As an art fair organizer are you still struggling with the problem of how to use digital jurying for your event? Or as a user of the current systems do you have unresolved problems? Or are you looking for something still better?
You already know about Zapplication.org and Juried Art Services, be prepared to be wowed by a new opportunity for digital services for your art fair.
Art Fair organizers, meet Entry Thingy!
Entry Thingy is:
1. Easy to implement!
2. Efficient for you and artists!
3. Cheap!
Who could ask for anything more?
Entry Thingy, def.:
A cost-effective call for entries, management and jury system that lives on your website.
EntryThingy is the first call for entries, management and jury system that lives on an event's web site. No extra servers or databases, just paste some html into a web page and it'll look like it was custom built for the site.
Originally built for and with Barry Witt, director, of the Bonita Springs National Art Festivals, EntryThingy offers all the tools needed to receive, manage and jury entries:
* Artist registration, entry, image upload and payment integration.
* Printable entries for registration by mail.
* Use statuses, filters and search to view and manage the show entries and jury results.
* Invite jurors to vote for entries on the event's website.
* Download entries and images for an offline jury presentation.
* You own your data. Download all data and images to your computer - whenever you like, as often as you like.
* No setup fee, only $2 per entry.
Ready to learn more?
EntryThingy is at http://www.EntryThingy.com
Contact Chris Ritke
critke@gmail.com for more information.
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November 28 & 29 Sterling Heights, MI 30th Annual St. Nick's Warehouse Arts & Crafts Show Henry Ford II High School 250 Exhibitors New Deadline: September 1 Where is Sterling Heights, MI, and Henry Ford II High School? You just know it has to be the Detroit area which abounds with buildings named for one Ford or another, right?
Click here. During the holidays there is a plethora of arts and crafts shows which pop up around the country in the local schools. In Michigan they have reached a zenith and are eagerly awaited by the shoppers. St. Nick's Warehouse is presented by the Boosters Club and aggressively promoted and smoothly run by them. They know how to run an event and they know how to bring in shoppers. My background is fine art fairs, but in recent years I have attended a few of these holiday markets. Here is what I found: --dedicated buyers waiting at the doors with lists in hand --craftspeople with unique, one-of-a-kind goods --Police directing traffic!! because of the crowd --shuttle buses running from nearby parking lots bringing shoppers --well-run events --affordable booth fees The Henry Ford II Boosters Club take great pride in their school and are well known for this event.
Visit their website for more details, contact info and to download an application.
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Hi,As full-time artists, we've made our living on the show circuit for the last dozen years, but we've continued to have trouble finding a decent Fine Art show in January. So, in discussion with several other artists, we've decided that it's time to take the bull by the horns and create a January or February Mid-Atlantic Fine Art show, provided that we find enough artist interest. That's where you come in - please help us by responding to this survey. No obligation, of course.The conventional theory is that once the holiday season is over, Jan. and Feb. are dead in the Mid-Atlantic. They certainly are for shows. And we've tried the Florida shows, which are way over-saturated. But folks, not everyone goes to Florida! There are areas of affluent buyers (in some places, like Chantilly, they are "showed out" by Jan., but we believe there are similar areas to be tapped).Let us hasten to say that this would be a Juried Fine Art / Fine Craft Show with no Buy-Sell and no commercial vendors other than food. We're well aware of what happens to shows who let in with a policy of "Jury by Check". Furthermore, categories and percentages of art types will be strictly controlled -- this is for the good of the show and the participating artists. Working title "2010 Art Awards Show"; we want a title that reflects the quality of the show. My husband has experience producing shows at convention centers.We have completed preliminary investigation of possible venues and resources, now we need to hear from the artist community -- YOU. We need your replies, and any recommendations you may have. Your answer can be as short as "1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D". If you answer, we'll let you know the overall survey results.We have sent the survey to artists whose work we saw in the past year at shows like Craftsmens Classic or Rose Squared or Corn Hill or Crozet or Berkshire show. We will be posting the discussion and info on any resulting show on www.artawards.bizAnswers can be emailed to info@digiartservice.comPreliminary response from artists we have talked with is very encouraging, and we appreciate your help. There are just 5 survey areas where we need your input: Size of the Show, Timing of the Show, Days of the Show, Geography of the Show, and your availability.1. Size of ShowA small show usually has a sponsor (church group, community itself, civic group, private or public school, etc.). Booths typically cost $100 or less and there are generally 50 booths or less, sometimes only 10 or 12. There is no promotion budget to speak of, the fees go to the facility and the sponsor. To attract gate and buyers, we are dependent on the sponsoring organization to bring members, friends and neighbors, and to spread word of mouth (naturally, for any size show, we will also have our own website). There can be multiple events in the same general geographic area a few weeks apart. The event is usually free to the public.A large show requires a professional crew and staff as well as professional promotion and services. Most large sites are setup to handle the services and parking (typically, a convention center). They can accommodate 100 or more booths and the 10x10 booth cost is in the $300 to $500 range. There is a large promotion budget for advertising and public relations / promotion, and the size and quality of gate depends largely on the effectiveness of the promotion program. It is important that the bulk of booth revenues go into heavy promotion to carefully targeted audiences after facilities costs are paid. There should only be a single such event in the area for the month, and there should be an entrance fee to help with the high facility and service costs, and to skew the gate towards the more serious buyers.Please indicate your preference for a Jan. or Feb. show:A -- small showB -- large showC -- neither2. Timing of the ShowPlease indicate your preference:A -- January, first halfB -- January, second halfC -- February, first halfD -- February, second halfE -- MarchF -- any of aboveG -- BOTH Jan. and Feb. (different locations)H -- none of above (tell us why)3. Days of the ShowPlease indicate your preference:A -- Friday afternoon setup, short show Friday evening plus all day Sat. and Sun.B -- Friday afternoon and evening setup, show all day Sat. and Sun.C -- Sat. morning setup, show all day Sat. and Sun.D -- any of aboveE -- none of above (tell us what you prefer)4. Geography of ShowWe have eliminated Chantilly, VA because of too many shows in the area. For the rest of the Mid-Atlantic, we are open to suggestion. For large shows, we have explored facilities and their calendars, and obtained costs, for the areas shown. Please indicate your preference:A -- Virginia Beach, VAB -- Hampton Roads Convention Center, VAC -- Roanoke, VAD -- suburban Philadelphia, PAE -- suburban Baltimore, MDF -- Greensboro, NCG -- any of the aboveH -- other (tell us)5. My AvailabilityPlease indicate whether you think you would be willing to participate:A -- Yes, if the show conformed to my answersB -- Yes, probably for any of the descriptions in Jan.C -- Yes, probably for any of the descriptions in Feb.D -- Yes, other (tell us)E -- No or probably not (please say why)(We don't have a "maybe" as that will not help us!)6. Your CommentsWe would gratefully appreciate any suggestions.Everyone who responds with answers (even if they can't do such a show) will be sent the survey results.Thanks,Larry and Shoshana MatthewsClassic & Textile ArtHandwovens by Shoshana
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Posted by Evelyn Zebro on August 24, 2009 at 3:19pm
Hi. I'm just starting the festivals scene and would like to buy used Mesh Panels (and Sta Bar frame) by Flourish, if anyone has one to sell. I'm in Asheville NC and would like to get one for the Kentuck Festival mid October '09, which we'll be attending (me and husband).If you have one to sell, you can reach me at 828-450-5189 or zebroevelyn@yahoo.comThanks!
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Posted by Kaelin Cordis on August 21, 2009 at 11:09am
Have you ever had a gorgeous piece of stone that you simply didn't know what to do with? I had been holding onto this pieces of stunning druzy quartz for about six months, reluctant to set it because I may never find another piece of such a neat stone.. I finally set it,
and yesterday I found two sets of pairs for earrings, three more singles for pendants, and I couldn't be happier or more excited. For those of you who are interested the stats are : "Space Dust" Sterling Silver, Titanium Druzy Quartz, Patina. Photo: Matthew Taylor http:www.kaelindesign.com/spacedust.html
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Well sports fans, did the Telluride Festival of the Arts this past weekend (www.telluridefest.com). While I should have done my due diligence to find out the show was not in Telluride, but the Mountain Village of Telluride, it was produced by the Cherry Creek folks which was enough for me to attend. The village is up about a mile from town, accessible by gondola, and received zero support from the townies (just so happens the town is where most stay during the Summer). It is an effort to bring folks up to the village, an area frought with ski condos and business' hanging on for dear life. The draw is a food and wine tasting on Saturday, a featured artist (Joan Osborne?) on Friday, and a very painful Sunday (read no people).I did learn how to buffalo the wine people to fill the damn glass rather than a squirt (played the starving artist card, need a buzz not a taste). I have to say, I was never so happily spoiled at a show. The Cherry Creek crowd has this down, assistance with the set up, lunch every day,free tickets to the food and wine party. They advertised the bejesus out of the event, a good attempt at making this a "destination" for the Summer crowd, but the buying crowd just never showed. We made our expenses ($2500) which paid for 5 days in some of the most scenic mountains I have ever seen. Managed to squeeze in some fun four wheeling over Imogene pass at 13,200 feet and pretended I could shoot landscapes. Guess a paid for working vacation ain't so bad after all. One of the pleasant things about a slow show is actually spending some decent time talking shop with others. We all are down at least 50% from previous years, but good to see a few tweaking and tuning their approach rather than bitching and moaning. I have a tendency to respect the business and marketing approach of photographers rather than talent or the equipment they use (is there anything more boring and irrelevant than the film vs. digital arguements?) Met one fella who left an impression on me, not for his photography skills, more for his ability to take a subject and turn it into something unique. Todd Van Fleet (http://www.toddvanfleet.com/) has taken a hot commodity (cruiser bikes) and turned into a marketing marvel. Kinda klitchy, but people are jumping all over it and he was one of the only artists having stuff walk out his booth. The kid does this full time, does portrait work to supplement the show income, has received commissions from Fat Tire beer, John Deere and others. Even an old fart like me came away impressed. Bottom line for the show, if you hike, bike, fish, four wheel, shop or just like to hang in a town where everyone seems to have money and a young blonde on their arm, don't mind playing second fiddle to the wine thing, and don't mind being spoiled to death, a fine place to spend a summer weekend. Just not one of those where you put money in the bank.
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Think art fairs have problems with buy/sell and imposters exhibiting? Look at this information from the 31st Annual Antique Indian Art Show (seems like that name should be Indian Antique, right?):
Federal Seizures of Indian Art Puts Damper on Indian Market "While there was talk about the beauty and rarity of some items, the buzz was all about the federal crackdown on the trafficking of relics in the Four Corners region, an area rich in prehistoric archaeological sites and artifacts. A two-year undercover investigation became public in June, with raids on homes and businesses throughout the region. More than 20 people were arrested and indicted on allegations of taking the goods illegally. Twenty-five people face felony charges—two of them have committed suicide," says the Denver Post. Wow! It seems "collectors" have been excavating, and buying and selling art that is illegally obtained. This is a very interesting look at the artifact business.
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Posted by Hamish Hafter on August 20, 2009 at 1:25am
For those of you out there who need to move framed artwork and canvases around, I have a great new product that makes life easy and reduces damages to expensive framing. For client visits this is a professional solution.The ArtPak makes all the difference. Packing up is fast at shows, the bags are re-useable and damages have been eliminatedYou can take a look at www.proartpak.comCheersHamish
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Posted by Bill Sargent on August 19, 2009 at 10:30pm
Note to Nels: your reply to John Hartung's tent problem blog was sensitive, helpful, and inspirational.Here is my wife's grateful response to your stern refusal to let improper English go unpunished.Hi, Nels, it's Ann Sargent. As you may know, I retired not too long ago; I taught English in middle school, high school, college and graduate school during the past 25 or so years. I have also worked as a professional copy editor for a Chicago publishing house.So when Bill showed me your post, I was delighted to see that you're a champion of proper usage, spelling and punctuation. In keeping with your spirit of helpful correction, I'd like to assist you in reaching the pinnacle of proper English usage.Your spelling is flawless. Your post, however, has a number of comma errors; surprising, since you address this very issue. For example, names in direct address must always be set off by a comma ("John, if you...." and "John, do not....") In the second line of your post, the meaning is unclear because of the lack of a comma. Do you mean "on roofs, especially during setup....", or "on roofs especially, during setup...." This is an excellent example of your comment that commas give "a clear meaning to what you are trying to convey."When you start a sentence with "Also..." it must always be followed by a comma. Beginning a sentence with "But..." is colloquial and OK in very informal writing; however, it would have been better to have combined it with the sentence before ("...almost no commas, but I know....")One last comment; you use the expression "...you are doing good". Strictly speaking, this means that you are doing charitable works. The expression you want is "...you are doing well." I know your intent is good, and I'm glad to help. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in the future.For those who didn't see it, Nels's post is as follows:John if you get 2-4 years wear out of any of the industry's canopy roofs, you are doing good. It is just the nature of the wear and tear on roofs especially during setup,storage and teardowns. John do not take this as a personal attack, but your use of the English language is atrocious. Check your spelling out or at least proof it. Also commas are very helpful for separating phrases and giving a clear meaning to what you are trying to convey. You use almost no commas. But I know your intent is good--just thought I would mention that. You are not alone. Most people these days cannot write a clear declarative sentence with proper spelling and punctuation--Aloha,Nels
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Please include the name of the importers/"artists" as they show up on the lists of the art shows they exhibit at. I've seen families of SE Asians at numerous shows, most recently at the Uptown/Minneapolis show, with booths crammed with "handmade" goods. Without the names, the shows can't police the importers and buy/sellers.
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Posted by John Hartung on August 18, 2009 at 5:01pm
My Canopy DilemmaI have a Show Off Canopy and love the frame. It's strong and easy to setup. I love the telescoping legs and frame. This and their limited number of parts make setup easy. Most of it is aluminum making it light, but it has steal corners to make it strongest in the most vulnerable area.However, my 2nd top I've had for the canopy in 7 years is again turning colors. The skylight material is turning a rusty redish color. It's surface very sticky (like sap). It's top is developing more and more leaks in the roof.My first top I owned Show Off blamed me because I had used bleach to keep it white. So this time I followed their directions. I only washed it with regular soap. If I had to pack wet, I'd dry it out the next day. Nevertheless the fabric is giving me the same problems.I look around at shows and notice many of the Show Off's with redish skylights and others complain of it feeling sappy. Anyone with a Show Off found a solution for these problems? On my first top I discovered bleach did temporarily make it whiter, but then would turn red again (even worse).I like both the Trimline's and the Light Dome's fabric better. One option I'm considering is getting a whole new canopy, but I don't like either of their frames as much as Show Off. Today I contacted both Flourish and Light Dome to see if they'd be willing to make a custom top for me. Flourish said straight out "no" and Light Dome said they would consider it but was concerned the zippers wouldn't be compatible.If I were to get a new canopy system, I'm leaning toward's Light Dome's "Finale". They seem a bit more difficult to put up and not as strong as the Show Off, however much easier to setup than the Trimline and not nearly as cumbersome and heavy.What I don't like about the Finale the most is their seems no way to zip tie your booth at night, as there is no rings near the zippers to connect to.I've contacted Show Off with my disappoint of their material. They have offered me a 20% discount on a new top and say the fabric has improved UV protection as of 2 years ago, but I'm losing faith in them and not sure they are worth another try.Am I being unrealistic how long a canopy top should last? My 2nd top did last with great care for 4 years. Doing an average of 30 shows a year that's 120 shows.Okay, so I'm open to hearing any love or hate things people have to say about their particular canopy. Any advice on care of the material is also welcome!
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In its 49th year the Brandywine Arts Festival in Wilmington, DE, is in deep doo-doo for not paying its bills. Reports say that the event organizers still owe the State of Delaware $8500 in usage fees for the use of Brandywine Park on the banks of the Brandywine River. The fur has been flying (they say). Organizers and parks administrators continue to feud. With the dates of the event coming up fast (September 12 & 13) unofficially it has been announced that the event will take place at St. Anthony in the Hills in Avondale, PA, in suburban Wilmington.
Read all about it: Brandywine Arts Festival leaving Wilmington
and here: Dispute ends Brandywine Arts Festival's Del. tradition
The long-established and popular event, drawing some 20,000 people, has been a fixture of autumn events for the region for almost half a century.
Will one of you follow up on this and let me know what is happening? Is it really moving to Avondale. Please investigate and comment below. Thanks.
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Recently, Sally Bright, from the NAIA, wrote us to tell us we had an importer on the list of exhibitors at Arts, Beats & Eats. Lisa and I (Lisa Konikow my co-director at ABE) were not pleased. We really liked the images and the exhibitor looked like a quality addition to the show lineup. But when we googled the name: misturadesigns.com and read more about the company AND the extensive list of art fairs they had participated in this year the handwriting was on the wall.
A recent email from www.thaitradepoint.com really brought this further to my attention.
I was being offered unique Asian crafts to sell to my customers. Here are some of the things I could buy (and possibly sell at an art fair):
- Ancient Beads -HANDMADE ART OF PRECIOUS AMULETIC ORNAMENT.
- Spare Robot - Amazing steel works from used spare parts.
- Wood Collection -Exotic wooden gifts for the wood passionate.
-Thai-Luna Soft Clay Flower
- Siam Sculture & Gift - Ancient Sculpture and Gift of the old Siam.
-Thai Be Proud - the masterpiece heritage of southern Thailand.
- Leaves Paper - Handmade leaves & fiber paper of Northern Thailand.
- Spaindex - Hot and Spicy Lady Clothings Exporter. (well, these may not make the jury :)
- Exotic Wallets - Authentic Genuine Leather Wallet made from great quality skin of Thai's animal.
- Wittaya Collection - Mango wood products from most skillful craftsman.
- Just-A-Crafts - The ultimate old rustic teak wook furniture.
The crafts are being sold in lots - not individually. Let's be sharp here and keep these vendors out of our art fairs. It completely undermines our reason for being.
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Here is an article full of helpful ideas of good books for artists to read, not only for summer for the long haul, an excellent list full of practical books written by Charlene Davis for the Association of Artisan Businesses. Me, I do read a lot and Charlene included my list in the article. I also recommend these to you: •
Your Money or Your Life, Joe Dominguez and Vickie Robin (great for an attitude adjustment and justification for following your bliss). •
No Thanks, I'm Just Looking, Harry J. Friedman (step by step insights to selling). •
The Art of Selling Art, Bill H. Ritchie. •
Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale, Zig Ziglar •
The Secrets of Superselling, Lynea Corson •
How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling, Frank Bettger •
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, by Bruce M. Patton •
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind, by Al Ries and Jack Trout In my present career building and marketing my two websites (ArtFairCalendar.com and this one) the most important book was
Internet Riches by Scott Fox, really and truly helpful to anyone who is thinking about building an online business. His newest book
e-Riches 2.0 takes up where Internet Riches leaves off. Read Charlene's article here:
Dive Into Summer Reading! and prepare to sell your art.
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An artist always wants to show off their talent with highest quality and detail. A special framework is always required to display a masterpiece. A perfect frame for your artwork not only enhances its beauty but can also bring mesmerizing attraction to your piece.There are various types of artist picture frames available in the market. You can find huge contrast in the frame features, like size, texture, quality, and craftsmanship, so picking the perfect frame for your special piece of art is very important, in some ways finding the frame is an art itself. A painting is not just a piece of art; it is a culmination of emotions and thoughts, leaving an immense impact on individuals.Before you buy a frame to preserve your art, you should have an idea about the type of frame that would magnify your artwork. Wooden frames always make the artist work look very elegant. You can shop for artist pictures frames as per the size of your pocket. Apart from the material, color of the frame is also a very crucial factor. This has the potential to make your art look ordinary or extraordinary. Sometimes, looking for a frame is exhausting within itself. It's difficult to find the right frame which speaks to you. Different types of emotions are attached with each painting, so you'll need to find the frame which compliments your emotions. Sometimes it's advised that you choose your artist frame before creating your masterpiece, because the exquisite reminiscence of the frame can provide inspiration for creating your art.In many cases you'll need special frames to highlight your work. Your art may be displayed at an art gallery, auction house, an art showcase, or an ART FAIR in these special cases you'll need a special frame that stands out amongst the crowd. So, to preserve any special art for art galleries, one should opt for antique frames. Your exceptional art indeed deserves a grand treatment. An artist can leave his artistic taste on the frame work also, by making his own art frames. These frames may or may not be as spectacular as ready made frames, but such frames make any fabulous piece of art fantabulous in terms of its sentimental value. The finishing touch to art picture frames is given by glazing. It can be done by glass or acrylic. Glass offers superb scratch resistance but is heavy where as acrylic is lightweight and gives the art a superior quality.An artist cannot leave his creation to be eaten by spiders. In addition to, amplification of an artist’s work, frames act as protection force also. Art is sandwiched between the mat board and mount board. This prevents your precious art from getting damaged. An artist’s art is not meant to be stored in a box. It is meant to be framed and hung, so that its beauty and charm can be manifested. For hanging frames you'll need sturdy and strong frame hardware which will support your artwork.An artist’s work is the affirmation of his ideas and imagination, which portrays their vision and passion towards their aesthetical world. So, to scatter the beauty of their philosophy, the artist artwork must catch the eye of the spectator. Once it strikes the eyes, then it would create the magic, leaving a soothing impact on the viewers’ soul. You can easily use frames to capture the attention of your audience which will draw them to your artistic masterpiece.Wholesale Frame Company is an online store where artist can purchase wholesale frames, plein air frames, artist frames, and picture frame hardware.
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Posted by Joyce Waltz on August 12, 2009 at 12:24pm
I would like advice about credit card machines. Being a novice in the art fair business, I would like to remain cost effective but not at the expense of being cheap.
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Posted by David Hipwell on August 11, 2009 at 1:04am
It was a wild weekend weather wise. It was Aug 8 and 9. Rain stopped setup til noon on Aug 8.....then hot and breezy....threatening a bit a the end of the day....then Aug9 was hot and breezy early til 2pm when the organizers wisely shut down the show because strong winds were threatening....Sales were average between rain and wind. On a good day, would do better. Few carrying bags, but I would have done half as much more if good weather. I sell paintings.Parking there needs work. Meters in the best spots near show site in park. The vendors clog them.....they need an ordinance which would make it just for customers during the show with unloading time only for vendors. And then use license numbers to move the vendors out after unloading.
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Are you wondering how the fairs are doing this year? Tales of events being cancelled, others growing, artists starving and artists thriving got you confused?
Here's a thorough look at the economics and challenges of it all by AP writer Tom Breen at the Yahoo News:
"Fun-seekers venturing out to farm fairs, art festivals and other mainstays of the American summer are finding either crowds or cancellation notices this year — and sometimes for the same reason.
Many festivals have met their demise when national sponsors pulled away and lawmakers slashed grant budgets, leaving organizers without enough money to buy tables, tents, portable toilets and other fair basics. That has many wondering whether their events will ever mount a comeback, though the ones that downsize stand a better chance than the ones that cancel entirely."
The article covers events at Watkins Glen, NY, the Ohio State Fair, the Alameda County Fair (which broke attendance records), and many other places across the country.
In Allentown, PA, when they had to slash their budget in half the organizers reported increased attendance!
Lots of food for thought here: Fairs see huge crowds when they weather recessionRead more…
September 26 & 27
Art Fair at the Meadows
Lake St. Louis, MO
Art Fair at the Meadows at Lake St. Louis
I-64/US40 and Lake Saint Louis Blvd
25 Exhibitors
Sat. 10 am to 6 pm; Sun. noon to 4 pm
Deadline: August 20
Your chance to get in on the ground floor of a new event. Here is what artist/organizer Don Crozier told me:
"The first year might be a little rough, but if we can make it to years 2 and 3 and beyond, the potential is huge. Beautiful venue, room to expand, affluent area."
The rest of the good news:
This first time event will be held in the most affluent area in St. Charles County, Missouri. Lake St. Louis sits 30 miles west of St. Louis and the nearest art fair is 20 miles away. In August 2009, Lake St. Louis was ranked no. 9 in Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live: money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/
The Art Fair at the Meadows at Lake St. Louis is presented by a partnership between the St. Charles County Arts Council, The Lake Saint Louis Artists Association, and members of The Best of Missouri Hands. Support is also given by The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis and ArtFairCalendar.com.
Do you live nearby? Have a mailing list in the area? Want to be in on the ground floor for a new event in a promising area? You know what to do then.
For an application: http://strandedglass.com/meadows.htmRead more…
Here's a little background from the local TV channel:
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - More than $2.5 million in original art is expected to be sold this weekend at the Uptown Art Fair.
With about 375,000 visitors, attendance at the event is second only to the Minnesota State Fair.
Hundreds of artists will be selling sculptures, paintings, photos' woodcarvings, glasswork, jewelry and more. Attendance is free at the event held at the corner of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue and running down a nearby pedestrian mall.
My husband, Norm Darwish, and I did Uptown many years, often breaking into the five figures in sales, selling his photography to a lovely group of people in Minneapolis and having a great time in the Uptown neighborhood. But the year the booth fees went up, we were asked for a separate fee to have the same space that we'd had for years, we were "requested" to contribute to the auction and they put a food booth that grilled brats all day long with the smoke blowing into our space we decided to say good bye to metro Minneapolis.
In subsequent years we listened closely to the show reports from our friends and were not enticed to return. Read a review by Nels Johnson on Ellen Marshall's take on this years fair.
It is the Big Art Weekend in Minneapolis though and everyone has their own story. Here are some I found:
An excellent overview at the StarTribune: The Newbie (Andy Juelich) and the Veteran (Renee & Douglas Sigwarth) that includes an excellent video of the Sigwarth's working in their art glass studio.
Artist Dolan Geiman always has a unique point of view about the events where he shows his work, visit his Daily Dolan Geiman blog to hear his tornado report from Uptown.
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