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Deerfield Beach

Posted by R. C. Fulwiler on February 4, 2010 at 10:59am

Deerfield Beach is located just south of Boca Raton. It was held on January 30 & 31. The show has been around a long time and has moved several times in an attempt to find an audience. It is now held right on the street along the beach running for 3 or 4 blocks. Saturday was a beautiful day and the beach-goers were out in large numbers. Many in swimsuits and flip-flops. Wallets were left behind. I covered expenses but overheard my neighbor (selling lotions) say she had her best Saturday in 5 years. This show is juried, but it is hard to tell when you walk the show. Almost anything goes. I'm sure there is a lot of buy/sell, but no one seems to care. The show has booths set up along each curb leaving room for one lane down the center. I arrived late on Friday afternoon for set up and found most tents already there. I was able to pull up to my space and unload easily. Load-out was more of a problem and they made us tear down completely before driving in. Sunday dawned with a solid overcast and a cool wind off the ocean. It stayed that way the whole day and got colder as the day progressed. But, sales improved! No swim ware, no flip-flops and many more serious buyers. I almost doubled Saturday's take. It was a pleasant surprise and logs-in as my best show of the year so far. I will consider it again next year.

Call for Artists: Summerfest in Evergreen, Colorado

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 3, 2010 at 7:30pm

July 17th & 18th
Evergreen, Colorado
Presented by the Center for the Arts Evergreen
Buchanan Park
125 artists
Deadline: March 15th

You are invited to apply to our annual Summerfest Arts Festival. It is a juried exhibition of gallery quality fine art and fine crafts. Being only 30 minutes from Denver, Evergreen is a day trip destination for city dwellers to beat the heat in the middle of the summer and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.

For our 31st year, the Summerfest Arts Festival is undergoing some big changes for 2010. After moving the festival in 2008 to a more visible venue, we doubled our attendance. Now we are poised to really put Summerfest on the map and make it the highlight of the summer for the mountain community. Due to the big changes, we intend to increase our marketing of Summerfest and our goal is to double the attendance in 2010.

What's new at Summerfest:
Ø Extended hours for a special music event Saturday
evening
Ø A beer garden for visitors

Ø International Children's Village
Ø Expanded marketing and advertising efforts

Why Summerfest:
Ø Beautiful mountain
Ø Outstanding artist hospitality: great volunteer help, artist dinner, water, snacks for artists, and booth sitters
Ø Sponsored by a nonprofit art center
Ø Overnight security
Ø Affluent community in Evergreen
Ø Great visibility from main access routes
Ø Collaboration with area arts organizations
Ø Clearly Evergreen's premier summer festival

www.zapplication.org or get a paper application at www.evergreenarts.org

Don't Want to Travel Far? Take a few Tips from Jeane Vogel

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 3, 2010 at 4:52pm

I receive photographer Jeane Vogel's email newsletter periodically. It just keeps getting better and better, so I'm putting it here to inspire those of you who may be interested in a few of these good ideas: Ok, I know some of you have heard this three times in the last three years, but I PROMISE this is the last time for a while: I have a fabulous new gallery and studio that I truly want you to see! (1) opened a gallery Last January I opened a small gallery and work studio in ArtSpace at Crestwood Court. In the last year, my studio has been featured in local and national broadcast and print media. The ArtSpace concept has spread around the world -- literally! -- and now artists and retail landlords are teaming up to create new, exciting art destinations. But we at Crestwood Court were the first. The studio and gallery have been so successful that I asked for more space ... and was leased a 4000-square foot retail space with gallery lighting. I expanded my gallery 10-fold and have enough studio space to shoot and paint and work -- and teach. I'm in heaven. Please consider this your invitation to come by. Best time? This Saturday, Jan. 30, from 5-9 for our monthly Art on the Court. Enter at Fletchers. (2) using Facebook to drive traffic All galleries at ArtSpace will be open and serving light refreshments. Want to know who will be open? Visit ArtSpace on FaceBook. Coming Soon--Guest Artists! My new gallery is big enough to share! Beginning in February, I will be featuring one new artist each month. Guest artists will be chosen from the membership of the Women's Caucus for Art and will showcase some of the most exciting new art in the St. Louis area. (3) inviting juried artists to exhibit from an arts organization I'm also inviting some fellow Best of Missouri Hands juried artists to exhibit in the gallery. BOMH is an organization that recongizes artists who have achieved excellence in their media. They are the "best of the best" in the state. I am honored to be a Best of Missouri Hands artist and I want to introduce some of my sister and brother artists to my collectors. You will not be disappointed. Watch for announcements in the next month. -------- (4) publicizes her own website and has work on etsy.com Visit Me On-Line! All my art is on-line at vogelpix.com. Art to Wear pendants and small prints are at jeanevogel.etsy.com. Both have secure shopping carts. (5) pulls out all the stops for social networking, not only FaceBook, but Twitter On FaceBook? If you're on FaceBook, you already know it's a great way to get a lot of quick information in one place. Please become a fan of Jeane Vogel Fine Art and ArtSpace Crestwood Court. You'll always be "in the know!" On Twitter you can find me at JeaneVogelArt Studio/Gallery Holiday Hours The studio is OPEN! During the week I might have shoots outside of the studio, but I'm generally open 9 a.m - 6 p.m. Need me open later? Just call. Weekend hours: Saturday noon-7pm ArtSpace has the most number of artists open on weekends. Please visit us! Need a Special Gift? Please Support Your Local Artists Art is personal. Art is special. The artists at ArtSpace at Crestwood Court are eager to fill the world with art! Please add Crestwood Court to your lists of places to look for special gifts for family and friends. Lots of us have small, unique items that are perfect for teacher gifts. Just ask us! This year, give gifts of art! Fill the world with beauty! (6) holds workshops to build her audience Workshops for Scouts & Homeschoolers I loved Girl Scouts so much as a kid that I became a leader when my daughter was in kindergarten. Nine years later, I'm still at it! The bigger studio gives me a chance to help other girls get their art, jewelry and photography themed badges. See whole list of workshops here. Need something for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts? Home schoolers? I can help with that too. Just call (314.918.1717) or email me at jeane@vogelpix.com. I'm also available for Artist Residencies for your school, youth group, senior center or art organization. Previous residencies include St. Louis Children's Hospital, COCA, Viva Vox, Reform Jewish Academcy, St. Vincent's Home, Traditional Congregation, and many area schools. Call me! 314.918.1717 Open Studio Every Weekday! You don't have to wait for an art fair (though they ARE a lot fun) to see and purchase my work. My studio and gallery at Crestwood Court is open every weekday, 9-6 (sometimes later), most Saturdays from noon-6 and on Sundays & evenings by appointment. If you are in St. Louis, please call me or stop by. #19-1/2 ArtSpace at Crestwood Court (west end, enter at Fletcher's. I'm just to the right of the escalators.) 314.918.1717 Of course, I'm always available on the web, www.vogelpix.com And as always, thank you for being a patron and supporter of the arts! --Jeane Can you think of anything she left out? Congratulations, Jeane, for putting so many pieces in place to not only support yourself but to help others in the artist community.

Howard Alan Events Working with the American Red Cross

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 3, 2010 at 4:30pm

What a pleasure it was to open my mail and see this message from Howard Alan Events:

Thank you from The Bottom of our Hearts! -Howard Alan Events & The American Red Cross! To all our Patrons and Exhibitors, Thank you for helping us raise over $20,000 for the victims of the Haiti Disaster during the past two weekends at the 21st Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts and The City Place Art Fair. We will be continuing to Raise money for the victims of the Haiti Disaster. THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! Good for you, Howard! What a great opportunity to send some help to Haiti. This makes me proud to be a part of this industry.

New Jury System (EntryThingy) offers more than just jury

Posted by Barry Witt on February 3, 2010 at 12:49pm

A gallery of the works and info about the work of participating artists.This new feature benefits the Festival, the patrons and our participating artists.Another wonderful thing, there is no additional cost to the show or the artist.Great for the patrons who want to find an artist they saw at the event.Check it out at:http://artinusa.com/bonita/artist_gallery_jan_10.htmWorth passing on to the show directors you meet in your travels.

Awards - 2010 January Bonita Springs National Art Festival

Posted by Barry Witt on February 3, 2010 at 12:30pm

Award winners at New Smyrna Beach's IMAGES

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 3, 2010 at 9:00am

Congratulations to the prize winners at New Smyrna last weekend. This show is very generous with prize money and as such draws some excellent participants. TOP FESTIVAL AWARDS: · Best of Show ($5,000 Award): William Kidd, Miramar; ceramics · George and June Musson Award ($2,500 Award): John Kreiger, Midland, Mich.; painting/watercolor · Award of Excellence ($1,500 Award): Nathalie Torres, Kissimmee; mixed-media AWARDS OF DISTINCTION ($800 award): · Vadim Malkin, Maitland; ceramics · Sandy Lent, Lake Mary; glass · Wiwat Kamolporniwijit, Alexandria, Va.; jewelry · Judi Wood, West Palm Beach; fiber/leather AWARD OF COMMENDATION ($500 Award): · Jason Hunt, Orlando; graphics/drawing · Michael Bryant; Atlanta; photography · Robert Kastrinos; Orlando, ceramics · Jinsong Kim, Mims; ceramics · Terry Habeger, Markesan, Wis.; ceramics · Steve Howell, Gainesville; ceramics JUDGES CHOICE ($350 Award): · Holly Hambrick, Ormond Beach; mixed media · Ummarid Eitharong, Orlando; mixed media · Leah Dziewit, Maple City, Mich.; fiber · John Kellum, Orlando; ceramics · Bill and Jon Slade, Jacksonville; glass AWARD OF MERIT ($250 Award): · Jack Hill, Beverly Hills, FL; sculpture · Dan Hay, Frostproof; fine crafts · Magali Groves, Orlando; fine crafts · Lloyd Cheney, Palm Bay; wood · Matthew Hatala, Danielsville, Ga. · Lou McMurray, Dunedin; wood · Laurie Coppedge, Jacksonville Beach; photography · Paul M. Stevens, Achilles, Va.; photography · Richard Currier, Micco; painting · Carolyn Currie, New Milford, Ct.; painting · Robert Wince, Daytona Beach; painting · Bill McCamish, Three Oaks, Mich. AWARD OF HONOR ($200 Award): · Jeff Ripple, Naples; photography · Michael Myers, Jacksonville Beach · Michel Delgado, Key West; painting · Teresa and Robert Nilsson, Pensacola; jewelry · Patricia Karnes, Winter Park; jewelry · Marc and Wendy Zoschke, Springfield, Ill.; jewelry Thanks to the NewsJournalOnline.com for this information

R.I.P. - Howard Zinn, an optimist in the face of reality

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 2, 2010 at 5:30pm

"Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment (beware of such moments!) but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society. We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. Even when we don't "win," there is fun and fulfillment in the fact that we have been involved, with other good people, in something worthwhile. We need hope. An optimist isn't necessarily a blithe, slightly sappy whistler in the dark of our time. To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places--and there are so many--where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory," - Howard Zinn. Read the rest of this article: The Optimism of Uncertainty," The Nation, 2004.

Key West Craft Show

Posted by Bonnie Eastwood on February 1, 2010 at 10:04am

Great weather, wonderful to be in the Keys, I go back the end of February for the Art Show. This was just fair for most I talked to. Long way to go. No cruise ships in. My customers were long time Key West residence, who were out and enjoying the show. So if you love Key West give it a shot, it is well run with space for parking a couple of blocks from the show. Just a lovely show all in all. I am off to Ft Myers next week, I'll let you know. Pray for great weather, we all remember Cape Coral.

Kumquat Festival, 2010

Posted by Bill Sargent on January 31, 2010 at 8:00pm

Look, folks.. this is small town America. If Norman Rockwell were alive today he'd jump at the chance of setting up his easel in the main intersection of this show. Off duty firemen and rescue workers show up in their dress uniforms to mingle with an admiring crowd. It is the only show we've seen where people stop where they are and pledge allegiance toward the flag as they play the National Anthem. Older gentlemen parade their antique garden tractors for the delighted onlookers. The kumquat pies and cookies sell shortly after noon, so ya'll better get there early. Miss Kumquat, Miss Kumquat Blossom, Miss Kumquat Bud, Miss Kumquat Blossom, etc. (the list seems to grow each year) will pose with you for snapshots on request. This alone is worth the trip. We've been doing this show in Dade City, Florida for years and it is our very favorite. Money isn't everything, but a thousand bucks for getting up at three in the morning, driving thirty miles, and then getting back home in time to have dinner the same night at a nice restaurant afterward make for a rewarding (albeit long) day. This year the show started out with the largest crowds we have ever seen here. When the predicted rains hit they didn't go away. They just sprouted umbrellas. The fact that the rain was expected and it was very light didn't hurt. I also have to admit I ran a business in Dade City for almost thirty years before selling out to restart my art show career that I had begun in 1978, The show is extremely well organized. Setup is said to be at six AM without exception, but those arriving early kind of creep in, park way toward the edge of the street, and start dumping their stuff on the median out of the way of traffic. As soon as the traffic barricades go up on the end of the strip you can set up your tent. They really appreciate it if you're out of there as soon as you offload, but they don't make a federal case out of it. Although no one is quite sure why, the show attracts crowds of about 40,000 in one day. Imagine a county fair without rides or livestock.. but people show up in droves anyway. Just exactly what is a kumquat? If you don't see fit to come to the festival to find out I'm not going to tell you. As for us, we brought home three bags of them. We also bought two kumquat trees last year which have fruit on them as I speak.

My Art on Display- JamArt by Kenneth Harris

Posted by Kenneth Harris on January 31, 2010 at 3:22pm

Hey everyone, check out my art on display at the Clarion Hotel, Altamonte Springs FL in the Waterfall Cafe. If you are in the area stop by and check it out!

Our Code of Conduct

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 31, 2010 at 2:00pm

Everyone is welcome here at Art Fair Insiders. Together we're building a friendly, worldwide community of people who are involved in the business of art fairs: artists, art fair organizers and art fair patrons.

In order to encourage community interaction the following guidelines outline how everyone is expected to behave. Abiding by these guidelines will help our community and our individual careers flourish. Additionally, failure to follow the guidelines below will result in being banned from the network.

1. Be Nice Presume the best, not the worst when others disagree with you. No one is here at Art Fair Insiders by accident - they are just as interested as you are in sharing information. Like email, text-based forum messages lose a lot of the nuance that face-to-face communication provides. So members should be sure to give the "benefit of the doubt" to others intentions when interacting.

2. No personal attacks, no name calling.

3. Be Generous Share your expertise and others will share with you, too. The collective wisdom in this group is huge. Share your knowledge and you'll soon benefit from returned favors, too. (You'll also see that the most popular member contributors to the community will be recognized publicly!)

4. Be Ethical Art Fair Insiders was started to put artists in touch with each other in order to further their professional growth and help them succeed in the art fair business. Anyone taking advantage of the free discourse on the site will be banned from the community.

Please stay on topic and don't hijack a blog or discussion for your own ends. Start a new one.

5. No Sales Pitches Please consider this a "Pitch Free Zone" where everyone can have fun together. So please no sales pitches, affiliate links, or blatant self-promotion. If you have a product, service, or event that you would like to promote to the community, please visit the Forum to post in the Classifieds section or contact Connie about advertising on the site.

That's it. The presumption is that everyone here is an adult and will behave like one.

P.S. In case you missed this Code of Conduct resides permanently at this link: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/page/code-of-conduct

Happy Anniversary,Nels: Saw a Naked Cowboy

Posted by Nels Johnson on January 27, 2010 at 5:30pm

Well, it was a year ago today that I joined this site and started blogging.In case many of you missed it, I am rewriting my second blog: It was Superbowl Weekend in Tampa and I saw the Naked Cowboy--it has always been one of my favorites--hope you enjoy it--Nels.SAW A NAKED COWBOYIts Superbowl week in YborCity. I was having lunch at Carmines on Seventh Avenue.I live in Ybor City one block off the main drag. I was eating my black beans and a crab roll--ok, and also a little Patron Tequila and who strums by in his BVDs--the Naked Cowboy. In case you have not heard, this dude has been strolling around the USA in his BVDs--singing on his guitar--and stopping to let people take his pic.He is cuter than he is a singer. So there he is in Ybor riding the Superbowl wave.It will be interesting tomorrow to see if he is still in his BVDs singing since it is only going to be a high of 55 and windy.It seems everybody who has a scheme to make money has descended on Tampa this week.Its crazy,I wonder why Howard does not have a show here this week.Oh well, I get to miss the Superbowl and travel to New Smyrna Beach tomorrow and set up in chilly windy temps and then hope people come out to buy. (I made $600.00 that weekend.)Aren't I lucky. OK here is a little addition( by now, I had gone home and seen the little woman, and she filled me full of insight).She says,"You figure you are a photographer-WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF THE NAKED PHOTOGRAPHER?" Well, when I go to Carmines I bring a book and not a camera. But to describe him accurately,He was six-foot,well muscled,well tanned, hair blonde down to his waist, and he had a cowboy hat on with cowboy boots and CLEAN BVDs on that were skin tight. My wife, Ellen Marshall-a painter on the circuit that some of you know (and may not forgive, now that she has crossed over to the DARK SIDE) had a curious question. She wanted to know if he was wearing a jock strap? Well, STUPID ME--I am eating crab and swilling tequila, and I was not close enough to evaluate such a close measure of manliness. Oh well, next time I will bring my camera. Aloha, Nels.And from that episode was the humle beginnings of the Tequila Report--Happy Anniversary Nels

Call for Artists: Prairie Village Art Show in Kansas

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 27, 2010 at 5:00pm

June 4, 5 & 6
54th Year
Prairie Village, Kansas
100 Artists
Application online at:
www.Zapplication.org
Deadline: February 15

The Prairie Village Art Show is not located on a prairie but in the heart of the Kansas City metro area and surrounded by upper income demographics. It is celebrating its 54th year and is the second oldest show in the city. It is ranked in the Top 100 art shows by Art Fair Sourcebook. The show is well attended and draws patrons from the entire metropolitan area.

This show is small with only 100 artists but they come from all parts of the country. The Sourcebook says that Prairie Village, "attracts an affluent and educated clientele."

What to Expect:

20,000 Upper Income patrons
24 Hour Security
Electricity available
Friday Night Wine
Saturday Night Dinner delivered to booth
Artist's lounge with restrooms, snacks and air conditioning
Parking nearby and overnight parking allowed
Discounted Hotel Rates
Booth sitters

The Village in Prairie Village is one of those "lifestyle" shopping areas,
intimate enough for ease of shopping yet anchored by well-known names
such as Macy's and Starbucks with lots of restaurants. Does it sound as
though your clientele will be showing up here? Then you know what to do.

Application online at zapplication.org

For more info visit prairievillageshops.com or contact Donna Potts 913-362-9668.

Ready to Make the Switch from Artist to Administrator?

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 27, 2010 at 10:29am

An email from a friend today, discouraged with sales at art fairs, said that a lot of his friends were thinking of applying for census jobs. Yes, that might be a useful alternative, but have you considered all of the administrative skills you have been honing over the years? Here are two recent job postings from two important art/craft organizations: 1. The American Craft Council is seeking qualified candidates to apply for the position of Executive Director. The next Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to lead and sustain the American Craft Council through an exciting new phase of the Council's history. With the relocation to Minneapolis, this chief executive will dynamically and strategically lead the future vitality, relevance, and impact of the Council. As a nonprofit, membership-centric organization, the Executive Director is accountable to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the execution of the strategic plan and development and implementation of the programs, policies, and practices of the Council. Within that framework, the Executive Director is responsible for the management and development of approximately 15 employees and a budget of $6 million. Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for strategic direction, external relationships and fundraising, board and executive committee relations, membership growth and development, spokesperson and public relations, and administration. This position is located in Minneapolis, MN (relocation from New York City to be completed by July 2010). For a complete job description and how to apply, click here. Please pass this along and/or share it with your constituents. Expressions of interest and/or recommendations will be held in confidence and should be sent via email to: ACC@kornferry.com 2. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - Office & Special Programs Manager The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is seeking a highly motivated individual to take charge of office administration and oversee operations and special programs for a major national visual art fair. Basic bookkeeping and event management experience required. An interest in the arts is desirable. Applicants should visit the Fair's web site at www.artfair.org for an overview of the event and activities. To apply, send resume and cover letter by January 29, 2010 to:mriley@artfair.org Subject: Office - Program Manager Search. For more information, click here.

Suncoast.. come on, cross your fingers and kiss the frog

Posted by Bill Sargent on January 27, 2010 at 10:00am

We had an OK show at the Suncoast festival at Wiregrass. The prize money was worth shooting for if you're that kind of artist. When it comes to the taste of the judges, it's the same everywhere.. one year it's sunsets and puppy dogs. The next year it's dark, non-representational esoterica.There were many more people at the Wiregrass location in Wesley Chapel than at the old Longleaf location. The income level in that part of the state is high for Florida and will continue to be that way. There are many well paid professionals in that crowd. Right now construction has slowed, but the increase in new housing has been explosive in the last several years and this will pick up again as the economy comes back.It's true that regardless of income, most folks coming to a mall are prepared to buy an ice cream cone, a burrito, or a new refrigerator magnet. Although the organizers work hard to publicize the show, the sudden appearance of an art show at the mall is a surprise to most of the crowd and anyone who has done Disney will understand this.Our sales, although better than last year, were not spectacular, but we did turn a profit. A new artist who had just started doing shows in October had sales of about $1300. Most were lucky to make expenses. We had a neighbor who made clocks out of antique CD's and purses out of old record album covers. At least two of the judges spent more time at their booth than they did at ours. The guy was quite a talker, however. His CD clocks sold quite well.We will give this show a chance in the future. The organizers work hard, the setup is easy, and teardown was no problem. The $2000 best of show is not bad for a small show and the list of sponsors was impressive. It's been better each year.Although they started out saying you could not bring in your vehicle until your display was completely torn down, organized into neat piles, and certified ready by a volunteer.. they ended up walking each vehicle to the artist's booth and allowed loading up while tearing down. It went quite smoothly.I would not cancel a Coconut Grove or Winter Park to do this show, but if you live nearby or need a show to connect the dots in your travels, look into this one. A photographer friend said he was having a great time because the entry fee was reasonable, he didn't expect much, and anything he made over entry fee was fine. He wound up with 3K. Another friend did more like $350.

Market Square Art Fair at the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville, TN April 2010

Posted by Ynon Mabat on January 26, 2010 at 8:38pm

I would appreciate any info about this show, Thanks

Here's How I'm achieving My Goals

Posted by Jackie Jacobson on January 26, 2010 at 2:46pm

I thought I knew how to create a goal.I'd think it.I'd write it.I'd keep my focus on it.And then I took a teleseminar from the Goal Diva, and I learned I didn't even know what a goal was. So I wrote a blog post about what I learned and where I learned it.I'm sharing, because it's my time to pay if forward.CHECK IT OUT HEREEnjoy, Jackie

This show was at a great location, their own at Longleaf

Posted by Bonnie Eastwood on January 26, 2010 at 8:20am

Just stick to it and build a show as an art show, moving a show never works well, and never to a shopping mall or plaza. Advertise, keep the fee reasonable to attract local artists. I personally think the shows need a boost to attract folks, my suggestion is demonstrations, maybe even a class right at the show. The artist's need to make money, bottom line, this show is run by the art league, I know a few of them could put that together. I think it would also give the Moog Rd art center a boost. Did the pottery class have a display there to advertise classes? Wouldn't hurt to fill a class and get folks excited about art. Speaking of the Moog Rd art center, why is the little gift shop full of what we all call buy-sell, show and sell the work of the artists, I thought that is what you were supposed to be about. Just my opinion after 30 years doing shows. By the way I was in Sebatian Inlet, run by an artist for 90. dollars and it was wonderful. Sorry, I do not believe shopping centers work. Review any really sucessful show, they are not in a shopping center. Well I take that back how about a downtown show in the streets or park.

Walking Zombies At Suncoast Arts Fest

Posted by Michael Lee on January 25, 2010 at 2:02pm

This show boast that 70,000 people come to it. Yes that may be true but of that 70,000 only a very few come to buy art. The rest are walking through on their way to the mall stores. I really wanted this to be a great show but The patrons had no intention of buying from the artist. The set up was easy, the volunteers were great, the booth had about 5ft of space on each side so you can use the sides for display space.Plenty of parking what more could an artist ask for? Well buyers would help for one. This was certainly not the fault of the promoter. I can not speak for everyone but the people around me were loosing just as bad as I was. I am an oil painter and I have lots of different price points none of which seemed to be cheap enough.I survived by selling prints just enough to make back my booth fee but not enough to cover expenses. I did not sell one original I thought I came close but the when it came time to swipe the card people seemed to turn into a zombie and walk away like they never even considered making a purchase. Lets put it this way my largest single sale was $34.00The only things I saw walking by my booth were items from the stores i.e pottery barn, coach, JC Penny etc. I do not think it was a lack of money by any means. It was more a lack of interest in anything hand made. My last two shows in Fl have been really bad. So bad I am loosing money just being here. I sure hope it s better for others than me. I have Deerfield Beach show next. Last year was ok but I blamed it on the economy if this year turns out to be as good as last year at least I will be able to make expenses and hopefully have enough gas money to get home.I hope others are having better luck than me. My fall shows were strong and I thought things were improving but at this point I am not sure. Please reply and let us all know how things are going so far.

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Note: this page contains paid content.