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Circumstances couldn't have been better for this 5th in my series of seven Florida art fairs. Booth numbers are not given out to artists until they check in on Friday, so I was surprised to see that I got booth number one, the first booth on the left when patrons enter the art fair at the main entrance. There was plenty of room to spread out in the back as well as the side with a side wall to boot. I was able to unhook my trailer and keep it there while I did a leisurely setup. I was no longer flying solo because my wife Marcia finally left Saugatuck, Michigan behind and joined me for a few weeks in Florida.

I had been getting lots of good advice from the blog about why my sales have been so dismal here in Florida... advice that I had taken to heart by making lots of changes to the booth layout. The biggest change was to de-emphasize the low-priced items and eliminate the bins in the middle of the booth. I put the emphasis on my best and largest pieces. Barry Witt, the show's director, confirmed my decisions with some of the same advice I got from Connie and other Art Fair Insiders bloggers.

On Saturday morning Barry had another surprise for me. He showed me the program listing all the artists at the show. The cover featured one my new pieces that I used to jury into the show. Things were definitely looking up.  Us art fair artists are naturally optimistic. When things go poorly, we always find a reason (bad location, bad weather, poor turnout, wrong booth layout), but at this art fair all the stars were definitely in alignment. Unfortunately the buyers just did not materialize for me (again). I did about $270 in sales on Saturday and was actually relieved to do $900 on Sunday. That's how low my expectations have fallen in my Florida tour.

I like this show. There are a lot of really good artists here, and the location is pleasant in the parking lot of a shopping center off of the Tamiami Trail. Its well organized and well promoted, but, I felt that the turnout was light. Seemed that lots more people were here when I did this show a couple years ago. Could be that three shows in Bonita (this is the third one of the season) might be pushing it. People who live in the upscale development adjacent to the shopping center had already gone to two art fairs... why go to a third?

Anyway... Winter Park next weekend. I had one of my best shows there a couple years ago, so, I continue to be optimistic. I'll keep making adjustments to the booth to try to maximize my sales. But it could be that Florida is just not my market.

Since Marcia arrived I have been staying with friends in Naples, which is a relief to be able to save the hotel bills. so, in keeping with the optimism required from an art fair artist, I can analyze my sales and see that I did, in fact, make a meager profit on this one, however dismal my sales actually are.

Viviana Santamarina - Best of Show

Julie Carlson

Dawn Wain

Mark and Lee-Etta Van de Bogart

Brain Sykes

Nicario Jimenez

Bill Secunda

Jon Slade

Marcus Thomas

Vonnie Whitworth

Sam Maddox

Deborah Armstrong

Brian Becher

Patricia Kessler

Stephen Koury

Ning Lee, Best of 2D

American Style Magazine's listing of top events is always interesting to me because there are shows on it I've rarely heard of such as Kentucky Crafted and Francisco's Farm, plus three of them are in Kentucky.  What's that about?

Here's the list:

1. Kentucky Crafted: The Market

Louisville, Ky.
This year’s event, on March 19-20, will feature the best of fine art and craft, as well as musical performances, specialty foods and the chance to meet Kentucky authors. Learn more at http://kycraft.ky.gov.

2. Scottsdale Arts Festival

Scottsdale, Ariz.
Every spring, 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the U.S. convene in Scottsdale, offering art and crafts representing all mediums. This year’s festival will occur March 9-11. Visit www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org for more information.

3. Paradise City Arts Festival

Northampton, Mass.

“It’s well laid out, and there’s a terrific attitude among the artisans and the crowd.” There should certainly be a great attitude at the next show, May 26-28, which will feature 250 artisans, a silent auction for charity and tasty food. Go to www.paradisecityarts.com for more information.

4. Saint Louis Art Fair

Clayton, Mo.

“It manages to share an amazing variety of high-quality artwork and activities and performances for everyone,” writes Emily Fisher of St. Louis. For more details on this fall festival, scheduled on Sept. 7-9 this year, check out www.culturalfestivals.com.

5. St. James Court Art Show

Louisville, Ky.
Every October, the historic neighborhood of Old Louisville provides the setting for the St. James Court Art Show.  The 56th annual juried event runs Oct. 5-7 this year. For more information, click on www.stjamescourtartshow.com.

6. Paradise City Arts Fesitval

Marlborough, Mass.
The Northampton festival’s sister show and namesake made our Top 10 this year. Quality crafts, from blown glass to hand-forged jewelry, as well as fine art paintings and sculpture, make it a winner with AmericanStyle readers. The next show takes place March 16-18. Go to www.paradisecityarts.com for more information.

7. La Quinta Arts Festival

La Quinta, Calif.
Set in the tony Palm Springs Area, this show brings in big buyers and high price points are just fine. The next show takes place March 16-18. For details, visit www.lqaf.com.

8. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original

Ann Arbor, Mich.
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair has been delighting patrons with contemporary fine art and crafts since its founding in 1959. Held on the central campus of the University of Michigan, this year’s festival takes place July 18-21. Go to www.artfair.org to learn more.

9. Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival

Midway, Ky.
OK, technically it’s at a vineyard, not a farm. This year, the festival will feature only artists who have received formal invitations to exhibit, marking a departure from previous events. The festival runs June 23-24. For details, visit www.franciscosfarm.org

10. Kentuck Festival of the Arts

Northport, Ala.
With more than 250 artists, the Kentuck Festival showcases exciting art and crafts, as well as demonstrations of traditional skills such as blacksmithing and quilting.  This year, the Kentuck Festival takes place Oct. 20-21. For more information, check out www.kentuck.org.

What do you think of this list? Is your favorite show missing?

St. Louis Art Fair - photo credit Ben Meadors

September 7-9
Clayton, Missouri

Central Business District

(one of St. Louis's 91 municipalities)

181 Artists

Friday 5pm-10pm

Saturday 10am-10pm

Sunday 11am-5pm

Deadline: March 22

Cultural  Festivals, the Producers of the Saint Louis Art Fair invites you to apply to be an exhibitor at the 19th annual  Saint Louis Art Fair. a fine art and fine craft festival. Held in  the central business district of Clayton, MO., one of St. Louis' dynamic communities. Each year the Saint Louis Art Fair attracts over  125,000 arts enthusiasts.

Things to know:   

• 181 participating artists (includes 31 award winners)
• Up to $21,000 cash awards
• 2011 Cash sales $7557 (source: post event survey)
• $7568 (AFSB Net Avg Sales = Gross
  Gross Sales Minus Show Fees + $200 Per Diem Expenses)
• Artists Amenities: Free electricity, 24 hr security, free reserved parking, artists breakfast (awards breakfast)
• 10 x 10 booth spaces with 2" buffer on all sides 
• 5 Jurors - 3 artists (festival) one buyer, one gallery and or academic
• Jury Fee: $40
• Booth Fees; $625-$725

Fiber artist Sally Bright

The St. Louis Art Fair offers an affluent, educated and sophisticated audience at our show.  Research shows that of our 150,000+ patrons,  over half sustain incomes over $60,000 while over a quarter maintain  incomes in excess of $90,000.  Research also shows that nearly half of  our patrons are college educated or have received post-graduate degrees.

Please visit www.CulturalFestivals.com for more information or call 314-863-0278, email: info@culturalfestivals.com

To apply visit  www.Zapplication.org

(listed under Saint Louis Art Fair - notSt. Louis Art Fair)

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If you live in the Midwest the last weekend of January will lure you to Columbus, OH, where you will find the Art Studio Clearance Sale, sponsored the the well-regarded Ohio Designer Craftsmen. I've always wanted to go shop there and see this show especially since during the 80's and 90's, etc., we did many excellent art fairs with this organization at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, home of Winterfair, held on the first weekend of December.

It is nearly a four hour drive, but the need to know made me, and my friend Barb Burkhardt, set out in a snowstorm, even though early that morning she had dumped her car into a ditch. We left that car in the hands of her husband and the towing company and headed for the Indiana Toll Road. The need to attend an art fair is a strong motivation in our lives.

Luckily the weather lifted quickly and we made it to the Fairgrounds with ease. We met Sharon Kokot, director of the organization, at the door. The parking lot was full and people were carrying packages out the door. A good sign.

It was a nice building, unfortunately I didn't check out the load in and load out logistics (sorry Nels and Geoff), but no one complained to me and I saw lots of people I knew: Pat Bolgar, Lois Bosworth, Linda Chamberlain, Alice Ham, Mary Johnston, Peter Katke, Jeremy Keller, Michael Kifer, Kathy LeSeuer, Tom Michael, Bob Reiberg, Todd Richter, David Ross, Mark Schlabaugh, Becka Strachan and Stacy Hanlin Rohr.

They had food available to keep people in the building, but no bells and whistles, as you'd expect from a clearance sale.

Thanks for the good deal Mark!

Interested in a few more details? Here are a few quickie interviews with AFI members Linda Chamberlain, Stacy Hamlin Rohr and Mary Johnston:

If you are spending the evening in Columbus this is a great town for eating. We had a fabulous dinner at Marcella's Ristaurante in the Short North area on High Street: delicious martinis and their specialty authentic Italian dishes and wines.

The next day we headed downtown to visit the Columbus Arts Museum. There was an amazing crowd of people on a winter Sunday. Someone is doing excellent marketing. The museum had a Caravaggio exhibit and a very cool selection of modern art. Saw a Wegman that was jaw dropping.

Nearby we visited the home of James Thurber. This is where he wrote the "Secret Life of Walter Mitty."

Cool trip to Columbus and just the thing to cure a little winter cabin fever. Right - on the way home another snowstorm. C'est la vie.

I was just about ready to pitch today's Fort Myers News-Press when I saw this article on the front page that analyzes why FL tourists visit the Sunshine State and what lures them.  According to the article, visitors who are drawn by arts events are fewer than others (such as recreation), but they spend more money.

Read the article here.

September 1 & 2

Oakbrook Center

Oak Brook, Illinois

130 Artists

Deadline:
April 1 

Oakbrook  Center  is a premier outdoor shopping center located in the affluent  western  suburbs of Chicago. The Center features more than 160 fine  shops,  including Bloomingdale's Home and Furniture, Lord & Taylor,  Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Sears. All artists are located throughout the mall's walkways  among trees,  flowers, plants, waterfalls and fountains.

For over 45 years,  Oakbrook  Center has held both an  Invitational Fine Art Exhibition (September) and a Fine Craft Exhibition (July) offering  artists from all over the U.S an opportunity to display and  sell their  original work. Please note this change: we are combining these two events into one event where original work in all media will be included. We will no longer be hosting the July Fine Craft Exhibition.

This  is a  contemporary fine art exhibition. ONLY original work in design  and  concept is allowed. Thus, no imports or works made with the use  of  commercial kits, molds, patterns, plans, stencils, or  prefabricated  forms accepted. The  exhibition features live entertainment, free parking and admission.

Festival Facts:

• Jury Fee: $25
• Booth Fee:  $350
• Ribbon Awards:  $5,000+
• Attendance:  157,000
• Event is promoted extensively through various media outlets
• Friday evening and Saturday morning set-up
• Continental breakfast for exhibitors on both days

For additional information, please contact:

Oakbrook Center - Marketing Department

Suzanne Beres, Sr. Marketing Manager

Miriam Blumenthal, Associate Marketing Manager 630-573-0700, or oakbrookcenter@ggp.com

Please mail application and checks to:

Oakbrook Center

Attention:  Suzanne Beres

100 Oakbrook Center

       Oak Brook, IL  60523-1838

Checks Payable to:  Oakbrook Shopping Center LLC

Visiting Artist Cory McCrory clay artist will have her whimsical hand built pieces  and  Graydon Cafarella watercolor artist will have his award winning paintings up for sale.  Each will be demonstrating their talent live for you to see and ask questions; along with Sycamore Art Attacks co-op artists.  We will have food and beverage available and basket raffle must be present to win.  Don't miss out on such a rich experience of different styles of art coming together in one place. 

  Sycamore Art Attack is an non-for-profit art school and we have a co-op artist gallery.  We are located 215 W. Elm St. Sycamore Il.  You can contact us at sycamoreartattack@comcast.net. 

I subscribe to a lot of blogs, but only a few of them are by local people here in San Diego, or people that I know personally.  I don't know why, I just don't know a lot of people that are into blogging...  I can't say it's impacted my life much---with the internet it doesn't really matter if you're local or not.  You can read about the trials and tribulations of people on the other side of the world!

But this one artist here in San Diego posted a series of articles on his blog about his personal art collection, and how it's displayed in his home.  His name is John Purlia, and he's a photographer.  But he has a substantial collection of a variety of different art pieces that he has hung in different rooms in his house. His collection really reflects his personality and interests, and it's absolutely gorgeous!   He even shares images of his collection on his website.

John takes us on a tour of his residence through a multi-day series of posts with photographs of his walls and interiors, with interesting stories of his collection.

And that got me thinking of others that I've known who own art pieces, and how they display it.  I had a landlord that bought art not because it would work with some "interior design" he was trying to accomplish but simply because the work intrigued him and he liked to look at it.  I think, bottom line, that a collector has to feel some sort of connection to a piece if they're going to display it in their home--otherwise they might as well seal it in a packing crate and put it in storage to try and collect value over time...  Art is, I think, meant to be enjoyed and seen.

It also got me thinking about the famous artist, Fred Babb, who created a painting that said, "Good Art Won't Match Your Sofa".

But this train of thought ultimately led me to contemplate the role of Wearable Art in our lives.  Because of our cultural milieu, art that is wearable isn't often considered in the same "category" as Fine Art (or that which can be defined as a sculpture or painting or some other piece with no other purpose but to be Art).  Because wearable art has a functional side as well as an artistic side, it is somehow considered less "pure" by most critics in the western art world--it's very utilitarianism defeats it's attempts to be artistic.  Because it's sometimes not considered as artistic as a painting, it's not held in the high regard that Fine Art might be, and is less sought after as collectors items.  Being less easy to define,  we don't recognize as much Wearable Art in our lives.

Fashion is collectable in part because of it's construction, but also because it was designed by a famous brand well known for accomplishment in the fashion world.  The pieces aren't necessarily collected for their aesthetics, but for their originating designer names.  I'm over-simplifying, of course, and shouldn't generalize everything into one lump.  There are exceptions.

But can the argument be made that Wearable Art probably wouldn't have the caché that something like Fine Art would have if displayed in one's living room?  I can't recall anyone in my life that actually displays, on a mannequin, any of their wearable art collection in their home.  It often lives in a closet if they even own any pieces.  We have hundreds of thousands of framing stores all across the country, but where are the commensurate stores for dress form displays for one's home?  Do we, as a culture, put any emphasis on displaying our wearable art collection like we do our collections of knickknacks, chotchkies, china plates, or wall hangings?

There is one significant distinction between Fine Art and Wearable Art:  Wearable Art is portable.  It goes with you.  You literally bring your collection of favorites to wherever your destination is instead of inviting others to your home where it is displayed.  In some respects, your body is the museum.  It is an opportunity to be a walking gallery.  It is a moveable collection.

So my question for you is:  Do you use your body for display of your favorite pieces?  Do you share with others your collection?  How do you display it?

And as an artist, do you embrace the opportunities you have to share your work by wearing it?  Do you take the chance to become your own gallery?  If you are embarrassed to wear your own work, how can you expect others to not be embarrassed to wear it when they buy it from you?

Food for thought.  Live Life with Relish!

June 16 & 17
San Rafael, California
By the Lagoon
At the Marin Center Fairgrounds
10am-6pm
250 exhibitors
Deadline: April 1

The Marin Art Festival is our county's lawn party for the arts and "one of the most beautiful out door art festivals in the nation."  The event now in its 16th year features work from over 250 artists from across the globe.  The festival will host an artist preview and silent auction as well as continue it's popular hourly raffle for "art bucks", $100 towards the purchase of art with participating artists. 

The festival is full of color and surprise and offers a unique line up of entertainment including hands-on art projects for children, and live music featuring some of the best Bay Area bands.  As is tradition, Taiko drumming starts off the festival each morning.  This year's Master Artist is landscape painter Kathleen Lipinski.

Noteworthy:

• "The Most Beautiful Art Festival in America"  Event takes place by the lake in the Marin Civic Center Complex designed by Frank Lloyd-gorgeous vistas in every direction.
• The event is promoted to Marin residents who have taste and means.
• Extensive print, radio, TV and social media promotional campaign.
• Attendance is up towards 15,000.
• Major food experience with sit-down dining and student waiters.  Includes the Great Marin Oyster Fest.
• Limited to 250 juried artists.  From as far away as New York, Louisiana, Texas, Norway and Niger, Africa.
• Space Fee includes the white tent canopy, artists spaces are 10x10 and are grouped four to a tent and every space is a corner.
• Exhibitors are requested to spill out 3-4 feet outside their space to create a bazaar-like environment.
• Exhibitors can rent panels, umbrella tables & chairs and they will be in your space when you arrive.
• Music and dance stages are low-key and do not hinder artists to customer sales talk.
• Jury/Booth Fees: $25/$700

For more information and to apply: www.marinartfestival.com    

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Looking for more art fairs for your art fair season? Visit www.CallsforArtists.com

While lots of artists were enjoying the windy weather at Gasparilla, we did the Venice Art Fest with H.A.E. They did their usual good job of organizing, advertising and being on site. Setup there is a breeze (no pun intended) as long as you don't mind doing it at 5am. Quality of the work was very good and the crowds came out on Sat. Sun morning dawned with grey skies and wind. We were fortunate to have buildings across from us which shielded some of the winds. Anyway folks did come out around 11 when the sun did it's appearance. It seems that the same virus affecting sales in Sarasota has spread south to Venice. While there were many folks on the streets, they were not spending much on art. Our sales were very disapointing as we have done well here through the years. Just when we were thinking things might be getting better in FL we have 2 poor shows in a row to bring us back to reality. Go figure. Anyway a few of us had a nice diner at a local eatery on Sat night and shared stories of days gone by. 5 more Florida shows for us, do hope they are better.

Opening his studio in 1982, Jay McDougall's early years were spent designing and building original pieces of furniture. His sculpted wall pieces and vessels are the distillation of a career spent pursuing economy of line and form. Carved exclusively from Minnesota hardwoods the sensuous shapes call forth the rolling curves that flow as easily as the undulating hills around Fergus Falls, MN, where he lives and works, collecting logs and transforming them into cherished collectables.

Jay says:

A writer for Fine Woodworking Magazine, Jay also has garnered numerous national awards for excellence in his field  and was selected as a 2008 McKnight Foundation Fellowship recipient.  Today's discriminating contemporary craft collectors can find Jay's work  in the nation's most prestigious venues for acquisition. Read more here.

This month find Jay and his fine woodworking in LaQuinta, CA, at the LaQuinta Arts Festival, March 8-11.

We attended the Gilmore Shows, Inc Craftsman's Classic in Columbia SC March 2-4, 2012.  Load in and out was fairly easy with parking just feet from the door.  The entrance we used was a tight fit (standard door width) so we had to be careful how the hand truck was loaded.  Friday was painful.  I did not talk to a single artist that had much in the way of sales.  Saturday was better.  Nothing to be excited about but at least getting closer to covering expenses.  By the close on Sunday we finally covered expenses (just barely).  Show fees (booth and a half), electricity, gas, hotel, cost to produce - it adds up. The good news is we made black again.  Not much for four days work for two people plus the time for me to get the inventory ready.  Some day maybe I will be able to pay for time on task.  In the meantime we are still enjoying the shows and seeing our other artist friends and exploring other communities.  I am addicted to all the accolades even when they don't buy.  Last year this show brought in more $$ than any show I had done to date.  Others also said it was a great show last year.  No one had an answer as to the downturn this year.  Weather was not great with severe thunderstorm threat Saturday and lots of wind.  Sunday was cold (local standards) with wind.  It is an indoor show so I thought it would help bring people to the show since is was not a nice outdoor day.  Maybe they were just keeping their hands in their pockets to keep them warm. ;-)  I think this one is worth doing again.  It is a good location with lots of advertising.  Our next show is March 17.  It is a little local show (37 booths and about  7 to 10,000 shoppers) one hour from home - St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, GA. 

Busy busy busy! getting ready fro the upcoming season. I have so many ideas ( a good thing ) but finding time to accomplish everything....one project at a time I suppose. Compiling jewelry pieces and crafts on the weekends. Also every spare evening I sit down and paint...currently finishing up a commissioned project of a portrait, a young boy & girl from the 1930'S hope to be completed soon!

                                           I have a rival who will be copying this within a year

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                                        For an extra fifteen bucks that could be a bloody mary 

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                          The sign said "Dining With The Roosters"  We didn't think they MEANT it.

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   This is another show we love to do, but it would be a stretch if we weren't coming directly from the Coconut Grove show.  The sales would be fine for a stand alone show if it were an hour away.  

     But this is KEY WEST.  Most artists I know don't go there for the money.  They go for a good time that pays for itself with a little left over.  For a photographer it also provides a lot of great photo ops.  

    We were quite apprehensive about the setup.  It's on the morning of the show.  We were told that the setup did not start until six.  We arrived an hour early to scout out the setup and there was not another van in sight.  Oh boy!  we had it all to ourselves.  I found our booth number and started dumping stuff on the sidewalk.  Shortly after another van arrived and took a position at the entry to the show.  And waited.  I walked up to the driver and told him what I was doing.  

     "Ohhhh,  Nooooo"   said he.  "Get your stuff back in your van and get in line before she spots you or you'll get yelled at and maybe kicked out of the show."  I did as told and later on I was very thankful for the advice.  This lady takes no crap from nobody, runs as tight a show as I've ever seen and everything turns out.      Just.       fine.  

      At precisely six the gate is open and everyone pulls right up to their booth space.  More or less.  You get until about nine to get dumped and down to the parking area.  

     The crowds were OK and although the sales were mostly small it was steady.  We got a nice boost when a tourist bought one of our largest framed pieces.  They had a large motor home they'd brought which indicated that somewhere they had a much larger  real home somewhere to hang the piece in.  Sunday was quite a bit slower but all in all our total was more than satisfactory.  

    We have a friendly rivalry with a seasoned art-friends couple when it comes to sales and we had more or less tied each other in sales two shows in a row.  They still consider us to be newcomers after ten years.  Anyway, they kicked our butts by over two to one in Gasparilla and put us back in our place.  We're out to even the score in Melbourne.  If we don't get our butts kicked again, that is.  

      Public drunkenness is considered, within limits, as a kind of performance art in KW.  A couple of attractive and nicely dressed young women off one of the boats were walking, more or less,  through the show WHOOPING drunk.  We had to wait until they passed before resuming a conversation with a prospect.  All in a day's work there.  Later, during teardown, a drunken couple started to enter the show and the director advised that the artists were not necessarily watching out for pedestrians and they might get run over.  They seemed to become dimly aware of the danger on some level and slowly stumbled elsewhere.            

     We brought our bicycles and they came in very handy for pedaling back and forth to the designated parking lot for restocking.  

      The weather was good and the showers that came through just missed us.  We enjoyed the show, the sales were OK and all was well.

      Teardown was not that bad since we'd made up our minds earlier that we wouldn't be in a hurry.  We did have to set stuff aside on the sidewalk until the booths across the street were packed and gone.  So much for the show itself.  

     The next morning we decided to try the Blue Heaven breakfast for the first time before the long trip home.  We'd heard of long lines and were also concerned about long waits for the food based on our previous experience with other restaurants there.  We rode our bikes from the motel so we'd avoid parking problems and got there just after they opened so we got a table right away.  A few minutes later the lines began to form outside.                 The menu looked great and it wasn't as expensive as we'd been led to believe.  But then again we'd gotten our information from folks who liked a bloody mary with their lobster benedict on occasion.  

     Coffee was almost as expensive but you get free refills.  We had been advised not to be chintzy and go for the good stuff.  It turned out to be the wise choice.  Since we are among at least four other photographers to have a money making shot from the place we decided the place had long since paid for breakfast.  

      If you hang around an extra day or two to see the sights, leave your car parked and take bikes.  KW is flat as a pool table and it's no effort at all to slowly pedal through all of it.  If you get the chance, be sure to do the Mallory Square sunset.  Get there an hour early and you'll see some of the most remarkable buskers you could imagine.  Then there's the sunset itself.  For some reason swarms of sailboats make it a point to cruise back and forth in front of the setting sunball providing photo ops for the crowd.  

    If we get lucky and get into the Coconut Show again we'll be very happy to do KW again.  We recommend trying this show at least once.  

                                                       Reaction to my stuff was mixed

       I wanted to send this while on the road, but we were out of internet contact for two weeks except for our phones.  We love this show.  First of all, we have a free place to stay in Coral Gables with Ann's cousin.  We freely admit it's cheating.  

     The rules are very stern when warning artists that anyone setting up before the designated time will be asked to leave and will not be invited back to the show.  Every year, however, we arrive near the assigned time and half the tents are up.  We'll never figue it out.  There isn't quite enough room for everyone to park right in front of their space so things can get pretty tight.

     This is the most volatile show I know when it comes to sales.  Our first year there we had a record at that time of over 3K for the first day of the show.  The next day we were up to only $150.00 by two in the afternoon.  Ann was away from the booth with her cousin touring the show while I was sitting there in a black mood with a ten foot circle of dead grass around my chair.  I called Ann and told her to come back and take my place before I could cause harm to myself or others.  Fortunately she arrived quickly and as I was walking away from the booth I heard her clinching a five hundred dollar sale.  I started walking faster.  We ended the day in good shape.  

     That was years ago.  It was no different this time.  For many artists their sales varied wildly from day to day.  One artist would make three times as much as we did on Saturday and on Sunday the numbers would be reversed.  There is also the element of wealth.  At any time you can have someone come into your booth who doesn't look like much of a prospect and then they'll pay $1200.00 for a piece.  Yep, we've had that happen.  

      I also like the way they go about judging.  You select your favorite piece and take it into the judging area on the day of setup.  On the first morning of the show you get to retrieve it so you can put it back to work in your booth.  It's a little nerve wracking when you enter the building to retrieve your piece.  It either has a ribbon on it or it doesn't.  They don't have an award ceremony but you learn to not expect it at this show.  I've been fortunate to have taken many awards at this show but this year I came up dry.  Winners know they'll be invited back next year and it's good to know that a year ahead of time.  Nice when you can do it.  

      The crowds were good this year.  Again, the buying was erratic but it wasn't for lack of traffic.  We saw work of all kinds being carried by our tent.  We did sell lots of small stuff but an occasional larger piece would go out of the booth.  So far this year it's been our best show.  

     The work at this show is on as high a level as anywhere and it's a pleasure to be surrounded by artists of this caliber.  Many years ago I was afraid to apply for it and we did the neighboring St. Stephens show instead.  It was a disaster for sales.  We took turns touring the Coconut show and were very impressed. The following year I applied and was accepted.  

     Be warned that unless you have a place to stay, this show can be very costly.  We had a corner spot and our booth fee was over a thousand.  Add parking, room, food, etc. and you can see how that adds up.  Once you're in, however, you have a shot at a good total.  It's worth taking the chance if you live in Florida.  If you're from out of state, however, and don't have any shows to go with it..  you may be taking a chance.  

       We have our fingers crossed for next year and hope they'll take us back.  One never knows.  

        Ann saw this picture on the way back from the Taco truck and had to practically drag me to the spot   

   Anyway, for those who stayed after getting hit by the storm, my congratulations.  The day turned out fine if a bit windy.  Although they were late, the crowds came.  Many artists who had a bad Saturday made up for it late Sunday and many people did significantly better on Sunday.   

     We had a good setup for the show.  We opted for the Thursday setup and it turned out to be relaxed and unhurried.  We were able to drive our vehicle right up to our spot with no crowding. 

    On Saturday the juror was interesting to watch.  He lost a little speed in the corners but made up for it in the straightaways.  He was good, though.  I was impressed with his choices.  Pardon me if I may have mentioned this in an earlier post.  My brain is still foggy from the show.      

     Crowds were good but our sales were disappointing for us.  Mostly little stuff.  Some of the artists, however, did quite well so that goes to show you that if you have what this crowd wants, they'll buy it.   

    This year the long-held tradition of the award ceremony was eliminated in favor of a private party that only the picked artists were invited to.  Not only that, but those artists who were picked were expected to pay forty bucks if they wanted to bring a spouse.  A major award winner had his three year old daughter and wife with him.  Since the party didn't start until an hour and a half after the show, he didn't choose to attend.  The artists who did attend didn't have time to shower and were in the presence of patrons dressed to the 9's.  Someone commented that it had the feel of a petting zoo.  The "premium food" consisted of hors d'oeuvres apparently meant for people who had already had their dinners.  I was told there was a roped off section for VIP's that the invited artists couldn't enter.  There was no ceremony announcing winners and when the artists arrived they found the pieces on display with the ribbons attached.  So much for recognition.   

     The original format for the award ceremony worked fine for the over thirty years since my first time in Gasparilla and there is no good reason not to reinstate it.  The shared enthusiasm for the winners when they step up to receive their awards from the juror enhances the experience and makes winning that much sweeter.   

  The original teardown plan was to bring in groups of vehicles at thirty minute intervals and each group would be expected to be out of there to make room for the next.  Good luck on that one.  As it turned out, they did not require vehicles to leave until loaded.  The vehicles in each group were dispersed enough so there was no uncontrolled crowding.  Since our assigned time was 8:30 we just started carting out.  It was no worse than the Disney teardown if you didn't mind the uphill part of the push.  

     All in all, I would return to this show if invited.  The award money is borderline surreal and they feed you well at breakfast and lunch.  Saturday night the artist tent provided food along with drink stronger than tea.  It doesn't hurt that we're close enough to commute.  

     Although the show has its weak points the organizers have proven themselves to be good listeners so be sure your comments, favorable and otherwise, get heard.  

    Again, congratulations to the hardcore artists who got blown away and came back for the finish.  You're an example for all of us.  

June 2 & 3
Deerfield, Illinois
Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts
Deerfield Road and Park Avenue
Presented by: Deerfield Fine Arts Commission & Village of Deerfield

Debbie Netter is proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the Deerfield Fine Arts Festival. Ms. Netter, President and founder of D & W, has 20+ years of organizing events and knows how to make it less stressful for everyone!

Held in town, busy city-like atmosphere
- Approximately 125 artists
- 10th year festival
- Median home price - $825,000

Top reasons to consider this show: (not in order of importance!)

1. Well run, organized and fun!
2. Attentive artist hospitality including booth sitters, hot and iced coffee both days, continental break fast both days, indoor restroom facilities, bottled water delivered to you frequently throughout the show, discounted hotel rates, overnight security
   
3. Booth fees for all shows remains at $300.00, and jury fee, $35.00. Larger booths and corners available for an additional fee
4. Wonderful attendance from a higher economic buying crowd
5. Advertising intrinsically placed to capture the high to middle economic crowd
6. Easy load in and out
7. Promoter who cares and will implement your suggestions
8. Apply easily on line through Entry Thingy
9. Smaller show means less artist competition
10. Juried and judged by industry professionals

What artists say about D & W Events, Inc.:

                                                          Photo by Ann Sargent

The Saturday night storm At the Gasparilla show took out a lot of booths.  Ann took the above photo.  From counting the empty spots at the front of the show on the concrete, my guess was that between thirty and forty booths were gone.  Almost all the artists who were on the concrete packed up and left or relocated their booths to another spot.  Many of them finished the show without a tent and with obvious empty areas on the walls, indicating that work was lost in the storm.  

    Rick Abrams was the first to go and he left Saturday during the show.  Rumor had it he wouldn't be invited back, but I spoke with a member of the board who said a staff member may have said that but it would not be a problem for Rick if he decides to come back next year.  The people in charge seemed as shocked as the artists when it came to the effects of the storm in the front part of the show.  

    By far the biggest area of the show is on the grass.  The further out toward the water you got, the lesser the storm effect.  There is a rapid ten foot dropoff in elevation as the grassy area slopes down from the concrete plaza.  The tents in those locations were not exposed to nearly the wind force as those at the highest elevation on the concrete.  The museum building itself gave significant shelter from the wind in the grassy part of the show.  Many of those who were assigned to the protected areas and had come in through the side entrance were shocked when they went to the front of the show and saw the damage.  It was as if there were two different shows.  

    My wife Ann was told by a staff member that his guess was the winds were at about a sustained 40mph with gusts up to about 55.  That was probably his best guess without using an anemometer.  

     The more unfortunate Gasparilla exhibitors weren't the only ones in the area who suffered.  Local news reports showed roofs torn off buildings, downed trees smashing cars, etc. in the Tampa area and elsewhere in the state.  News reports were scary and we were glad to have been spared the brunt of the storm's effects both at the show and at our Lakeland home.  We can't help but feel bad for the folks who suffered damage.  We've been through it ourselves and know what it's like to be hanging from your tent frame and feel your feet lifted off the ground as your whole exhibit starts going over.  

    As your career goes on, it's unsettling to realize that there are two kinds of full time artists; those who have experienced this kind of thing and those who are going to.  

High winds hit Howard Alan's Venice show hard overnight, as reported elsewhere by Barry Bernstein and Nels Johnson (with great contributions from others).   It didn't stop the show in Venice, though it made Sunday morning startup a bit complicated for some. 

The show was quite well attended both days (very warm and humid on Saturday). This town supports the heck out of this show in all weather--the "vibe" is more like a Rotary show than a big art festival. Although the pockets aren't deep, for the most part, if you have $30-40 items you can sell plenty of them. I haven't done this show in several years, and I was quite surprised to get visits from customers who bought from me not only here, but at a small, low-key show at the Venice Airport that I did in 2009 and 2010. It is one friendly crowd, for sure.

The weather front moved through just before dawn on Sunday morning.  I was unable to walk the show but show manager Helayne Stallings said that several tents were damaged.  One artist near me was trying to put the roof back on his tent as I arrived; high winds later on Sunday knocked over one sculpture right off the pedestal, shattering it all over Venice Avenue.  For the most part, damage was reported as minor. 

We probably caught a break, in that the winds were 20-30 mph from the NW, and the show is set up east-west, so the buildings helped to block them. There was a rumor circulating on Sunday that Helayne had authorized artists to leave if they wanted, so I tracked her down to check. 

It wasn't true, she explained, and told me about the only show she'd ever cancelled (I believe in Bloomington Hills, MI) about 15 years ago.  The weather cleared up after the call had been made, and she caught quite a bit of flak.

So the on-site show managers give a full report to Howard himself, and he  alone makes the call whether or not to cancel the show, she said. 

At any rate, the crowds continued to come (attendance and sales were even better on Sunday for most of the artists I spoke with at show's end-- quite surprisingly to me).

This show doesn't fly high on the radar screen, and my sales aren't what I get at Coconut Point and Naples by a long shot.  But it's a reliable paycheck, the 70-mile commute to my home is easy Interstate 75 driving, and I've always appreciated the warm welcome I get here. 
Nearly everyone I spoke with was happy or at least satisfied with their sales.  Or maybe, like me, they were just counting their blessings that they survived to show another weekend.  

 (Note: Haven't heard from anyone about Naples Mercato, which was cancelled on Day 2.  Anyone?)