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We're all looking for ways to find our customers. Ready to get on the road? Or maybe, stay at home and turn your yard into an art fair. In Ferndale, MI, 13 artists have gotten together to show their work in a socially distanced safe setting in their own yards. The 13 artists live in a radius of five miles of one another. 

"The hyper-local art fair includes 13 artists in 10 yards in a five-mile area of Ferndale. Guests are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19. Cash is preferred, but individual artists may accept other forms of payment."

Do you and your friends think you could pull this off? Somewhere in the archives at ArtFairRadio.com there is a podcast about artists starting their own events. You know how to display your work and definitely you know how to market it and seen so many shows you're full of ideas. I think you can.

Learn more about how they're doing it in Ferndale: Backyard Art Fair

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Calling all handmade sellers: what does your holiday craft show season look like? If you are anything like me, it looks like ... lots of open weekends.   (Cue the sad violin music)    Here's the deal: fall and holiday 2020 sales are going to take place largely online...is your business ready for that?   This is a whole new ball of wax: it's no longer enough to just toss up an Etsy shop and hope for the best.   This is the time for you to have a razor sharp strategy for HOW your business is going to pivot into this new way of doing things...and that means having a plan for what your business is going to be doing during these next few months.   There are a few things you need: A great product  A website sell your products from  Some great online events to participate in  An engaged audience The great product: that's on you   The website to sell your products from: I can help you with that (more on that later)   The audience and events: well that's what we are gonna talk about here.   In this masterclass, I am going to teach you the 3 things your handmade business NEEDS to have nailed down so that you can be ready for a rockin' 2020 holiday sales season.   (I have had my own handmade jewelry business since 2010, and I've been selling online since 2011. In 2015, I realized the power of using Facebook™ as a sales tool for my business, and I have been running highly profitable boutique-style sales using Facebook™ Events since 2016.   **Attendees who show up LIVE are also going to get free access to the EXACT framework I use to set up the same "Virtual Boutique Stroll" sales events that I run in my own business that have grown my online sales by over 150% this year!)   Click the link below to register today for this free masterclass and get ready to take back control of your show season!   https://www.bloombybelmonili.com/september-2020-webinar-registration-bloom

Has anyone used a Jackery Power Supply to power LED craft show lighting?

Starting in May of 2020 Art Fair Insiders has been producing podcasts and hosting Zoom meetings to help artists navigate the present day challenges of creating and selling their art. The first four meetings were hosted by Sharon McAllister from ArtFest Fort Myers. We discussed how artists can apply for economic relief through the government sponsored programs, PPA, SBA, CARES Act and Unemployment. Then we spent 3 episodes exploring how artists can utilize websites to promote their work online. The third phase was a series of podcasts on using popular social media applications to sell art.

Below you will find information about the people who volunteered their time and information to help artists move into the new normal and continue to find buyers for their work. Click into their websites to see how what they are doing can help you. 

1. Can a Website Sell Art?

• Kathleen Eaton, a painter from Sleepy Hollow, IL: www.eatonart.com
• Cat Tesla, a painter from New Mexico: www.artbycat.com
• Stephanie Wheat, a handbag designer from Chicago: www.rebellionbags.com
• Barbara Bloom, a shibori silk painter and soapmaker from Cleveland: https://imagesinbloom.com
• Lucy Kelly, a creator of one-of-a kind recycled jewelry from Pittsburgh: www.belmonili.com

2. Etsy. Is it a Fit for my Art?

• David Klenk is a custom furniture maker who has increased visits to his Etsy page by linking it to my product photo pins on Pinterest. He has not done a craft show or trade show since 2016. My first online sale was in 2006. I sell between $40,000 and $70,000 per year online.
• Jackie Kaufman selling on Etsy since 2008 has two shops, a long established jewelry business and a newer shop with prints. She  successfully uses her social media posts on both Facebook and Instagram to bring customers to her Etsy Shops to be able to sell worldwide."

3. Facebook: Can it Help You Sell Your Art?

1. Richard Sullivan from Naples, FL, who says he has "literally been to Facebook College. I know it sounds crazy but they have spent countless hours working with me."
2. Erik Jensen from Utah, who uses his very tech savvy skills to sell his art, created from computer keys, from his website and interconnected Facebook and Instagram accounts
3. Dawn Wilson, a high altitude and high latitude photographer and writer from Estes Park, CO, who integrates her website, Facebook and Instagram to manage her sales and serve as president-elect of the North American Nature Photography Association. 

4. Instagram: How Can I Use it to Sell Art?

• Catherine Freshly, landscape painter: catherine@catherinefreshleyart.com , www.catherinefreshleyart.com ,  https://www.facebook.com/CatherineFreshleyArt/ ,  https://www.instagram.com/catherinefreshley/  Catherine Freshley is an acrylic landscape painter from Portland, Oregon. She worked at an advertising agency for seven years, focusing on digital advertising strategy and brand strategy. In addition to being passionate about painting, Catherine is dedicated to disproving the starving artist stereotype. Her Instagram followers appreciate her candid approach to talking about the business side of being an artist and her digital resource guides for artists. available on her website, share the expertise that allowed her to quit her full-time job and earn more as an artist. 
  
• Jay McDougall, contemporary wood sculptor from Minnesota - www.jaymcdougall.com & www.artshow-artists.com; Facebook: JayMcDougallArtist & Artshow_Artists; Instagram: @JayMcDougallArt & @ArtShow_Artists
• Renzo Iglesias, L’Harmonie Creative Jewelry, info@lharmoniejewelry.comI've dedicated a page for your community where I plan to share all of my extensive knowledge and step by step actions on what you can do now to drive your business forward using digital marketing strategies and social platforms like Facebook, Instagram & email marketing. https://www.facebook.com/pg/renzoiglesiasmarketing
  I've participated in over 200 art shows and events for the last 8 years. Along the way, I have always had this passion about what really makes people buy someone's art or craft. One could think, well, it just looks good. But, I knew that couldn't just be the only factor. This passion to learn has led me to discover important people in the digital marketing space that share not only marketing strategies and techniques but also psychological marketing. I have then invested my time, money and energy; learning all I could about the digital marketing space and tools like Instagram and beyond.
  
  My plan: I'm finally ready to give back to the community that has supported me all these years. I plan to give back value tenfold by sharing what has worked for me. I'm excited to share how I use Instagram to drive traffic to my site, find my audience, increase awareness, do customer research, have content generated for free, name my upcoming designs and most importantly, drive sales, all through this one platform called Instagram.
  
• Dawn Wilson, photographer from Estes Park, CO:   www.DawnWilsonPhotography.com, Facebook: facebook.com/dawnwilsonphotography, Instagram: @dawnwilsonphoto, Twitter: @dawnwilsonphoto, YouTube: Dawn Wilson Photography is my channel name
  

 5. Pinterest: Can I Use It to Sell Art?

• Our guest Brian Reagan: "Pinterest is a gateway to my website that I can't duplicate with any other social media outlet. Before I kicked up Pinterest, I really didn't have a national audience.  I was limited to the individuals that we have met doing events in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. I am getting eyeballs that would never have found my website." His website: bhpltdohio.com 

The podcasts are always available at Art Fair Radio- https://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs and Apple podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-fair-artists-success-show/id440759328?mt=2

Live Podcast: Thurs, Sept. 10, 1 pm Eastern Time

With each passing day of the pandemic more attention is paid to avoiding risk in our personal lives and also at the events we plan where you can expect thousands of people in attendance. This session is directed at show directors to help them prepare for their events.

Chris Van Leeuwen, Vice President for Business Development for Veracity Insurance, joins the podcast to answer your questions about liability, property damage, loss and accident insurance that protects you against third-party claims that arise out of your business operations. His company offers the targeted insurance policies developed to insure events and shows, Artists, Craftsmen and Tradesmen Insurance, popularly known as ACT.

Art show organizers we want to hear from you. What do you need to know to protect your show? 

• Please put them in the comments below
• email us directly: meg@artfaircalendar.com
• call into the show - 805-243-1338

Be prepared for when the shows open again.

I know this is late.  I just happened to stumble upon this and thought I should pass this on.  The deadline is 5pm on August 28, 2020.  I thought maybe with shows pretty much being canceled someone may have the time to quickly put things together to apply for this.

The Appalachian Sustainable Development is applying for grant funds to pay an artists or team of artists to paint an outdoor mural on a new garden shed depicting agriculture and it impact in Central Appalachia.  

"If awarded, we aim to create a place-based mural (approx 8 ft. tall & 12 ft. wide) on our new garden shed at ASD's demonstration garden, 798 Hillman Hwy. NE, Abingdon, VA. If awarded, the work must be done: 11/1/20 - 4/30/21. #livingbetterlocally #supportlocalartists"

The shed to be painted is in Abingdon, Virginia.

You will need to submit your portfolio to scrum@asdevelop.org by 5pm on August 28, 2020.  I know it is late but thought I should post this in case there is at least one interested artist.

You can find more info here:

https://www.facebook.com/livingbetterlocally/photos/a.426442719943/10151422154984944/?type=3&theater

LIVE PODCAST: AUGUST 27, 1 PM ET

Hopefully by this time we have all settled into the Covid-19 lifestyle that has so disrupted our lives and you've adapted to the unanticipated new normal life of an artist. It may be time to assess the business part of your life as an artist.

Do you sell your art online for the world to find? Or are you selling at shows and galleries throughout the year? No matter the case, Artists, Crafters, and Tradesmen Insurance, also known as ACT, can help ease the burden of finding the right insurance for your needs. 

Chris Van Leeuwen, Vice President for Business Development for Veracity Insurance, joins the podcast to answer your questions about liability, property damage, loss and accident insurance that protects you against third-party claims that arise out of your business operations.

This is a call in show -- we want to hear from you. We want your questions.

• Please put them in the comments below
• email us directly: meg@artfaircalendar.com
• call into the show - 805-243-1338

Be prepared for when the shows open again.

Thank you to the over 300 fabulous people who "sent us the money." We are humbled and thrilled. And truly mostly we so grateful for the caring messages that came in letting us know how our websites have been helpful to you over the years. 

My assistant, Meg Mettler, and I just drew the names for the prizes we are giving away. Those prizes are: 

• Flourish Displays donating a $300 gift certificate
• Photographer & all round good guy who has helped so many of us Larry Berman is donating $200 worth of special expertise and his photography services
• Franklin Piuck of Cyberhenge.com is donating four 15 minute private website review Zoom sessions. You remember Frank, he did two website podcasts with me and a Zoom meeting to help artists get those websites working.

There are six prizes, but we have learned that even those those prizes are very tempting to some people, some of them aren't. So we drew 15 names and if your name is in the list below: 1) look over the prizes and make a choice; 2) email asap meg@artfaircalendar.com your choice. 

1. Andrea Olson
2. Carol Carey
3. Penny Grossenbacher
4. Carol Larsen
5. Jennifer Moffitt
6. Frances Landfear
7. Patty Gregory
8. William Geren
9. Kelly Miller
10. Andrew Shea
11. Joseph Murray
12. Joseph Raia
13. Carol Littman
14. Katie Hoffman
15. Kit Hanson

Sending love out to the art fair community, the kindest, most fun, empathic, generous people around. I'm forever grateful that I found the art fair business and have been able to participate in so many parts of it. 

Love to all,

Connie

So many thanks to all who donated in July! And our apologies for the delay in the drawing. I promise we'll host it Friday, August 14 at 1 pm ET. Please tune in to see who the winners will be. See the prizes below.

If our websites have been useful to you, helped you sell art or enabled you to proceed more confidently in the business, you can do that by clicking right here:   blogtalkradio.com/artfairs/2020/08/14/just-2-and-its-aftermath

or our new alternative
easy to use form, right here:

Friends have stepped up with prizes so now we're announcing a   podcast on Tues., 7/21 at 1 pm ET to draw the names. For each $15 you donate your name will be entered into the drawing. Listen here.

• Flourish Displays donating a $300 gift certificate
• Photographer & all round good guy who has helped so many of us Larry Berman is donating $200 worth of special expertise and his photography services
• Franklin Piuck of Cyberhenge.com is donating four 15 minute private website review Zoom sessions. You remember Frank, he did two website podcasts with me and a Zoom meeting to help artists get those websites working.

Learn more right here.

A FREE way to help is to simply put a link on your website!  Easy instructions are here:  https://www.callsforartists.com/call-for-artists-links.

Food for thought from the archives, posted by Troy Smith, from Veracity Insurance, ACT - 

As new technologies continue to push our entire world forward, they begin to intersect more and more with the artistic and creative worlds.

One such intersection is the craft of jewelry-making and 3D printing.

Does 3D Printing Unlock Creativity or Stifle It?

As with every new technology, there are always those who worry about the loss of the "human touch."

This is a valid concern.

The art of hand-crafting jewelry is well respected for the effort, knowledge, and skill it takes. By replacing parts of this process with technology-generated designs and manufacturing, you can argue that the imperfections that make each piece unique are lost.

Yet it also enables increased opportunities for greater creativity.

In a recent interview by WonderLuk, one of the leaders in the 3D printed jewelry movement, the designers they were interviewing, a duo called Kezner, said, "3D printing allows never before seen geometric freedom."

Designs not achievable by traditional methods are now free to be conceived—and, more importantly, fabricated—because of 3D printing.

From designs that mimic the complex network of blood vessels or bone to the intricate and delicate textures of lace and interlocking spirals, 3D printing has blown wide the door of what is possible in jewelry making, not just on a large scale, but for individual designers and jewelry crafters.

Scaling Business Operations for Small-Scale Jewelry Designers

While it is, in some ways, a sad truth, art for art's sake is not a viable business model. For those looking to make a living off of their jewelry designs, it's important to be both creative and pragmatic.

Technology has always been a way to help achieve this. 3D printing in particular offers incredible opportunities for jewelry crafters to see their work realized in an increasingly affordable and scalable way.

In the same WonderLuk interview with Keznr, one of the designers said, "3D printing makes things simpler. Manufacturing, handling orders and moving products to resellers and stores is easier. Eventually, easier means more affordable."

At ACT, we believe in supporting independent artists and crafters. As 3D printing technologies continue to become more affordable, we can see how this technology can benefit them, both creatively and financially for their business.

Is 3D Printed Jewelry Still Art?

One of the common misconceptions about 3D printed jewelry is that it completely removes the human element.

However, any jewelry design must begin with the creative mind of a person.

Do the exact tools they use to implement it—whether it be a wax bur set or a 3D printer—really matter?

What do you think? Is 3D printing the next big thing for jewelry crafters or is it the end of this time-treasured skill? Leave your comments below to let us know what you think!

Well it is over for Lu and Wallace Fuller in the Art Fair world. 

We traded in our 2005 art fair van with 365,000 miles for a small SUV.

Lu and I did our first Art Fair after being married for just one month, It was the Plaza in Kansas City in September of 1967. She sold a number of rose paintings (2"x3") and she made $25. Her last show was Waveland in Lexington, Ky. in September of 2018, That was 51 years in the Art Fair world.

The end of the trail was when I had a back infection that put me in the hospital for a year and I had to have two knee operations because the infection migrated to my knee.

I will keep up with the Art fair world but will not be part of it,

Wallace  Fuller    

Remembering the days and really, really wondering when they will return. This image is from not too long ago. Do you have a better one?