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Call for Artists: 9th Annual Mundelein Arts Festival

Posted by Meg Mettler on June 3, 2019 at 4:00am

September 7 & 8

Mundelein, Illinois

Presented By: Mundelein Community Connection
10 am to 5 pm

45 Artists

Deadline: June 15

Notification: July 8

Application Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $130

The Mundelein Arts Festival is held in beautiful Kracklauer Park with both pavement and lawn spaces available. This is a juried art festival that will showcase the unique talents of 45 fine artists who work in a variety of media. The Park sits in the heart of Mundelein and is highly visible to Rte. 45. An average of 21,000 cars drive past daily.

Mundelein is a village of 31,000 people located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. An extensive network of nearby highways allows easy access to a host of neighboring cities, as well as Chicago and southern Wisconsin.

Cash Prizes:
A committee of well-known judges will award a cash prize for Best of Show and Best in Category (six categories). The Kirk Players will award a $500 Emerging Artist Award. There are also Purchase Awards including the Village of Mundelein's Annual Purchase Awards.

Children can create art in the kiddie craft tent. They can buy art at the Kids-Only Secret Shopping Tent...no parents allowed (Ages 12 and under). Children can shop in a tent full of art donated by festival artists. Most pieces will be sold for $5. Proceeds benefit the Mundelein Parks Foundation.

Last year we introduced some very popular changes including expanded setup time during the Friday before the show. (This show gives you easy drive in access to your booth space.)

Marketing:

TV commercials on TLC, HGTV and DIY, and Hallmark; Major newspaper advertising; Full page ad in Park District brochure; 3 town poster run; eblasts from several groups (Mundelein Community Connection, Mundelein Park District and 4 town chamber of commerce GLMV); Social media that features an artist of the day; Outdoor signage

Testimonials:

Bill, photographer at the show: This show is what I consider the ideal show. About 50 talented artists, this gives you time to look at each one. Yet this show has all the amenities of the large shows. It had artists that are very selected, great food on site, and wonderful background music. This allows the guests to be comfortable and able to really enjoy the art that is presented.
Jim and I have participated in this show all eight years. Great show! Wonderful artists! We want to thank the entire Mundelein Arts Festival team, volunteers and sponsors for everything they do to make this such a terrific show. Hope to see you all next year!
The whole weekend was fantastic, great volunteer support, one of the best organized shows I've participated in. Look forward to next year.

APPLY: http://www.mundeleincommunityconnection.org/artist-information.html

More Information:
http://www.mundeleincommunityconnection.org and

https://www.facebook.com/Mundeleinartsfestival

Contact: Christa Lawrence clawrence@mundeleinparks.org (847) 388-5322

Call for Artists: The Great Oxonian Exposition of 2019 - new event!

Posted by Meg Mettler on May 31, 2019 at 4:00am

September 19 & 20

Oxford, Mississippi

The Jefferson,
Oxford Mississippi's premiere event venue
Presented By: ArtWorks Foundation

40 Artists

Deadline: June 11

Final Notification: June 16

Application Fee: $25

The cost of Exhibition Space is $250 (10'x10') located in the Ballroom; or, $225 (8'x10') located in the Faulkner room (at entry): limited availability of each. Guaranteed Corners are $50 extra; double booths (if available) 2x the stated space fee (must call producer for approval/payment access); optional electricity $30 (may be paid on site).

This two day, indoor show will take place just outside Mississippi's abundantly cultured college town, in advance of the Ole Miss / Southern California football faceoff (Saturday, September 21).

The affluent and urbane population of Oxford, MS is supplemented on football weekends by thousands of fans seeking diversions to occupy themselves in advance of Saturday's pre-game party in The Grove.

Up to 40 positions will be available for artists to participate in our inaugural edition of the Great Oxonian Exposition.

The show will be heavily advertised; public attendance will be encouraged via direct mail, outdoor advertising, print and broadcast

media, as well as through social media outlets. There will be also vigorous Public Relations support for the show.

The Great Oxonian Exposition will feature - and focus on the sale of - stellar works of art in metal, glass, clay, wood, and fiber, as well as jewelry, sculpture, paintings & photography.

There is convenient, and plentiful, free onsite parking for guests, as well as onsite RV parking for artists. Admission is Free.

APPLY: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7678

Learn more about the ArtWorks Foundation: https://www.artworks.foundation

Contact: Greg Belz, gregbelz@hotmail.com (901.327.4019)

Pledge Drive Winners - 2019

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 30, 2019 at 6:00pm

Many, many thanks for all the pledges. This was one of our most successful pledge drives so far. I appreciate your generosity, some of you for many, many

years. The art fair business thrives under its community umbrella. Sharing with one another enriches everyone.

Here are the names drawn today in the order in which they were drawn. Everyone on this list should take look at the prize page here and make a choice and send that choice to me: info@artfaircalendar.com.

Obviously the first few people will get their top choices, so the

farther you are down on the list please send me at least 3 choices.

Please let me hear from you by late Sunday. If you haven't contacted me by then I'll move on to the next person. On Monday morning any prizes

that have not been claimed will be given to others whose name was not drawn in the "great prize grab."

Debbie Stillman chooses: $200 gift certificate from Pro Panels
John Houle chooses: a $300 Flourish gift certificate
Patricia Venaleck chooses: the Ring Doorbell from ArtFairCalendar.com
Carolyn Copper chooses:$200 gift certificate from Pro Panels
Lou Ann Grover chooses: a $300 Flourish gift certificate
Cheri Nugent: $100 Amazon gift card from ACTInsurance.com
Wallace Fuller: "Please donate my number back into the pool of prize winners."
Heidi Mandich: Turtle Creek Arts Festival, Dallas - April 13-14, 2020
Patty DeMaria: $200 gift certificate from Pro Panels
Ally Farkas: $100 gift certificates for any products on Red River Paper's website.
Jean Block: "Impact Splash," from CanvasGicleePrinting.com
Janet Muchnik: Holbein Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set from HolbeinArtistMaterials.com
Sara Shambarger: Photography for Jury or Booth from BermanGraphics.com
Kristine Ritter: Ingot CanopyWeight Set from https://www.canopyweights.com/
Richard Sherer: Earrings and necklace from debbiestillmanjewelry.com
Robert Pangman: "Pass mine to the next person."
Jacqueline Gomez: Free booth space at Art Spectacular in Springfield, IL
Judith Spector
Christine Lush-Rodriguez: 1 year subscription to NEW Art Fair SourceBook Essential Directory of Arts and Crafts Events
Layl McDill: 1 year subscription to NEW Art Fair SourceBook Essential Directory of Arts and Crafts Events
Kathryn Nidy: Free booth space at the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza from AFFPS.com
Tina Noonan: $150 certificate from Larry Sanders, juryimage.com
Fletcher Dean: $100 gift certificates for any products on Red River Paper's website.
Lori Burns: $100 gift certificates for any products on Red River Paper's website.
Wise Owl Artworks
Salina Kalnins - $100 gift certificates for any products on Red River Paper's website
Brent Coulter: Website review from Franklin Piuck, Cyberhenge, Inc.
LE Maynard Enterprises: Holbein Acrylic paint set from http://www.holbeinartistmaterials.com/
Patricia Monaco: FM Clock radio with iPhone charger from CallsforArtists.com
Ron Gage: Art consulting with Trudi van Dyke
Victoria Jackson: Free booth space for Spring Festival on Ponce AFFPS.com
Anne Harding: Advertising on ArtFairCalendar.com for art fair
Brian Bass: Fancy twin hanging water garden from VermontNatureCreations.com
Barry Bernstein: Holbein Acrylic paint set from http://www.holbeinartistmaterials.com/
John Jassy
Ann Anglim: "Marketing Strategies for Artists," an e-course from Carolyn Edlund of ArtsyShark.com
Beverley Cox: Fancy twin hanging water garden from VermontNatureCreations.com
Pam Wiggins: Consultation with Connie Mettler
George Ceffalio: Vintage 2009 AFSB Volume 1 book from CC Barton
Jean Einstein: 16 x 20 Framed Photograph
"Colorful Dining" by Larry Sohn

PODCAST TODAY: Drawing Winning Names in the Pledge Drive

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 30, 2019 at 8:00am

THURSDAY - MAY 30 - 5 PM ET

You support our websites with your donations and we really appreciate it. We couldn't do it without you.

Listen as Connie Mettler, host of ArtFairRadio.com and ArtFairCalendar.com and her co hosts, Sara Shambarger, former Art Director of the Krasl Art Fair in St. Joseph, MI and NAIA board member, and Trudi Van Dyke, veteran art fair juror, art curator and art consultant will join me as we draw the names for the winners in the 2019 Pledge Drive.

We'll give away nearly $9000 in prizes to our patrons. If you sent us $$ during the Pledge Drive there is a very good chance you will win one of our 63 prizes! (at this point about 1 in 3).

Didn't pledge yet? Hurry up. Here's the link:

https://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/pledgedrive.html

5 Winners in the Pledge Drive & 3 Artists Share "best tips"

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 29, 2019 at 5:04pm

On Tuesday we had one of our best podcasts, a report from 3 different artists from Florida, Chicago and Washington State, on their journeys creating art and participating in art fairs. I believe nearly 100 years total experience among them.

Their tips for you:

1. Kathleen Teach has supported herself at art shows, entirely, for 20 years, starting out with nothing."I look back on it now with wonderful memories and some pride. My independence and sense of adventure was the envy of all my friends." Her advice: Do not be afraid to raise your prices. When I could hardly keep up with all the sales I was making a customer said to me, "why don't you raise your prices?" Result: less work, more money.

Btw, Kathleen is looking for someone to mentor, to learn her business and the art fair business. Contact her through her FB page or contact me, if you are interested.

2. Stephanie Wheat is a self taught handbag designer specializing in handmade leather accessories, who participates in wholesale events and top notch retail fairs, has gallery accounts and is going international by participating in Paris Fashion Week this fall. Her advice: always use the best quality materials available. You'll enjoy the creative process more and your fine work will find its market.

3. Kathy Ross, has been a full time self-employed artist since 1978. She has pursued many materials (99% sculptural) and is currently pursuing even more possibilities working with found objects. She even sleeps in her tent at La Quinta! Her advice: People were always asking me how long it took to make something, so I started keeping track of the hours. Now in my booth beside each object I include the # of hours it took to create. It has helped sales!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then we drew the first five names for the winners in the 2019 Pledge Drive:

1. Debbie Stillman

2. John Houle

3. Patricia Venaleck

4. Carolyn Copper

5. Lou Ann Grover

Debbie, John, Patricia, Carolyn and Lou Ann, visit the prize page and let me know your choice. Congrats.

20 Things Every Artist Needs

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 29, 2019 at 4:00pm

Last Call to be eligible to win these prizes in our Pledge Drive drawing tomorrow, May 30, ET.

2 - $300 gift certificates from FlourishDisplays.com
3 - $200 gift certificates from ProPanels.com
12 free booth spaces: Holiday Art Shows in Florida (2), Howard Alan Festival in Florida, Rose Squared in New Jersey, Berkshires Festival in the Berkshires from AmericanCraftMarketing.com, 8 AFFPS shows in Georgia and Texas, Art Spectacular in Springfield, IL
2 - Website reviews. Web design for the arts & small business - Cyberhenge.com
Jury imaging and information from Larry Berman and Larry Sanders
Art Fair Sourcebook , (2) 1 year subscriptions from Greg Lawler (this just added!) Welcome to Holbein!
3 - $100 gift certificates from Red River Paper
9 sets of quality artist paints from HolbeinArtistMaterials.com (this just added!) Welcome to Holbein!
2 hours art consulting from art consultant and juror for events Trudi Van Dyke
"Marketing Strategies for Artists", an e-course from ArtsyShark.com
Ingot weights for your canopy from CanopyWeights.com
$50 discount on a canopy banner from CanopyBanner.com
A year's membership at FestivalNet.com
and to top it off a $100 gift certificate for Amazon from ACT.com
and much more

If ArtFairInsiders.com has taught you anything, found a good show, found a friend, sold or bought a tent, helped you with jurying then you need to click on this birthday cake and pledge your $$ right now.

No prize worth less than $50. Double your money back ;)

Drawing for prizes on Thursday, May 30, at 5 pm ET.

Call for Artists: Chesterton Art Fair

Posted by Meg Mettler on May 28, 2019 at 1:05pm

August 3 & 4

Chesterton, Indiana

Presented By: Chesterton Art Center

Saturday 10-5; Sunday 10-4

110 Artists

Deadline: July 15

Application Fee: $30 Booth Fee: $220 and up

This is the 61st year for the Chesterton Art Fair, which draws art lovers from all over the Midwest, always the first full weekend in August. The fair will be held in beautiful Dogwood Park, close to Interstates I-80 (Indiana Toll Road) and I-94. This makes it an easy drive for our many Chicago and Illinois suburbs visitors, as well as those from across Indiana and Michigan.

Dogwood Park is accessible to all. Plentiful disability parking is at the front gates, and all parking is close.
Artists may stay in RV's at the location of the fair. Many hotel choices nearby.
Flat ground, shade trees, a huge covered shelter, and a new permanent restroom building are some of the park amenities.
Within a few miles of the magnificent Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan beaches.
Lovely downtown area, unique dining and shopping and also the well known fast food options near the expressways.
Complimentary continental breakfast for the artists Saturday and Sunday morning.

This is a very well-attended fair. The fact that we are in our 61st year speaks to the caliber the of the art, the management of the fair, and the number of artists who return every year. We treat you as our honored guests, and go out of our way to make you comfortable and happy. We know that being on the road is tiresome and hard work. We have many volunteers who love working with our artists, as well as helping our guests who attend the fair. This is a much-loved event in our community, and the community comes out to help!

What else: We will be inviting new food vendors as well as the much-loved regulars, and will offer some new activities for children. We also feature local musicians throughout the day in a specific area of the park. The music is gentle, strolling background music, conducive to perusing, shopping, and talking with the artists.

Marketing:

We market far and wide using social media, print media, direct mail, radio, and web based advertising.

Testimonials:

"It has become a yearly tradition!"-Karen

"An excellent Art Fair to attend. Our first year there and we'll be back."-Randy

"So much amazing art work to see. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. The artists are fun to talk to also. Very impressive!" -Zandra

Jurors are selected for their experience and expertisein a specific media and understanding of that media. A diversity of backgrounds and skills is sought, including artists and educators.

Proceeds from the fair support the Chesterton Art Center, a not-for-profit arts organization. We host 12 + gallery shows throughout the year, and art classes for all age groups. Members can display and sell their work from our Member's Gallery. We also have an Artisan Gift shop featuring handmade creations in a variety of mediums.

APPLY: http://www.chestertonart.com/art-fair/

Contact: Wendy Marciniak gallery@chestertonart.com (219) 926-4711

Podcast Today: 3 Stories on Creating an Art Career

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 28, 2019 at 8:45am

Tuesday, May 28, 5 pm ET

Story telling today: An amazing podcast with three women covering the spectrum of creativity.

A stoneworker, Kathleen Teach, who with her trusty trailer traveled alone for over 160,000 miles participating in art fairs
A leatherworker, Stephanie Wheat, who starting from scratch has built a business that is taking her to Paris Fashion Week
Sculptor, Kathy Ross, a full time self-employed artist since 1978, creating one of a kind pieces from cookie tins, fabric, jewels, imagination. An example here: http://kathyross3d.com/two-horse-tin-horse-town/

You will be inspired and head into the day ready for your next challenge.

Learn more: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs/2019/05/28/3-artists-creating-a-career-as-an-artist

and click here to listen

PLUS: we'll be drawing the names of the first 5 winners in the Pledge Drive. Pledge now so you can be in the drawing: https://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/pledgedrive.html

Pro panels

Posted by Victoria Jackson on May 27, 2019 at 10:50am

Would like the tall ones but 7' will work. also any free standing accessories

Looking for a Trimline Tent

Posted by Victoria Jackson on May 27, 2019 at 10:48am

I am loooking for a Trimline Tent and any accesories that can go with it.

Finished my 2nd Event

Posted by Cherie Smittle on May 26, 2019 at 10:30am

Finished my second event...Burro Races in Georgetown CO. Since my last event, I purchased Flourish mesh walls and absolutely love them. My husband does setup was talking them up to other vendors.

I decided to forgo the wood curtain on the back, glad I did the tent looks clean and crisp. I will be using smaller S hooks next time as it was difficult inserting the larger hooks in the mesh. Now I just need to figure out a good way of showing my stickers. I had them hanging on the wall but they kept flying away.

Shameless Pitch, but Doing it Anyway

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 24, 2019 at 10:30am

Just a few days left to contribute to our 10th Pledge Drive. All contributions will have their name entered in to the drawing on May 30, 5 pm ET. How do you like these prizes?

"Impact Splash"

Embellished Canvas Print, 18 x 24, by Shanthi Thiruppathi

donor value $190

printed by and donated by Joshua McClure

CanvasGicleePrinting.com

16 x 20 Framed Photograph
"Colorful Dining"

A Fine Art Photograph. Archival, on museum grade paper. Conservation mounted, Matted Solid Ash - Framed Black Metal- wired and ready to hang. Signed, with COA.

by photographer Larry Sohn - value $240

http://EyeofLarry.com

"Welcome to the Tree Museum"

Inspired by the Joni Mitchell song: "Big Yellow Taxi"

from John Leben - value $110, https://www.lebenart.com

50% off a Fully-Branded App* for Your Art Fair

Grandstand Apps is pleased to offer 50% off the first year price for our Limited, Bronze, Silver, or Gold packages, which will entitle any Art Fair to their own Art Fair app inside of our Grandstand - Events & Guides app in the App Store and a potential savings of $450.

*Includes a fully-branded guide with custom designs, custom maps, artist lists, password-protected content for the artists, and plenty of other features to enhance the Art Fair experience for all attendees.
From Jeff Abele - GrandstandApps.com

2019 Palmer Park Art Fair
(Detroit, MI)

High quality Fine Art Poster
16 x 24 (Unframed)

Value - $75

from Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows

Website Review (2)

Analysis of a web site, reviewing basic architecture, image placement, how well it works on a phone, a tablet and a computer, plus the basics of Search Engine Optimization. This includes a telephone discussion and a two to three page written report.

2 prizes - value $200 @
from Franklin Piuck, Cyberhenge, Inc.

Fancy Twin Hanging Water Garden

from Dave Emmons of Vermont Nature Creations

Donor value $50

(2) Gift Certificates of $300 ($600)

From our friends at flourishdisplays.com

800-296-0049

3 $200 gift certificates

Good for any products at Pro Panels

From our friends at MD Enterprises, Makers of Pro Panels

www.propanels.com

8 Free 2019 Booth Spaces (1 per artist)

(Provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury and the display is acceptable)

Spring Festival on Ponce , Atlanta - April 6-7
Turtle Creek Spring Festival, Dallas - April 13-14
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza, Sandy Springs, GA - April 21-22
Roswell Spring Arts Festival, Roswell, GA - May 4-5

Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival, Atlanta - Sept. 28-29

Turtle Creek Arts Festival, Dallas - Oct. 5-6

Fall Festival on Ponce, Atlanta - Oct. 12-13

Dallas Festival of the Arts, Dallas - Oct. 26-27

One free booth space, covers booth fee only. Artist must apply on Zapp. Show reserves the right to refuse (application fee will be refunded.) Non-transferable.

from Randall Fox & Brian Greene of AFFPS.com

2 Free Booth Spaces & Application Fee

(Provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury and the display is acceptable)

The Beaches Art Fest - Nov. 9 & 10, 2019, Jacksonville Beach, FL ($300)

Old Town Art Show - Spring 2019, Palm Sunday Weekend, Saint Augustine FL ($300)

from Lynn Wettach at www.holidayartshows.com

Free booth space at Berkshires Arts & Culture Festival

Great Barrington, MA
July 5-7

Value from $495

(Jewelry & photography are full. Openings for ceramics, painting, glass, wood, mixed media, drawing,digital ...)

from Richard & Joanna Rothbard, www.AmericanArtMarketing.com

Free booth space

The Original Boca Art Show at Boca Center
Boca Raton, FL
Feb. 29 & March 1

donor value: $350

(provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury, the category isn't full and display is acceptable)

www.artfestival.com

10 x 12 booth space at any Rose Squared Productions event

(Provided the show isn't full, you pass the jury and the display is acceptable)

Good for any of our outdoor shows - $420 value

from Howard & Janet Rose, www.rosesquared.com

Sanders Visual Images

Images with Impact. Rouse the jurors up out of that jury stupor. Visit or send your work to my Milwaukee area studio for the highest quality images of any art medium. Includes all costs up to donation value.

value $150

Larry Sanders, Sanders Visual Images

www.juryimage.com

Fine art and photo quality inkjet papers.

(3) $100 gift certificates for any products on Red River Paper's website.

From Drew Hendrix http://www.redrivercatalog.com

Excited about these prizes? Then don't forget to pledge.

Click here to go back to the top of the page.

Ingot Canopy Weight Set

This new weight is so versatile we call it the "Swiss
Army" knife of canopy weights.

Set of (4) 15 lb weights

from Larry Mitchell

value $99.99

http://www.canopyweights.com

Vintage 2009 hard copy of the Art Fair SourceBook,

Volume I

More than 400 pages of useful art fair information

"It was the last year that Greg published a hard copy and is still useful, in my opinion. I stopped doing shows last year, but would still be using it if I hadn't."

a gift from artist CC Barton Value: Priceless

Jury image or booth improvements or
art photography for jurying

value $200

from Larry Berman, www.BermanGraphics.com

2 - 1 year subscriptions to our NEWEST product:

Art Fair SourceBook Essential Directory of Arts and Crafts Events

The AFSB Essential Directory is a NEW online one year subscription providing affordable basic access to all events (1400+) maintained in the AFSB database. A MUST have for all artists who want to know about and keep track of the possible marketing opportunities available!

Provides ESSENTIAL data on all events
Provides fully indexed and cross-referenced events
Provides a wide range of search parameters for customized inquiries
Provides access to individual online Artist Reports for each event
Provides the ability to create a customized list of events that are of interest to you

value $99 @ from Greg Lawler, http://artfairsourcebook.com

"Marketing Strategies for Artists" an e-course

Successful artists inspire others to become collectors by using marketing methods that resonate emotionally with them. Grow your own art business by learning how you can do this, too.

value: $147

from our friend Carolyn Edlund of ArtsyShark.com

And even more at this link: https://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/pledgedrive.html

And if you've read this far, a surprise! We'll be drawing the first 5 names on Tuesday, May 28 at 5 pm ET. Get your pledge in early so your name will be in this first
"early bird" drawing.

Now here is the part where I stop begging, thank you for all your kind support and messages and make a genteel request from you a birthday gift to our websites. Easy and fast. Click here. Merci.

2 Posts Worth Reading: Booth Shot Examples and What They Said at the Art Fair

Posted by Meg Mettler on May 24, 2019 at 10:01am

Here are two popular discussions from our archives:

Shannon Blosser wants to know about booth shots:

As a relative newcomer, I still have tons of questions about every little thing I might do. It occurred to me, after seeing this category, that it would have been a giant help to me to just see examples of working artists' booths in one place, instead of searching around for information. I'm starting the thread by showing mine, and I hope others will add theirs. It really could help someone.

I know my shot isn't perfect. What is good about it definitely came from advice I found on AFI. I can say that while it is imperfect, it got me into a great show. I had to borrow the tent and walls from a friend because I still don't have my own tent (with only 30 days before the great show - yikes!), but I think it came out relatively well.

See what she found out from our resident experts (over 35,000 views!!)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/booth-shots-to-show-exa...

Jim Dalton started a thread, "What's the Worst Question You've Been Asked at an Art Fair" many years ago and it continues to receive answers, over 13 pages of them. You'll like this:

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/whats-the-worst-questio... over 33,000 views

Surely all this information is worth $2 a month. Will you please make a donation to our Pledge Drive? CLICK HERE or go click on that birthday cake over there.

3 Ways to Keep Your Tent from Flying Away

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 24, 2019 at 9:38am

A sponsored post

US Weight launched into the canopy weight business with artist Jim Eaton's canopy weight - the Eaton. Since then, the company has transformed the Eaton with knowledge and solutions from Jim to expand its line of canopy weights - the Tailgater, Ingot, & Titan.

The Tailgater's unique design allows artists to customize the amount of weight per leg required for their canopy. With no-pinch interlocking grooves on every weight, stack the tailgaters until they reach a desired amount of weight. This 4-piece weight set is offered in fillable, 20 lb., 30 lb., & 40 lb. weight options.
The Ingot, known as Swiss army knife of canopy weights, takes versatility to the next level. Hang these 15 lb. weights with our C-hooks or secure the weights to the canopy poles using the interlocking design and included Velcro straps. Leaving a small footprint, this weight prevents tripping hazards & with its gray color, it blends to most tent poles, allowing the weights to do their job without taking away from your art! Weights are sold in a pack of 4, totaling 60 lbs.
Most recently added to the market are US Weight's new Titan canopy weight bags. After hearing the issues people were frequently having with other sandbags, US Weight was determined to help. Our Titan bag solves complaints often heard with sandbag purchases. It has triple layered protection to prevent leaks, YKK zippers to prevent zipper breaks, heavy-duty thread & box stitching in high stress areas to prevent stitching busts, & a longer handle to make transporting these easy! The Titan is a set of 4 empty canopy weight bags that when filled with sand, are 30 lb. each totaling 120 lbs.!

Windblown canopies are the number 1 cause of property loss and injury at outdoor events where canopies are widely used. US Weight is here to help! Protect your customers and art at the next festival with these professionally designed weights.

Direct from the manufacturer SPECIAL OFFER COUPON CODE:
(good until 10/1/2019) ARTFAIRINSIDERS

Shop US Weight at www.canopyweights.com. To activate this offer, key in the coupon code above at checkout and receive FREE FREIGHT PLUS an additional 10% discount on your order.

Call for Artists: Columbus Winterfair!

Posted by Meg Mettler on May 22, 2019 at 4:00am

December 6-8, 2019

Columbus, Ohio

Presented By: Ohio Designer Craftsmen

450 Artists

Deadline: July 7

Artist Notification: July 22

Application Fee: $27 Booth Fee: $485-$970

Listed in 2018 Sunshine Artist Magazine:

100 Best Classic and Contemporary Crafts Show category

Columbus Winterfair is 43 years old and still the most anticipated holiday shopping event of its size and kind in the region. This juried show is supported by a loyal, enthusiastic audience of 18,000, and draws patrons from Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

Artist amenities include:

Discounted block room rates for artists
Convenient show hours and setup
Nine cash awards and ribbons for excellence
Hands-on activities for visitors
Friendly, helpful staff with experience running a well-organized show; booth sitters
Printed directory listing booth location and business website for each artist
Online directory on our website with photos of artists' work and links to their websites

Marketing:

We have an extensive marketing plan that combines print, digital and social media, including advertising on local television and radio stations, email blasts, postcard mailings, print ads, and coupons in newspapers and gift guides. We utilize social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to enhance marketing to young artists and attendees. We also utilize online ticket sales, ticket give-aways and shopping-spree contests to generate interest.

Testimonials:

"I have been to dozens of art exhibitions over the years but this one, by far, was the best in so many ways: location, facility, access to the artists/

craftsmen (plenty of room for walking), friendliness of the staff and the artist/craftsmen, and variety and quality of work."

"The staff is always friendly, helpful and professional. Everything runs like clockwork. Thank you so much for your efforts. Great job, once again!"

"For my first time at Winterfair I was exceptionally pleased with everything. I especially liked the bags that were handed out to every customer, the rest areas and plentiful seating, both things I think really help get people in the buying mood. I also thought the quality of work was excellent. I hope to be back next year!"

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7340

For more Information: http://ohiocraft.org/craft-fairs/artist-application/

Contact: Roxanne McGovern, Fairs Coordinator, fairs@ohiocraft.org Email:

Ohio Designer Craftsmen

1665 W. Fifth Ave.

Columbus, OH 43212

rmcgovern@ohiocraft.org, 614.486.7119

Call for Artists: Greater Cincinnati Winterfair

Posted by Meg Mettler on May 22, 2019 at 4:00am

November 29-December 1, 2019

Covington, KY

Northern Kentucky Convention Center

Presented By: Ohio Designer Craftsmen

220 Artists

Deadline: July 7

Artist Notification: July 22

Application Fee: $27 Booth Fee: $390-$765

The 41^st annual Greater Cincinnati Winterfair opens the day after Thanksgiving on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. This event attracts an enthusiastic and loyal audience of 8,000 attendees from the tri-state area eager to start their holiday shopping.

Located at the well-appointed Northern Kentucky Convention Center, just across the river from Cincinnati, the venue provides easy show hours and wonderful amenities for participating artists.

Artist amenities include:

Discounted block room rates at several hotels conveniently located across the street from the NKY Convention Center.
Convenient show hours and setup.
Nine cash awards and ribbons for excellence.
Friendly, helpful staff with experience running a well-organized show; booth sitters.
Printed directory listing booth location and business website for each artist.
Online directory on our website with photos of artists' work and links to their websites.

Marketing:

We have an extensive marketing plan that combines print, digital and social media, including advertising on local television and radio stations, email blasts, postcard mailings, print ads, and coupons in newspapers and gift guides. We utilize social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to enhance marketing to young artists and attendees. We post updates and share information -including feature stories- about individual artists to drive attendance to the event.

Comments from artists participating in the Greater Cincinnati Winterfair include:

"Great show. Great buying crowd. Good job by ODC. Thank you."

"Thank you so much for the hard work you did to create such a great show."

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7339

More Information: http://ohiocraft.org/craft-fairs/artist-application/

Contact: Roxanne McGovern, Fairs@ohiocraft.org (614) 486-7119

Will you do me a favor today?

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 20, 2019 at 11:57am

Our 10th Annual Birthday Pledge Drive to sustain our websites' mission of supporting artists and art fairs is started on Sunday, May 19 and will end on May 30.

Will you do me a favor and donate $24 to keep

the art fair news coming into your mailbox and this helpful website alive and well?

Bet you will!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW

When we started our 1st art fair website 15 years ago we wouldn't have guessed that they'd expand to five! Or that we'd have nearly 60,000 subscribers and have top Google ratings! You love art fairs, you found your way to one of our sites and we thank you!

Have our sites and newsletters helped you:

find a new art fair in your community?
meet an incredible artist?
fill your home and office with beautiful and amazing work?
earn a living as an artist?
shown you a new way to live your life?
made you new friends?

If so, will you contribute to our 10th Annual Pledge Drive that supports our mission of bringing fine art to your neighborhood and enabling the creative people you meet there to continue in their livelihoods? If our work has helped you and contributed to your life we'd really appreciate your help.

We're asking for a small pledge starting at $24 (only $2/month)? Plus, pledging makes you eligible to win some great prizes. Pledge here.

If you are wondering about ArtFairInsiders.com and its contributions to art fair life I think you'll enjoy this read from artist Nels Johnson some years ago:

HERE IS MY TEQUILA/ELVIS/ WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE AT ART SHOWS,...

Many, many thanks to all of you who have contributed in the past with such graciousness. It has been humbling.

Podcast: On the Road Again, Where do you Sleep?

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 20, 2019 at 11:30am

Wednesday, May 22, 5 pm ET

Participating in the nation's art fairs is not for the faint-heared or the penniless. So much overhead! We won't go into all of those costs, but a serious contender for the diversity of options and costs is lodging on the road. Some artists opt to stay near home so they can sleep in their own beds, thus limiting many opportunities, and at the other extreme some go for the full-fledged "its a write off" and stay in quality lodgings.

How about you? What do you do when planning a trip to an art fair? Sleep in your van? Air BnB? VRBO? tent camp? RV? frequent flyer points at specific chain hotels? Show lodging? stay with friends? We talk about all these options and more, To get it started our panel will include Fletcher Dean, a photographer from Michigan who prefers Air BnB and Don Hart, mixed media from Connecticut who travels with a camping trailer.

I know almost all of you have solved this problem in one way or another. Would you like to be part of the panel? If so,

email me asap: info@artfaircalendar.com
or would you just like to call in during the show? We'd love to hear from you. Here's the #(805) 243-1338
or leave a comment below for us to share, a photo would work too.

And for the rest of you listen live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs, or use that same link to download later.

Call for Artists: 24th Annual Summerlin Festival of the Arts

Posted by Meg Mettler on May 20, 2019 at 4:00am

October 12 & 13

Las Vegas, Nevada

Presented By: Summerlin/Howard Hughes

100 Artists

Deadline: June 3

Notification Date: June 30

Application Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $300-10x10 and $575-10x20

Summerlin Festival of Arts is celebrating its 24th year in 2019. Located on a grassy park-like area in beautiful Downtown Summerlin, this established outdoor art festival features fine art - the celebration's focus is to support fine artists and artisans.

The two-day event draws more than 40,000 visitors with thousands of serious art buyers each day - all ages, including families from the Las Vegas area and out-of-towners. Art enthusiasts enjoy fine arts and crafts in the inviting and festive outdoor atmosphere in Downtown Summerlin, a walkable open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The event is free and open to the public.

Artist Amenities:

* The location of the site is in a grassy area surrounded by Downtown Summerlin's open-air shopping center.

* The Summerlin area of Las Vegas is affluent and features beautiful homes and parks.

* Area will be lit at night with security patrolling the site 24-hours from Friday through Sunday until 9:00 pm.

* Real restrooms in a central location. Also, porta-potties available.

* Convenient artist and visitor parking on site.

* Coffee and sweet rolls provided Saturday and Sunday mornings.

* Volunteers available for booth sitting upon request.

* Volunteer helpers and motorized carts are available for set-up and tear-down on a first-come, first-served basis.

* Most booths have a corner location due to the 'quad' set-up. Booth Layout will be provided after acceptance into the festival.

* RV, trailer, and overnight parking are allowed in designated parking lots on site.

Publicity for the event includes citywide newspaper, radio, and TV coverage, outdoor signage, electronic media, social media, the Summerlin events calendar, a magazine distributed throughout Summerlin, artist postcards and artist e-blasts. The event is presented by Summerlin in partnership with their sponsors.

The three-person jury reviews all artwork on Zapplication and provides scores for each artist.

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7070

More Information:

Nancy Higgins, http://summerlin.com/festivalofarts, (702) 467-3540

Podcast Review: How I Built a Business from my Art Fair Career

Posted by Connie Mettler on May 17, 2019 at 11:00am

Review of the podcast - speaking with entrepreneurs on how they support artists and develop products for artists for their careers.

Although this podcast was a little off the track of our usual nuts and bolts discussions on surviving/thriving in the business, I was curious about some of the businesses surrounding the festivals and where they came from.

Carolyn Edlund, founder of Artsy Shark, a top ten art blog, who spent 20 years running a production studio making and selling jewelry, and now writes and consults on business topics for artists. Carolyn works from a rich background in making and selling art, an authentic source if you are looking for help in your art career.
Drew Hendrix, President of Red River Paper, founded in 1997 with over 40 years experience in fine papers that are integral to many art fair artists, talks about how his company that creates and markets fine art papers for photographers and other 2D artists has developed its solid reputation for paying attention to artists needs and creating products for them.

Jeff Abele, GrandStandApps.com, a software developer focused on the art fair business who has developed a state-of-the-art app to enable artists and art fairs to connect with their audiences. The purpose of the app is to increase the experiences of the attending public and to enrich their engagement with the event through the year and it will enable art fairs to understand who their customers are.
Marissa Wagley of US Weight, a company that works with artist/inventor Jim Eaton to market the weights he designed for his art fair booth. US Weight is a manufacturer that works in a niche business that is blow molding using a high quality plastic instead of a cast iron or steel making it a lighter weight filling plastic shells with concrete, making it easier and cheaper for the end user. An artist, James Eaton, invented a canopy weight for artists which was then picked up by US Weight.

We also talk about Larry Berman, Greg Lawler of Art Fair Sourcebook, Bruce Baker and Luke Block of FlourishDisplays.com.

You might like this podcast. Listen to it here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs/2019/05/16/how-i-built-a-new-business-out-of-my-art-fair-career

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.