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Starving Artists? Not so, says New York Times

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 15, 2008 at 3:49pm

"Some artists have begun to figure out ways to make money and make art — aiming to end the notion that “starving” and “artist” are necessarily linked," says writer Marci Alboher. "Rather than seeing art as something to pursue in the hours when they are not earning a living, these artists are developing businesses around their talents. These artists are part of a growing movement that has caught the attention of business experts and is being nudged along by both art and business schools. Living in the Internet era has certainly helped." This is a good article that explores artists being business people. This is not news to art fair artists who definitely have to spend a lot of time thinking about the business aspects. Read the article at: Transforming Art Into a More Lucrative Career Choice

Cool Link: Art for Obamans

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 15, 2008 at 12:00pm

If you haven't seen all the cool art work created around our President-elect it is kind of fun to see what the artists are doing. Creativity surrounding his image blooms everywhere. You should enjoy these very cool images at artist Shepard Fairey's website: www.theobamaartreport.com This image is created by Aussie artist, Eamo, and can be purchased on his website: http://www.eamo.com.au/

Call for Entries: Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 12, 2008 at 4:00pm

July 9-12 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts 43rd Annual Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition Downtown State College and Penn State Campus 300 Exhibitors Deadline: January 30, 2009 Applications available online: www.zapplication.org Why should you apply to this festival? Here is what its' director, Rick Bryant, has to say: -It is always ranked in the Top Ten in the Sunshine Artist magazine rankings -We bring roughly 125,000 people to State College over five days in July (the first day of our Festival is Children's Day, and our artists set up at the end of the day, so that they are there four days). -Show is in its 43rd year and is on Penn State campus and the streets of the Borough of State College. Actually, we were founded by the State College chamber of commerce and Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture as a "town/gown" event. - Penn State alumni return for "Arts Festival Alumni Weekend," a time to renew old college ties, attend special programs, and, of course, the arts festival. -We hand out over $17,000 in prizes -We also receive lots of support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-not only the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, but also the Pennsylvania Tourism Office. -Our festival features the outdoor show, an indoor gallery exhibition, a celebration of Italian Street Painting, performing arts on three indoor stages and four outdoor stages

Where is State College, PA? Visit this link. The publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com says: If you are sincere about your career at the art fairs, this is an event that you should seriously consider for your participation. The best reason is that your work will be seen by a clientele who comes from across the country for this annual reunion at their alma mater. The exposure to a new audience could lead not only to success here but it will broaden your art fair experience. Lots of Easterners attend, a great cultural mix. For more information about the their website at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of Arts. For more call for entries listings visit: ArtFairCalendar.com/callforentries

You Were Thinking Hand Made Gifts Were Passe`...

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 12, 2008 at 3:45pm

When a large corporation like Hewlett-Packard jumps on the handmade bandwagon you know that as an artist/craftsperson that you are definitely on the leading edge (no, not bleeding) of a cultural trend. A recent newsletter from them states, "The Best Gifts Are Hand-Made." Of course it goes on to discuss how one can use the HP products to make these hand made gifts, but any smarty knows that Play Station games and plasma TV's aside, recipients treasure the one of a kind. I hope the days ahead find you deep in a creative heaven and your bag of goods emptied by the appreciators of your fine work.

Who Has Jobs and How Does That Affect Your Art Fair Earnings?

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 12, 2008 at 3:36pm

When I read this column from the Brazen Careerist, Penelope Trunk, Reason to give thanks: There is no job shortage for young people recently I was pretty stunned. Perhaps that is because I'm not one of the young people, nor unhappily, spend much time with this age group. Its conclusions are very interesting: 1. Jobs for low-level candidates are increasing 2. There are plenty of entry-level jobs to be had, the unemployment rate for college grads has been at 0% for the past seven years 3. College grads are doing fine in today's market. "Skilled professionals remain in demand despite the economic downturn. While the unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent in October, the unemployment rate for professionals with college degrees remains manageable at 3.1 percent." Read the rest of this story and then think about how that positions you and your art work in today's marketplace. Some very interesting statistics are to be found here.

Another Art Fair Bites the Dust - in Michigan, Where Else?

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 11, 2008 at 5:09pm

In October the University Cultural Center Association in downtown Detroit announced announced that it will not produce the Detroit Festival of the Arts in 2009 due to the construction of the Midtown Loop Greenway. The Midtown Loop is part of a two mile green-way trail following existing street patterns linking Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center and incorporating a variety of planting beds to separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic; help the community reclaim much needed green space; reintroduce native vegetation; incorporate public art along the greenway; and create an environment to help build a strong sense of place and community. The Loop will extend through a significant portion of the festival site. Any inquiries can be addressed to UCCA President, Sue Mosey at susanmosey@gmail.com. It is said the festival will return in 2010, but who knows? In 2007 the Greektown Arts Festival was also cancelled because of construction in the downtown. In its 20+ year history this festival has brought outstanding street performers to the city, headlined wonderful urban musical groups, held Shakespeare on the lawn of the Detroit Institute of Art and held author readings at the Detroit Public Library. A true cultural gem, I hope it will return when times are better. RIP, Detroit Festival of the Arts. Here is a link for more info: http://www.detroitfestival.com/08/

Artrageous Ranked #1 Art Fair

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 11, 2008 at 4:42pm

Okay, I think it's time I ran a contest to see what is the #1 art fair in the country. I recently received this notice: "Artrageous ranked No. 1 festival by AmericanStyle magazine." What is Artrageous? Where is it held? Why haven't I heard of it? Who is American Style profiling? What does this mean about the ratings systems? Do you care? Congratulations to Artrageous, obviously many people care about your event and you must be doing some very good things. Read more about it at: http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20081207/WDH0101/812070657/1981

15 Life Lessons Learned at the Nation's Art Fairs

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 10, 2008 at 10:04pm

This post was so interesting to me and such a good example of the indefatigable spirit prevalent among art fair artists that I needed to repost it here so everyone could be inspired. Here is Barbara Sistak Baur's post of her first year at art fairs. "I purchased my very first display panels last spring from Connie. She is so gracious and she

asked me to “report in” on my first year in the art fair business. So, here it goes – “The Unforgettable Life-Lessons I Learned During My First Art Fair Season”. Ahem – 1. How when I saw the truck fully loaded with panels, chairs, the tent, tubs of equipment and a few paintings thrown in on top of it all, is when I truly grasped the concept of “overhead.” 2. How you shouldn’t make the 500-artist show your first show. By yourself. Far away from

home. ( I didn’t mean to, but I was “blown out” of my first, first show.) 3. What is feels like to be trapped under a blown-over tent and debris during a micro-burst. (Or, when someone tells you to take the artwork off the walls because a storm is coming, leave immediately.) 4. How easy is it to get a “free” charge card merchant account (and then find out how much it really costs you). 5. How heavy those weights really are. (And, I still don’t have enough of them.) 6. That 6 feet 7 inches is truly out of reach. (Even on my toes, no matter how hard I stretch.) 7. How little sleep you can get and still put up a display and talk to customers. (Note to self: don’t try that again.) 8. What a hard, 16-hour day really feels like. (It ain’t like the office!) 9. How April, May, June and ½ of July were a nightmare. (But how during the second half of July, August and Sept, I felt like a pro.) 10. The shock I felt when other artists started asking ME for advice (They must have mistaken my “finally, I know how to put this thing up in less than 3 hours” look for “seasoned.”) 11. How gratified I felt when the local museum purchased a painting. (It was the only sale that day but what a good one!)

12. How my fear of talking to people who came into my booth morphed into a steady sales prattle. (I don’t know how many customers I scared away!) 13. How (inwardly) irked I am when people comment to me, “how relaxing you must find painting.” (Yeah, right.) 14. How it feels to be not “just” an artist, but, rather, an art business entrepreneur. 15. Most unforgettable are the people that helped along the way. A very special thank you to Kathy Eaton, who been an inspiration to me and a tremendous friend and wealth of knowledge. She has gone so far out of her way to point me in the right direction, subtly let me know when I am being an idiot and has given me great advice and insights. And, of course, my husband, who -- I can’t believe it -- actually fixes mangled display panels, builds shelves for the art truck and encourages me to keep going. I hope to see and meet many of you next summer! " Barbara Sistak Baur, guest blogger

Florida Craftsmen Present CraftArt 2008

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 10, 2008 at 9:00pm

I really thought I knew about all the Florida shows worth mentioning but this event, CraftArt 2008, in downtown St. Petersburg, held on November 22 and 23, was brought to my attention by a comment Matthew Hatala made on the topic " Did Anybody Make Any Money This Weekend?" Collette Fortin of Neptune Hot Glass making the sale I visited the event's website: http: //www.floridacraftsmen.net/main.html and found a classy website and some really nice events. Then I looked at their exhibitor list and saw lots of people I know. This looks like a very cool event. Can anyone tell me more about it? They give out $16,000 in awards and the very good news is that glassblowers Berry Davis and Collette Fortin of Celina, OH, won the Best of Show prize of $5000! Congratulations, Berry and Collette. If you aren't two of the hardest working people in this business, I don't know who is. They don't have a website but I did find a place where you can purchase some of their paperweights: ObjectsofEnvy.com

Call for Entries: Brookside Art Annual, Kansas City, MO

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 9, 2008 at 9:15pm

May 1, 2 & 3 24th Annual Brookside Art Fair Kansas City, MO 190 Artists Deadline: January 12 Located in an eclectic neighborhood in the center of Kansas City, you'll love Brookside. It is just minutes from downtown, the Plaza and the southern suburbs. The Brookside Art Annual is known for its festive atmosphere, hospitality, convenience, and has become a must-attend event for artists and art seekers alike. You need to know: * this is the first art show of the year, consequently * it draws over 70,000 people from the entire region. * the focus of the show is on ART! (not food, children's activities & entertainment) * consistently ranks in the top 25 shows according to the Art Fair Sourcebook Art Fair Calendar.com "This is a very pleasant, national caliber event attracting an affluent, enthusiastic and knowledgeable clientele." - Art Fair Sourcebook The Brookside Art Annual, produced by the Brookside Business Association, is a non-profit organization of merchants working to promote and improve the community in the heart of Kansas City. Dominated by quaint neighborhoods, the Brookside neighborhood becomes the center of the Midwest art community each May. The Brookside Art Annual is known for its festive atmosphere, hospitality, convenience, and has become a must-attend event for artists and art seekers alike. Apply with only your very best work! Because of the date this event has few rivals and as a result the quality is excellent. For an application: www.zapplication.com

15 Unforgettable Life-Lessons Learned in the Art Fair Business

Posted by Barbara Sistak Baur on December 6, 2008 at 8:52pm

I purchased my very first display panels last spring from Connie. She is so gracious and she asked me to “report in” on my first year in the art fair business. So, here it goes – “The Unforgettable Life-Lessons I Learned During My First Art Fair Season”. Ahem –1. How when I saw the truck fully loaded with panels, chairs, the tent, tubs of equipment and a few paintings thrown in on top of it all, is when I truly grasped the concept of “overhead.”2. How you shouldn’t make the 500-artist show your first show. By yourself. Far away from home. ( I didn’t mean to, but I was “blown out” of my first, first show.)3. What is feels like to be trapped under a blown-over tent and debris during a micro-burst. (Or, when someone tells you to take the artwork off the walls because a storm is coming, leave immediately.)4. How easy is it to get a “free” charge card merchant account (and then find out how much it really costs you).5. How heavy those weights really are. (And, I still don’t have enough of them.)6. That 6 feet 7 inches is truly out of reach. (Even on my toes, no matter how hard I stretch.)7. How little sleep you can get and still put up a display and talk to customers. (Note to self: don’t try that again.)8. What a hard, 16-hour day really feels like. (It ain’t like the office!)9. How April, May, June and ½ of July were a nightmare. (But how during the second half of July, August and Sept, I felt like a pro.)10. The shock I felt when other artists started asking ME for advice (They must have mistaken my “finally, I know how to put this thing up in less than 3 hours” look for “seasoned.”)11. How gratified I felt when the local museum purchased a painting. (It was the only sale that day but what a good one!)12. How my fear of talking to people who came into my booth morphed into a steady sales prattle. (I don’t know how many customers I scared away!)13. How (inwardly) irked I am when people comment to me, “how relaxing you must find painting.” (Yeah, right.)14. How it feels to be not “just” an artist, but, rather, an art business entrepreneur.15. Most unforgettable are the people that helped along the way. A very special thank you to Kathy Eaton, who been an inspiration to me and a tremendous friend and wealth of knowledge. She has gone so far out of her way to point me in the right direction, subtly let me know when I am being an idiot and has given me great advice and insights. And, of course, my husband, who -- I can’t believe it -- actually fixes mangled display panels, builds shelves for the art truck and encourages me to keep going.I hope to see and meet many of you next summer!

Will You Be in Florida This Weekend?

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 4, 2008 at 10:52am

16th annual American Craft Show comes to Sarasota 520-20081203-174250-pic-850236825.mi_embedded.prod_affiliate.69.jpg

" It’s the perfect time of year for the 16th annual American Craft Show, which will bring some of the best artistry in the nation to Sarasota this weekend — from one-of-a-kind toys and home accessories to colorful clothes and distinctive jewelry. The three-day event is a holiday shopper’s paradise. What makes this juried show even more appealing is that it only visits six cities in the United States each year, with Sarasota being the last stop on the circuit, " says writer January Holmes at the Bradenton (FL) Herald. Really, this is a terrific opportunity to see one-of-a-kind goods in all price ranges by America's top craftspeople that will make terrific gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime. Read the rest of this story: 16th Annual American Craft Show

A participant in the Powers Crossroads Event in Georgia?

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 3, 2008 at 4:36pm

Interesting news about this popular event has recently emerged: "Each year for three days in September -- Labor Day weekend -- the busiest place in Coweta County is the Powers Crossroads grounds off Highway 34 West near the Heard County line. Those three days the Powers' Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival takes place on the nearly 100-acre site owned by five local organizations -- Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, Newnan-Coweta Art Association, Coweta 4-H, Newnan-Coweta Jaycees and the Pilot Club of Newnan. For most of the other 362 days a year, the Powers' site is idle. A new push by Coweta Festivals Inc., the non-profit organization which stages the festival in conjunction with the five local organizations, is aimed at decreasing the idle days at Powers. There are plans for community activities, tours, demonstrations as well as offering the Powers grounds for private individual and corporate functions. " Read about their plans at: Times-Herald, Powers Crossroads Property Need Not Lie Idle

Wanted: Crafts People from Tampa/Clearwater for PR

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 3, 2008 at 4:00pm

My network has just brought me an inquiry from a writer who wants to talk with an artist/craftsperson who lives and/or exhibits in the Tampa/Clearwater areas of Florida. This is what she is looking for: "I need info on the craft scene in the above location. Are you a designer? fabric artist? a woodworker? Folk artist? Do you participate in art/craft shows in this region?" Respond to this post and I'll forward you the information.

Call for Entries: Beckman's Handcrafted, at the Chicago Market

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 1, 2008 at 3:36pm

January 17-20 The Merchandise Mart Chicago A leader in handmade resources for more than 35 years, Beckman's Handcrafted is a unique and affordable opportunity for artists to establish their brand, build their studio business, and grow as both an artist and as an "artrepreneur". The Beckman's Handcrafted show invites artists of a wide variety of talent - functional, fiber, 2D, 3D, Fine Accessories, Bath & Body, Contemporary and Classic accents making it the largest fine craft wholesale show in the Midwest! The show offers an all inclusive "one price to exhibit" package, where artists will see retailers and galleries from Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus to trendy local boutiques such as Pistachio's and Zella Brown. In addition, artists brand new to Chicago will receive $750 in FREE marketing to help jump start their sales prior to the show! Don't miss out!! Be a part of our Artist Demonstrations, Wine Tastings, The Club Room and Celebrity Events and Educational Seminars, and what show wouldn't be complete without a Fashion Show!

Ready for more? Applications and lots of information can be found at: beckmans.com/application.html Applications can be faxed to 312-527-7665, attn: Lindsay Pearson, Show Director. For more info: www.beckmans.com *Note space is limited and first come, first serve.

Call for Entries: One of a Kind Show - NYC

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 1, 2008 at 3:27pm

One of a Kind Wholesale Show™ NYC January 24-27, 2009 Jury Deadline: December 1st The One of a Kind Wholesale Show NYC provides an exclusive opportunity for high quality artists and artisans to bring their works to independent retailers that differentiate themselves by offering one-of-a-kind product! One of a Kind artists, artisans and designers who sell wholesale - we invite you to apply!

The perfect opportunity for artists who sell wholesale just got even better! In support of the art community, we have lowered our price to $1500 per standard 100 square foot booth. Apply now to take advantage of this incredible opportunity! Be a part of the show and: * Leverage The New York Gift Week which draws 45,000 top buyers of gift and home décor * Exhibit within 7W New York, New York's premier high-design and style center for the nation's buyers of elegant home décor, textile, tabletop, decorative accessories and giftware * Access an elite audience of designers and buyers from galleries, museum shops, high-end specialty stores and boutiques * Immerse yourself in the New York City marketplace - the world's center for culture, fashion and trends * Participate in an exciting new wholesale show concept under the One of a Kind Show brand All applications will be juried by a selection committee. Please apply by December 1, 2008, by going to: www.oneofakindwholesaleshow.com or www.zapplication.org For more information, please contact Molly Iarocci at miarocci@mmart.com or (312) 527-3063. Save the date for our summer show, August 15-18, 2009 Read more about preparing your work for jurying, visit the Art Fair Calendar blog and search for "Getting Ready for the Art Fair Jury." While you are there, also read "Notes From A Juror at Cherry Creek."

"One thing the financial crisis shows is that the United States is in trouble because Americans have stopped making stuff"-CSM

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 30, 2008 at 7:48pm

My thanks to Michael Solomon who forwarded me this thoughtful article from the Christian Science Monitor: "It used to be that we made a lot of stuff: televisions, clothes, washing machines, radios, typewriters, shoes, telephones, and furniture. And we also used to make the stuff out of which stuff was made: steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber, glass, and electrical components. Today that's largely made overseas. They send us their stuff and we send them our money. It also used to be that Americans liked to make stuff. Think of all the things Thomas Edison invented. Or consider Henry Ford, who made the car affordable, perfected the assembly line, and paid workers a decent wage. Countless others, such as my grandfather, worked as toolmakers and machinists because they liked to work with their hands. Today we rely on people around the world to do that innovation for us." What's up with this? Aren't you making "stuff?" Yes, I know YOU are, but one of the reasons art fairs are so popular with the public is because they all have stopped doing things with their hands. How many times has someone stood in your booth and envied you your creativity and wished to be standing in your shoes? Lots. How are you feeling about creativity? In what other country would you have this opportunity to stand in the streets on weekends and have people tell you how wonderful your work is? "Today's schools must help teach our young people the value of manual labor and help us take advantage of the greatest place to be for innovation. A Japanese neighbor visiting a US factory told me once that he envied Americans because they did not accept cultural limitations in improving the way something is made. He said that you could never go against the grain like that in Japan." Need some food for thought? (I know you had enough food over the last week) Read the rest of the article at the Christian Science Monitor.

America Needs You, Really! Creative People as Civic Leaders

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 30, 2008 at 7:28pm

etching by Tom Huck A couple of years I attended an ArtServe conference in Lansing, MI, where I heard Tom Tressor, the "Creativity Champion", exhort us to Art the Vote. Tom's mission is standing up for creativity, and encouraging creative people to seek public office. We've just been through this tremendous political activity. I know many of you were inspired by it and aren't quite ready to go back to things as they were. Are you ready to run for public office? You know someone who is? When asked what qualities people wanted to see in a leader, the responses included: - Vision - Accountability - Real leadership - Interest and knowledge of the arts - Inspiration - Problem solver - Someone who can create and share new resources - Creativity and resourcefulness - Compassion - Intelligence This post is a "heads-up" to explore this concept. Intriguing, isn't it? Visit Tom's website and see what a difference you can make, America Needs You, Really! www.tresser.com

The "Really Bad Art Show" - Rewarding the Winner

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 30, 2008 at 5:37pm

The Avon, CT, Farmington Valley Arts Center needed a new idea to draw patrons to the art center for a fundraiser. "The idea for the Bad Art Show came when the two dozen artists and the board of directors that make up the arts center wanted a new approach to attracting visitors to their studios. Every year, the arts center hosts a series of events during the holiday season, and members were determined to do something extra creative this year," reports the Hartford Courant. This sounds like fun, exposing the undistinguishable, the plain ugly, velvet paintings, paint by number and the pottery your loved one gave you before they realized they really weren't such a great potter after all. I do believe the prize winner was "The Nose Picker." "During the event, visitors get to vote on their favorites (actually, their least favorites). Then, taking visitors' votes into consideration, the four artists who organized the event will vote on which one is best (worst). The donor of the work that shows the least artistic merit will receive a $100 gift certificate to the arts center. Those who attend the art show will have until 5 p.m. to buy the bad art, selling at $5 each. Proceeds are to benefit an arts scholarship fund." Doesn't this sound like a good idea for your group? It reminds me of an art exchange hosted by Laurie Fowler and Bill Thelen in Northville, MI, at Christmas several years ago. We all brought a piece of strange art. The best painter in the group received a paint by numbers kit. Yep, there is plenty of bad art out there. Read the rest of the story at: For Perusal And Purchase, Some Really Bad Art

Your Challenge Today, If You Should Choose to Accept it...

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

Yes, it is Sunday morning on a long holiday weekend. There were very few art fairs this weekend. Those of you who are online should be ready for this challenge from an old friend of mine who is looking for your most outrageous art fair/craft show story and who wants me to:

1. "spice this _ _ _ _ _ _ up a bit

2. stimulate the prurient to expose to the voyeurs the full story (in other words, what really goes on behind the booths)

3. forbid anyone who paints beach scenes or clowns from becoming members (guess he wants me to jury for membership on this site)

4. offer tickets to my festival and the opportunity to burn one with an old freak (or maybe some equally outrageous prize, I'm working on this, Jack)

5. dump the goofy that seem to want serious cone parking (wasn't that you who stole the cones at the last event?)"

Lots of very fun people create art and have a great time meeting and playing with one another at events across the country. I have many stories of traveling with my rather outrageous partner, and the people he attracted and enjoyed.

Who wants to go first?

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.