All Posts (7722)

Sort by

TENT WANTED

Hello all, I am looking for a 10x 10 white tent of any brand other than ez up. I can drive almost anywhere in the south and I am willing to pay for shipping and handeling if necessary. 

Really dont want to buy new, if you have any information, please let me know. 

with love,

an emerging artist and recent college graduate.

Read more…

8869192662?profile=originalNew promoter chosen

It was with great sadness that artists and art lovers learned in June that there would not be an art festival in La Quinta in March 2020 because of differences in viewpoints/missions between the La Quinta Foundation and the city of La Quinta. Learn more here.

But, hold on folks, a committee comprised of 4 city officials plus an artist; a previous fine art event director; a community services commissioner; a local stakeholder that has experience working with fine art event producers in La Quinta; and a longtime La Quinta resident with extensive knowledge of previous fine art events have made a choice: Paul Anderson, long time organizer of the Sausalito Arts Festival. 

Good news? Bad news? I'm so ambivalent on this issue. The total professionally run LQAF was a beacon for other events that wanted to host a quality event that included wonderful artists, a qualified buying public and benefits to the community. Can it be replicated? 

The rest of the story about Anderson and the negotiations to find a new organizer: https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/local/la-quinta/2019/08/06/la-quinta-city-council-selecting-promoter-of-new-signature-art-festival/1924298001/

Read more…

Call for Artists: Dallas Arts Festival

8869194083?profile=original

October 26 & 27
Dallas, Texas
(south) 
Kidd Spring Park in Oak Cliff
KESSLER PARK
1003 Cedar Hill Avenue
Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm

125 Artists
Deadline: August 25
Notification of Acceptance: August 30
Application Fee: $25   Booth Fee: $275; Double $550;
Corner upgrade $75; Electricity $75 (Limited availability)

The Dallas Festival of the Arts is an outdoor 2-day celebration of community and tradition presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, for people of all ages and interests, a local art and crafts event. The Festival is a major celebration of the arts while honoring the rich history of Dallas' community.
e03841d4-1be2-43ad-b6f8-9c8efe4b74a7.png
This will be the first in Oak Cliff | Kessler Park neighborhood at Kidd Springs Park which recently undertook an extensive renovation and revitalization of the park, but with proven success with Turtle Creek Arts Festival, we are certain it will become one of the biggest events of the year. Located in the beautiful area of Oak Cliff/ Kessler Park, Kidd Springs Park is one of the oldest parks (70 years) in the Dallas region and is complete with a lake, pool, softball field and butterfly garden. Nestled among lots of trees, huge open green space, a wonderful duck pond and tons of visibility makes this an irresistible event for artists during a fall weekend.
At this festival, there is something for everyone: Artist's Market featuring fine arts and crafts, local food and beverage concessions and live acoustic entertainment.

Load In Dates:
October 25, 2019 (Friday:12:00 PM-8:00 PM)|Saturday (walk-in)7:30 AM-8:30 AM. 


All artist tents must be weighted with a minimum of 40 pounds per leg
with a white canopy.  
 
AMENITIES
- Snacks and water will be provided for artists on Saturday and Sunday.
- Booth Sitters are available during event hours upon request.
- Designated Festival Hotline available during event hours regarding assistance,          emergencies, questions, concerns, etc. 
- Friday load-in, drive up. Saturday walk in to set up.
- 24 Hour on site Security
 
ADVERTISING & PROMOTION
- AFFPS is among the top award-winning art festival organizations in the Southeast. 
- Voted Best Festivals by local media
- A holder of the only Guinness World Record by any arts festival organization in the    U.S.
 
AFFPS employs professional marketing strategies including:
PR and online media platforms, Print and online media ads, Radio and TV, Billboards, banners, posters and yard signs, Extensive business partner collaboration, Dedicated interactive website, Direct mail, 300+ online calendar entries
Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7213
For more info contact: Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, www.affps.com   
Jennifer E. Humphrey, outsidetheboxstudios@yahoo.com, 404.873.1222
Read more…

Breckenridge CO, Main Street Art Festival 8/1-3/2019

First time exhibitor for this show. The show was held Thur-Sat as the Farmers Market had dibs on Sun. Weather was relatively good with occasional drizzle until Sat when it really rained for about 45 mins 2 hours before ending, this is a mountain show, rain happens!

Sales were slow in coming, some artists doing well on Thur and not on Fri, vice versa for this artist. Saturday was slow in coming. Main street in Breckenridge was crawling with visitors few of which made it to the end of the street where this event is held in Main Street Station. Breckenridge apparently has restrictions on signage and large banners were mostly on or near the show venue which was mostly rental apartments/hotel rooms some dining/coffee. Those that did make it there were largely lookers but many spent on art at most booths at all price points. My booth neighbor, a painter, sold 1 late Saturday.

Exhibitors had to park in any of two lots which were off site but within an 8-10 minute walk or you could wait for the free bus or trolley. Load-in occurred from at least two access points with many drive up spots. Organizers were well seasoned and organized for the arrival of artists. Few amenities; dial up booth sitting, donuts, coffee and water. Wide range of age groups; older group, for the most part, were out for a stroll, younger ones looking and middle agers doing most of the buying. Artists, as usual, were creative about ways to store around or near their booths. This, in my opinion, was an expensive show, $500 for the three days plus lodging anywhere near here is very high, I found a good Priceline deal about 14 miles away in Silverthorne/Dillon. Eating is also expensive, I went shopping at the local grocery.

Exhibitors beware; This is in the mountains! The higher elevation (9600') dehydrates you quickly and you have to adjust in general to the higher elevation. If you feel sick or light headed you are not drinking enough water! Coffee and tea do not count. Sun exposure is greater than the low lands, be sure to use sun screen, wear a hat and stay in the shade if possible.

Read more…
September 14 & 15, 2019
Cattawissa, Missouri
Old Farm Winery
10545 Old Tom Frost Road
Presenting organizations: Dittmer ArtBarn and Old Farm Winery
 
60 Artists
$20 Application Fee, $40 Booth Fee
b7753960-3af5-4011-b5e0-f0b99cba369b.jpg
 
Welcome to our family-friendly Second Annual JeffCo MO Maker's mART! A hometown event, close to St. Louis, benefits local artisans and the Jefferson County 4H Dreamcatcher's Club. This is a two-day outdoor Festival with music, food, workshops and kids' events in the relaxed atmosphere of a lovely country winery.
Tired of the same old, same old, Pumpkin Patch thang with the kids? Well, struggle no longer! This event is focused on fun and improving visibility for the community and its artisans as well as benefiting our Jefferson County 4H group! The Festival brings together a wide variety of sculptors, painters, jewelry and fiber artists, ceramists and foodies. There will be enough music, food and crafts to charm everyone. 
Come on down and eat, drink and learn one hundred and one things you can do with a gourd! (Item No. 1. Think of a gourd like a durable version of the standard annual pumpkin biz - the Gourd-o-lantern!) And here you can create your own!
Dittmer multi
 
For more information and application: http://www.dittmerartbarn.com
Contact: Kim Wilson - kimconwaywilson@gmail.com
Read more…

Can an art fair help the local economy?

50 years ago Park City, Utah, known as a great winter resort area, was a ghost town in the summer. This year the Kimball Art Festival held in the downtown streets celebrates its 50th anniversary. And what does Park City look like this August 2019? 

8869191490?profile=original

Think about this:

Last year, nearly 50,000 people attended the festival, and between their food, lodging and transportation needs, festival purchases and other expenses, the visitors left an economic impact of over $23 million.

A group of local artists wanted to change that ghost town feel in 1969 and their legacy continues to enrich the small community. The popularity of the event meant that a bigger organization needed to help the event grow. In 1976, Bill Kimball who ran a small art gallery, the Kimball Art Center, out of an old garage stepped up. To this day the non-profit Kimball Art Center organizes the event.  

Read the rest of the story here: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900082032/50-years-ago-park-city-was-a-ghost-town-in-the-summer-heres-how-the-kimball-arts-festival-helped-change-that.html

I'll bet many of you can tell similar stories about other events around the country that are celebrating 50+ years. Which ones can you think of?

Read more…

Call for Artists: Summit Art Festival 2019

October 11, 12 & 13
Lees Summit, Missouri fc3e8e13-abd4-4478-8536-429215ee1eee.png
Presented By: Summit Art
120 Artists
Deadline: August 11
Notification Date: August 19
Application Fee: $30     Booth Fee: $275 10'x10'

The Summit Art Festival is an annual event held in the bustling downtown entertainment district of Lee's Summit, MO. A rising suburb of Kansas City, Lee's Summit has recently been named Time/Money's No. 41 Best Place to Live in 2018! With a population nearing 100,000, the area is filled with historic buildings, restaurants and unique shops. Downtown Lee's Summit surrounds the historic depot and Amtrak train station, and the Historical Society of Lee's Summit Museum.
4a4e2273-18f4-41b8-a1fb-55598b31ad5b.jpg
The 12th annual Summit Art Festival is a 3-day, outdoor, high-quality fine art event held in the "heart of the city", downtown Lee's Summit, MO. Featuring over 100 artists from all over the country, visitors enjoy a unique blend of art, music and food! 
In addition, the festival showcases over 250 works of art created by area students and the Stuck On Art live competition. The home of Summit Art-GOT Art Gallery is located on the festival site and features an exhibition of works created by area art faculty and staff, and our Artist Hospitality Lounge. Entertaining, non-amplified music is provided by local musicians throughout the entire weekend at various performance locations. Local food trucks serve up a delicious mix of casual street fare, beverages and cocktails.

Marketing: 
Join us on social media @summitartfest
Our comprehensive, diverse marketing strategy includes targeted digital ads, billboards, radio/tv, print ads, email blasts and social media.
 
Testimonials:
Gloria Shanahan, a wonderful artist who has participated in this festival for many years says, "The Summit Art Festival is run by artists for artists. Hospitality means unloading your vehicle with help if needed, volunteers who stop by your booth to make sure you received lunch or let you know where to find snacks and such for a quick pick me up. Patrons seemed to be educated and attentive with the artworld and the artists. Both patrons and I were impressed with the quality of work lining the streets. A well run and well put together show by people who make you feel welcome and appreciate you being a part of their festival. Thank you, Summit Art Festival!"
 
Artists LOVE participating in our festival - our experienced and friendly team of Summit Art members and volunteers strive to make each artist feel welcome! We take care of you so you can focus on your customers. (And, those delicious, warm, locally-made and delivered to your booth cinnamon rolls are just a bonus!) All booth locations are accessible by vehicle for set-up and tear down.

ARTIST AMENITIES:
* High-traffic festival location in bustling downtown entertainment district
* Electricity included in booth fee
* Booth sitters/Large volunteer team to assist artists
* Indoor Artist Hospitality Lounge with private restroom facilities
* Free, nearby parking for artists; 24-hour security
* Festival promotion, marketing and advertising
* Complimentary lunch coupon to food truck of your choice provided on 
   Saturday to artists (Plus other delicious snacks throughout the 
   weekend!)
* 12 years of festival management experience
 
AWARDS:
BEST IN SHOW - $1000 plus named as 2020 festival Featured Artist, 2020 festival jury fee and 2020 booth fee
2nd Best In Show - $750 plus 2020 festival jury fee
3rd Best In Show - $500 plus 2020 festival jury fee
...and more!
 
More Information:  http://summitartfest.org/content/
Contact: Jody Fristoe   info@summitartfest.org    (816) 805-0114
Read more…

2019 Pledge Drive Prize

Whoo Hooo, I got my prize today or I should say Jean got my prize today. Thank you Connie for running pledge drive and thank you Debbie Stillman for the  silver necklace and earrings. Jean was thrilled. 8869195070?profile=original

Read more…
December 7 & 8, 2019 - NEW!8869197863?profile=original
Miami Beach, Florida
Outdoors at gorgeous Haulover Park (on pavement)
10800 Collins Road
Between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach
Deadline:
August 13; notifications by August 23
 
Event hours: Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Move-in Friday 8:30 am - 6 pm
Move-out Sunday 5 pm - 9 pm
10' x 10' = $575; 10' x 15' = $750; 10' x 20' = $1,050; corner add $75

Hot Works’ new Miami Beach Fine Art Show (coincides with Art Basel Miami Beach) to be hosted at a waterfront, outdoor venue at gorgeous Haulover Park with luxurious hotel accommodations nearby such as the Ritz-Carlton. Haulover Park provides high-visibility to locals and tourists alike traveling along A1A/Collins Avenue while visiting the beaches as well as to boaters navigating along the Intracoastal WaterwayHaulover Park is well-known and offers convenient, metered vehicle parking and boat dockage (with advance reservations) as well as courtesy parking for all vendors/artists. Show Producer Patty Narozny brings 30+ years of media & event experience, and holds a national, outstanding reputation for her integrity and for producing extremely high-quality juried art shows. In addition to great media coverage with broadcast TV, print, radio, and digital marketing ads, signage along Collins Avenue will bring quality patrons to the show. All featured artwork must be original and personally handmade by the artists / vendors in the show. If you do not make your work, please do not apply.
 
Narozny works with the local media to bring a high-end buying audience, people with money to spend. “Hot Works is both organized and they really bring great quality buyers.”
 
Hot Works: Your Art. Our Passion.
Our passion is to inspire serious art shoppers to purchase your art.  We emphasize quality of work, not quantity of artists. All work is original and personally handmade by the artist present at the show. We support the unique relationship between artist and patron by not permitting food in the booth areas or music to interfere with artist sales.
 
Hot Works’ principal partner, Patty Narozny has 30+ years of event and media experience. Her longevity in the event industry, combined with her expertise, credibility, durability, integrity and stability makes Hot Works events profitable and gratifying.
 
Email: patty@hotworks.org
Website: www.hotworks.org
Read more…

Retiring; selling supplies

Although still doing a few shows, we're starting to sell off excess supplies. Too many details & prices to mention, but we have clear plastic sales bags, with handles, mostly 16x20; Clear plastic storage bags (4 mil), in 24x30, 24x40, 30x36. Most from Bagmart, new & in original packs. Also packing supplies, foam core, frames, glass, etc. In Lakeland, in central Florida. Good prices, willing to dicker a bit. Bill Sargent, 813-714-3614 or Ann Sargent, 813-714-3616.

Read more…
August 16 & 17  56aaed6d-88f3-434b-93f9-c163012d2580.jpg  
Frankfort, Michigan
Market Square Park
Coordinated by the Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce
Fri. 4pm-8pm; Sat. 10am-4pm
180+ Artists
Deadline: August 10Original deadline was June 1
Application Fee: $200 TOTAL
$25 Jury Fee + Booth Fee: $150+ $25 Late application fee.


Where is Frankfort?  High on a bluff in the heart of Michigan's summer vacation land, the hidden gem of Northern Michigan on Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay.
6615ef79-80f9-40ff-9de0-07af0d64944c.jpgFrom the Chamber of Commerce:
 
This very popular northern Michigan Art Fair has been voted one of the top 100 Art Fairs in Michigan!  This two-day event provides a variety of artists and food.  
 
Visitors specifically look for their favorite artists year after year.  We do our best to keep them in their same spot, so they know right where to find them!
The fair is in a beautiful park setting with up to 10,000 people in attendance.  It is one of the most popular art fairs in Northern Michigan.
 
There is also fun for the whole family with all the downtown businesses only 3 blocks away, including a book sale, pancake breakfast, concert in the park, cruise at A&W, pulled pork picnic, among many other activities that day and great local food.  You might even want to fit in some salmon fishing!
 
What's not to like?
  • two days (a Friday and Saturday, giving you Sunday to enjoy being "up north")
  • beautiful time of year for weather & tourism
  • spacious booth spaces:  12x12
eeef447c-c769-4144-a4d0-91b928e1c48e.jpg  
Contact: Joanne Bartley, fcofc@frankfort-elberta.comPhone: (231)352-7251
 
 More information about this tourism mecca: www.frankfort-elberta.com
 
Read more…
648c6ba8-0090-4fe3-b02d-4bad8816f0d0.jpg October 5 - 6
Dallas, Texas
Reverchon Park, 2400 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Presented By: The AFFPS, LLC
Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
125 Artists
Deadline: August 9
 
Notification Date: August 14
 
Application Fee: $25     
Booth Fee: Standard $300; Double $600
Corner + $75; Electricity $100 (Both Limited Availability)

Turtle Creek Fine Arts Festival kicks off its second annual event in Reverchon Park, a 43-acre community park. Winding its way through the heart of Dallas, Turtle Creek is charming with its serene shores, manicured parks, walking paths and neighborhood events. Situated in the heart of Dallas, Turtle Creek borders the Downtown arts district as well as Highland Park, and the Oaklawn/ Cedar Springs neighborhoods.  This Dallas neighborhood is considered to be one of the wealthiest zip codes in metro Dallas and is home to one of the largest and most enthusiastic art buying communities. 
d60c5212-76d7-432a-bf15-cd863b86fd9c.png
The festival is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Dallas, featuring approximately 125 artists. The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, festival foods and beverages. We're often told we have the best "festival foods" around.
 
AMENITIES
  • Snacks and water will be provided for artists on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Booth Sitters are available during event hours upon request.
  • Designated Festival Hotline available during event hours regarding assistance, emergencies, questions, concerns, etc.
  • Friday load-in (Friday only load in)
  • 24-Hour onsite Security

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION
  • AFFPS is among the top award-winning art festival organizations in the Southeast.
  • Voted Best Festivals by local media - with Art Shows in the Top 100 Nationwide.
  • The holder of the only Guinness World Record by any arts festival organization in the U.S.
AFFPS employs professional marketing strategies including:
PR and online media platforms, Print and online media ads, Radio and TV, Billboards, banners, posters and yard signs, extensive business partner collaboration, dedicated interactive website, Direct Mail, 300+ online calendar entries

For more info contact: Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, www.affps.com   
Jennifer E. Humphrey, outsidetheboxstudios@yahoo.com404.873.1222
Read more…
December 6 - 8
Tempe, Arizona
Presented By: Downtown Tempe Foundation 4d6ce668-198a-423d-a813-b601527ac8e1.png
350 Artists
Deadline: July 31
Notification Date: August 6

Application Fee: $35 - $50   Booth Fee: $400 - $600

Join us for the 51st Anniversary Tempe Festival of the Arts, December 6, 7 & 8 - in Downtown Tempe. The festival is among the oldest and best loved traditions in the Desert Southwest. More than 250,000 visitors enjoy the festival and approximately 350 artists participate from throughout North American. The Festival occurs in a festive urban street fair atmosphere.
7df89acb-7a38-4012-8b8b-e134813e5212.jpg

This juried show promotes original art with all artists on site to engage visitors. The festival takes advantage of the "snowbird" high tourism season in Arizona. More than a quarter of the Festival's visitors come from outside Phoenix and outside Arizona to shop for one of a kind gifts.

Expect many campaigns and promotions to celebrate the 51st anniversary.

Guests also find two stages with live entertainment, a chalk art event, a KIDS BLOCK and Kids Exhibition, wine tasting and roaming entertainment. The Tempe Festival of the Arts offers a wide variety of amenities for artists including hospitality carts, booth sitting services, a large art delivery assistance program and a 24 hour roaming security patrol.

Marketing Plan:  
  • Facebook: /TempeFestivaloftheArts
  • Instagram: @TempeArtFest
  • Twitter: @Tempeartfest
  • For each festival we utilize digital and traditional marketing tactics. For more information on our marketing strategy please contact our marketing manager, Jazmine Reyes (jazmine@downtowntempe.com)
Over the past several years those curating the festival have successfully edited the scope and variety of artists and craftsmen. To this end the event has become more satisfying and less repetitive.  

"I began my Christmas shopping at the festival with a focus on quality vs. quantity. A very successful outing." -- Duane Carbine

"This is an amazing festival! There are hundreds of vendors from fine art to pottery, craft items and food. They also offer live music and a variety of street performers. The whole area is decked out for the holidays with lights, trees and other decorations. A fun and free experience." - John Evers

"The Tempe Festival of the Arts was the largest collection of arts and crafts that I have ever seen. It was well-organized, clean, and beautifully-situated. A delightful, inspiring way to spend the day." -- Rosemary Moore


More Information:  www.tempefestivalofthearts.com
Contact: Kate Borders   www.tempefestivalofthearts.com  (480) 355-6060
Read more…

 As I set at a table across from Lake Michigan, munching a great breakfest bagel and reading The NY Times, I reflected on my time doing this show for the past 25 years.

You cannot beat the location.

South Haven is a Lakefront town about 35 miles above the Indiana border.

It is a big vacation destination for Chicago and northern Indiana folks.  Also nearby Kakamazoo claims this as their beach town.

It is held in tree-shrouded Stanley Johnson and can easily hold 150 artists plus room for their vans parked.

It is run by the local art center with great volunteer help.

It is always held around the July Fourth weekend, this year it was the weekend before it. Next year it will start on Saturday, Juky 4th.  It is a two day show.

When I first started doing it in the early nineties, this was a one day show.

We would do the Saugatuck show on Saturday and wander down groggily on Sunday to do South Haven.

Something about all those Golden Margaritas at the Hotel Butler Bar In Saugatuck would have a serious alcoholic effect on us. 

Remember folks, “effect” is a noun, “affect” is a verb.  I see lots of misuse of these two words.

English lesson is over, you all got “A” for attentiveness.

Back to SH.

In the day, many heavy hitters on the circuit would show up for this show.

Photographers like Galvo and Luciano would pull down heavy numbers here and then move on to Krasl and Ann Arbor.

Those day’s are long gone.

This is a nice mellow little show to do.

I would not say to do it if you have more than an eight hour ride.

Do not expect to make big numbers here, there are not enough buyers.

Art work that relates to Lake Michigan sells best here.

Forget modern art.

A big part of the crowd is beach-goers with kids and dogs in hand.

It is a pleasant walk in the park.

The Show committee tries real hard to help the artists. They have great volunteers and they are very artist-friendly.

That said, if you make $1500 of better, you are doing good.

If you are looking for a show to do while vacationing, this is a great one.

Read more…
2019-7-24-afi.jpg

Sugarloaf Craft Festivals Spring '20 Tour - Apply Now!

Applications Due Now! Deadline: July 29th

Submit your application today and be part of a special community. Sugarloaf Crafts produces 5 Spring & 6 Fall Festivals. Make a living doing what you love at these well-attended shows in affluent areas of VA, NJ, PA and MD. Connect with your talent peers and enjoy easy, professionally managed shows. Build your business and sell more art with Sugarloaf! Space is limited, don't wait!

button_learn_more.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710xbutton_apply_zapp.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x

SPRING '20 TOUR

Applications Due! Deadline: July 29th
tiles-vertical-2019a.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x
Read more…

This show was last weekend, second weekend of July.

A two day show with Friday setup.

Held on the lake bluff in downtown St. Joseph.

200 exhibitors setup on both sides of the sidewalk, the show extends about eight city blocks.

Most can pull right into the curb and setup.  Pretty easy setup and teardown.

The Show has been going on more than 25 years and attracts a good crowd.  A lot of Chicago money here with a mix of Michiganders and folks from northern Indiana.

Pretty conservative and traditional sales for artwork.  New stuff does not play well here.

In my humble estimation, this is the best show for sales in Michigan for fine art.

I will take it over Arts n Apples, Birmingham, Ann Arbor or any other Lake Michigan coastal cities shows.

The middle class in Michigan has little disposable income.  They will spend it on good drinks and food but not so much on art.

Mainly small pieces out of the bins sell best here.

Every once and a while somebody hooks a big whake for a big sale.  But there are not enough of them around.

The Show is on Zapp and run by the art center.  Lots of volunteers to help everybody.  Free water, free Saturday breakfest, and plenty of booth sitters.

The one big disconnect with this show is the location of the artist lounge and snacks.  It is all the way at the south end of the show.  It is a long trek that most do not make if they are at the north end.  Even the middle.

That should be improved, Krasl are you listening?

This is not an easy show to get in.  Tough jurors and lots of competition.  But it is worth vying for.

This is the same weekend as Madison, Cain Park and Corn Hill and in some years, State College.

If you are waitlisted there are good chances of being called. Lots of people playing off one show from another.  Vets know what I mean.

I have gotten in more then 15 times over the last 25 years.  Most times this is a 5K-plus show for me.

But this year, all shows have been off by 30-40% in sales, that even includes Fort Worth.

People are holding back big time on art.  And this being felt industrywide, it is not just me.

So, I was not expecting to do nearly as well when I prepared for this show,luckily it turned out better.

I think it helped that I debuted three new images and one made me killer sales.

This year like most in the past was a mix of hot, humid July heat mixed with soothing cool air off the lake.

If you were in shade it was almost 15 degrees different.  

Temps were in the mid high eighties both days.

But hell, it is Michigan.  If you do not get it now, when do think you are going to get it.  This is not Florida.

FLASH.            FLASH.    TEQUILA. REPORT

I am sitting at a great restaurant in Saugatuck while writing this blog.

It is going to hit 87degrees plus today, good time to be inside with A/C.

Sorry for the folks suffering on the asphalts of Ann Arbor.

Anyways, this place is called the Southerner.  Located just out of the north side of downtown Saugatuck.

The place sits right on the river with awesome views.

I am at the bar facing 50 varieties of bourbon I could order.  They have an Evan Williams on the rocks for $4.  You can chase it with a $2 Hamms beer in a can.

Then eat the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich on a big toasted homemade biscuit.  Chase it down with some tasty homemade baked beans. Sandwich for $8 and beans for $2.50.

Um, um, um. Life is good.  

If you go to Saugatuck, my home base for the summer, you gotta come here.  They are the berries.

OK, actually this was a bourbon and biscuit report.

Back to Krasl.

So Saturday was hot, humid with cooling lake effect breezes.  The crowd slowly built.

I started off with a $500 sale.  I was happy, considering the last two shows I did, I did not gross $3K total.

Sales came along regularly, mostly out of the bins.

People were buying everywhere. About 12:30 sales ground to a halt.

Til 6pm, show close, I did maybe another $500.

I was sleeping in my own bed, forty five minutes away.

Oh! I forgot to tell.  The show will put up artists for free with patrons here.  That can be a big saving.  More money for margaritas.

Sunday weather same as Saturday with a little more cloud cover, kept it a little cooler, then the fricking sun burned thru about noon, and it was hot, hot, hot.

Crowds were smaller and not buying as much.  Couple of artists hit home runs, but for most it was ho-hum.

Show ended at 5pm and I was home buy by 6:30.

A good time was had by all.

Oh, and my little dear retiring wife, Ellen, bought a Beamer, and we are flying at the speed of sound down the interstate.

Just kidding.

 It it accelerates way faster than my Ford van. 

God almighty.

Later gators.

Read more…

4a28f358-5430-4186-a69f-539ae968ea1c.png?profile=RESIZE_710x September 21 & 22
Warrenville, Illinois
Presented By: Warrenville Park District 
50 Artists
Deadline: August 31

Application Fee: 0   Booth Fee: $65

Art on the Prairie is in it's 14th year! The art brings the community together to enjoy & purchase art & music all at the same time. The music is a folk style music, mixed in with a bit of country music. 
 
The festival is set along the prairie path encouraging traffic from the path to stop and enjoy the arts throughout the weekend. The festival is an outdoor festival set on the upper level of City Hall Complex. Artists tents are located on the streets providing easy load in and out of the festival.
27668830-e8fc-460b-a562-4cf9e5fde27d.png
  • Artists may bring their own tent or rent a tent. 
  • The crowds average 1900-2000 over the 2 day weekend.
  • The artist's booth fees and expenses are low due to the support that is received from the City of Warrenville Hotel Motel Grants and the Park District passes this on to the artists. 
Marketing Plan:
Each year the arts are embraced by the Mayor and various City Officials with funding and advertising of the event. Social Media outlets, Newspaper ads, on-line festival websites, step-in the ground signs week of the event, posters, mailers, and digital advertising in both Daily Herald and Chicago Tribune are included in our marketing looking to bring you the customers you deserve.
 
New this year
Food Trucks are being added to bring a new aspect to the festival encouraging increased crowd traffic. Various categories of Monetary Prizes for the artists are added this year
 
Apply and More Information: http://www.warrenvilleparks.org

Contact: Ruth Brackmann, ruthb@warrenvilleparks.org (630) 393-727

Read more…

"It's Getting Hot In Here"

In this summer of extreme heat, I was wondering how many of us have gone down in heatstroke over the years. It's been a challenge to stay cool this Summer and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. I was in Des Moines where the heat index got to 111 degrees that weekend, and man, it was a challenge. I have a "frosty' cooler that I swear by. It's the Amazon cheaper version of the Yeti and it kept me hydrated and I have Ryobi fans also, but sometimes it's not enough. I have heard that if you have heatstroke or near heatstroke you are more susceptible. Not sure if that's true, but maybe I am just more aware of the signs now, so I know what to do. Anyway, if you have a good story, any great remedies or just some info we show know...Let's share it so everyone can stay safe.

Read more…
fed89d0c-6af3-47f0-8292-7c5e09149490.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710xNovember 8, 9 & 10, 2019
Maitland, Florida
Beautiful Lake Lily Park
Presented by: Rotary Club of Maitland
Fri. 6pm - 9pm, Sat. 10am - 9pm, Sun. 10am - 4pm
135+ Artists
Deadline: August 1

Application fee: $35; Booth fee: $325
 
You won't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of the Maitland Rotary Art Festival this November around beautiful Lake Lily in one of Orlando's most affluent suburbs.  The Maitland Rotary Art Festival has always enjoyed great success, and this year is bringing more qualified buyers to the festival with its popular Patron Program. This year's Patrons will be spending more than $10,000 with the artists.
 
837d97cd-29aa-4458-9cc9-cf3b1beb851a.png?profile=RESIZE_710x
Plus, three Judges will award multiple prize moneys to Best in Show, Best in Category - in ten categories, and Judges' Choice Awards, plus Patrons' Award Ribbons. Cash prizes will be awarded along with 'Best Of' Ribbons.
Saturday morning coffee and donuts delivered to your booth!  And, our Sunday morning indoor 'Artist Awards Breakfast' is back, and will include our coup de gras: Cheese Grits!!
 
Evening hours are back by popular demand! Now there's more time to mix, mingle, meet, and sell. This year we expect around 20,000 visitors over the full weekend of art. This festival brings our local community together with something for everyone in a true celebration of the arts. See displays and demonstrations from our cultural partners, and student art exhibits from our local schools. Free continuous live music and dance entertainment all weekend at the Bandshell and on-site food and beverage vendors. "Venue on the Lake", an adjacent Civic Center building, will be open all weekend, serving beverages at its lakeside patio.
 
Strategic media and public relations plans for the 2019 Festival include:
  • Targeted public and media relations initiatives elevating the status of the Maitland Rotary Art Festival, and raising awareness prior to, and driving traffic during the festival
  • Social media including Facebook and Twitter
  • Generous media budget
  • Patron Program, designed to attract more fine art buyers
Make plans to join us for an amazing Veteran's Day holiday weekend at the most beautiful time of the year in Central Florida! We all earnestly hope to see you again this coming fall season in our town to sell your art profitably, make new friends, and have an Art Festival Full of Fun!
 
Now in its 43rd year, the Maitland Rotary Art Festival is produced and run by Rotarians who continue to generously share festival proceeds with local charities.
 
Maitland Rotary Art Festival is designed to ensure artist success!
 
Contact: maitlandartist@gmail.com, 407.777.8515 (voicemail)

Read more…