Posted by Beth Crowder on November 29, 2008 at 1:06pm
I like that there is a new site for us! I'm terrible with the computer, but this was really easy.I know that no one has a crystal ball, but I don't know if I should book shows , hoping the economy will have improved , or just hide out , "til the coast is clear. After all show fees etc, are the most expensive things in my budget.Of course I'm applying for the tried and true ones, but "filler "shows instead of staying home?Any encouraging news out there?Beth here
Read more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 27, 2008 at 10:47am
This is a special edition of our Call for Entries. Listed below are twelve Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions.
Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 26 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Fair appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, IL.
Taking her cue from this success she has gone on to create new events in affluent areas of the metro area. Her hard work coupled with a strong marketing outreach have enabled many Chicago area artists the ability to commute to their art fairs.
The rest of us have, of course, joined the group and headed to Chicago to meet this good marketplace. Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the twelve events. Then, "think Chicago!"
Info About The 2009 Applications
Recognizing today's economic realities Amdur Productions offers:
1. No raise in fees for 2009
2. Reductions in fees for two events
3. Introduction of two new "bare bones" events to appeal to the bargain hunter in all of us, artists and patrons
4. Full disclosure on their website of site description and amenities
5. Optional fee payment plans to spread payments over time.
6. An Art Festival Boot Camp to sharpen your skills at art fair participation
Call for Entries: Chicago's Amdur Productions
12 Art Fairs to Fill Your Season and Your PocketbookMay 30 & 31
Arlington Heights
Promenade of Art
To benefit Northwest Community Hospital
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: A great show for experienced as well as new artists. Nice easy compact festival layout. Traditional themes do well.June 5-7 - New!
Chicago
Eastside Millennium Art Festival
downtown at Michigan Ave., on Lake & Stetson Sts.
Fri. noon-5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
150 artists
Amy says: Originally founded as the New Eastside Artworks, this fair is reborn in the middle of this busy area just north of Millennium Park.June 20 & 21
Wheaton
Cantigny Fine Art Festival
Father's Day weekend
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Show fee reduced from 2008
Amy says: Beautiful setting, very low stress. Middle price points do best.June 27 & 28
Glencoe
Glencoe Festival of the Masters
In cooperation with the Village of Glencoe and the
Chamber of Commerce
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: Held in a wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million.July 11 & 12
Lincolnshire
12th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival
Village Green
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well.July 18 & 19
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Fair
Buffalo Grove Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright art doing well, crowd loves jewelry and wearables.July 25 & 26
Skokie
North Shore Festival of Art
Westfield Old Orchard
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: In a highly visible location at this popular outdoor mall. Judaic art did well last year.July 31, August 1 & 2
Chicago
Gold Coast River North Art Fair
A Chicago tradition for over 50 years
Along LaSalle Street, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior
Fri. noon to 5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
395 artists
Amy says: Big show, best for experienced artists. All art, all prices.August 8 & 9
Glencoe
Art at the Glen
The Glen Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
195 artists
Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds, All art, all prices do well.
August 29 & 30
Highland Park
Port Clinton Art Fair
Along Central Avenue
10 am to 6 pm
260 artists
Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists.September 26 & 27 - new date + new concept
Joliet
Starving Artists Festival
downtown
10 am to 5 pm
130 Artists
Reduced show fees for 2008
Amy says: All art priced under $100 - a great end of season marketplace to clear your inventory. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.October 17 & 18
Highwood
Last Call Art Fair
On closed streets in the downtown
10 am to 4 pm
125 artists
Amy says: Absolute end of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.
Apply: www.juriedartservices.com
Learn more about these fairs: www.amdurproductions.comRead more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 27, 2008 at 10:07am
The very popular Three Rivers Festival in Pittsburgh that runs through three weekends in June has been struggling to keep its bills paid in recent years. The festival supports many entertainment venues plus three different art fairs, a different group of artists each weekend and is held in the glittering Golden Triangle in the downtown.
Because of economic uncertainties the future of the event was in question. Now the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has stepped in to take charge. "The 2009 festival probably will be smaller," President and CEO J. Kevin McMahon said, citing economic troubles and the limited time the trust has to plan the event. "There likely will be less money than the $1.6 million budgeted for the 2008 festival," McMahon said, but he's confident the trust can raise enough money to produce the festival.
Read the whole story at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Read more…
Laguna Beach, CA - Festival of Arts Offers Free Photography and Jurying Seminar on December 2
Having troubles getting your digital images together? Need advice about jurying into art fairs? Have no fear the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts is holding a 2 and a half hour seminar on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Read the rest of the details at: Market Watch of the Wall Street Journal
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Festival-Arts-Offers-Free-Photography/story.aspx?guid=%7B22FBDBAE-7887-4B25-B5E2-82DEB4FEDCB4%7D
on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Read more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 25, 2008 at 10:26am
This man, William Hork, was well known throughout the Chicago art community for his love of art and his love of connecting with other art aficionados and his love of selling art--a triple threat.
"He defied stereotypes and 'didn't want to just sell you a piece of art. He wanted you to know all about it," said his office manager, Janet Seitzer.
Read his story at the Chicago Tribune. The art world has lost a great booster.
Read more…
Welcome to Cali Hobgood-Lemme from Chicagoland who joined ArtFairInsiders.com today and became member #100 of this new social marketing network for artists. A welcome also to Ann Light, Jay McDougall, LizAnne Jensen and Michele LeVett who are #'s 101, 102, 103 7 104!!
My many thanks, really, to all 104 of you who are helping to build this site into a strategic resource for art fair artists as we enter into the Brave New World of really scary economic times. Alarming as it is, I know you are all resourceful people who will find a way to make this work for yourselves. This website can be one of the tools to make your way into 2009 and beyond.
Please use it to ask questions of one another, share your expertise, start discussions, and dispense wisdom. Invite your friends to participate, that is the quickest way to stay in touch with trends and the news in the business.
When I saw Cali's name pop up on the list today I was amazed to see that she has been in the business for 16 years. I remember seeing her when she was beginning. Then I saw her exhibit at the Ann Arbor Street Fair this summer and her expertise was readily apparent.
Can we make it to 200 by 12/31/08? Please help. This site will only be as good as you can help make it.
I am opening a new discussion tonight and look forward to your participation in the discussion section of the site. It is a question I am often asked and is a good one for the old-timers to help the newcomers with:
I’m an artist in tarpon springs, FL and I’m just starting to market my work. I have original pieces but also prints (in various sizes) and greeting cards. I’ve gone to a lot of local gift shops and ask them how they acquire their merchandise while all of them have said vendors. Are there any ideas/resources on how I can sell my work? I’d like to eventually do art shows but need some income on the smaller merch first. Katie S.Read more…
Amdur Productions invites you to participate in the next Chicago Area Art Festival Boot Camp
Tuesday December 9, 2008
10 am - 4 pm
Bella Via Restaurante
1899 Second Street
Highland Park, Illinois
Everything you need to know about getting into shows but were afraid to ask...
and
Maximizing Your Sales at Art Shows in the Current Economy ...
The Agenda:
* What you need to know by Amy Amdur
* The Ins and Outs of Juries
* How to make your work stand out
* Jury of YOUR WORK
* Your Booth: What works and why
* Pricing and maximizing sales at fests
* Questions and Answer session
* Catered Breakfast and Lunch
* $260 per person; additional spouse/partner $200
Visit the website for more info and to download the application.
Look what past participants are saying!
"The seminar gets an A+. The mock jury (alone) was worth the fee." Mike Brown
"This was the most valuable time I have spent in the development of my business. As a new artist, I appreciate the resources you provide." Judith Foster, Jeweler
"Thanks to all I learned at Boot Camp, I now have a 'killer' set of jury slides!" Donald R. Boudreau, 3d-wood
Amdur Productions
P.O. Box 550
Highland Park, IL 60035
info@amdurproductions.com
p. 847-926-4300
f. 847-926-4330
Read more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 20, 2008 at 11:24am
Who would have thought there was any money left in Michigan? As the hearings roll on on Capitol Hill about loans to the auto industry, good news seeps out for art fairs.
As reported in the Lansing (MI) State Journal, "The State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs awarded the art festival a $12,000 grant.
Funding recipients were determined by in- and out-of-state culture and arts professionals who reviewed more than 300 applicants, the city said. East Lansing’s grant is from the Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs’ Art Projects Program, which recognizes efforts to advance the state’s creative, economic and cultural environments."
Read the rest of this good news at: East Lansing gets grant for arts festival
For more info about the festival visit: www.elartfest.comRead more…
What a thrill, local girl makes good! Chris Roberts-Antieau of Manchester, MI, was recently profiled in the Wall Street Journal under this headline:
A True Rags-to-Riches Story, Chris Roberts-Antieau Is One of the Foremost Self-Taught Artists in America Today
The lengthy article describes the self-taught fiber artist's rise from obscurity to fame, in conjunction with the publication of her book, Sew Far, "a sumptuous and colorful first monograph on Chris Roberts-Antieau's striking hand-stitched appliques. " The book is a limited edition boxed set including an original fiber "painting" in each box, and retailing for $550!
Chris grew up at art fairs around the Midwest. I remember being her neighbor in Birmingham, MI, Ann Arbor and other places. And I even own a stuffed figure from her "early days." A few years ago she was the poster artist for the Ann Arbor Street Fair.
"Chris Roberts-Antieau is as prolific as she is busy; this fall begins with the debut of Sew Far, as well as two museum exhibitions, three international shows, the launch of Chris's new online gallery store, and the trailer premier of her feature-length documentary: A Love Letter to Tom Waits. Adding to excitement, Chris has been nominated by Governor Jennifer Granholm for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Chris's home state of Michigan."
Congratulations, Chris! Best of luck with all your projects.
More: www.ChrisRoberts-AntieauRead more…
"As funding for such events across the country has become less available and costs, such as insurance, have risen markedly, it has become harder and harder to offer a free festival, let alone to be all things to all people."
There is much food for thought about the continued funding of art fairs and arts festivals around the country. If this is a concern for you you will fine an interesting discussion in this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, 3 Rivers Fest Weighs Visual Arts Role by Mary Thomas.
With changes being made in the leadership as its head leaves the Andy Warhol Museum for greener pastures in NYC the visual arts is under scrutiny. Let's hope it maintains its primacy and the popular event doesn't turn into a music festival. The Three Rivers Arts Festival attracts over 600,000 people. Although not a pure art fair its popularity brings people from all around Pittsburgh to sample its various offerings.
Read more…
Were you planning on getting your booth and product photographed by Jerry Anthony at this season's holiday shows? Thank again. Jerry and his partner Sharon Richwine will not be there. Here is their announcement:
The winter shows are coming very quickly, & we wanted you to know that for the first time in 26 years, we will not be there.
Jerry & I have decided to stop going on location to shows and help save our bodies for work here in the studio.
SO if you are in town for a show & want work done - we will waive the rush fee & turn your work around overnight, work load allowing, but you will have to drop it off at the studio.
We hope the season will be bright for all of you. This is a critical year for all small businesses, & we look forward to a BRIGHTER 2009.
They will continue to do their work, shooting your images and handling your printing needs for brochures, business cards and postcards. Visit their website: jerryanthonyphoto.com
I've known Sharon and Jerry for years, so I pressed her a little harder on what was really happening. Here is her reply:
THANKS so much for your note. To decide to stop doing shows was the hardest decision we have ever had to make. To go to shows is what I have always done- 41 years, first with my own work & then with Jerry and the photography. We have made many good friends over that time & to know we may not see some of
you again is difficult.
We will remember every one of you and luckily we have photos of your work to keep you in our thoughts, but it is all of the wonderful conversations we have had with you that we will miss the most. We hope, though, that you will
continue to drop us a note once in a while to tell us how you are doing.
Jerry & I are both well, we just realized that if we are to continue to be well & do our photography, we needed to quit pushing ourselves physically & figure out the best way to stay in good shape for as long as we can. That
meant eliminating the exhaustive road trips.
We would love to stay in touch with all of you when you are in town & hope to see you and your work at our studio - either via mail or in person.
The very best to you. You all are remarkable, creative individuals, & we have greatly enjoyed hearing you talk about your work in person, how you created it and seeing the final product. We hope that this part will continue whenever possible.
Very Sincerely,
Sharon Richwine
Jerry Anthony PhotographyRead more…
There is a rumor that artists will be part of the inauguration in January. I promise to stay hot on this issue and bring you information as soon as I get it.
Here is the scoop:
ObamaArtReport is reporting an art celebration like the Manifest Hope gallery at the Denver convention:
Apparently, Shepard Fairey and his team are currently in the works to put on a new Manifest Hope-like show to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration... No real word on the details yet, but from what we've heard this is going to be big. Like BIG, big.
Here's the link: http://ochairball.blogspot.com/2008/11/big-art-show-to-celebrate-obamas.html
Click here to see the art from the Manifest Hope exhibit in Denver.
Read more…
After more than ten years of managing a big art fair in Novi, MI, twice a year, Deann and George Verdier, owners of the Sugarloaf Craft Festivals announced that they have cancelled their contract with the Rock Financial Showplace for their April and November events to concentrate on their East Coast events. The well-managed and promoted event will be missed by the metro Detroiters who loved shopping indoors at these shows.
But, not to worry, folks. Scuttlebutt has it that local event producers are planning to step in. The owners of the Rock Financial Showplace have found dates to use, PLUS another big artist organization in the area (who will remain nameless) is also very interested in putting their spin on an event in this popular meeting place. Are we going to end up with four shows here? Heaven knows Michiganders don't need that many places to shop, that is, if there is anyone left in Michigan if the auto companies woes continue.
Stay tuned, and let me know if you can fill in the blanks here.
Read more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 17, 2008 at 10:19am
June 26-29, 2009
35th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival
Downtown Omaha, NE
135 Artists
Deadline: January 20, 2009
You are cordially invited to Omaha to be a part of one of the most vibrant art festivals in the Midwest. Located downtown alongside a beautiful park, the award-winning Summer Arts Festival draws a diverse crowd of 80,000 people for a weekend of great music, tasty food, children's activities and, most importantly, wonderful visual arts!
Here's the rest of the story:
Festival patrons enjoy browsing and buying an eclectic mix of functional and non-functional pieces by 135 artists in 14 media categories. High-quality work in the $50 to $300 range tends to sell most frequently, but, of course, higher priced artwork does not go unnoticed (or un-purchased) by Omaha's fair share of art-lovers.
The mission of the Festival is to present a variety of high quality arts programs and exhibits in downtown Omaha for the general public to enjoy and appreciate.
"Sales are great!" one artist said succinctly. "The way artists are treated is truly excellent."
What to expect:
- $2500 in cash awards
- Exceptional hospitality and concierge services that are a step above the rest
- Discount hotel rates
- Artists' Awards Brunch on Saturday and an Artists' Meeting on Sunday with continental breakfast; complimentary snacks and beverages
- An air-conditioned lounge with indoor restrooms, booth sitters, water delivery, overnight indoor storage
- 24-hour security
- Electricity and reserved parking available for an additional fee
- Substantial festival marketing and media coverage
"[The Omaha Summer Arts Festival] is my favorite show to do; and [the] treatment of artists is the best!" said one artist. "Not many shows do anything for artists anymore-it is very important to us."The Omaha Summer Arts Festival needs to jury approximately one third of its 135 artists booth, plus its waitlist, with quality artists, even though the Festival invited back most of its artists from 2008 due to a severe storm that hit during the Festival.
Interested artists may visit www.SummerArts.org to download an application today!
For more information about the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, please contact Carly Barth, Visual Arts Coordinator, at (402) 345-5401 or cbarth@vgagroup.com.
P.S. Recently the Omaha Summer Arts Festival was welcomed into the NAIA's Hall of Fame, for its outstanding actions and compassionate behavior during extraordinary circumstances at their 2008 event. Their exemplary emergency plan saved lives and property damage.
Read more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 14, 2008 at 11:30am
Don't tell my mother, but I'm tooting my own horn here. Recently, I found a fan online, Barbara Sistak Baur. She called my website an "Art-Throb". First time for everything!! Here is what she had to say:
Art-Throb is a term I use for a great place to discover art. And ArtFairCalendar.com is such a place. This web site gives you all the info on the top Art Festivals and Craft Shows in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and, well, all across the country. If you enjoy spending time at art fairs, you must visit this site. “Art Fairs bring together in a unique manner the creators and the culturally aware to enrich one another's lives."
Thanks so much, Barbara.
Actually I met Barbara this spring when she drove over from Chicago to purchase our used Armstrong panels. We all have to admire her pluck when with those same panels wrapped around her her booth blew over in Evanston. What did she do? She picked herself up and was ready to go her next fair two weeks later. Way to go, Barbara.
Visit her blog: Fresh PaintRead more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 14, 2008 at 11:21am
Here's another idea for when you run out of things to do in the art fair business: build your online presence. About a year ago I discovered mixed media artist, Dolan Geiman. Not only is his art cutting-edge, contemporary and fun, he and his partner, Ali Walsh, are using all the tools of the online world to promote him and build a community around his art and ideas.
I regularly receive beautifully designed newsletters full of their latest doings. Visit his website to drool over their great marketing ideas and see what you can learn to promote your art fair business.
Read more…
32nd Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show Pennsylvania Convention Center Preview Party, November 12th November 13th through 16th This premier show and sale of contemporary craft, includes 195 of the finest and most dynamic craft artists in the United States, selected from 1,402 applicants. Artists from Israel will be featured. All work is for sale. furniture by Steven Uren The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show was founded in 1977, and was the first retail craft show established and organized by a volunteer committee for the benefit of a non-profit institution. This trailblazing Show has served as a prototype for later successful shows in cities such as Washington, DC, and Evanston, IL among others. Expect symposia, on-site artist demonstrations, collection and studio tours, room settings of craft furniture and accessories, and student exhibitions.
This is a beauty of a show. You will be inspired and in awe at the creativity exhibited. We are so fortunate to live in a country where this imaginative work is encouraged and rewarded. Some of ArtFairCalendar.com's favorite artists will be exhibiting, including furniture maker
Steven Uren, woodworker
Ray Jones, this month's featured artist
Pamela Hill and recent MacArthur Grant winner basketmaker
Mary Jackson. Today I had an email from the PR representative, Susan Shain, that reported, "The show opened to the public this morning and we were thrilled to see that the line to get in was one of the longest ever!" Learn more:
pmacraftshow.comRead more…
In her earliest work Pamela Hill attempted to meld the strong graphic qualities of modern painting with the rich texture of the Amish quilts. After thirty years of making quilts professionally, Pamela began to explore the possibilities of creating that long desired densely textured work with relatively new technology that has enabled her to create subtle contemporary textured, color nuanced and sophisticated bed covers that are beautiful as well as useful. The combination of dense textures through the intricate piecing of fabric and the use of pima cottons, linens, silks and rare African, Japanese and Indian traditional silks and cottons lend the fabric her signature touch. A veteran of the nation's most prestigious art fairs, Pamela is a perennial prize-winner, her work is well known in the decorative arts and included in many definitive explorations of contemporary craftspeople. books widely collected and Learn more about Pamela and her custom-designed quilts and see if she will be at a show near you:
www.ArtFairCalendar.com. Meet Pamela and view her fine fiber work this weekend (November 13-16) in Philadelphia at the
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.Read more…
Posted by Dave Huebner on November 13, 2008 at 9:46am
I did a show in Sioux Falls "Holiday Art Show at the Washington Pavillion" last weekend. Lots of folkes came through. Verry few were buying anything. I had a hard time selling $2 clay turtles, much less any large works. The show was all quality, and included a well attended fine art reception with wine & cheese.There was another show in Watertown SD with the same problem..no buyers. I will be doing another show"winterfest" in aberdeen SD soon. That show will tell me if this is the trend. My wholesale is picking up as folks seem to want morelocal art in their shops.Dave Huebner
Read more…
This is a special edition of our Call for Entries. Listed below are twelve Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions.
Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 26 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Fair appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, IL.
Taking her cue from this success she has gone on to create new events in affluent areas of the metro area. Her hard work coupled with a strong marketing outreach have enabled many Chicago area artists the ability to commute to their art fairs.
The rest of us have, of course, joined the group and headed to Chicago to meet this good marketplace. Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the twelve events. Then, "think Chicago!"
Info About The 2009 Applications
Recognizing today's economic realities Amdur Productions offers:
1. No raise in fees for 2009
2. Reductions in fees for two events
3. Introduction of two new "bare bones" events to appeal to the bargain hunter in all of us, artists and patrons
4. Full disclosure on their website of site description and amenities
5. Optional fee payment plans to spread payments over time.
6. An Art Festival Boot Camp to sharpen your skills at art fair participation
Call for Entries: Chicago's Amdur Productions
12 Art Fairs to Fill Your Season and Your Pocketbook
May 30 & 31
Arlington Heights
Promenade of Art
To benefit Northwest Community Hospital
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: A great show for experienced as well as new artists. Nice easy compact festival layout. Traditional themes do well.
June 5-7 - New!
Chicago
Eastside Millennium Art Festival
downtown at Michigan Ave., on Lake & Stetson Sts.
Fri. noon-5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
150 artists
Amy says: Originally founded as the New Eastside Artworks, this fair is reborn in the middle of this busy area just north of Millennium Park.
June 20 & 21
Wheaton
Cantigny Fine Art Festival
Father's Day weekend
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Show fee reduced from 2008
Amy says: Beautiful setting, very low stress. Middle price points do best.
June 27 & 28
Glencoe
Glencoe Festival of the Masters
In cooperation with the Village of Glencoe and the
Chamber of Commerce
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: Held in a wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million.
July 11 & 12
Lincolnshire
12th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival
Village Green
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well.
July 18 & 19
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Fair
Buffalo Grove Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright art doing well, crowd loves jewelry and wearables.
July 25 & 26
Skokie
North Shore Festival of Art
Westfield Old Orchard
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: In a highly visible location at this popular outdoor mall. Judaic art did well last year.
July 31, August 1 & 2
Chicago
Gold Coast River North Art Fair
A Chicago tradition for over 50 years
Along LaSalle Street, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior
Fri. noon to 5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
395 artists
Amy says: Big show, best for experienced artists. All art, all prices.
August 8 & 9
Glencoe
Art at the Glen
The Glen Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
195 artists
Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds, All art, all prices do well.
August 29 & 30
Highland Park
Port Clinton Art Fair
Along Central Avenue
10 am to 6 pm
260 artists
Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists.
September 26 & 27 - new date + new concept
Joliet
Starving Artists Festival
downtown
10 am to 5 pm
130 Artists
Reduced show fees for 2008
Amy says: All art priced under $100 - a great end of season marketplace to clear your inventory. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.
October 17 & 18
Highwood
Last Call Art Fair
On closed streets in the downtown
10 am to 4 pm
125 artists
Amy says: Absolute end of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.
Apply: www.juriedartservices.com
Learn more about these fairs: www.amdurproductions.com
Art Festival Boot Camp
Tuesday December 9, 2008
10 am - 4 pm
Bella Via Restaurante
1899 Second Street
Highland Park, Illinois
Everything you need to know about getting into shows but were afraid to ask...
and
Maximizing Your Sales at Art Shows in the Current Economy ...
The Agenda:
* What you need to know by Amy Amdur
* The Ins and Outs of Juries
* How to make your work stand out
* Jury of YOUR WORK
* Your Booth: What works and why
* Pricing and maximizing sales at fests
* Questions and Answer session
* Catered Breakfast and Lunch
* $260 per person; additional spouse/partner $200
Visit the website for more info and to download the application.
Look what past participants are saying!
"The seminar gets an A+. The mock jury (alone) was worth the fee." Mike Brown
"This was the most valuable time I have spent in the development of my business. As a new artist, I appreciate the resources you provide." Judith Foster, Jeweler
"Thanks to all I learned at Boot Camp, I now have a 'killer' set of jury slides!" Donald R. Boudreau, 3d-wood
Amdur Productions
P.O. Box 550
Highland Park, IL 60035
info@amdurproductions.com
p. 847-926-4300
f. 847-926-4330
What a thrill, local girl makes good! Chris Roberts-Antieau of Manchester, MI, was recently profiled in the Wall Street Journal under this headline:
A True Rags-to-Riches Story, Chris Roberts-Antieau Is One of the Foremost Self-Taught Artists in America Today
The lengthy article describes the self-taught fiber artist's rise from obscurity to fame, in conjunction with the publication of her book, Sew Far, "a sumptuous and colorful first monograph on Chris Roberts-Antieau's striking hand-stitched appliques. " The book is a limited edition boxed set including an original fiber "painting" in each box, and retailing for $550!
Chris grew up at art fairs around the Midwest. I remember being her neighbor in Birmingham, MI, Ann Arbor and other places. And I even own a stuffed figure from her "early days." A few years ago she was the poster artist for the Ann Arbor Street Fair.
"Chris Roberts-Antieau is as prolific as she is busy; this fall begins with the debut of Sew Far, as well as two museum exhibitions, three international shows, the launch of Chris's new online gallery store, and the trailer premier of her feature-length documentary: A Love Letter to Tom Waits. Adding to excitement, Chris has been nominated by Governor Jennifer Granholm for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Chris's home state of Michigan."
Congratulations, Chris! Best of luck with all your projects.
More: www.ChrisRoberts-Antieau
I promise to stay hot on this issue and bring you information as soon as I get it.
Here is the scoop:
ObamaArtReport is reporting an art celebration like the Manifest Hope gallery at the Denver convention:
Apparently, Shepard Fairey and his team are currently in the works to put on a new Manifest Hope-like show to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration... No real word on the details yet, but from what we've heard this is going to be big. Like BIG, big.
Here's the link: http://ochairball.blogspot.com/2008/11/big-art-show-to-celebrate-obamas.html
Click here to see the art from the Manifest Hope exhibit in Denver.
June 26-29, 2009
35th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival
Downtown Omaha, NE
135 Artists
Deadline: January 20, 2009
You are cordially invited to Omaha to be a part of one of the most vibrant art festivals in the Midwest. Located downtown alongside a beautiful park, the award-winning Summer Arts Festival draws a diverse crowd of 80,000 people for a weekend of great music, tasty food, children's activities and, most importantly, wonderful visual arts!
Here's the rest of the story:
Festival patrons enjoy browsing and buying an eclectic mix of functional and non-functional pieces by 135 artists in 14 media categories. High-quality work in the $50 to $300 range tends to sell most frequently, but, of course, higher priced artwork does not go unnoticed (or un-purchased) by Omaha's fair share of art-lovers.
The mission of the Festival is to present a variety of high quality arts programs and exhibits in downtown Omaha for the general public to enjoy and appreciate.
"Sales are great!" one artist said succinctly. "The way artists are treated is truly excellent."
What to expect:
- $2500 in cash awards
- Exceptional hospitality and concierge services that are a step above the rest
- Discount hotel rates
- Artists' Awards Brunch on Saturday and an Artists' Meeting on Sunday with continental breakfast; complimentary snacks and beverages
- An air-conditioned lounge with indoor restrooms, booth sitters, water delivery, overnight indoor storage
- 24-hour security
- Electricity and reserved parking available for an additional fee
- Substantial festival marketing and media coverage
"[The Omaha Summer Arts Festival] is my favorite show to do; and [the] treatment of artists is the best!" said one
artist. "Not many shows do anything for artists anymore-it is very important to us."
The Omaha Summer Arts Festival needs to jury approximately one third of its 135 artists booth, plus its waitlist, with quality artists, even though the Festival invited back most of its artists from 2008 due to a severe storm that hit during the Festival.
Interested artists may visit www.SummerArts.org to download an application today!
For more information about the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, please contact Carly Barth, Visual Arts Coordinator, at (402) 345-5401 or cbarth@vgagroup.com.
P.S. Recently the Omaha Summer Arts Festival was welcomed into the NAIA's Hall of Fame, for its outstanding actions and compassionate behavior during extraordinary circumstances at their 2008 event. Their exemplary emergency plan saved lives and property damage.
Art-Throb is a term I use for a great place to discover art. And ArtFairCalendar.com is such a place. This web site gives you all the info on the top Art Festivals and Craft Shows in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and, well, all across the country. If you enjoy spending time at art fairs, you must visit this site. “Art Fairs bring together in a unique manner the creators and the culturally aware to enrich one another's lives."
Thanks so much, Barbara.
Actually I met Barbara this spring when she drove over from Chicago to purchase our used Armstrong panels. We all have to admire her pluck when with those same panels wrapped around her her booth blew over in Evanston. What did she do? She picked herself up and was ready to go her next fair two weeks later. Way to go, Barbara.
Visit her blog: Fresh Paint
