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I'm on several artist email lists and regularly receive their show announcements. Please tell me you have a mailing list ... email is good enough. 

Active member on this site, John Leben, does a great job of marketing. What do you think of his recent email:

Jan 31-Feb 2

Artfest Ft Myers - Ft.Myers - Booth 146

Feb 8-9

Bonita Springs Art Festival - Bonita Springs

Feb 14-16

Arti Gras Art Festival - Jupiter - Booth 511

Feb 22-23

Naples National Art Festival - Naples

Mar 7-8

Bonita Springs Art Festival - Bonita Springs

Mar 13-15

Under the Oaks Art Show - Vero Beach

Mar 21-22

Downtown Naples Art Fair - Naples

Mar 28-29

Santa Fe College Spring Art Festival - Gainesville 

Forbidden Fruit                                        High Rise                                             Rain Tree

Leben Announces New Environmental Initiative

 

 

AB3D0F00-8782-45EF-907F-4231527FBEC5.jpegFDA8578E-4616-4DC7-85F7-9A7E97AF9DD4.jpeg43 Gourds for Sale All shapes and sizes. $125

They have been stored in my home

In excellent condition 

Reason for selling retiring and moving abroad.

I bought these gourds some years ago at a gourd farm in GA, thinking I would do some shows but it never worked out.

please refer to link for photos

I’d like to really sell these gourds, and would welcome any feedback from any Gourd artists out there, who would know what they are worth nowadays.

Thanks Brian

Hello fellow artists, I got into the Pecan street art festival in Austin tx.  I can not find much info about it. The booth fee is kinda high at $690ish for single booth. So iam hesitant to accept till I find out a bit more info. I can mot find any reviews. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ACT provides business insurance for artists and crafters who sell their wares at fairs, shows, and other events. In the past years, as we have worked with professional artists and crafters, we have learned that there are many things that artists and crafters know about the art world that most people aren’t aware of.

For one thing, many people are surprised when they hear the term “artist insurance” because they do not know how the art world works for independent artists. They don’t realize that artists, like any other small business owners, need to insure their business.

So, to celebrate artists and crafters and help everyone become more aware of the art world, we’ve put together this list of nine things artists and crafters know that other people should know too.

1. Most artists are not reclusive. They can be found meeting and greeting the public and other artists at fairs and shows across the country. Many people don't realize that they don't have to go to New York or Chicago to see impressive, creative work. There might be an art event just down their street.

2. Artists don’t have to be famous to have successful careers and businesses. The internet has made it more possible than ever for artists to sell their wares, and art events across the country are thriving as well.

3. Artists and crafters can stimulate local economies. By purchasing goods from local, independent artists, consumers keep money in their own community.

4. Artists are not snobs. At least, they are not all snobs. Most artists fit right in with everyone else. In fact, you are probably surrounded by more artists and crafters than you think you are.

5. Art fairs and craft shows, are brimming with creative work that you don’t have to be a wealthy collector to purchase.

 

6. Art does not have to be obscure or inaccessible. Many artists would be happy to talk to you about their work, what it means to them, and what they hope it means to you. You don’t have to have a PhD to be lifted and inspired by their work.

7. Artists know how to produce wares with their hands, something that most people would not have the patience and care to learn.

8. There are a few things you should not say to artists and crafters at fairs. Don't comment on their prices being too high or try to haggle away their profits. Don't ask them how much revenue they bring in from their business. Don't joke about their work. Be respectful, and show appreciation for their efforts. 

9. There are a few things you should say to artists and crafters. For example, if you see something you admire, compliment them or ask them about their process. Ask them why they enjoy their work. 

Share this post to tell everyone what they should know about independent artists and crafters.

If you like this post and would like to know more about this program, visit our website here.

I attended this wonderful festival last weekend.  It is a mellow, little gem of a show.

Sebastian is perched right on the Intercoastal River about 24 miles south of Melbourne on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

It has slowly developed over the years with lots of condo communities lining its roads, but it manages to keep its small village charm.  Not easily done in Florida these days.

Most all the restaurants and tiki bars are aligned like a string of pearls along the River.

The Show is held on a riverfront Park with about 115 booths lined along the River and some are on an intersecting road that runs off the river.

It is a picturesque scene.  Tall oaks filled with birds compete with slender palms for the sun.

In January, it can be very windy and chilly here.  This year was the norm.

No rain, no real cold but we had to contend with 30mph gusts when trying to setup on Friday.  It is a two day show with a music stage at the south end.  And, the music is darn fine, lots of good bluesy vocals and instrumentals.

It was too windy for most of us on Friday to get fully setup.  Many, did like me, got the basic shelter up, low as can be, and securely anchored to the ground.

I had my John Deere weights on the corners, then dog-staked each corner as well.  It worked perfectly.

Most of us arrived early on Sat. Morn and setup in two hours or less.

I scored a great little AirBnB for about $70 per nite, complete with swimming pool.

I had a great cobia fish dinner Friday nite at the CrabShack along with a little tequila and a White Claw(a hard seltzer, mixes well with tequila, hell, anything mixes well with tequila).

Saturday was less windy and the crowds were out early, and they were buying.

Well dressed patrons from all over, geographically.

I sold to a woman who lives on Vancouver Island.  Then sold to a young couple getting ready to open up an AirBnB in NYC.  I decorated their bathroom.

My neighbor made sculptured fish out of winery cypress stumps.  He about sold out.

My other neighbor did an array of mixed media pieces, all Florida themed.  She sold very well.

People bought steadily all day. And, the crowds did not peter out after 2pm like what happens at most Florida shows these days.

This area is very conservative and traditional in their taste for art. Think fish, water and feathers.

I had a decent day and sold a large one($500) that helped make my day.

The winds had died down and we had a great sunset to finish the day.

Sunday was a perfect weather day.

But the crowds were slow coming and about half the size of Saturday.

It was a different crowd.  They were nicely dressed and looked at the work..but, they would not buy.

I barely did  $300 in sales, it was disappointing.

Looking around at my fellow exhibitors I saw very few sales being made.

We had an easy teardown, Most were out in an hour or less.

I will probably give this show a shot again.  It has potential.

As new technologies continue to push our entire world forward, they begin to intersect more and more with the artistic and creative worlds.

One such intersection is the craft of jewelry-making and 3D printing.

Does 3D Printing Unlock Creativity or Stifle It?

As with every new technology, there are always those who worry about the loss of the "human touch."

This is a valid concern.

The art of hand-crafting jewelry is well respected for the effort, knowledge, and skill it takes. By replacing parts of this process with technology-generated designs and manufacturing, you can argue that the imperfections that make each piece unique are lost.

Yet it also enables increased opportunities for greater creativity.

In a recent interview by WonderLuk, one of the leaders in the 3D printed jewelry movement, the designers they were interviewing, a duo called Kezner, said, "3D printing allows never before seen geometric freedom."

Designs not achievable by traditional methods are now free to be conceived—and, more importantly, fabricated—because of 3D printing.

From designs that mimic the complex network of blood vessels or bone to the intricate and delicate textures of lace and interlocking spirals, 3D printing has blown wide the door of what is possible in jewelry making, not just on a large scale, but for individual designers and jewelry crafters.

Scaling Business Operations for Small-Scale Jewelry Designers

While it is, in some ways, a sad truth, art for art's sake is not a viable business model. For those looking to make a living off of their jewelry designs, it's important to be both creative and pragmatic.

Technology has always been a way to help achieve this. 3D printing in particular offers incredible opportunities for jewelry crafters to see their work realized in an increasingly affordable and scalable way.

In the same WonderLuk interview with Keznr, one of the designers said, "3D printing makes things simpler. Manufacturing, handling orders and moving products to resellers and stores is easier. Eventually, easier means more affordable."

At ACT, we believe in supporting independent artists and crafters. As 3D printing technologies continue to become more affordable, we can see how this technology can benefit them, both creatively and financially for their business.

Is 3D Printed Jewelry Still Art?

One of the common misconceptions about 3D printed jewelry is that it completely removes the human element.

However, any jewelry design must begin with the creative mind of a person.

Do the exact tools they use to implement it—whether it be a wax bur set or a 3D printer—really matter?

What do you think? Is 3D printing the next big thing for jewelry crafters or is it the end of this time-treasured skill? Leave your comments below to let us know what you think!