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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?

Any body else hiding in the woods?

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

Call for Entries: Amdur Productions in Chicago

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 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

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to the Rescue of 3 Rivers Festival

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.

West Coast Artist? Want Strategic Info on Jurying? Free Advice

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 25, 2008 at 3:13pm

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.

Chicago gallery owner and art enthusiast, "Billy" Hork, dead at 62

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.

Milepost #1 - 100 Members by 12/31/08 - Surpassed!!

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 24, 2008 at 9:26pm

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.

Chicago Art Festival Boot Camp - Dec. 9

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 22, 2008 at 2:54pm

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

How Cool is This? $12,000 Grant to East Lansing Art Festival

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.com

Who Was That Artist Featured in the Wall Street Journal?

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 19, 2008 at 7:00pm

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

3 Rivers Art Festival - What Next?

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 19, 2008 at 6:57pm

"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.

Change of Modus Operandi for Jerry Anthony Photography

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 19, 2008 at 2:25pm

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 Photography

My Art!

Posted by Esmeralda Designs on November 19, 2008 at 11:29am

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade esmeraldadesigns.etsy.com

Big Art Show to Celebrate Obama's Inauguration?

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 18, 2008 at 6:53pm

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.

No More Sugarloaf in Michigan!

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 18, 2008 at 6:36pm

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.

Call for Artists: Omaha Summer Arts Festival

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.

A Little Bragging: A Fan for ArtFairCalendar.com

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: Picture+2.png

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

Web 2.0? An artist who REALLY gets it!

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 14, 2008 at 11:21am

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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.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.