmondphotography.com

117 Rowell, David E. www.daviderowell.com

136 Sunquist, Lawrence B.

SCULPTURE

194 Campbell, David B. www.stonelegance.com

235 Casco, Oscar

71A Causey, Scott

22 Gibson, Alan G.

87 Nogueira, A. Cesar

29 Okonkwo, Nnamdi www.nnamdiart.com

92 Peltier, Gilles www.gillespeltier.com

116A Pozzobonelli, Mauro P. www.pozzobonelli.com

195 Rujuwa, Peter

186 Striewski, Andrea E.

183 Townsend, John W. www.marinesculptures.com

139 Tyree, Tanya L. www.2artstudios.com

WOOD

9 Baisley, Victor

60 Boudreau, Donald R. www.boxesbyboudreau.com

190 Deveer, John & Levy, David www.davidlevycreations.com

18 Holzbaur, Werner www.werner-holzbaur.com

210 Linn, Robert B.

99 Schmidt, Russ D. www.rdalegalleries.com

211 Shoemaker, Roger

165 Smith, Woody

233 Vollmer, Jeffrey P. www.merchantsofmirth.com

79 Wilhelm, Robert A. www.rawdesigninc.com

June 1-3
Mount Clemens, Michigan 
Anton Art Center
Fri.: 12noon-9pm, Sat.: 11am-8pm,
Sun.: 12noon-6pm
80 artists and craftspersons
Deadline: April 1

The fair takes place in picturesque downtown Mount Clemens, a small-scale urban landscape with retailers, restaurants and nightclubs. The Anton Art Center has hosted a fine arts fair for over 30 years. The 2011 Mount Clemens Art Fair drew approximately 8,000 visitors. The first day of the 2012 fair will be held in conjunction with a classic car cruise on preview night.

The Art Fair has wide demographic appeal and will be advertised throughout Macomb County and the surrounding area. We will send press releases, e-blasts, print and other electronic promotion to our mailing lists. Artists will be provided with postcards and electronic ads.

Expect: 

• $850 in cash prizes
• enjoy complimentary breakfasts
• friendly volunteers  
• $15 jury fee, $150 booth fee

The Mount Clemens Art Fair includes a wide-variety of live entertainment, a Children's Area with make-and-take art activities and more.  Join us for a lovely weekend in Downtown Mount Clemens!

For more info: www.theartcenter.org
Email:jcallans@theartcenter.org
Phone: (586)469-8666
Fax:  (586)469-4529
Application:  www.MountClemensArtFairArtistApplication.pdf  

I read in John Leben's recent blog about this year's show that you pay attention to posts on AFI.

So, you probably saw a couple of mentions about the spaces in the rear of the park which are mulched along the narrow sidewalk with narrow paasage for patrons between the booths on both sides.

If I understand correctly, there is room to move the booths back away from the edge of the sidewalk.

Would that not be a better solution than the way it is now.

Artists back there suffer, because the crowds are thick in the sidewalk and are pushing thru.  Most artists' booths dont get a good looking at (which kills sales) because the crowds are moving on.

It is hard enough to get into your finely juried show.  But when one gets in, I would hope they would be on an equal footing with everybody else there to make sales.

The people in front have a big advantage over those in the back.

See if you could remedy that problem for next year.

 I hope we get some feedback from someone on your fine committee.

Hopefully waiting, Nels Johnson.  Just a simple request.

There have been a lot of blog posts singing the praises of the Winter Park Art Fair. I’ll add mine to the chorus. This is a great show! For me, its the best show in Florida. Of course, that’s not saying much when you look at my dismal sales for the first five shows in my Florida tour. I averaged around $1100 each for the first five (Artfest, Coconut Grove, Naples National, Las Olas and Bonita Springs). For Winter Park I grossed a little more than $4700. A good show for me.

This is a rare breed of art fair... one which residents support wholeheartedly. They look forward to it every year. They save up their art buying for the Winter Park Art Fair. I know of a few more shows that have that special vibe, Krasl in St. Joe Michigan and DesMoines Iowa show, to name two of my favorites. They are shows that the residents are proud of.

When I checked in on Thursday afternoon, I was greeted by Carole Moreland, a board member, and one of the show organizers. She recognized my name as the poor bloke who has been blogging about his dismal Florida season. She wished me a good show and assured me that the committee studies our blog posts and makes notes about how they can make their art fair better in the future. That made me think about the conversations I had with Barry Witt at the Bonita Art Fair and Howard Alan at Las Olas. Our blog posts help give guidance to other artists considering entering these shows and directly affect the number of artists who apply to these shows. The organizers like positive reviews and they like to see big sales numbers for their shows. Art Fair Insiders has more power and influence than I had originally thought. But, lets see if this influence eventually manifests itself in improvements to the art fair circuit.

Anyway, back to Winter Park. Big prize money (although I didn’t win any), fantastic lineup of artist, an enthusiastic buying public and great weather all made for a premier art fair. The only negatives I could come up with were the difficult load in and load out... lots of dollying, and some questionable locations for some of the booths (especially the ones on wood chip paths). But its a show I would be delighted to get into again next year.  

One more show for me in Florida, Naples Downtown. Then, its back to Saugatuck, Michigan. See you in the Spring, Nels.

All art show artists who create their own work are continuously disadvantaged by (1) buy/sell operators, (2) group operations (3) mass manufactured items, (4) co-artist teams who exhibit in multiple shows on a given weekend (5) people who jury in with a certain body of work only to display a totally different (sellable) body of work at the show and (6) people who jury under 2 or 3 mediums with the same work.  I'm seeing these situations at almost every show.  If we're ever going to create a level playing field, it has to STOP!

BUY/SELL:  We all know that's where the "vendor" buys product somewhere else at a very low price  (i.e. overseas or even the U.S.) and merely sells it at a show at high margins and/or volume, when the vendor had no involvement in the creation or production.  There is absolutely no place for that in a fine art show.  Don't tell me that we need to give customers "something they can afford".   Patrons who want that kind of product already have an outlet (almost every chain store in USA).

GROUP OPERATIONS:  I've seen this a few times with jewelers (and it might also exist in other mediums), where one manager has 2, 3 or more people apply to a show under their individual names; yet all product is owned and managed by one central manager.  It is likely that the product is either buy/sell or mass produced.  Each booth might have a different style (silver vs. gold, vs. something else), but the central manager collects all the monies and apparently runs the entire operation, even though the promoter thinks he/she has several individual artists creating their own work.  This is deceptive and, when proven, the artists and manager should be banned.

MASS PRODUCED ITEMS:   Artists who create and produce their own work are seriously disadvantaged by people who subcontract their product to mass production factories.  In these situations the "artist" is no more than the outside sales person for the product.  He/she may have created the original design, but is no longer involved in production because it is mass produced by any idiot that can push the machine start button and take the finished product off the machine.

CO-ARTIST TEAMS EXHIBITING IN MULTIPLE SHOWS:  I've seen many instances where Co-Artist Teams actually exhibit at two shows on a given weekend.  Upon inquiry, I hear that "oh, this is my work and that is his/her work".  Yet they applied as a "team" of co-contributors.  It's not a problem for two people to have different works.  But when they apply as a team, and do not exhibit as a team, that is a problem!  They are stealing a booth from another more deserving artist.

JURY IMAGES DO NOT MATCH BOOTH DISPLAY:  I'm seeing this more often every month.  Artists having difficulty jurying into a top shows with their "saleable" art are sending jury images with totally different bodies of work.  The problem arises when the artist sets up his booth with only his saleable items and never shows the juried body of work.  Art shows should always have a notebook with the jury slides and booth shot to compare the actual artist booth display at the show.  Where it is not consistent, artist should be confronted and told he/she cannot exhibit bodies of work which were not juried into the show.  No exceptions!

MULTIPLE MEDIUMS:  I've seen people who submit applications into two or three mediums and over time get accepted into each of the mediums.  Yet when their display is the same work.  It has to be one or the other.  It CAN'T be all three.

I just exhibited at the Scottsdale Arts Festival.  I was near someone who I suspected as a buy/sell or mass production operation.  When I saw that the name plate had two co-artists names but I only saw the one same person exhibiting all weekend, I was even more suspect.  Now I have googled their name, found out about their production company that has been selling their items wholesale since 1972, company listed as 11-50 employees, sells through numerous retail outlets and does 40+ shows a year, etc.  I continued to search and found one of the co-artists listed as a participant in Howard Alan's Juno Beach Art Show, which happened the same weekend they were in Scottsdale.  

I have since sent a lengthy letter to the Scottsdale promoter and informed them of my findings and asked that they take action.

Perhaps this was the "straw that broke the camel's back", so to speak, at least for me.  I've just read the blogs about certification and others to try to fix what's wrong with our industry.  Certification is not the answer!  The buck is always going to stop with the promoter.  So it is up to all of us to educate the promoters and inform them of wrongdoings as they occur.  But not just so they can slap the hand of the current artist, but to take corrective action in the future and perhaps even ban the offending artist.

And it's not just enough to take action at the current show.  It is essential for promoters to communicate with each other and compare notes.  I know a lot of times a director at one show is a juror at another show and vice versa.  This is where each promoter's database of offending information should be shared with each other.  

This is the only way we will make the playing field level for all.

The Naples Art Association has listened to your concerns and read your comments about the 2012 Mercato Fine Arts Festival earlier this month. Thank you for your professionalism and understanding in what was a challenging weekend for all involved. The decision to cancel the second day of the festival was made with the best interests of everyone in mind, and we are sorry if any artist felt put off. I assure you it was not the intent of any member of our staff.  Rather, we recognize the impact this had on you and want to offer you a special reduced rate on next year’s show.  

Looking back on the festival and regarding our decision, we considered the severe weather forecast, the potential risk to the artists, customers and the Mercato complex as a whole, the damage that had already occurred and the potential for further damage.

The forecast for the day called for gale force winds of 35 - 40 plus miles per hour. The wind was more of a factor along some parts of the show lay out than others given the directionality of the gusts and the position of the buildings. Some areas were like a wind tunnel while others were not affected as severely. Many artists lost inventory on Saturday, and we did not want to put artists at risk for further loss when the weather was forecasted to be much worse on Sunday. Early Sunday, artists’ tents were blowing over – into other artists’ tents and to the ground – and staff members and volunteers were rushing around helping artists protect their art and equipment. Some artists still lost valuable property. We made the call to close and began helping artists load out. 

When the rain stopped and the sun came out, the weather seemed to clear up. Unfortunately the winds were still very strong and continued to be so for the rest of the day. Once the decision to close the festival was made, Mercato officials requested that the street be cleared as quickly as possible.

A decision in the midst of a situation like this has many considerations. Please know we made the call with broad perspective and with you in mind. We understand the hardship an artist feels when you’ve planned for a weekend of selling opportunity and half of that potential is cancelled. As professional artists in the festival business, I’m sure that inclement weather is a familiar risk to you.

The 2013 Mercato Fine Arts Festival will be a growing year. We’re offering 2012 Mercato artists an extra incentive to be a part of it. The jury process will stay in place because it helps keep the balance of artwork and is a fair way to continue allowing other artists the opportunity to participate. If you decide to apply and are juried into the 2013 Mercato Fine Arts Festival, the Naples Art Association will reduce your booth fee by $100.

The Naples Art Association wants you to succeed at our festivals. We’re a nonprofit organization driven by our mission to support the arts and help connect our community with top quality artists. Looking to the future, we have a renewed focus on building Mercato. Located in a high-traffic, affluent shopping area during the height of season, we feel this festival, having just finished its third year, has not reached its full potential. Thank you for your art, your talent and your constructive conversation; it helps us better see things from an artist’s point of view. With improved festival planning, new marketing ideas and taking your ideas into account, this show can grow.

If you choose to comment, we appreciate your keeping all notes civil, constructive and on topic. If you would like to speak privately or share additional ideas you are welcome to email PR Director Kathleen Taylor at Kathleen.Taylor@naplesart.org.

To your future success and future festivals with us,

The Naples Art Association   

First off, it is me, Nels Johnson, writing this.  It says Ellen Marshall, my wife, but I am writing on her computer and it logs into AFI as Ellen. (My computer is "migrating" at the Apple Store, into a newer model--one that is guaranteeing me 100-per cent acceptance rate at all shows I apply to, heck, I bought three of them, gonna give a couple to my special friends, after I get done "certifying" them.

Well, in our household this past weekend Ellen took off for Winter Park and I got to go to Lakewood Ranch--whoopee!

Ellen got the better deal.

I showed up at the ranch early Saturday morn to set up my booth.  This show is held in tight quarters, you almost have to squeeze between booths to get to another area.  In past years I have had a lovely corner where I could park the van and dolly right to.  Naturally I asked for the same spot.

But no, I was assigned the spot from hell.  I noticed at least four other artists had their usual spaces, but not me. First off, you could not get your van even remotely close to the space--think an easy two-block schelp.  Then you would have to squeeze your Magline Cart thru very narrow openings to get to the spot.

I demurred.  I asked if there was anywhere else they could stick me.  The director said "Nada" and then I said "Aloha", see ya and I was down the road, no show, no income, no booth refund, but that's show biz sometimes.

I did get to play golf both days instead and won a grand total of $64.20 in my league which I promptly applied to drinking green beer and green Jack Daniels manhattens.

Meanwhile Ellen had one of her best Winter Parks ever.  She killed them on opening day and at showend she had a lot of empty spaces on her walls.

I think the majority of artists had a great show there.  And why not?  It is still one of the top Florida shows to do.

One distressing thing about the show.  Many lucky artists set up in front on the street--primo spots.  Others are in the park and some places there suck royal canalwater.

In the rear of the park they have artist booths lined up to the edge of the sidewalk on both sides.  This creates ahuge logjam of people coming thru without being able to really see much. Artists suffer.  Why doesn't the show let the booths set back from the sidewalk.  I mean they have only been doing this show for 40 years or more.  But that is Winter Park for ya.  Those people know best.

While on the golfcourse on Saturday I got a call from Teri Cusey telling me about the Les certification deal.

I went online later and read the thread.  Pretty amazing, over 3000 views on it.  Thank God people actually weighed in on the subject.  Very enlightening.

Let us just say a well-intentioned idea has been thoroughly vetted and found to be not sustainable.  You gotta hand it to Les he is always thinking of new ways to improve the lot of us fellow artists.  Personally, I think most of his ideas stink, but that is my own personal opinion.  He takes a too elitist position for my taste.  Personally, I wish he would take up serious gardening and quit being so involved in so many shows.

In our biz nobody gets to be king but it sure looks like he feels he is. Well, you know what happens to most kings.  Enough said.  There were great discussions and opinions got aired.

Some good came out of all that.

About Barry Cohen.  It is a heart-breaker.  I worry about something happening to me every time I get in my van and go to a show.  You gotta be diligent, check your equipment, check those tires, check those brakes--and most importantly--wear your darn seatbelt!  that is so crucial.

I never knew the man, saw him at a lot of shows, he will be sorely missed.

Ironically, I see where Connie reposted my blog I did after Boston Mills last summer--dealing with feelings of mortality.

The really good thing about our biz is we all usually have good things to look forward to.  It keeps our engines running in high gear.

In less than two months, Ellen and I will be heading to Saugatuck,MI where we live during the summer season, leaving Ybor City, its chickens and its heat far behind.

I got a solid summer schedule to build on.  Just got Boston Mills, Virginia beach and Artstreet this past week to go along with Krasl, Columbus and A,B&E.  Now I am filling in the holes.

Still got six more shows to do here with downtown Naples next.

Get to hit off real grass up north makes the golf game a lot more enjoyable.

I have lot to be thankful for and I think we all have lot to be thankful for.  Enjoy the moment, take deep breaths and hold onto to it for as long as you can.

Aloha, Nels.

August 18 & 19

Artist fees:    $25.00 application fee
                    $350.00 per 10' x 12' booth space

Admission:    $8.00 per person, children 12 years & under are admitted free

In mid-August as many as 18,000 festival-goers will plan on enjoying a weekend of art, crafts, entertainment and gourmet food in Mount Gretna, PA. Where is Mt. Gretna, PA?

Visit this link.

Every  year, during the third weekend of August, this community of some 700 homes and cottages suddenly springs to life, welcoming 265 artists chosen through juried competition and     20,000 visitors who-by their presence acknowledge the role that    art plays in their homes, hearts, and lives.

And every year, as thousands of art show patrons return,many others discover Mount Gretna for the first time. For everyone who comes, it is a return to an earlier era: a time when neighbors greeted neighbors from their front porches, when going for ice cream meant going for a stroll rather than getting into an automobile, and when life itself pulsed at a rocking chair pace.

Very nice things were said about Mt. Gretna at ArtFairInsiders.com by this year's participants, including, "I will certainly sign up for the Mt. Gretna, PA show again."

Learn more about the event at: www.mtgretnaarts.com

Contact them at: mtgretnaart@comcast.net, or 717-964-3270

         Apply online at:
        Zapplication.org

I attended the OOAK show in December and took some video, actually my friend Jacki Bilsborrow, took the video with my new iPhone. It has taken me forever to get it posted here, but I know lots of artists have questions about this show so here it is.

The technical challenges for me have been not nearly as much fun as most of the work I do around the art fair business. But they say you don't get paid for the stuff that is easy, they pay you for the hard stuff. This video is very amateurish and I only offer it here for background and for reference if you are considering being a part of this show.

Barry lost his life this past Friday in a auto accident on I-95- traveling to an art festival. Over the past 20 plus years we have been great art fair friends. His acrylic sculptures were highly admired, and always top notch- he too was a perfectionist. He was always a joy to have as a neighbor. We had recently figured out a summer schedule- which included using our N.J. home as a staging point. I know he would have been really upset if another friend had lost their life, because of tire or auto failure--he would probably run around and remind us all to "Check your car NOW"- I hope I have said that loud enough for you to hear Barry--Fair Winds your booth is always next to mine.