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I read and reread all of the posts on Linda Shields' blog "If Jewelry is SUCH a COMPETITIVE arena...Why Don't Art Fairs Subdivide the Catagory?" with great interest.  It was quite thought provoking and encouraged me to do some soul searching and self-evaluating.

I began my life as a jewelry designer as a stringer and I'm proud of it!  My art or craft, if you prefer, has evolved and grown over the last few years.  I now include wire work - shaping, wrapping, hammering, crocheting, etc. I can make my own clasps, earwires, jump rings; but often choose not too. And I am looking forward to the time when I get out the torch and work with metal and/or glass.

I definitely related to Munks' musical references;  Phil Collins "I don't care anymore" and The Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get what you want"

I don't care if metalsmiths look down at me.  and I'm most likely not going to get into the BIG shows.  So for now, I will "love the one I'm with". 

Anyone who hasn't been successful in South Florida can not blame the weather.  This has been one of the most beautiful winters in years.  Sure we are in a drought but we're talking art festivals here and not farmers' crops or the sad state of our lawn.

Key Biscayne used to be a locally run show that is now run by Howard Alan.  He has improved the show, bringing in  better artists and more from out of town.  There are always artists there that I haven't seen anywhere else during the winter shows.  It is a smaller show, all the commercial booths are in one area away from the artists and it is in a straight line so you know where you have been and where you are going.  I didn't see a lot of bags and I did see a lot of lonely artists.  Some artists were surprised that what they perceived as a wealthy area had so few buyers.  I found one wonderful jeweler who made amazing pieces and bought a beautiful necklace from her.  Overall, I was a little disappointed in the show.  I felt no energy and I was there both days.  

Today was Islamorada's Island fest.  There is an art festival there as part of the festivities that included a car show, taste of Islamorada and lots of activities for the kids.  This is a show that you do because you deserve a weekend in Islamorada at the end of the Florida art festival season.  I cannot adequately explain or photograph what the water looks like from the festival area.  It is absolutely breathtaking.  There are boats anchored out in this little bay, people are splashing in the water, there are activities going on for the kids (I still regret not entering the hula hoop contest on the beach) and there is music but none of it is intrusive.  The art is on a wide road that leads me to believe that load in and out are fairly easy.  The quality this year was an improvement over last year but it is still very inconsistent.   There is a definite shortage of fine craft.  Regardless, if you want an excuse to go to the keys, want to spend some time in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and maybe make some money, this could be the festival for you.  (and don't forget the smoked fish dip contest, it is must eat)

Of course one of the most fun things about any festival is getting to meet fellow AFI'ers.  Today I got to see the beautiful work of Dawn Vertrees and meet  the wonderful artist who creates these pieces.  She is wonderful and so passionate about her work.  She explained the lost wax method of jewelry design and I finally understand it.  Overall, I think she had the best work at the festival.

So this is the end of my Florida festivals.  We head up north in a couple of weeks.  Atleast half of the car will be filled with my finds from this season.  I can't wait to add these to the collections already there.  

I remember it well.  It was Ocala, either 2007 or 2008.  It had rained all Friday, all Saturday, and sporadically on Sunday.  At about 4:00 on Sunday the sky turned black, the thunder started to rumble in the distance and it looked like it was going to get really nasty.  People started to break down and about 4:30 an army of vans started coming on the field.  The rules said you MUST wait for the go-ahead to bring your van on the field, no earlier than 5:30.  There was this poor volunteer attempting to stand in front of the vans coming on the field, waving her clipboard, and yelling “You’re not authorized to come on the field yet”.  And they just went around her.  I, being a good little do bee, waited until 5:30 to go and get my van and by that time I couldn’t get my van on the field, because everyone else was already there.  Guess who was the last person out of Ocala that year, breaking down alone in the dark?

Then there are two shows that come to mind immediately that have a setup time of 1:00PM on Friday.  Still being a good do bee, I show up at 1:00.  Half the show is already set up.  I can’t get a parking place anywhere near my spot and end up circling the block for 45 minutes to get a parking place at all.  The following year I show up at 11:00AM and setup is wonderfully easy.

What about those rules that usually work fine when enforced and put anyone who follows them at a disadvantage when not enforced?  What about those rules that must have been written by someone who has never done an art show?  When you have no one behind you do you spread out the back, not only with your stuff, but with your display area?  Do you put your print bin way out in front of your booth until someone tells you to move it?  Or do you put your print bin out in front in self defense because your neighbor has done it and everyone is making a wide circle around their display missing your booth entirely?

Where do you draw the line?

...and how do I feel?  A metaphorical picture says a thousand words:

Before Expo:

After Expo:

Same brush.  A #7 red sable filbert.  We both worked out tails off.  For those of you who have been wondering what in tarnation happened to me, I promise there will be full reports coming.  Once I park my watongus in the sand of Pensacola's Gulf beaches next week and have two margaritas in hand, I will have the full Expo digest.  But, in short, it has been the most productive three months of my young career as a full-time artist, I've met fellow artists who have become good friends, and I will be bawling my eyes out when I leave.  

I just got called off the wait list for the Columbus show.  I've never done it before and I'm wondering if anyone out there can give any advice.  What's a good spot to choose?  Is it worth the drive from IL?  I will really be squeezing this one in so I want to make an informed discussion so I don't regret it?  I know of course everyone's experiences are different, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

FOUR REASONS FOR YOU TO BE THERE:

• Artists love the One of a Kind Show because it is an unparalleled opportunity to sell to thousands of targeted affluent consumers who are ready to shop!     
• They understand the tremendous value in being a part of an established and respected show brand and presenting their work in a high quality, hard wall booth environment.         
• They appreciate the ease of show operations and the professionalism and attentiveness of show staff.         
• And they benefit from substantial show marketing and exceptional artist promotional opportunities.

I did the Best of the NW spring show in Seattle last weekend. It's held in an old air base hangar on Lake Washington, which is a funky and very "Seattle" location. It's put on by the Northwest Arts Alliance, an artists' organization that's been promoting this show for quite a few years. They also put on a large holiday show in November. They are great folks, and they work hard to get the word out. There were plenty of TV and radio spots leading up to the show. Set up was on Friday afternoon/Saturday morning, and load in and out is quite easy, just a short dolly into the building.

The turnout was good - steady to crowded most of both days. I had a steady stream of shoppers both days, with only a few lulls. Seattle art-festival-goers are a wonderful bunch - very curious, relaxed and friendly.  The promoters book great music - everything from jazz to zydeco - which puts everyone in a festive mood. There were just three food vendors, all very good. Overall, this should be the formula for a good show.

However, there was definitely budget-consciousness in the air - I don't think I've ever had so many people pick up a piece and ask questions about it, then walk away without it. I did sell a couple bigger pieces, which helped make it a profitable show for me. A couple booth neighbors did really well, which was encouraging and a pleasure to watch. Some others in my aisle didn't do so great. I imagine my sales were in the middle somewhere. I'm hoping as the year (and my sales technique) warms up, the buyers will relax a bit and sales will be better.

It did feel great to kick off the first show of the year in the Northwest. Overall, the show is worth a try if you are local and need an early Northwest Show to get the juices flowing.

Just wondering, no posts on either show.  I know two artists in mixed media who did Naples and made bipkes.  One totally zeroed.

I know we had members do each show.  How about ponying up with some info.  

 Hi Veryone, I am new to this website and I am new to the art fair world. I see that most of the really nice art festevals require a booth photo. I totally understand why. Since I have not yet set up at an art fair the first thing I was wondering is... would they accept a photo of my booth set up in my yard the way it would be set up at the festival, all art hung, bins, lights and everything?

  Second, can you give me any advice about little issues that they pick out that would destroy my chance at getting in? I have a light dome tent, black mesh walls, professional print bins, to sets of halogen track lighting , indoor/outdoor carpet for floor,banner, and of course the paintings and prints. I will post a photo as soon as I can. I see some people don't like tables and it seems they might be looking for a portable mini gallery look. IS this right? I just would hate to have some little something wrong and not get accepted because of me being uninformed.

                ALSO , All the art festivals I have been checking out say nothing about not showing pieces with nudity in them. I have several pieces that do have women's breast in them that I would love to show. What is the rule of thumb about this?Thx Leslie

Coming to you from the folks at www.ArtFairCalendar.com, www.ArtFairInsiders.com, www.CallsforArtists.com the website you have been asking for:

www.ArtShowReviews.com

a website that reviews art fairs, accessible to all and free!

The new site is a place where you can quickly upload your comments about shows you have participated in in the last two years and where you can read what others have to say. The site has been in construction since last summer and friends of ours have been invited to get it started and through the beta process.
 
Many thanks to those who helped us out placing the initial reviews, including Ginny Herzog, Michael Wommack, R.C. Fulwiler, Nels Johnson, Stephanie Nadolski, Char terBeest Kudla, Oscar Matos Linares, Amy Flynn, Phil Crone, Geoff Coe, Mark Zurek, Patrick Whalen, Stephanie Bailey, Barbara Umbel, Alison Armstrong and many more.
 
What you will like about it: 

• good organization and search capability 
• plus a quick and easy place to leave your comments about your shows
• a timely spot to get info from your fellow artists

This is our first general announcement to the art fair community.  This is a tool for all of us. Even though it has not been formally announced the number of page views is amazing, telling us even more that this is something artists want.    

This site will only be as useful as you make it. Comment now and comment often!

Visit now: www.ArtShowReviews.com
 
P.S. It is not meant to be a replacement for the show reports on ArtFairInsiders.com, but only a place to make a few comments that will be helpful to others, a quick reference site. If you have just a few minutes stop in and share your experiences.

P.P.S. We'll be sending out "Red Dots" to everyone who places a review on ArtShowReviews.com in the month of March. Hurry!

More details: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/afi-presents-the-new-red-dot
 
I'm looking forward to seeing spots as I travel! 
 
Send us your photos with your red dots and we'll upload them to the Red Dot page.
 

"The important fact is that you must act like a winner and look like a winner.  This means no sloppy tee-shirts.  Dress for success, your customers measure your success by how you present yourself."

     Nels Johnson..  photographer

Before you instantly think, "Oh that Nels has had one too many tequilas again, hear me out on this one."

Last time I checked, we had 4710 members on this site.  When I joined I was about number 300, which is maybe how many people I might know out there on the circuit after doing this business for 36 years--making a profit every year, thru three recessions.  So hear me out, especially you newbies--you might learn something.

The biggest difference I still see after all these years is how some artists are so successful, and yet they are not necessarily the best in their medium (of course the real geniuses always succeed, sometimes in spite of themselves.)

Example.  Last week at Englewood, a small show in southwest Florida, I made a good paycheck by working everybody that came into my booth.  Across from me was an artist who sat in their booth, behind a table, rarely greeted anybody who came in, sat with their shoulders down-turned and looked defeated to all who saw them.   That artist barely made their booth fee.  I made a great paycheck out of a very small show.

The point of all this is you have to recognize that your presence as a creator of your work is equally important to the work itself.  Sounds so simple, yet I see so many deserving artists fail all the time because they won't interject themselves into the work.

Years ago, their was an aclaimed black and white photographer, from Florida, who used to win awards, if the right judge showed up.  But, if he did not win, and even if he did win, he used to sit in the back of his booth , with his back to people coming in.  What a turn-off.  Gee, he never lasted very long.

I try to greet most people who come into my booth with a simple greeting that lets them know it is ME who does this work, not some magic elf.

Lots of time I will say, "Welcome to my world of color."( I do tropical and humorous photography,with lots of line and color.).  Othetimes I will say, "Hey how ya doing, this my work, let me know if I can help ya."  Other times  will say, "Yeah, I am the guy, ask away."

If somebody asks, as they mostly do, "How are doing?"  I always reply, " I am having a great day."  Never less than that.  When somebody expresses a real interest in a piece, I try to enfuse a bit of humour.  I might say," Well, when you buy that one, it will help pay off my sushi bill from last night."

When I bring a new piece out for the first time and somebody is really interested, i will say," You know you will be the first one, my mother doesn't even own this one."

These are all easy ways to establish a rapport with your potential buyer.

The important fact is that you must act like a winner and look like a winner.  This means no sloppy tee-shirts.  Dress for success, your customers measure your success by how you present yourself.

When people try to get you down on the price, look them right in the eye and say, "Honey this is one of my best selling pieces, I sell these all day."  A small close goes like this, "Cash talks, plastic walks."

People measure your art by how you present and how you represent it.  So, always put your best foot forward.  You will always come out a winner.

By the way, photography is my third profession that I took up at age 30.  I have always been in sales and always made a buck.

When I was 8 years old I use to take holly wreathes downtown to St. Pete at Christmas and sell them, this was the 50's and I would come home with $25 for the day--that was a lot of bread the.  I had a paper route for three years, after I had polio, and I made $100 just in tips off a 75 customer route--why, because they loved me, I projected a personae.

Just remember, you are as important as your work.  If you project success, you will get success.  Even in these times when we are 40% off our usual sales.

By the way, I am 25% ahead of this time last year, and I didn't get in Winter Park, Coconut Grove or Naples.  

Greetings from Florida and the Englewood Fine Arts Festival. This show is held annually just off the corner of Dearborn and Mango in downtown Englewood, Florida and put on by the local rotary club. The weather was a close to perfect but maybe a little warm for some. The show hours are great – both Saturday and Sunday were from 10-4. Set up was a breeze. One could drive right to their booth and unload and a number of booths, including mine, allowed the artists to park right behind their booth. Ditto for the tear down. Nice.

Saturday was packed, it reminded me of salmon swimming upstream in the pacific northwest. Sunday was lighter but ended up being my better of the two days. All in all I did over 10 times my booth fee so I was happy. I also noticed a number of purchases walking by my location, the potter close to me appeared to do well, and I spoke to one painter friend and she had done well. There was a copper flowery-type booth down from me that had items starting at a buck and running to around a 100 for a wall piece that was about three foot across by a foot tall and folks were hauling stuff out of there by the wheel barrel full.

There were about 100 booths and were lined on both sides down Dearborn street. Most were pretty decent quality with a few suspects booths. But hey, isn't there always anymore. I met Nels Johnson down the way and shared a few showisms, and then back to work.

The rotarians had some free beer and wine along with snacks Saturday after the show. The beer was cold and much appreciated after a warm day. The rotary announced that they had estimated 5,000 in attendance, and this came from their collecting a buck from people walking in. The crowd was string from about 9:30 in the morning until about 3 in the afternoon. Lots of folks looking and taking measurements in my booth, I have larger recycled metal sculpture pieces, and they came back and bought on Sunday.

Yes, I just received a surprising email that said my jury totals weren't high enough for me to be asked to attend a show. It also said: "We had almost 300 applicants this year and the competition was tough. We choose jurors who have expertise in craft and design but as all artists know, you never know what they're going to like from year to year."

I'm not here to whine. That's not me.

Let's find a creative solution for these Jurors.

1) I am sure they want our entrance fees. Do this by dividing "Jewelry" into the categories it deserves.

After all, photography and oil painting both result in images to hang on the wall, albeit by differrent routes.

THEY ARE seperate CATEGORIES!

Why should Metal Clay and Wire Work, although they may both hang around the neck, be lumped into ONE category????

2) Any good executive could find more space to meet the need.

3) Saying that you can only have "x" amount of jewelry artisans in a show is not a natural law of the unniverse. Change.

4) Find Jurors more in tune with the new processes of jewelry.

Any Jurors out there?

Fight my logic....make my day....LOL

I am trying to decide whether or not to apply/or go to it.  We have a place in southern Colorado but our van is getting old.........

Re: Palm Springs show. I also did one of the three "Palm Springs" shows, the one in February which was billed as the "Classic" suggesting that it has been around for a while and is well received and sought after. Not so, Although Amado Pena (a well known artist in the southwest) was at the show as a favor to the show promoter the show did not deliver. First, it was not IN Palm Springs but rather in or on the border with Cathedral City near the corner with the Palm Springs Airport. The "venue" was an old drive-in theatre that had been paved over and was variously used as a flea market at times and before we (the artists) arrived was just being cleaned up from the Circus and camel poop which was supposed to have been gone by Tuesday, this being Thursday, we had to wait for them to haul out the Semi's. The show staff, as previously reported in another Blog post, were very gracious and tried to be helpful for various reasons. Thursday night it rained as well as Friday night so there was some standing water on the festival grounds. Brooms came out and the water was swept from the tents to other regions. (As an aside, one artist with beautiful glass pieces had her plastic covered cardboard pedestals out over night and when they put their work back out the next morning...leaning towers and broken glass, it was heartbreaking for her and to see it as well.) the staff quickly helped out with the cleanup. Second, although the show was well advertised in several venues, we found out later, when someone we had met at our hotel tried to find us he was directed to another show that WAS happening in downtown Palm Springs! Obviously, this other show having been well established for many years by another promoter on the very same Presidents Day Weekend. What were they thinking? Artists do talk and there were various rumors about the clash. The show promoter said that this other show had, at the last minute, rescheduled for the President's weekend. Who to believe? Out of curiosity we went downtown to try to catch this other "rogue" show, it had closed an hour earlier but there were still some artists hanging around that we talked to. The most gracious of the two, a ceramic artist, said that this Downtown show had been around for a long time and that the promoter was very easy to get along with, etc., etc. and that we should look into it. Judging from some other written reviews I've read about it, I'm not so sure...but that is another story. Third, visitation?  The show ran from Friday-Sunday, who does a holiday weekend show and begins it on a Friday when the holiday goes into Monday? The "crowds" did not show up on Friday, okay, that can be written off as a work day...the crowds did not show up en masse on Saturday or Sunday...by the end of it I was ready to have T-shirts made up with "I survived the Palm Springs "Classic"" and sell them to the other artists, I could've cleaned up, or at least made more than the sales from art that I was expecting! At least one "artist" (another story) left by the end of Friday, goodby! The rest of us stuck it out till the bitter end as our values suggest "you put your money down, you takes your chances".

The set up for the show really was well considered. As the space was big the tents were in quads so everyone had a corner booth for no extra money! Plenty of nearby parking. For the most part the artists chosen for the show were of really good quality so it wasn't as if there were just "rubber reptiles" there ( my euphemism for a really bad show). Although I could count 35 empty spaces which gave the place a feeling of an art show ghost town. A few were reportedly held hostage by a big snow storm in Tahoe. The rest I suspect had participated in the other two shows and cut their losses. There was plenty of water and snacks all weekend long, for the most part the weather cooperated, they did the right things but might reconsider where and when they have their shows. All in all, an experience I will remember but unfortunately not for the best of reasons, except for maybe the beauty of the snow topping the nearby mountains Saturday morning!

September 2-5
Royal Oak, Michigan
Downtown Streets

175 Artists
Deadline: April 12
 
If you are looking for a festival held in the heart of an affluent neighborhood that is embraced by its residents (attendance 250,000+), that has a #4 rating for fine art sales (AFSB 2010) and excels at hospitality then apply today!                                                                         Happy buyers at Arts, Beats & Eats
 
If you remember the excitement surrounding this event in its early years with its wall-to-wall coverage in the media and the citizens of affluent Oakland County flooding in to enjoy the fine art, the elegant restaurants and both the nationally known and homegrown music on the stages then you will want to be part of this renaissance as Arts, Beats & Eats positions itself as THE cultural destination on Labor Day weekend for metro Detroit. -- Whoops! That is what we said last year!

                                                                 You will not be alone at this show

Guess what? It came true! Metro Detroiters were more than ready to embrace this popular event again in its new location. The Sunday attendance was so overwhelming that we had to close the gates to any newcomers twice!
 
What the artists said:
 
Congratulations! We don't know how to thank you for pulling it all off so perfectly. (Our only complaint is that it's only once a year). It was the best show we've done in the last ten years! You guys ROCK! - Carl Lundgren
 
Michael and I would like to personally THANK YOU for AB$E this year...I purposely put a $ sign in ab&e...because thanks to that show...we ended up with our best year ever financially....our gross was stunning - Sara & Michael Stephens
 
Our promotion is considered among the best of art festivals nationwide. You cannot be in the metropolitan Detroit area on Labor Day weekend without seeing specials about the arts activities on television, hearing artists' interviews on the radio stations and seeing comprehensive feature articles in the press, directed solely to the juried fine arts show.

                                                                                            Our fabulous PR team
Artist Amenities:
    •    On-site and overnight security provided
    •    Vehicle unloading and loading at booth
    •    Individual artist electricity (included in booth fee)
    •    booth sitters & happy volunteers
    •    food tickets
    •    $7500 in artist awards

                                                                                           
Ready to be part of a legend?

Buyers of all ages

Apply today: www.juriedartservices.com
For more info: www.artsbeatseats.com

   Questions? lisa@artsbeatseats.com   or  connie@artfaircalendar.com

Sanibel Island is a beautiful place to visit: semi-secluded, free of big-box retailers, and filled with seasonal residents vacationers who (mostly) have deep pockets. 

The good folks of the SanCap Lions have been putting on this event at the Sanibel Community Center for over two decades, and it's been a staple for artists, crafters  and vendors (yes, vendors) who have built a repeat market for their work.  But as one long-time artist said to me as we unzipped the flaps on Day 2, "The hell of this show is that when the weather's good, the attendance sucks and we're pretty much screwed."  Which turned out to be pretty much true. The weather was a bit toasty for a show but Chamber-of-Commerce brilliant for the beach, with the result that although some exhibitors eked out decent sales, many were shaking their heads at the slim crowds (somewhere in the 2,000 range, we reckoned), hot temperatures, and dusty environs.

This was an unusual Friday-Saturday show, with setup on Thursday between 10 and 8 PM.  You were asked to drive in, unload, park, and then return to set up.  But by the time I arrived around 5 PM, many exhibitors had set up and left, so I could pull right in next to my space and park until I was done.  Easy.  You could also set up between 6 and 8 on Friday morning if you preferred.

The show's a bit unusual in that some indoor exhibitor spaces are available, too.  Although it's a bit cramped, the air conditioning works blissfully well, and you're within a few feet of the, um, facilities.  Though you'd probably want to bring your own lighting.

The show opened at 9 AM each day, which I unfortunately forgot about, so I was a bit unprepared when the gates opened and I had yet to put out my browse bins.  But it didn't matter much:  Friday's crowds were light, and after a bit of buying energy in the morning, the mercury rose, the overcast skies yielded to a bright sun, and crowds quickly disappeared. Saturday was more of the same, though without the early-morning burst of sales.  Most exhibitors I spoke with said they did better on Day 1.  Although my visitor and buying customer counts both dwindled on Day 2, I had several "be backs" and moved enough large pieces to eke out a decent sales total.  Being local (and having had 3/4 of my booth fee comped thanks to last year's award) my expenses were minimal, and that made it an OK show for the bottom line. 

One tip:  Sanibel homeowners and vacationers tend to rent by the month, and this is an end-of-the-month show.  So make sure to have shipping options available.  It'll save you some sales!

The quality of work, and mix of exhibitors, was not first class.  2-D artists were mostly purveyors of "island art": fun, appealing to a vacation/island crowd, and certainly appropriate to the venue.  There was a very high percentage of jewelers, and many were excellent: this is a great market for them.  And there was lots of manufactured buy-sell: personalized ankle bracelets, sloganed t-shrts, and art-on-a-stick. 

There were also awards:  my neighbor Gloria McAndrews, of Tennessee, won Best of Show and a $350 check for her beautiful yarn wall hangings.  Gloria has had pieces accepted by the Smithsonian Museum's Renwick Gallery, and she and her husband Jim are deserving, delightful people and know how to run a business.  Other awardees received no checks, only varying discounts on 2012 booth fees, should they choose to apply. 

The load-out was pretty much an every-artist-for themselves affair, as the Lions quickly scattered not long after the show closed.  Which is too bad:  The 4:30 PM close meant that artists were attempting a left-hand turn into the show site into the teeth of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the two-lane road.  Yes, drivers on the island tend to slow down and give you a break, but there is an endless stream of bikers and pedestrians on the adjacent bike path who aren't paying any attention. It would have been nice had the Lions either manned the entrance or had the Sanibel police do so (as the San-Cap Rotary did at their show last month). I ended up playing traffic cop for 20 minutes after the aforementioned sloganed t-shirt artist cluelessly pulled her van next to her tent and blocked other artists who were trying to leave. 

This is a great show to do if you've already been doing it and you've got a clientele.  It's not a show I'd travel any distance to attend.  Or if I were a fine artist.  Or if I needed back-space for inventory.  Or if I had work that I wasn't willing to spend a day cleaning of sand and dust.  Bottom line, I'd rather have been in Naples.  And God (and the jury--hmm, is there a difference?) willing, that's where I'll be instead next year.

Just wanted to say I had a very interesting experience in Scottsdale, AZ just a week ago.   As I am about to set this up, I want to quick mention that this post is geared for those who sell both at art fairs as well as art galleries - say in the same time too.  But this may be entertaining to all those who don't fit into that category...  Now onto the set up...

It was my first time in AZ, mind you, with my husband.  I went because I wanted to experience the Grand Canyon, see Scottsdale (my mom's favorite place to visit), spend time with an old high school friend, check out the AZ Ren-fest (I have friends who work there and have a podcast hobby where I go to ren-faires and report on the experience I have there for other Rennies), and of course see what the art is like in and around Phoenix.  Mind you I am an East Coast gal from Baltimore.  I must reiterate - it is a pleasure trip, not having a show to do and kick back a few days while I was in the area.    An actual vacation which also happened to be  affordable as I stayed with friends (my friend from high school and his wife) who insisted on driving us everywhere (God bless old friends!!!). 

One of the many memorable places I got to visit while in AZ was Old towne Scottsdale.  Now I missed the Art in the Park Festival (not sure if that is what it was called), but City Fest. was going to happen the next day - if that means anything to anyone.  I have to say I felt like a fish out of water - granted most of the people there were 25+ my age.  I walked around some streets of Old Town with a real hunger to check out the galleries (the food was great too).   I wanted to know what was being displayed.  Was it all Southwest themed with Native American work or broader, tapping into some unique modern/contemporary art forms? The first gallery I entered was where I got my shock.  The gallery owner was a major A__hole.  The gallery, nice with plenty of Native American pottery and paintings.  However, I was followed the whole time by the gallery owner who BOASTED how he was the owner of the gallery for 25 years and NEVER forgets a face as he runs it by himself and never has taken a day off.  My friend from high school, who happens to be wheel chair bound - since childhood - in a motorized scooter, did not have a problem maneuvering around the busy displayed gallery, but the gallery owner was quite the vulture talking to us the whole time, trying to get my friend to use a different exit and tried to move  things around him (like paintings that were on the ground leaning up against a display) when it wasn't necessary.    I didn't know if I should stay in the gallery to piss the guy off or get out of there as quick as possible as I couldn't take the mightier than thou attitude.  My friend shrugs it off as - "that's gallery people for you", I said I have never been in a gallery where it is their point to watch every customer like a hawk, making them think they will damage property at every turn and not for any good reasons such as being anxious to help you at a moments notice with questions.  Where was the customer service there?  And for those who have never been this this huge gallery area, there must be 50 galleries - at least - vying for customers.   A lot of heavy competition in a not-so-bustling economy.  Which makes me think long and hard, why be a jerk and make customers feel like strangers and extremely uncomfortable?   I was glad first impressions didn't ruin the whole gallery walk as another one two doors down happened to be spacious and well organized specializing in Native American work.  The breath of fresh air is that this gallery owner was eager to please having public handicap accessible restrooms, friendly in that the owner mentioned a piece or two but backed off AND had a guest artist that day in the gallery demonstrating!  Night and day difference! Others offered refreshments like lemon water, friendly chit chat, and pieces of history about the area or the gallery OR the artists.

First question....  As artists, when entering a gallery just to look or purchase something, have you had similar weird vibes and said something?  I was tempted being an artist, but really felt it wasn't my place as some I just don't think you can get through to them.

Second question...  For those who sell both at art fairs and galleries - If you happen to do an art fair in or near the same town as a gallery that houses your work, do you make it a point to visit that gallery (as a secret shopper or not) and even promote it when at the show?  Or not?

Third and final question...  Also for those who sell both at art fairs and galleries.  Do you have struggles with gallery owners with their "attitude" in how they do business say over the phone coming across as nice and peachy, yet in person or with customers they are quite different?  When it comes to pricing your work do you have issues with gallery owners especially if you are selling at an art fair in town? 

Sorry for all the questions, but I haven't really seen this discussed much on here - granted it is artfairinsiders.com .  - Michelle, www.bythebaybotanicals.com