Next Podcast: Monday, Sept. 9 at 5-5:30 pm ET  (sponsored podcast)

Part III of a series to understand the operations of creating a new art show.

Artists and Charities Hand in Hand will host its inaugural event on November 2 and 3, 2019, at the Palm Beach Convention Center in W. Palm Beach, Florida.

• One of the biggest challenges of promoting a new event is finding exhibitors who will take a chance that it will be successful and lead on to year two. Two artists who will be participating will be on this podcast: 
  
  Amy Reshefsky, from Florida and Quebec, who works in multiple media who has worked with the show organizer, Ingrid Robinson, at several other events and is well known in the Palm Beach vicinity. 
  
  H. Allen Benowitz, a self-educated photographer from North Carolina. Invited by the Sheik to photo journal an international festival in Morocco. His work has appeared in many Florida publications and he participated in Art Basel and many Florida art festivals. 
   
• Then you have to make the event's name known in the community and get publicity. Rickie Leiter, of the RickieReport.com, a blogger and podcaster on the art scene who reports to the South Florida Community of Artists and Patrons will tell about her role in connecting with the art patrons.
   
• Lastly, you need to connect directly with established art institutions to show your credibility. Jeanne Martin of the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, will share why her historic art center is joining in as a charity partner for this new event. 

This will be a good nuts and bolts show that should be helpful to any artists who are considering applying to the show. It will also be helpful to any show organizers to learn some new tips.

Deadline to apply, September 15. Click here to learn more and apply.

Questions for the guests? Put them in the comments below, email to me, or call into the show on Monday: (805) 243-1338

In my inbox from Cranston, Rhode Island:

The Wickford Art Association is seeking an experienced event planner to serve as Festival Coordinator of the 58th Wickford Art Festival, to be held on July 11 and 12, 2020. The successful applicant will serve as the face of this award-winning event, working with the Board of Directors and volunteer committees to plan and implement all aspects of the festival. This is a part-time position from November 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020. 

Recently named Rhode Island’s Best Art Festival (Rhode Island Monthly), this prestigious event features more than 200 juried fine artists and draws crowds of up to 75,000. Interested candidates can access the full job posting on the Wickford Art Association website wickfordart.org (wickfordart.org/art-festival-2/). The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2019.

Most of you give the Artist’s prospective so I thought to share my experience as a Volunteer.

The Sausalito Art Festival is a major Fine Art Festival with 260 Artists from 41 States and 12 Countries. Booth fees are $1500-$3000, canopy included. Entrance fees:  $30-General and $100-VIP.

Sausalito and its surroundings have an upscale demographic and that reflected in the Artwork quality, price and Patrons spending.  I overheard a Lady jokingly negotiating a necklace down to “9.99” – it was a $1000 necklace that she just purchased.

They had over a thousand Volunteers.  I was stationed at one of the exists for security and to send people off with a smile.  Before and after my shift I walked around and visited most of the Booths.

This was a high-end Festival but what I learned can be applied to any Art Festival:

1. Feel free to ask for assistance from Volunteers. I had my Volunteer t-shirt on with a name tag but very few Artists asked for help. If you need cold water or a break, please ask. We are there to make you comfortable. Don’t be shy, this is not a job for us but it is something we happily chose to do.
   
   
2. Be engaging in your Booth: the Artists who were welcoming and ready to talk were the ones selling the most. Some Artists were on their phones in the back and avoided eye contact. Patrons have way too many choices and will skip those Booths.
   
   
3. You might not agree with this, but Artists eating a smelly meal, when the space smells like a restaurant, is not very appealing. A quick odorless snack or the aroma of a fresh cup of coffee is fine. Yes, the days are long and one needs to eat. But that first impression is so important. 
   
   

Art Festivals are great and you Artists are awesome. It is always a pleasure to be surrounded by so much creativity.

Name: Estes Park Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show

Location: Estes Park, CO

Dates: Friday August 30 to Monday September 2, 2019

Management: Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary

Fees: Jury $35, Booth $325

Application: www.estesparkartdandcrafts.com, starting 12/1/2019 for 2020

My Medium: Plain and hand carved western lifestyle personal, equine and K-9 leather goods, gun belts and holsters. Price range: $5-$10K.

Estes Park is the gateway to the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  There are many summer homes in the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it is a popular destination for metro Denver. The mix of contemporary and early 20^th century homes reminds me of the Adirondacks.  You encounter a broad spectrum of income levels, and foreign visitors.  I have been doing this show continuously since 2010.  I have also done the Memorial Day show in May during the same period.  The show is produced by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary, Inc.  The Labor Day crowd is large, and there is a constant flow of patrons through the show.  The show hours were 10-6 Saturday and Sunday and 10-3 on Monday. This was a change from the usual show hours of 9-5 and 9-3 respectively in prior years.

SET UP AND TAKE DOWN

      One hundred five booths are set up around the perimeter of Bond Park and in the parking lot in front of the Town Hall and library.  This includes three food trailers at the NW corner of the park. There were also three Rotary tents and a “Kids” tent.  People with trailers were given an option of starting set up at 7:00 Friday morning and could drive to their sites.  I was there at 8:00 and could unload at my spot.  Later in the morning, artists parked in designated areas and Rotary volunteers dollied artist to their sites and helped with set up.  Take down was Monday at 3:00 pm.  Rotarians were available to dolly artist to their vehicles in designated parking areas.  Later, artists could bring in vehicles to load up.  You must have paid taxes before you got a loading permit. The Rotary volunteers are experienced and the best group of any show I attend.

      Trailers park at the fairgrounds and there is a free shuttle back to the park. Artists park on streets or in lots away from the perimeter of Bond Park.

ART, ARTISTS, AMENITIES, WEATHER

      There is a broad spectrum of art and craft at this show to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of visitors to Estes Park.  There were high end jewelers and photographers to handmade soaps and edibles.  Many of the artists have done this show for several years, but there is always a mix of new people.  This year the show was heavy on jewelry, but it was all different.  Wildlife and landscape photography were better represented than 2-D pencil, oil and watercolor.  Ceramics, garments, glass, metal, wood, leather, edibles and cosmetics were represented. 

      The Rotary had coffee and donuts for artists every morning. There were two silent auctions of donated art every day.  Booth sitters were available by appointment.  Clean, indoor, accessible restrooms are in the Town Hall.  A banner advertises the show at a major intersection and sandwich boards with color brochures were at strategic locations around the park.  The brochures had an aerial view of the park with booths shown on one side and a list of exhibiting artists and booth numbers on the opposite side.

      There were two changes at the show this year which did not set well with most artists.  Several artists were moved from their general locations in prior years.  The show hours were changed from 9-5 to 10-3.  After 3:00pm, the crowd thins out and we did not have any sales after 5:00 on either day.

      Thunderstorms and wind are common at the Estes Park shows. This year, there only scattered clouds on days in the low 80’s.

SALES AND ANALYSIS 

      My sales over nine years have ranged from $2.69K to $4.9K with an average of $4.1K.  I had 58 sales which was down from 75 last year, but the average sale was up $5 to $62.  with an average of $57.  Belts were my best seller, but I also sold billfolds, checkbooks, suspenders, holsters, gun belts, computer pouches and napkin rings.  I only have one post-show special order for a belt.

      This year I was happy to break $3K because the crowd was smaller and I noticed a lack of foreign visitors, based on various languages I hear spoken. I had only one opportunity to practice my Spanish with a visitor from Columbia.

FUN STUFF 

      Our favorite 1898 cabin we have rented for the show was sold this summer and we were relocated in a house whose kitchen, bath and dining room were as large as the Bear Bottom Cabin. It was HUGE! Saturday night Dan and Steve Sawusch, Jean and I took Weldon Lee and Laurie out to dinner to celebrate his retirement from shows. Weldon is a wildlife photographer we have known for several years.  

      A potter from Israel was very interested in the technique of carving and stamping leather and that none of the material was removed to get the dimension. A belt sale to a deaf-mute couple was an interesting experience for us.

      Sunday evening a cow elk and her calf were browsing in the willows near the NW corner of the park.  Wildlife are a fact of life at Colorado mountain shows.  Be prepared for elk, moose, bear, beaver, deer and the usual raccoons and skunks.  Don’t leave food or trash in your tent overnight.  You can read the bear stories in older reviews.

      Every summer the Rotary has a raffle to support scholarships and other projects. This year the top prize is $10,000 and tickets are $100.  I got mine last May.  Several years ago, I won $5000 with a $25 ticket.  This year, 300 tickets will be sold and that is pretty good odds. Rotarians think I am lucky and wanted to sell me this year’s winning ticket.

      TIP: If you plan to do an Estes Park show, or for that matter any Colorado mountain show, read up on “altitude sickness prevention”. Most mountain communities are at 7,000’ to 8,000’ elevation and you need at least one day to acclimatize to the altitude.

Photos: 1. North perimeter booths and Longs Peak (14,259’) in RMNP

2. Town Hall Parking lot booths and Lumpy Ridge in RMNP.

We are pleased to inform that the call for
the Artists-in-Residence Program in 2020 at AIR-HMC, Budapest has been opened. For applying, please write us for more info and application form to
bszechy@yahoo.com .
We are looking forward to receiving applications of artists who have interest in our program.
Beata Szechy,(HMC)
http://www.hungarian-multicultural-center.com/

February 15, 16 & 17

Application Fee: $55     Booth Fee: $850

Testimonials: 

Des Moines Art Festival Exec Stephen King sent me this story:

Des Moines artist Chris Williams never imagined his work would be in a Super Bowl ad, but he recently became aware that an ad by the supermarket chain Hy-Vee featured prominently his mural in a Des Moines neighborhood. Not only that, the narrator was Oprah. It was a 4 minute feature that showed his work twice. Right.

So you've got Oprah, the supermarket and original art. Who profited?

I believe you're right. Not Chris.

It’s clear that artists are sick of their creations being treated like neutral backdrops for a plethora of corporate initiatives, and they’re fighting back en masse.

Chris is suing Hy-Vee for $25,000. His story has spread way beyond Des Moines.

Learn more: https://observer.com/2019/08/chris-williams-hy-vee-oprah-advertisement-super-bowl-mural/

My husband was a photographer, he always carried "model releases" with him, to insure he had permission. Did Hy-Vee get permission? Is this copyright infringement? What do you think?

September 21 & 22

A few spaces left - apply today

The team that has produced Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy for the past 36 years has a handful of spaces left at our newest addition, ArtWalk Carlsbad

,

September 21 and 22.

The festival is extremely well-marketed, and it takes place in one of San Diego County’s most affluent communities. There are many large and elegant homes in the Carlsbad area, and both residents and visitors to the area look forward to collecting at this expertly-produced festival. The event was created specifically to serve this demographic, and we also attract many collectors from Downtown San Diego, Del Mar and La Jolla. The beautiful venue overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and cool ocean breezes make it an idyllic setting.

In addition to fine art on display and for sale, the event also features chalk art being created live on the asphalt, and a full line up of music featuring headliner, A.J. Croce. These elements help to draw large crowds.

Each artist receives a high-quality festival tent provided by show management, access to booth sitters, and a branded wearable item.

There are no upfront jury fees, and participants benefit from an individual page on the event website featuring your work and your contact information, helping to facilitate sales before and after the event.

ArtWalk Carlsbad is ticketed ($8 until August 31, $10 beginning September 1) and each participating artist receives 20 comp tickets to distribute to their collectors by email for each 10 x 10 booth you reserve.

The in-depth marketing plan includes print ads in many local publications, radio and television, online publications, outdoor, and extensive social media, plus flyers and posters distributed to businesses. Our Facebook page currently has over 21,000 followers. Follow us on all platforms: ArtWalkSD

Apply Online: www.artwalkcarlsbad.org

Contact: Sandi Cottrell scottrell@artwalksandiego.org

(sponsored podcast)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 5:00 - 5:30 PM ET

Part II of a series to understand the operations of creating a new art show.

Artists and Charities Hand in Hand will host its inaugural event on November 2 and 3, 2019, at the Palm Beach Convention Center in W. Palm Beach, Florida.

How does a new art fair get started? What are all the steps involved, and for heaven's sake, where does the money come from and where does it go? The show organizer, Ingrid Robinson, spells it all out, from the initial concept to opening and then closing the doors at the Convention Center. 

• Finding a destination venue
• Finding partners and sponsors
• Finding exhibitors
• Marketing
• Paying the bills 

This is a tutorial about starting an event from scratch, networking with a local community to build a "must attend" show that benefits all involved, the artists, the charities and the philanthropic goals of patrons.

Learn more: ArtistsandCharities.com

Apply: JuriedArtServices.com

We are eager also to hear from you and this will be a call-in show. What do you need to know before you apply to a new event? What would you like to know about this one?

How you can participate:

• email me any questions you'd like me to ask Ingrid (info@artfaircalendar.com)
• put your question or comment in the box below so we can discuss it on the podcast
• call in to the show to speak with Ingrid directly during the show: (805) 243-1338
• listen to the podcast at this link: Where Does the Money Go?
• or if you can't make it at that time listen later at this link or download it for another time.

This Show is held in a lovely trees park right in downtown Lexington.  Always the third weekend in August.

Lexington is a thriving town.  You have the University there. Then you have all the horse biz.  They raise them, they race them there.  Lot of dinero flowing the town.

Everywhere you look you see new apartments going up.

Not many shuttered stores.

The locals dress up for the show.  This is not a Walmart crowd.

That said, this is not an easy show to sell high end at.

The whole weekend I saw less than a dozen large 2-d pieces go by my booth.

Of course I am at one of many entrances to the park.

I never sold anything over $150 this weekend, yet I had one of my best shows there.

I have onerous criticismdone this show more than ten times, this was the best.

Thisots is craft country so 3-d does well here.

All my neighbors were very happy.  I had a potter to my left and a pastelist to my right.  They both left rich and happy.

This Show is Run by a local art association.  They do a great job.

Easy registration, mellow setup and takedown, nice food and water, lots of volunteers, plenty of storage room and an enthusiastic director.

These are the ingredients for a successful show.

Also this is the only really major art show for the town all year.

My only complaint is that this show is too large, about 200 exhibitors, for the population it serves.

The Show size is such that booths are laid out in meandering patterns thru the park.

Not everybody gets the full crowd because there is not a continuous flow to walk the show.

This more a Lowend crowd that buys, think $150 or less.

I saw only a few big pieces go out the entire show.

I had a record show but I never sold one piece over $150.