Blog

Drawing Podcast Postponed.

Thanks to all of you who have donated so quickly to our request for help.  We really appreciate the support of our mission to help artists and art fairs, especially during these uncertain times. We have so many friends, if each chipped in even just $2, it would help so much.

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: 

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.

Covid-19 has prevented many art fairs from taking place this year.  One show that will definitely look different is the Uptown Art Fair.  While the Uptown Art Fair will be canceled, it will be adapted for the changing times. 

The Uptown Association decided to cancel their traditional art show which was planned for August 7-9, 2020 to protect the health and safety of the artists, art patrons, guests, neighbors, and volunteers. 

However, art will still continue to take place.  The Uptown Association will host the Uptown Art Fair Heals - Mini Event.  This new event will showcase the art and artists of the Minneapolis Community in a new kind of way.

After George Floyd's tragic death many local artists in coordination with local businesses were called upon to paint over 50 murals on the plywood that boarded up buildings through out the community in an attempt to heal the community through works of art related to George's untimely passing.

There will be about 50 local artists in the surface lot at Calhoun Square in Uptown Minneapolis.  Other events will take place all over the Uptown community at various businesses and locations including sidewalk sales, artist demonstrations, musicians, food, and drink specials.  Participating businesses at this time include Calhoun Square, Granada Theater, Amazing Thailand, Kitchen Window, Local Motion Boutique, Daymark Uptown Apartments.

Click the link below to read about Jill Osiecki Gleich's idea to turn the blank boards covering local businesses into works of art:

http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/painting-uptown-with-awareness-and-hope/

If you are able to attend the Uptown Art Fair Heals event, let us know what you thought.

Can you help? $2? Will that work for you? Please click here to use PayPal   (or send whatever amount you like) Not fond of PayPal? Please try this simple Credit Card form:    For $12 ($1 a month) or more, we'll send you one of these pdfs, your choice: Scott Fox's Critical SEO Techniques Analysis of our Best Art Fair Survey  Secrets to Starting in the Art Fair Business

​

I don't have an answer for this so I thought I'd start the discussion/thread.

I've seen lots of signage meant for "normal" stores; tape on the floor, printed round thingies that promote social distancing, etc. However, I've yet to find something ready made, though my search is by no means extensive, that might be appropriate for an art fair booth short of making my own. I've even "googled" images thinking I'd make my own poster to put up.

Anyone hit on something that they would like to share?

Since the virus and quarantine most of us have not done much traveling long distance like you would normally do to get to a show.

Ellen and I live in New Smyrna Beach, seven months, and Saugatuck,MI the rest.

So every  May we pack up stuff and do a 1400 mile trip using two vans and pulling a UHaul trailer with my van.

This year because of the virus we left a month later.

Also Ellen left her van behind and rode with me.l

So the situations we encountered while getting gas, eating out at restaurants and staying at hotels are the same things we will encounter going to an art show while Covid is still active.

So I will pass on what we learned and hopefully it will be instructive for you.

We take three days to do our trip.  Usually about an eight hour drive each day. We used to do it in two days but our aging has made it different.

We left on a Saturday and made it to Pensacola.

Sunday we made it to a hotel just north of Nashville. Sunday is the best day to get thru there with mellow traffic.

Then Monday it was a straight shot north on I-65 thru Louisville, Indianapolis and on to Saugatuck which is the lower west coast of Michigan.

Saugatuck is “God’s Country.”

So here are some helpful tips about gas stations.

I grab a paper towel from their wiper stations and wrap it around the gas nozzle. No germs on you hands.

I use the towel over my finger when punching info at the pump station.

When I input my debit card and pull it out, I use an alcohol wipe to clean the card.

Also you could use an alcohol wipe instead of the paper towel to handle the gas hose.

We stashed a gallon water jug in the van with a little liquid soap.  This came in handy whenever we had to wash our hands.

Most of the gas stations and restaurants had soap and hot water and clean paper towels in a dispenser.

Thru this whole Covid I have always washed my hands for at least 20 seconds whenever I came back from somewhere, like the grocery store.

I did not mask it while pumping because there was plenty of social distancing.

Going into restaurants we always masked it going in and out.

We hit Cracker Barrel’s for breakfest both morns.

They had great table spacing everywhere we went. Also their bathrooms had great soap, hot water and paper towels.

Exiting the bathroom and the restaurant door I used my elbows to push against the doors.

The first nite in Pensacola we ate at the bar at the Fishhouse restaurant. They had three sets of stools

two each set a least ten foot apart.  Great social distancing. The bartenders and waitpersons were all masked. 

At Crackerbarrel all the staff were masked.

At Nashville we ate at a great Mexican restaurant and everybody was masked.

Now info about hotels.

We stay at Red Roof Inns all the time.  Been a member of their club for 35 years.

Checking in, they had six foot strips for spacing.  The clerk was behind a large plexiglass shield.

Rooms were super clean but they have scrimey little bars of soap, that is my only criticism of RRIs.

I still think the best three things you can do when traveling, to avoid getting Covid, are to wear a mask when out and about, keeping good social distancing (at least six foot minemum), and washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Ellen and I are in the most lethal group if we got infected because of our age and vulnerable immune systems.

So far we are staying very healthy.

I hope my insights are helpful for those of you who have not traveled far since Covid.

Please comment and let me know what you think.

Any new thoughts on what we encountered are appreciated.

Later, Gators.

LIVE - THURS., JUNE 25, 2 PM EASTERN TIME

Part V: Marketing Art Through Social Media/Pinterest

The Pinterest social media platform with over 335 million users could just be the missing piece of your social media marketing plan. Using its tools it will help you can hone your sales strategy to build a following.

Three points from 28 Pinterest Statistics Marketers Should Know in 2020

1. There are more than 2 billion searches on Pinterest every month

2. 600 million of Pinterest’s monthly searches are visual

3. High-income households are twice as likely to use Pinterest than low-income households. Adults with college educations are twice as likely to use Pinterest than others.

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."

More about Brian: 

and this pdf that outlines clearly their business: 

Do you use Pinterest? We'd love your input on this podcast. Contact me if you'd like to be a guest: info@artfaircalendar.com

Leave comments below. 

Call in to the show: 805-243-1338

I have thought seriously about what it is going to look like when they finally let us exhibit again in the Covid era.

I am a photographer. So presently I show my work in framed images on the wall and then a table with two matted print bins and a small table with a box for my 16x20 mats. 

The two bin table hold 8x10 mats and 11x14 mats.  I print on paper.

I have Lightdome tent with Propanels.

My booth usually has two skinny panels in the front where I display six, 16x20 frames.

I have a left and right wall and two rear walls with an opening in the middle where I sit behind the booth.

The print bins are aligned on one side.

Covid is going to change things. I do not think I can have print bins where people will be touching them constantly. I cannot be wiping all the time.

Most 2-d artists like me who have bins are going to have to circumvent this problem.

Here is my solution.

I sell about 50 images in three matted sizes.

I am going to have two large frames with 5x7 printed images with titles.

The frames will be 30x40, with glass,each frame will have 25 images.

I am going to duplicate the process on the outside panels of my booth— two frames with 25 images.

That means at least four people or more can look at the work.

I will have a small coffee table with three sample size mats so people can see what they will get.

I will have prices for the three sizes. These will show on the framed pieces as well as the table.

Then, when a customer sees one they like and want, I can pull one out from my storage bins behind the booth.

I can hold it up to let them see without touching.  If it goes well, I will bag it up for them.

This eliminates other people touching the work

It is safe, no germs getting spread.

I think people will adjust to this new reality.

Next, let us talk about vibing with customers safely.

I am going to clip a 30x40 plexiglass sheet to the panel’s edge in the middle where I sit.

It will be head high.  That way there is a safe shield between us.

This allows me to duck under if I have to go out in the booth.

Customers can hand me their cards or cash below it.  I can pass bagged sales under it.

Again this is a layer of safety, yes I will wear a mask.

In my next blog I will cover other future obstacles to be overcome in the near future. Example, how booths will be spaced at shows.

I hope this will be of help to all of you.  And, please give me some feedback, love to hear your thoughts.

Later Gators, til tomorrow.

I was recently on a Zoom call with about 80 other art fair organizers.  It was quite impressive how knowledgeable and empathic they are.   Since I have about 40 years of event experience I presented some site plans and thoughts about opening safely.  Many people asked for copies, so I thought I should also share them with you all.  The basics are below or contact me if you would like copies of our individual show plans.  I have three shows coming up in the next two months, and each site (and stage in opening) requires different solutions.  Mark@Integrityshows.com

Some basics- To achieve 6' social distancing aisles need to be wider and booths need to be further apart.  We're looking at 20' aisles and each space will have an aisle on three sides.   Two or three sides should be open to allow a breeze to get through.  Ideally, patrons shop from outside the booth. I know that is not practical for everyone.  The most important step would be to control access to the event.  For example, right now in lower Michigan, events are limited to 100 people at a time, which we would consider too few to operate a show.  By next month we expect a number between 250 and 500.  In order to be sure that we are not exceeding that it is important to have a single entrance and a good count. This also allows a quick screening for health concerns.

We invite others to borrow these ideas. If you have suggestions, please share them with me.  I am not locked in- safety is the key. Our goal is to support the artists this year, so including fewer booths and creating more space is essential. We are giving full refunds if we cancel and have a more flexible cancellation policy for artists. Booth rents are not due until 4 weeks out this year. 

We also understand that many artists are not yet ready to jump in.  Others are not able to participate due to routing issues- driving a thousand miles for one show is not generally affordable. 

Since this will inevitably lead to some artists canceling, we are looking for artists that may be interested.  Our jurors will review and select from those that complete the form at www.is.gd/2020fairs. Space will be filled by medium to keep the show balanced.

If you have suggestions or would like clarification please email me at mark@integrityshows.com.

All of these upcoming shows are in Southeast Michigan- 

Stony Creek Art Fair July 25-26,

Belle Isle Art Fair, August 1-2,

and we work with the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce on

Art of Fire (Clay Glass and Metal)  August 8-9.

LIVE PODCAST - JUNE 18, 1 PM EASTERN TIME

Part IV -  Marketing Art Through Social Media: Instagram

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing networking service owned by Facebook.  It was launched in October 2010. The app allows users to upload media and the posts can be shared publicly or with pre-approved followers. Users browse other users' content by tags and locations, and view trending content. Users can like photos and follow other users to add their content to a feed."  It has over a billion users.

Because Instagram is all images and videos it is a perfect tool for artists to showcase their work and develop followers. The most successful Instagram users are artists who have networked with one another to share each others work. 

We have three great guests: a long time Instagrammer, a medium timer and a new user. 

• Catherine Freshley is an  painter from Portland, OR. She 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.
• Jay McDougall is a contemporary wood sculptor from Minnesota with a long history of exhibiting at the nation's best art festivals. In recent months in order to continue to earn his living with his art he has spent a lot of time online working on his own online skills and partnering with friends to build an Instagram empire. 
• Dawn Wilson, a 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.
• Renzo Iglesias, a jeweler from Florida who uses Instagram to drive traffic to his site, find his audience, increase awareness, and most importantly, drive sales.

As always, we appreciate your input - helpful tips, and questions. 

Call in at 1:30 - 805-243-1338

My last show was Vero Beach when they closed us down on Friday the 13th in March.

Since then I have had 12 shows cancelled, including Winter Park, DesMoines, Mainsail and Woodlands/Houston.

I figure I have lost more than $40K in sales.

Took me seven weeks to finally be eligible for unemployment in Florida.

I am about $2K in debt to companies I owe for materials like frames, matboard and photo papers which were bought in anticipation of the sales I expected to make.

Instead, I did a whopping $350 in sales at my last show.

Yes, I know, I am not the only one in this situation. Just saying.

Presently I have three shows scheduled for September.

This includes Amy Amdur’s Labor Day Show in Milwaukee, Arts and Apples in Rochester,MI, and Kansas City Plaza which is a biggie. I was last in it 13 years ago.

Who knows if these shows are going to happen. 

Sure hope they do, could use the moola.

I leave next Friday, June 19, for my summer home in Saugatuck,MI. This is a month later then when I usually leave. Michigan only opened up about a week ago, so I was in no hurry to leave New Smyrna Beach, my home.

Having no shows to do has been a big life changer.

I have been doing shows for more than 45 years and I exhibit and sell 12 months a year.

So I have always had dates for when I was preparing my art.

That means for me as a digital photographer who still prints on paper (yes, I am so Old School) That I am printing images daily, matting them and framing. This keeps me busy which I like.

I have always been able to offset this lifestyle by being able to golf three or four times a week.

Now, I have no shows to plan for and no place to sell my work besides, online. Which sucks.

Also I have been diagnosed with severe arthritis in my right shoulder. The cartilage is totally gone around my ball joint and rotater cup.. Which means bone on bone with lots of pain.

So there goes my golf.

Which means I wake up every day and try to find some meaningful way to enjoy the day. Cannot eat, drink and watch TV all day. Not good for your health.

So I spend a lot of time thinking about how art shows will look like when we finally get to do one.

How am I going to setup.

What about browse bins?

Do I need a plexiglass shield  between me and my patrons.

How many can be in my booth at one time.

How are shows going to configure us with our booths.

Are we going to have to have an entrance and an exit space.

Do I have to have gloves for people to wear when touching my work.

How am I to deal with a patron if they enter the booth and refuse to wear a face mask.

How am to handle money and credit cards.

This is a lot of stuff to be worked out.

It took me 40 Bloody Marys to figure out the Browse Bin solution.

God!There is not enough tequila on earth to figure out the non-wearing mask patron.

But I have Been working on solutions.  It helps fill part of my day.

I am getting my first cortisone shot for my shoulder next Tuesday.

Then I will see how I can hit those wily golf balls.

I know one thing.

Being in Florida in June really sucks.  I will take Michigan weather on lake anytime over Florida’s humidity.

Well consider this part1.

In my next blog,tomorrow, I will tell you some of my solutions.

Yeah, I know, this is like a serial, I can string you out.

Or, you could just wait a week and then Stream the whole blog.

Later Gators.

Here you go, this show sounds like they have done their homework to protect everyone as best as possible from Covid-19.  The show is the 18th Annual Orchard Lake Fine Art Show held in West Bloomfield Township on July 25 & 26th.

The show is produced by Patty Narozny of HotWorks.  Patty has had to cancel several of her shows earlier this year.  It greatly bothered Patty to cancel show after show because of the virus.  Patty knows that artists depend on shows to make their living.  Patty worked with the West Bloomfield Township and is following the Covid-19 guide lines based on the Governor's executive order to put together the safest show possible.  The 18th Annual Orchard Lake fine Art Show may very well be the first Michigan show to be held since the Covid-19 shut down.  This show may also become the model other show producers will be following in the future so that art shows can become a possibility once again.

So, what can you expect if you are able to get into the 18th Annual Orchard Lake fine Art Show?  The deadline to apply is June 19th so don't drag your feet and there is a limited amount of spaces available.  Below you can read about the precautions that will be in place to make this a safe show for everyone in attendance:


   *  There will be 3 main entrances into the show.

   *  There will be a few hand washing sinks spread around the show.  This show had a sink before in the
       relaxation tent so that people could wash their hands before they ate while at the show.  Well they
       will have a few more now.

   *  The sinks are touchless, they are operated by your foot.

   *  There will be signs at each porta john urging people to wipe the handles before & after use.  There
       will be disinfectant & paper towel there for people to use.

   *  All show booths will be 3 feet apart.

   *  If possible all booths will have 2 or more sides up to help the air to flow through the tents.

   *  Social distancing of 6 feet apart will be practiced.

   *  Face coverings will be encouraged however since the show is outside it can't be forced by law.

   *  Artist will use pointers - if possible to help with physical distancing.  This may not be possible for
       everyone so then face coverings should be worn when interacting the artist needs to be closer
       to the art patrons.

   *  One family unit at a time can be in the booth.  Other shoppers will need to wait outside the booth
       to be invited in.

   *  There will be markings on the ground for spacing for the art patrons.

   *  Every booth is responsible to bring his/her own hand sanitizer & have it displayed in booths for
       people to see & use during the show.

   *  Jewelers & browse bins will need to be wiped after touching & anything else needing wiping should
       be wiped during the show.

Patty Narozny has put a lot of time and work into trying to put together a safe show.  This could be a good time to try to get back into an art show.  It will be different and take some time getting used to.  I think this will work.  You might want to give this a chance. 

Don't forget that the deadline to apply is June 19th and there is a limited amout of spaces available. 

Let's make this work!