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St Louis Art Fair

Posted by Bert Herrera on September 13, 2010 at 8:07pm

Show takes place on the streets of downtown Clayton, a suburb of St Louis. Set up is Friday starting at 11AM. Show is set up on two parallel streets and one cross street. Artists are set up down the middle, back to back. We have about 3 feet on the sides and in the rear, a very comfortable set up. No bad spots, as the customers walk the whole show. Total number of artists is about 170. Competition for this show is fierce, and the quality of the art is truly amazing. At the awards breakfast Sunday, we heard they received over 1500 apps for the 150 available spots. Award winners are automatic ins. Show runs Friday 5-10PM, Sat 10-10, and Sunday 11-4.

The remains of Hermine threatened on Friday, but all we had was some misting Friday night. Saturday was cloudy, but the sun came out for good by 2PM, and the rest of the weekend was beautiful.

This is one of those shows you feel you've won the lottery when you get accepted. Organization is top notch, the public really appreciates the artists being there, and there's usually a lot of good buying energy from the crowd.

So how was it? For me, I was down about 1/3 from last year, and I heard this from a couple of other artists as well. But very respectable numbers, in any case. The difference, for me, at least, was that last year I sold 16 framed pieces, while this year, it was only 5. But, the artist behind me, with great mixed media work, nearly sold out. She went home with only 2 pieces left in her booth. Neighbor on another side sold a large piece late Sunday, but I don't think did much otherwise. I did much better in the evenings than in the daytime. Night crowds are very lively and energetic.

Overall, though sales may have been down some, a great show to do! Now, what are the chances I can make it 3 years in a row??? Hey, I can dream, can't I?

A sloppy, wet day at Penrod 2010

Posted by Christine Heisler on September 13, 2010 at 3:29pm

After hearing great reports about last year's Penrod show, I was thrilled to be admitted this year- the first time I applied to it. But wouldn't you just know that Indiana has been parched dry as a bone for 7 straight weeks, and the heavens opened the floodgates Saturday morning? The crowds simply never arrived, even when the sun came out in the afternoon. Sunday and Monday have been beautiful again.

All in all, I heard a tremendous amount of grumbling about sales being off, and the observation was that no one was seen carrying around bags for purchases and goodies- not even food. On the plus side, one of my customers said the parking was great for a change because there wasn't anyone there!

Personally, I would have been more than satisfied with my sales if it had been a small, inexpensive show, but for Penrod, they were pretty miserable. But I fared way better than my neighbor who didn't even cover her entry fee.

The volunteers looked like they were working hard, and my husband and I were really happy a couple of times to hitch a ride on one of the golf carts they zoom around on. If you've never been to the IMA grounds, they are not only beautiful, they are enormous, and exhibitor parking is a couple miles from your booth location, no matter which section you're in. There are shuttle buses, but I never saw one when I needed it.

I'll probably try again next year, just like Pollyanna. It can't get rained out 2 years in a row, can it?

Wausau Festival of Arts

Posted by Lyn Chevrier on September 13, 2010 at 2:14pm

It started out wet with a canadian mist in the morning, some intrept buyers. Then at around Noon the clouds broke the sun started its struggle to break out. At about 2 the buyers started a coming. Sunday was a beautiful day and everyone was in the mood to purchase.Staff and volunteers were great. This show was exceptional

Chicago: Lakeview East

Posted by Colin Murray on September 13, 2010 at 1:27pm

This past weekend took us to Chicago: Lakeview East Art Show. This is just a few blocks from Wrigley Field in the city. It is a section of the city that is vibrant with the gay and straight community, including young couples with children.

The set up at this location is challenging, given the narrow streets, little parking and a lot of congestion. We arrived at about 8:00 pm on Friday evening, to find the set up in full-swing on the street. We were able to maneuver to our booth location with little problem. We got the tent and walls set up. They were predicting rain over night, so we make sure everything was tight and make our way back to the hotel.

Saturday morning, greeted us with rain. We were able to set up and remain reasonably dry. The show offered a hot breakfast, which was a welcome sight, with the weather outside. Because of the rain, there was little traffic in the morning. The rain stopped about 12-noon and people started to show up. Our first little sale was at 12:30. But we only sold 2 small art pieces on Saturday.

Sunday held promise for larger crowds. And it was busier day than Saturday, for some reason. However, the sales were not there, to support the thousands of people walking the street. It seems that many people just come to walk the street, not to check out art. Many were not looking or stopping at any booths. I did not see a lot of bags full of art in the attendees hands.

I am beginning to feel that all the effort and money involved in running a booth in Chicago is not worth my time. Its too bad. I want Chicago to work for us. But it seems we are better off in other locations.

This show is organized in part with Erin Melloy. She and the many volunteers do a good job in running the s

Mellwood Arts Center Fair, Louisville KY -- so sad!

Posted by Sharon Roberts on September 13, 2010 at 12:07pm

I haven't seen much information about shows here in the Midwest, so here's a short review for anyone who's interested.

Just 2 years old, the September Art Fair at Mellwood Art Center has a lot going for it. They began with the distinct advantage of replacing a well-established and respected art fair that closed. On the strength of that, they attracted some very good artists and filled upwards of 150 spaces at their first-ever event in 2009.

They advertise, promote, and draw good crowds. They have a GREAT venue on the grounds of an existing arts center, with both indoor and outdoor spaces, a huge parking lot, air conditioning, and INDOOR bathrooms!!!

So what's not to like? Booth space, at $260/$275, is a tad pricey. And although the fair is supposedly juried, I have seen no evidence of any selectivity. Instead, the organizers seem to be going for quantity over quality, which is sad. I'm a jewelry artist - a metalsmith working in sterling and gemstones, mostly at a mid-range price point - and I was infuriated that the booth right next to me was a "designer" stringing beads and assembling earrings out of garish purchased components. And it gets worse: further down the same aisle was a booth featuring cheap glassware painted with tacky slogans such as "Yes, they're real!" Imagine the feelings of the serious artists who got placed next to that!

I heard a lot of grumbling from artists in 2009, and a number of them did not come back this year. I gave the show another chance because I think it has so much potential, and I would really like to see it succeed. But unless the organizers learn to "just say no," I'm afraid they're going to alienate the serious artists, and turn this promising young event into something more like a flea market than an art fair.

Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival, Sept. 11, 2010

Posted by Geoff Coe on September 13, 2010 at 2:00am

Sunny skies and great sales were all around at this long-running (32 years) under-the-radar art festival in Bethany Beach, DE. In keeping with the town's low-key approach (the town has long been billed as "The Quiet Resort"), the show doesn't advertise extensively in the trade show mags. But it doesn't need to. Many artists and volunteers I spoke with have been involved with this the show consistently for 10 years or more.

Those of us who grew up in the Northeast and summered at one of the shore resorts know that September is the best time of the year to visit: school's back in session and vacation crowds have been replaced by homeowners who come down to enjoy the warm ocean, pleasant late-summer sun, and spend a little of the cash they've earned from three months of rentals. For artists, it's a great opportunity to sell to homeowners instead of vacationers, and this venerable one-day show fills that niche nicely. I was especially happy to be accepted, as it gave me an excuse to escape Florida humidity. Besides, I vacationed here with my family years ago and love the area.

Like most beachside shows, sales vary directly with the weather, and this year it couldn't have been better: blue skies, low humidity, and temperatures in the mid-70s by noontime. Crowds came early, in droves, and flowed steadily through my booth all day. I posted my second-best festival sales of the year...and did I mention this one a one-day show? (As in past years, Sunday is reserved as a rain date, and artists are requested to keep both days available. But this year, at least, it wasn't needed. Other artists I spoke to, including the aforementioned show veterans, also said sales were well up from last year and 2008 (a victim of bad weather).

Of course, one-day shows mean a same-day setup and teardown. And at Bethany Beach, that's not made easier by the site logistics. Bethany's boardwalk is short, and access is tightly controlled by volunteers and the town's police force. Setup didn't begin until 7 AM (maybe that's typical up north, but it sure seemed late for me, since most Florida shows start much earlier). There's load-in space directly in front of the boardwalk for 3-4 vehicles at a time, and plenty of angled parking next to that....but a series of three tiered platforms lie between street level and the boardwalk, which makes dollying difficult or impossible. After I made two trips, I belatedly realized that there just had to be a wheelchair ramp around somewhere, so I asked, and learned it was about 50 feet to the south, on the other side of a building. It's a steep one, tough to see from the street, but smooth enough to navigate once you know it's there. I suggested to the show organizers that they let the artists know about that in advance in the future.

Overall, it's a long, brutal setup and teardown for someone working solo.

Artists with 10x10 spaces were set up in an unusual, more or less square configuration on the wide bandstand at the center of the boardwalk, There wasn't any back-to-back: (each booth had 7.5 foot aisles for showgoers on all sides) and no back-side storage area, which made for a clean-looking show. Spaces were neatly laid on with blue masking tape, and you could set up your storefront facing any way you wanted...helpful if you didn't want the rising or setting sun in your eyes. As one of the show board members told me, "It's different, but it works!". (I think that outside of the bandstand, some of the booths were arranged more traditionally along the boardwalk, but frankly I was too busy to check that out.)

Artists (mostly crafters) who purchased smaller spaces (at reduced prices) were set up along the main street leading to the boardwalk. I didn't speak at length to any of them about their sales, but surely their setup/teardown was far easier than for those of us on the boardwalk. Artist parking was ample, well-controlled, and only three blocks away.

The organizers and volunteers couldn't have been more helpful. The show organizer personally booth-sat for me at 2 PM, and another board member found space to store some of my packing material to save me a trip back to my vehicle. Both pre-show and game-day communication was outstanding. Although I heard several veteran artists grumbling about the need to follow the rules ;-), most everyone had great sales and a good experience overall. Maybe I was the beneficiary of "beginner's luck" on my first out-of-Florida show, but this is one I'll definitely do again.

Noone walked out empty-handed

Posted by geri a. wegner on September 13, 2010 at 2:00am

Mt. Mary Starving Artists Show in Milwaukee is a Sunday after Labor Day tradition. I have been told that people line up at 6am for the 10am opening. Nothing costs more than $100 and there are some real deals at this show.

We arrived at noon and the crowds were tremendous. Parking is plentiful and there were people already leaving so there was parking that was relatively close. There is a nominal charge to get into the show that benefits the college.

The quality of the 200+ artists ranges from average to above average. There is a very good mix of media but I did notice a proliferation of various types of yard art including the ever present stone birds. Except near several booths where people were 2-3 deep looking at what was usually jewelry, the spaciousness of the aisles made it easy to get around. The booths were clearly numbered and the aisles were marked so if there was a particular artist you wanted to see, you could easily find him/her.

This show has wonderful pottery, about half of it functional. I would have been in heaven if I was a raku collector and I had to remind myself that I had enough serving bowls and trays, there were so many I wanted.

A certain golf-playing glass artist was kind enough to let me leave my packages at his booth while I finished my tour of the entire area. It takes atleast 2 hours to get around if you don't talk to too many artists and make quick decisions. This rapid pace is necessary because items literally fly off the shelves.

I really did not see too many people walking around without something in their arms. I hope the artists had as successful a day as I did.

Septemberfest, Schaumburg IL 9/4-6/2010

Posted by B. David Kay on September 12, 2010 at 10:55pm

We just finished doing Septemberfest in Schaumberg IL. We do black and white photography and must say that this was a great show for us. There was a lot of traffic and the people were shopping.

The show organizers have a unique way of doing the set up, but it works just fine. It does get a little hectic, but what show does not get that way when you are trying to set up.

Overall we were pleased with the show and the week end.

Bill and Cindy

Images by David Kay, Ltd

Yellow Daisy (Atlanta)

Posted by Andrea Olson on September 12, 2010 at 10:54pm

I just finished doing my second Yellow Daisy Festival. Last year was great, this year was just hard work, and I didn't do nearly as well, with a much better location and new displays. There was a lot of buy/sell.....again, after the show committee promised to stop allowing it in!

I happened to win the drawing for the"Grand Prize"......which allows the winner not to have to jury into next year's show. I thank God that I didn't say something I would live to regret, and took the prize, thinking that maybe it would keep one buy/sell out.

This is an expensive and physically difficult show to do, and given the buy/sell, I doubt I would consider doing it again.

Way to go! Arts, Beats and Eats gets its MoJo Back...

Posted by Dennis and Clair Thompson on September 12, 2010 at 7:27pm

Big round of applause for Connie, Lisa and Jon who produced one my best shows of the year. The crowds were immense, but better yet, they were well educated, enthusiastic and ready to buy. At one point there were so many people, they had to shut down the entrances to allow some of the congestion to flow through~good problem to have. Although it's not really a first year show, it's AB&E's first year in Royal Oak, MI. I know the directors took some flak for moving it, but it was the right decision and kudos to them for taking the chance and making it a huge success! Royal Oak was welcoming and excited to have us, and both Dennis and I were very pleased at the warm response from the public.The volunteers were awesome, and worked their little patooties off to give us breaks and help out with any issue that arrived.
Truly pleased with the whole experience~can't wait until next year!

Arts, Beats, and Eats Review or Fun, Fun, Fun

Posted by Barry Bernstein on September 12, 2010 at 11:32am

You have to be aware of 2 things about this show. 1) Although it's in its' 13th year, this is the first year in Royal Oak having moved from Pontiac to Royal Oak. I was never a fan of Pontiac because it is an ugly crime ridden suburb of Detroit. Royal Oak reinvented itself about 10 years ago with upscale stores and a really fun nightlife. So, moving the show to Royal Oak was a big plus, and, from my experience here, it was the right move. 2)AB&E is unique in that it isn't just an art fair, in fact, it isn't even the main focus of the event. The main focus is the music, hence beats, and, the main money maker is the food. If you went to the show just to see the music, you were treated to really excellent performances in every genre you could think of. If you had an artists badge, you had a VIP pass which allowed you to float in and out of every show and have the best view or front row seating. The catch was that you were working and couldn't see any of it, unless you left your booth to watch who you wanted to see among the 200 acts. Since I never leave my booth I could only see the last act on the main stage, which this year was Clint Black, because the show ended at 5 PM and Clint started at 7:30 and in the middle of packing up, I grabbed my neighbor, Gwen Bennett, and caught about 45 minutes of Clint who is excellent.

Before I discuss the logistics of the event, I want to say flat out that everyone was happy at this show. The city of Royal Oak was ecstatic because the turnout was huge. In fact, a few times they had to close the gates because it had reached capacity. John, Lisa, and Connie were happy because they pulled this off without any major problems. The artists were happy because the buyers really came to buy. The 3D people did ok from what I heard, and that was my experience. But, the 2D people, especially the photographers, had excellent shows. I think Jan Kaulins stayed open 24 hours a day because he kept selling, and the painter next to me was giddy. So, I assumed she did really well. As I said, I had a good show, not great, but, I did better here than Ann Arbor. The other potters and the glass people I talked to agreed with me--good but not great. Still worth it though.

For some reason, I didn't have a map and we were required to check in before setting up. When I got there, I had to ask a number of security people who were guarding the entrances where to go to check in and they had no clue. I, finally called Connie and she directed me to the church where we checked in. There was bagels, coffee, etc. for the artists, once again. Once we checked in, there was no problem getting to the booth. Setup was easy. There was plenty of room for all the artists and take down was equally painless. Parking for the artists was free and easy to get to. The music and food booths were open at 11 on the first day. The artist part started at 4PM because we couldn't set up the night before. People were actually angry that they couldn't get to the artists booths right away and they moved the time up from 4PM to 3PM. That was a good sign. Next year, artists will be able to set up on Thursday night and the art fair part will open at 11AM. Even though the show was 4 days long, it was easy to do. The crowds were large and the streets were wide enough to accommodate everyone. The people were mixed in that many were knowledgeable, but, many had no idea what they were looking at. I had to explain what Raku is many, many times. That just allowed me to pontificate about he work which I like to do. The weather for the most part was pleasant. There were some sprinkles, but, the high winds that were predicted didn't materialize. The show closed at 9:PM each night but you could stay open as long as you wanted past that time, which many artists did. You need lights for this show. My outlet didn't work but they came and fixed it within minutes. The volunteers were plentiful and excellent. They would run and get us anything we wanted so we could stay in our booths.

I only have 2 complaints: 1) Parking for attendees was $15 which I thought was excessive. I don't know whether these were municipal lots or privately owned. If you were willing to walk a quarter mile, you could park on the surrounding streets.. 2) I thought the food was overpriced and the portions were embarrassingly small. Someone needs to tell them to not be so greedy. The best deal was the Berringer and Mondavi wine booths. You could get a double portion of wine, which equaled a glass, for $2.50. I took advantage of this a few times.

In conclusion, I think John, Lisa, and our own Connie Mettler, did an excellent job. This is a show to consider doing. It's only going to get better as it gets tweaked.

"Beside the beer, the paintings are the best part," Foraker said.

Posted by Connie Mettler on September 12, 2010 at 9:27am

Welcome the return of the Brandywine Art Festival to Wilmington, Delaware! We all hate to lose art fairs that succumb to either the economy, the negligence of the organizers to keep them alive, loss of funding, etc., so it was with great fanfare that the residents of Wilmington welcomed back this popular event.

From Delaware Online by Ginger Gibson:

"After half a century of ushering in the fall for Delaware residents, the festival was canceled last year because of a financial dispute between the former organizer and Brandywine Park. But this year it was back bigger than before with 235 vendors.

Barry Schlecker, 70, who organized this year's event by forming a new
corporation and a new festival, couldn't get away from the operations
tent. He had trouble even completing sentences as attendees walked up to
congratulate him.

"Everybody is raving," a vendor exclaimed as she walked by.

"This is great," saids a friend who reached out to shake his hand.

Schlecker, who was the driving force behind getting the festival back on it's feet, was a little taken aback. "Everyone is thanking me like I saved the world or cured cancer," Schlecker said. "It's just an art show."

Read the rest of the story and the positive comments at the end: Reborn Brandywine Festival is a Hit

Texas Hijacking & Robbery

Posted by Jenzen on September 11, 2010 at 12:40pm

Hello fellow art fair folks,
The State of TEXAS is telling my husband and I we owe them over a $1,000 for attending a $0 sales event in San Antonio. Have any of you ever been required to file a "FRANCHISE entity tax form?
We did a show in San Antonio a couple of years ago and I applied for what I thought was a one-time sales and tax permit. They said they determined we needed a "franchise." I couldn't see why, but they said we could get a $500 a day penalty if we sold in the state. So I filled in the form and sent it in. We did the show, $0 sales -- which I reported. Then I kept getting calls about not filing out the quarterly franchise forms. I FINALLY got to talk to someone who said he closed out the franchise. Yesterday my husband got a phone call saying we owed the state something over $1,000. (He freaked and didn't get the exact amount)
Anyone else have any experiences like this? We spent money in Texas, didn't sell anything and they want this kind of cash? Its a holdup! We need help!

Salem (OR) Art Fair Doesn't Raise as Much Money as Hoped, Layoffs Planned

Posted by Connie Mettler on September 11, 2010 at 10:41am

From the StatesmanJournal.com:

This summer's Salem Art Fair & Festival, the first-ever with a firm entry fee, cleared $221,000, up slightly from last year, said Sandra Burnett, executive director of the Salem Art Association.

However, the art association had counted on more income from this major fundraiser, especially from sponsorships and entry fees, Burnett said Friday.

As a result, the organization is laying off the equivalent of 1.5 staff members in an effort to balance its budget of....read the rest of this story here

Now that is sad news. We need these community organized art fairs, especially the ones put together by arts organizations. There is a discussion at another place on this site with the slant that the events are getting rich off the backs of the artists. I believe this article tells the other side of that story. As usual, the comments from the community are another thing altogether...

Broward County (FL) Resident? An Arts Survey for you

Posted by Connie Mettler on September 10, 2010 at 5:08pm

Broward County, FL is home to 5,635 arts-related businesses employing approximately 21,833

people (as of January 2010). These arts-centric businesses play an important role in building and sustaining economic vibrancy. In addition to employing a creative workforce, these businesses spend money locally, generate government revenue, and are a cornerstone of tourism and economic development.

As a member of the creative workforce we invite you to complete the following survey. The information provided will assist us in the planning of future programs, workshops, and services relevant to the area’s artists, cultural arts organizations, and creative community.

Please complete the following survey by September 30, 2010.

SURVEY Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C8FCPMN

NOTE: To learn about and register for upcoming workshops and programs, visit our website www.broward.org/arts

We also invite you read the ‘draft’ the Creative Broward 2020 - A Plan for Cultural and Economic Development in Broward County, Updates will be posted periodically.
http://www.broward.org/arts/publications/cultural_plan/cp2020/reports.htm

Marietta Art in the Park

Posted by Andrea Olson on September 8, 2010 at 8:28pm

Marietta Ga. September 4-6th

I did this show for the second time and was once again impressed with the smooth set up, tear down, and the way it was run. A call for a booth sitter,, and within two minutes, one was there. This show was a joy to do, and I look forward to doing it again.

My proceeds were off last year by $600, but given the economy, it was a good show. The quality of the artists was outstanding.

Andrea Olson

Cape Cod Paragon Festivals

Posted by Debi Winegar on September 8, 2010 at 6:30pm

Great weekend for this show -- weather was beautiful as was the set up.

I travel in a big ole RV so my needs are a bit different than those in vehicles that were able to pull right up to their spots to unload/load up. Ron & Bill accomodated me by ensuring my space was in easy reach of the large parking lot and walkway, making my set up/breakdown wonderfully easy. Thanks guys!

On Saturday folks began to come thru the Green early, making purchases as they did. My Saturday was very good, pretty steady all day with both women and men purchasing my silver jewelry in abundance. Sunday however was a completely different crowd for most part of day -- more lookers, browers, bit older group. I noticed that early on Sunday there were a goodly amount of 2D going out to cars. About 1pm it picked up again for me, never really got back to high pitch .ut all in all when I totaled the whole weekend I am not complaining in any way.

I was able to stay in that large lot I mentioned over weekend -- thank you town of Hyannis! --which made it nice as finding a spot to park my big ole beast can be tricky at times.

Bill and his gang did a great job of laying out a comfortable show for customers to walk with no confusion of which way to go. Yeaaa!

I may be down south next year at this time, but if not I will for sure do this show again as I see only an expanding future for it as customers spread the word regarding the stellar quality of work featured.

Debi Winegar
MoonShadow Jewelry Creations, LLC

Excellent shows to do in the St. Louis area

Posted by Amy Furgiuele on September 8, 2010 at 2:54pm

Well, I'm in the center of Illinois so I might as well check "both ends", right?? So, on that note...several artists and I have been talking about the abundance of shows in the St. Louis area, but we've also heard that many are "not like they use to be" and that others aren't exactly as they are advertised. So, then... what ARE some good shows in the St. Louis area and do you consider them more art or craft based? We're all looking to start our application lists for next year and we'd love to hear from those of you with first hand knowledge... thanks!!

Excellent shows to do in Chicago

Posted by Amy Furgiuele on September 8, 2010 at 2:52pm

Several artists and I have been talking about the abundance of shows in the Chicago area, but we've also heard that many are "not like they use to be" and that others aren't exactly as they are advertised. So, then... what ARE some good shows in the Chicago-land area and do you consider them more art or craft based? We're all looking to start our application lists for next year and we'd love to hear from those of you with first hand knowledge... thanks!!

Arts On The Creek, Atlanta, Ga.- Not Worth the Time

Posted by margaret luttrell on September 8, 2010 at 2:02pm

Showed at Arts On The Creek last weekend, in John's Creek Ga, (upscale suburban area of Atlanta. ) Applied through Zapplication. This was more of a community fair than an Art Show. With 54 artists showing and 26 of them jeweler's this show was lopsided and not well run. Competing with Comcast booths and other various weird relailers in a give away mode, art was not held in much importance. Hot, dusty and with a kids Choo Choo Train encircling the artists, I felt that I was at the county fair and in a few minutes they would be judging the tomatoes and cucumbers. Needless to say, it was not a good weekend and except for jewelry-nobody sold much.

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