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You can travel 'cross this entire land.There ain't no place like Birmingham. That's from a Randy Newman song.

I haven't written a review in a long time, but, I have a week before I get to Greenville SC for Artisphere. I'm sitting in a coffee shop on  the border of Georgia and South Carolina in Lavonia Georgia, population 2600.

I just did the Magic City Arts Festival. I had never been to this show before, so, I didn't know what to expect. If fact, I have never been to Birmingham. Hell, I had never been to Alabama except once passing through on the way back from Florida. They used to make steel here and the show was on the grounds of an old steel mill, the Sloss Foundry, that they turned into a museum of sorts. One look and I was thinking that I made a big mistake coming here. It's not the most picturesque place for an art fair. It's in the middle of industrial buildings and manufacturing businesses. I was thinking "who would come here." Trains ran in two directions constantly and you couldn't talk to anyone when they were running or worse when they would blow their whistle. The warning sound of oncoming trains at the train crossing pinged nonstop. It only took 5 minutes to start driving me crazy. I set up anyway. Once I pay my booth fee, I will do the show. I'm too cheap to blow off the booth fee.

The show was in 3 sections. There was an "exclusive" section that had a special jury. Those booths were $215 more for some reason. I was in the yellow section which was next to the exclusive section. I saw no difference. In fact, I think the yellow section was better than the more expensive booths. They did get a certain amount of hype and those people in that section said that they usually sell more, maybe because they are promoted better. There was a third section, the blue section, that was seperated from the other two. I feel sorry for those people who got stuck there. It was a ways away from where we were. I think people just got to the end of the yellow section, turned around, and went home. People had to pass my booth on the way in and on the way out. Except for the constantly moving trains, I liked where I was. To be fair, because of COVID, they moved the show here from downtown. They hadn't worked out the kinks. The director did say they would eliminate the blue section next year.

Booths were spaced out with 6 feet in between booths. I noticed there were a lot of cheap EZ Up tents with inadequate weights. I think they let in a lot of locals who did this as a hobby probably because not a whole lot of professional artists were there.

The crowd was sparse. They charged a $12 gate fee. Usually not a good sign. However, people who came, came to buy. I had a really good show. It was better than any of the Florida shows I did this year. I did twice what I thought I would do. I was just hoping to pay for the trip, which includes Artisphere, which is maybe the second best show in the country next to Main Street Fort Worth. I more than doubled what I expected. Everyone I talked to had a good show. Most were surprised. I didn't talk to anyone in the blue section. I was afraid of their answer.

It was supposed to rain on Saturday. It only rained all Friday night and stopped at 8 AM Saturday. Perfect timing. It was a three day event and I sold about the same every day. At 5 PM Saturday, just before the end of the day, a huge storm came in that lasted only 15 minutes. About 25 of those EZ Ups and those Euromax tents went down. The booth next to mine flew into my walls and knocked over a couple of pieces. Only one got destroyed. The weather was worse in that blue section. If I had been there you would still see the steam coming out of my ears. I'd be asking for my money back. I wonder if ACT paid those people who buy their full insurance got replacement value for their damaged booths? If someone dealt with them and sees this I wish they would report on their experience. I always wonder if they really pay off or it's just a scam. They did do a podcast here extolling the virtues of their insurance. I've certainly given them money over time.

I'll probably go back next year unless I don't get into Artisphere. Usually it's the same weekend as Oklahoma City. So we'll see.

I decided to go bold again, like the old days. (Talking type style)

This show was last weekend, it is held at a county park about 10 miles north of downtown Melbourne.

It used to be right downtown until they moved to this park.

Frankly the old location was far better, it brought a better class of patrons, a lot of them from the beach.

But it is now going to be here at the park.  They squeezed 200 plus booths around a lake.  It is a pretty setting with nice grass and trees. It is a long walk for patrons plus they have to park a ways from the show.

In spite of that, they came in copious numbers and bought, and bought all day long on Saturday.

Sunday, a heavy storm dumped tons of water on our canopy’s around 1pm.

It lasted almost an hour, and drove the crowd away, many did not return after the storm ended around 2pm.

The storm also created streams and lakes that flooded many booths.

Still, most artists had killer sales at the show. I was not one of them.

Let me tell you about demographics of theMelbourne show.

This show is held northwest of downtown.  It attracts a lot of retirees who do not buy much and when they do, it is mostly Lowend.

It attracts a younger crowd and they buy, mostly conservatively and mostly beach stuff.

If you are doing seascapes, palm trees, birds, fish, mermaids, etc. you can kill here, especially if you are priced low.

My neighbor did mixed media collages, all like the above mentioned.  She sold nonstop all two days long.

Along the Atlantic coast from Daytona to Melbourne they love beach stuff.  It rules the day.

Sadly, fine original art goes unnoticed. Very few buyers.

When it was downtown I always did good, it was a steady $3-5K show.

Now, I cannot even break $1500.

I have done this show over 20 times, but it is time to give it up.

Luckily, I have the Winter Park show coming in three more weekends.

Hopefully it will be a winner.

Later Gators.

I've always had the capabilities of scanning 35mm slides for artists. Now with the purchase of a transparency adapter for my tabloid scanner I can scan film up to 8x10. I have four scanners and can scan all film sizes, positive or negative film. 35mm, medium format, 4x5 and 8x10. Or any size prints or artwork. If you are interested, give me a call at 412-401-8100 with quantity and size film and I'll give you a quote. All scanning includes color correction and formatting for whatever your needs are. If you're in the Pittsburgh area, after the initial scanning, you are welcome to sit with me at the computer while I color correct and crop your images.

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

I was about to fire off an email off to a promoter, but then it occurred to me that these are really questions that all promoters need to answer for all of us given the current situation:

1. Will the show staff, artists and crafters be required to be vaccinated?
2. Will masks be required?
3. Will the show be capacity limited?  If so, by how much?
4. Will the booths be spaced 6’ apart in all directions?
5. Will temperature checks be required for entry?
6. How can I be confident that the promoter will not do a “Sugarloaf” and declare bankruptcy after collecting booth fees?
7. Does the promoter have all of the permissions and signed contracts necessary to hold the fair, or is he or she speculating that they will be finalized sometime before the date of the fair?

Can you think of any additions to the list?

SQUARE SCAM: I got an email this morning about a Square disputed sale and "they" had contacted "my bank" . I don't use square and return email, was fishy. Beware.

Will there be art fairs? 

Show directors continue to watch the signs and making ongoing plans just in case but ...

Here is some encouraging info:

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff in St. Joseph, MI ...

The 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff will look a bit different than in the past due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Krasl Art Center executive director Julia ... more info

In Connecticut:

• June 26-27, in Mathews Park, West Ave., Norwalk. This two-day juried art show will include live music and food for purchase. Admission is free. The Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum will give mini tours for $5 throughout the weekend. For information, visit https://www.gordonfinearts.org/norwalk-art-festival.
• Aug. 14-15, Mystic. This two-day juried art show showcases over 230 with more than two miles of arts and crafts including oils, watercolors, photographs, pastels, sculpture, woodwork, comics, acrylics and more. There’s also a children’s art park with games and crafts. Admission is free. For information, visit mysticchamber.org/mystic-events-calendar/mystic-outdoor-art-festival.

Winter Park, FL, takes a chance on a May date:

With the start of festival season quickly approaching, you need to start preparing in order to make the most of every art event you attend this season. 2020 put a damper on our spring and summer markets, so you can bet the turn out for this year’s season is going to be great. You don’t want to miss out, and is here with some info on liability insurance and a few tips to help you make the best of 2021’s art festival season.

TIP #1: UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

Is your contact information up to date? Have you checked to make sure your phone number and email are listed correctly online and on your business cards?

You’ll want to spend some time updating your information if anything has recently changed. If nothing has changed, be sure to proofread any new business cards or signage you’ll be using for the 2021 market season. You want your customers to be able to find your website and online store info as easily as possible.

TIP #2: STOCK YOUR INVENTORY

We’ve all had plenty of time to create and think of ideas for new products. Now is the time to make sure your signature pieces are fully stocked and prepped for your first show.

Most seasoned crafters and artists suggest you carry enough inventory to sell at least 8-10 times. the vendor fee. So if a show costs you $40 to get into, consider carrying anywhere from $360-$400 in merchandise. You know your business best, though. Maybe try looking at past sales from shows you attended a few seasons ago to see how much you sold and base your show inventory off that.

TIP #3: CREATE NEW SIGNAGE

New year, new business signage! Try amping up your signage by designing something new for your booth. Whether you want to create socially-conscious signs that remind people to be mindful of space or have a new color theme you want to use, new signage is the way to go.

You can usually design something online yourself or contact your local graphics or even UPS or FedEx store for help.

TIP #4: REARRANGE YOUR DISPLAY

In creating new signage for your booth you might also look into rearranging your booth display. If you’re currently keeping things basic and only using a few tables and tablecloths to display your products to the public here are a few ideas to step things up:

• Using shelves to elevate products
• Organizing items with storage cubes
• Try displaying larger art with table easels
• Hang items with clips and racks

TIP #5: FILL OUT APPLICATION FORMS

Have you signed up for the shows you know will start soon? You’ll need to fill out your exhibitor forms correctly in order to avoid any application mishaps that could result in your business not getting into the events you've chosen.

Be sure to read through your forms a few times and list accurate, up-to-date information. For the best outcome check to see if your show has an online application to avoid any complication.

TIP #6: GET INSURED

When filling out your forms and applications, you may realize you’re asked for proof of artist liability insurance. Event shows and promoters may even ask you to list them as an additional insured on your policy. Wherever you’re unsure in getting the right coverage or paperwork, ACT Insurance can help!

ACT Insurance offers artists, crafters, and tradesmen liability insurance that can protect you against financial loss associated with liability claims that arise out of your booth operations at a market, fair, or festival. Show policies start at $49 and you can also purchase annual policies starting at $265.

To learn more or get covered, visit ACT Insurance. today.

I'm selling my 10' x 10' SlimLine tent with awning (7' height), 9 ProPanels (oatmeal), matching ProPanel print rack, and director's chair because I'm moving to New York. Also including hanging hardware and floor rug. Asking $1,200 for all. I'm in Kansas City MO. 

Selling Tensador II, T-155G+ Pneumatic canvas stretcher. up to 60" wide capacity. Hardly used. $1,500 firm. Price includes long-nose staple gun, air hoses, and pounds of staples. Pickup only. Lakeland, FL. if you are doing the Mayfaire, May 8 & 9, we live 2 miles away from the show.

Also selling large clear 4 mil bags. Have 3 unopened packs of 24"x30", 50 each, selling for $35 /pack. Also have 14 loose unused 20"x30" 4mil bags, $ .75 each. Have two 24"x60" 4mil bags, $ .80 each.

In Clearbags for unframed work, have 17"x27" and 14"x25, 100 bags each. $20/100.

Call Bill 813-714-3614 or Ann 813-714-3616

During the COVID lockdown, when we weren't doing art shows, i had time to write a memoir about my year (1961-62) as a governess in a castle in Bavaria for a Count and Countess and their 5 kids. it's now out on Amazon, and i also have author copies if you want to order one personally inscribed. i could even deliver your copy at the Mayfaire here in Lakeland, May 8 & 9! Here's the link (it allows you to read the first few chapters to see if you like it). 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W7R1LMS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=american+governess&qid=1613084082&s=books&sr=1-1

I'm finally putting away my pliers, wire cutters, etc. and am selling all of my accumulation of stones, beads, chain, leather components, findings (both precious metal and base metal) and much too much to list here. I have been providing jewelry to high-end boutiques and some galleries for many years and reached an age where my eyes are not willing to continue. I know it's difficult during this crazy COVID period with hardly any gem shows and I certainly miss going to the Tucson shows which I have attended for 20 years.  So I hope to find fellow jewelers who need and want much of the inventory of raw materials that I have at very low pricing and we can both benefit. Please just email me and I can provide more information and photos.