If anyone has experience with the following shows, would you please share your experience.
Blowing Rock, NC
Lake Norman, NC
Ashville, NC
Kings Walk in Charlotte, NC (Fall Show)
Thank You
Eric N.
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April 4 & 5
Royal Oak, Michigan
Presented By: The Guild of Artists & Artisans
75 Artists
Deadline: February 4
Application fee: $25; Booth fee: $250
Join us as we kick off the 2019 art fair season with this indoor show at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The market is an enclosed marketplace that is conveniently located in the Civic Center at the corner of 11 Mile Road and Troy Street in downtown Royal Oak. It is a popular marketplace for people who live in this affluent corner of Oakland County, attracting 1000's every weekend to shop, meet their friends and relax. The Royal Oak Farmers Market provides one of the premium market venues in southeast Michigan and offers a boutique venue for your work.
This is a juried fair. The artists will be showing and selling their own work. Admission for fairgoers is free. Fairgoers will find the same excellence and variety as in the Guild's Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.
Marketing: The Guild does extensive advertising and PR for all of their shows in print, digital, TV and radio. Locations include WDET, WWJ, WNIC, Freep.com, USA Today online, The Jewish News, Between the Lines, SEEN Magazine, WJBK - Fox 2 Detroit, Facebook, Instagram, and more!
APPLY: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7113
Contact: Nicole McKay nicole@theguild.org (734) 662-3382
Goodmorning Art Fair Insiders, my name is Eric and I am new to outdoor art fairs. I am looking for information on 10x10 pop up tents. I need a tent that I can put up and take down by myself and I do not need the most expensive. I am looking for brand names so I can review.
I live in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and if any one within 125 miles or so has a used tent for sale let me know by email.
Thank You
Eric
April 27
Watson Trail Park
Sunset Hills, Missouri
10 am to 6 pm
50 - 75 Artists
Deadline: January 27 Artist Notification February 17
Application Fee: $20 Booth Fee: $30
There will be potentially 50-75 exhibit slots available and we are looking for a diverse group of artisans, crafters and makers of all mediums and price points. Along with exhibitors selling their handmade items, there will be live music, food trucks and a family corner with demos. By inviting a variety of seasoned and emerging artists we are dedicated to delivering an enjoyable experience to all participants and patrons alike.
This is a juried show. A select group of community members will be judging the applications. Please note, we are looking for a variety of mediums and pricepoints, which will be an intricate part of the selection process. We are looking for exhibitors to include: Clay, glass, metal, fiber, wood, paper, literary, music and more. The ONLY exclusion will be edible items.
Special Outreach Opportunity:
We are looking for artists who are interested in hosting/teaching a demo. We hope to have demos run throughout the day so please contact us if you are interested. We are looking to discount artist fees for your services. The Makers Market will reimburse the artist for up to $50 dollars for materials needed to perform the demos.
APPLY: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=6946
We are looking for artists who are interested in hosting/teaching a demo. We hope to have demos run throughout the day so please contact us if you are interested. We are looking to discount artist fees for your services. The Makers Market will reimburse the artist for up to $50 dollars for materials needed to perform the demos.
APPLY: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=6946
Learn more about us: sunset-hills.com/makersmarket
June 21 & 22Cedar Falls, Iowa
College Hill Arts Festival
75 Artists
Deadline: January 20
Application Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $250 due April 1
The College Hill Arts Festival is held on the beautiful, tree lined shady campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The festival enjoys very strong university, community, and patron support. It is well attended, well organized, and well advertised with high quality exhibitors.
Artists are treated with the highest concern by our friendly, attentive, and available staff. Amenities include
- large spacious booths; booth sitters
- B&B program where local community members open their homes for complimentary lodging to interested artists
- artist hospitality room; complimentary artists' buffet on Friday evening and even a complimentary sack lunch for the road when the show is over.
- In addition, there are five $500 Awards of Excellence, a $250 People's Choice Award; and a $750 Founders Award.
This year we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the festival with increased advertising and celebrations.
For additional information: www.collegehillartsfestival.org
How Y'all doing.
I'm thinking of doing the Jump Street event in Harrisburg at the end of May but I have a question and I was hoping my fellow members here, could help me out.
My question is this, do the organizers of this show have any arrangements for overnight parking of RV's? I've emailed the organization twice and still no reply. Having recently purchased an RV, I am looking forward to using it as much as possible. I'm finding that many of the shows do but seeing as there isn't even a review for the show, as I said, I thought I'd ask you, good people, for advice.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope that some of you get back to me with an answer.
Y'all have a good day now..Y'hear.
If this isn't the right forum for this, I apologize.
March 29, 30 & 31
St. Louis, Missouri
42nd Annual Spring Art Fair at Queeny Park
Queeny Park in West St. Louis County
Presented by the Greater St. Louis Art Association
Fri. 5pm-9pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 11am-4pm
130 artists
Deadline: January 15
Entry Fee: $25 Booth Fee: $275 Booth and a half $375
Free electricity available for every booth.
For more than thirty-nine years the Greater St. Louis Art Association has been providing opportunities for the public to see and purchase original works of fine art and fine craft directly from the artists who create them.
Every year we produce two juried art shows (Spring and Labor Day Weekend). Artists in all media are encouraged to apply. These shows feature juried local, regional and national artists' original work. From the pool of artists applying, about 130 artists from all over the US and Canada are invited to exhibit. These artists are selected by a professional jury process in eleven distinct media categories.
Both shows are presented in the indoor, air-conditioned setting of the Greensfelder Recreation Complex at Queeny Park in west St. Louis County.
Food and refreshments are available on site, parking for the public and artists is free. Live music playing during wine tasting and peak attendance. During Sunday afternoon, an interactive children's art education program encourages families with youngsters to meet and talk with artists and learn about their work.
Noteworthy:
- Our 42nd Annual Spring Art fair
- Limited to approximately 130 artists
- An air-conditioned indoor art fair, no worry about the weather, tents or security
- Jury/Booth fees ($25/$375)
- Cash awards totaling $4,500
- Booth sitters, 24-hour security. Rest easy knowing your booth is locked up safely at night.
- Excellent marketing campaign, expanded to television, newspaper, magazine and radio advertising, internet and e-mail promotion
- Promotional postcards, business cards and coupons provided free to exhibiting artists
- Live music throughout the art fair
- Wine tasting Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon
Important dates:
- Artist's entry deadline: January 15
- You may enter after January 15, but no later than January 25th; the late fee is $50
- February 1 Artist notification via e-mail.
- No booth fees will be refunded after February 17
Learn more & apply: http://artfairatqueenypark.com/
You may also contact: Vic Barr, GSLAA President
May 18 & 19
Indianapolis, Indiana
Presented By: Indianapolis Art Center 
200 Artists
Deadline: January 20
Application Fee: $35 Booth Fee: $400
Now celebrating its 49th year, the Indianapolis Art Center's OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair attracts an average of 16,000 visitors and offers an opportunity for the public to meet 200 fine art & craft artists from the U.S. and Canada.
The OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair is located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center designed by Hoosier Architect Michael Graves and its 9-acre ARTSPARK, plus the adjacent North Side Optimists Opti-Park, a recreational park. Located in the Broad Ripple Village Cultural District- a cultural arts, shopping, night club, and dining district-the Indianapolis Art Center is next to the popular Monon Trail urban greenway.
The OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair is a gated event ($13 pre-sale and $15 day of) that is the largest annual fundraiser for the Indianapolis Art Center, a non-profit community arts organization. Income from the OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair is used to support our Outreach Department, year-round classes, exhibitions, lectures and workshops that promote the creation and appreciation of art.
About Your Show:
-Extensive advertising and promotion worth at least $30,000.00
-Booth Sitter Text Hotline; Get a friendly booth sitter right when you need one!
-Overnight Roving Security (Indianapolis Police Department)
-Friday Night Preview Party for select areas
-Saturday and Sunday Artist and Volunteer breakfast
-Food Line passes; get to the front of any line, so you don't miss a sale!
-Warm and professional staff dedicated to the arts
Jury Process:
Artists applying to the 2019 Art Fair will be juried by a panel of three judges. All applicants must apply through ZAPPlication in the category or categories appropriate to their work. Jury-exempt invitations are extended to select artists including, but not limited to, the 48th OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair award winners. Less than 5% of the artists were jury exempt in 2018. All other applicants are juried to ensure a quality Art Fair.
Jurying for Awards will take place on Saturday, May 18th. During the Fair, an independent on-site juror will judge booths and award cash and re-invite prizes totaling $2,000. Award-winners will be re-invited to the 2020 OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair.
More Information: https://www.indplsartcenter.org/braf
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Find more art fairs coast to coast looking for you: www.CallsforArtists.com
I have Flourish Canopy Tent - comes with a 10 x 20 and 10 x 10 top, all the awnings, hardware, etc. I do need to set it up to make sure all the walls are in good shape, but they were when we put it away 2 years ago. The setup new was nearly $3000, but would sell it for $1200. (AND I would make sure it was in good shape before I'd sell to anyone.) If you are interested, please respond to this post. Located 50 miles south of Springfield, IL
Thank God, 2018 has ended.
This year sucked, and this show was a perfect metaphor.
This is a Howard Alan Show. He did his job perfectly. Except not many people showed up and bought any art.
The Show is held at a very contemporary shopping center.
Estero is slightly below Ft. Myers and just north of Bonita Springs.
It is a happening place with oodles of great retail stores and cool restaurants.
The Show is held on a parking lot, very visible. People can easily see it. About 200 exhibitors.
This was the last weekend in December, a two day show with a Friday setup in daylight. For HAE that is very refreshing as opposed to 5am setups same day as Show.
This was only the third HAE Show I have ever done in 47 years. I despise 5am setups, it is against my religion.
The Show has been going on here for many years, and according to longtime regulars, it has always had booming crowds.
Not this year.
It was kind of busy around 11am, after that it was a desert.
Howard does a great job.
We had generous rear storage.
The staff helped everybody, they have rules, and they are enforced equally, nobody gets a pass if they screw up.
For whatever reason, not enough serious buyers showed up.
About 30 artists out of the 200 made great money—$3k-$5k, the rest of us barely covered our booth fees.
The average artist here had an easy one thousand dollar nut to crack just to break even.
Many who I talked to did not even sell $500.
It is a terrible way to end the year.
BTW, this was my worst year in the last 18 years. I was off sales by 30% over last year, and I did 25 shows.
2019 has got to be better.
I have a very decent schedule.
January, I have Bonita Springs and Images,NSB.
Feb., I have Ft. Myers, Artigras and Art Fiesta, NSB.
March, I have Juno Beach and Bayou City,Houston.
April, I have a biggie, Main Street Ft. Worth (now gotten in five out of last seven years, it is a killer show).
Also got Mainsail, St. Pete.
Not a bad schedule.
Will report on all of them.
You know I will always give you the complete skinny on any show I do.
I always tell it like it is.
Hopefully, prosperous times for all of us in 2019.
Happy New Year!
We still have a few spots open for the Mock Jury. Find out why your images aren’t making it to the final cut.
ZAPP and the Saint Louis Art Fair are offering artists an opportunity to have their images critiqued through a Mock Jury workshop.
- Learn how to make your application more competitive.
- Looking for help to improve your jury submissions?
- See how your images look enlarged and projected on a screen.
- Are you testing the waters with a new body of work? This is a great way
to get some feedback.
All artists are welcome to attend and learn!
Need not be present to participate in the Mock Jury. The juror’s comments will be emailed to all applicants.
April 11 to June 14
Washington, DC
Presented By: The Cato Institute
50 Artists
Deadline: January 11
SUBMISSION FEE
A submission fee of $32.00 is required for each artist submitting up to 8 pieces (6 for audio/video). Submission fees are nonrefundable.
The Cato Institute, located in Washington D.C., is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
The exhibit will be located indoors on the first level and lower lobby level of the building. The Cato Institute owns its seven story building in downtown DC only a block away from the cities convention center.
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The Cato Institute, Washington, DC |
For its inaugural exhibition, the Cato Institute welcomes artists working in any medium to address the concept of Freedom: Art as the Messenger. We are living in an era where people are finding their combative voice but having little conversation or dialogue. The goal of this exhibition is to provide a medium for that conversation.
This exhibition invites all investigative points of view in all media; 2-D, 3-D, audio, and video. A full spectrum of interpretation is invited - whether personal, emotional, general, realistic or imagined, communal, or individual - addressing Freedom in all its manifestations through art.
CATEGORIES
-Drawing (including pastel, colored pencil, charcoal, ink, graphite)
-Fiber
-Installation
-Mixed media (2D)
-Painting (including acrylic, oil, watercolor, etc.)
-Photography/Video/Digital arts (including digital illustration, sound art, and gifs)
-Printmaking (excluding hand-printed photography)
-Sculpture (3D, including functional craftworks and jewelry)
-Other
AWARDS
Cash prizes will be awarded to Best in Show, Second Place, and Third Place at the opening reception. Honorable mentions will also be recognized.
ELIGIBILITY
All media are eligible. All artwork must be matted, framed, and wired or otherwise made exhibition-ready. All hanging artworks must be fitted with 3/4-inch d-rings or larger, or use screw eyes with a 1/4-inch diameter opening or larger. If using a metal frame, omni or screw hangers must be fitted to the frame. All d-rings, screw eyes, and omni or screw hangers should be installed at 1/4 or less of the total height down from the top of the artwork to ensure that the artwork hangs flush to the wall. Cleats, single sawtooth hangers, steel plates, and wire must be securely attached to both sides of the frame.
All accepted video works will be displayed on a 55-inch monitor.
Larger installations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please email exhibition@cato.org with any questions regarding larger installations.
All works must be for sale.
Artists are responsible for all arrangements, costs, and execution of the delivery and pickup of artwork to and from the Cato Institute unless otherwise arranged. Artists are responsible for the removal and disposal of all shipping and packing materials.
All works submitted must be complete and may not be exhibited if the work that arrives differs from the image submitted.
Any accepted artwork will not, by any exception, be exhibited if not exhibition-ready upon drop-off.
All artwork on exhibition must remain at the Cato Institute throughout the entire exhibition. Early removal of artwork is strictly prohibited.
ARTWORK INFORMATION
Each artist may submit up to 8 pieces (6 for audio/video) and must provide: title, material (medium), price, dimensions/running time (for audio/video), and year completed for each piece entered. All titles, materials, dimensions/running time, and prices provided in the application will remain final.
IMAGES
Artists must submit high-resolution images of each artwork submitted. Images must be a .jpg file, at least 1200 pixels wide and 300 dpi (or 4 inches wide at 300 dpi). Artists with 3D pieces may submit up to three additional images to each piece, rather than submit them as additional pieces. Artists may also submit .gif, .mp3, .mov, or .mp4 files for video, sound, or digital pieces. Video files must have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and must be in the .mp4 or .mov format.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Artists must submit a statement of 530 characters or less in the first person outlining the processes and inspiration specific to their entry.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Artists may include a brief description of each piece up to 260 characters. Artists may briefly outline specific inspiration pertaining to the exhibition or unique processes used to create the work.
SALES
Cato will receive a 30 percent commission on all artwork sold. Cato will pay the artist 70 percent of the retail price of sold artwork within 30 days of the close of the exhibition. All artwork must be for sale and priced at a fair market value, and prices reported in the application should take into consideration the commission split. All titles, mediums, and prices provided in the application will remain final.
PAYMENT OPTION #1
Submission fees are collected through PayPal with any major credit or debit card at the end of the submission process. Please do not send payment via PayPal outside of this application.
PAYMENT OPTION #2
Checks can be sent to the Cato Institute at the address below to receive a payment-accepted code that will allow you to submit your application online. Please post the check in the mail by December 14, 2018, to receive a payment-accepted code in time to submit by the deadline.
Attn: Katherine Chacon
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES
Application Deadline: Friday, January 11, 2019
Notification of Acceptance: Friday, February 1, 2019
Completed Contracts from Accepted Artists Deadline: Friday, February 15, 2019
Drop-off of All Accepted Work: Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Exhibition Opens to the Public: Thursday, April 11, 2019
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 11, 2019, 6:30 p.m.
Exhibition Closes to the Public: Friday, June 14, 2019
Required Art Pickup: Friday, June 14, 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
For all other questions, please contact Harriet Lesser at exhibition@cato.org.
APPLY: https://www.cato.org/artmessenger
Additional Information: Harriet Lesser exhibition@cato.org (202) 789-5229
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Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
April 5-7, 2019 - Memphis, Tennessee
2 Days to Apply: Deadline Jan. 5, 2019
Apply today: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7030
WHAT: Art in the Loop presented by ArtWorks Foundation
WHERE: Ridgeway Loop Road (Outdoors on pavement, from Briarcrest Ave. to Ridge Bend Rd.) Memphis, TN
WHEN: April 5-7, 2019
Friday: 1pm to 7pm; Saturday: 10am to 6pm; Sunday: 11am to 4pm
All Booths are Corners!- 24 Hour Security
- Booth Sitters
- Free Parking
- Storage behind every booth
- Extensive PR & Marketing
- Sponsorships with NPR, PBS & Memphis Magazine
Jury Fee $20; Booth Fee $300 (10'x10' Corner with back storage)
Art in The Loop
will be entering its second year, but there is a bit more history than that. Art in The Loop replaced a similar exhibition, with an additional two years' run, called Art Squared. That festival was named one of the Top 200 Art Festivals in the US by Sunshine Artists' Magazine.
The new location for Art in The Loop was chosen for its proximity to high-income households, as well as offering easier artist move-in, and better parking.
Art in The Loop will be staged in east Memphis, near Poplar & I-240, on Ridgeway Loop Road. This unique site is situated in between 1.5 million square feet of high level offices and Memphis' most affluent residential area (the founders of FedEx & AutoZone live right around the corner). In addition to offices, the area boasts several hotels (including the Memphis Hilton) and a 4 screen Cinema dedicated to films attractive to the over 45 audiences. There is even a trendy Mega-Church in view of our festival site.
Our Sponsors include: WKNO TV & FM, the local PBS & NPR Affiliates, and Memphis Magazine.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS on ZAPP
Application Deadline: January 5, 2019
Jury Notification: January 17, 2019
Booth Fee Due: February 21, 2019
Contact Greg Belz at gregbelz@hotmail.com or call 901-327-4019
June 1 &2Chicago, IL
Presented By: 57th Street Art Fair
200 Artists
Deadline: January 14
Application Fee: $40 Booth Fee: $375
Known as the Midwest's oldest and juried art fair, the 57th Street Art Fair invites artists with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be part of the 72nd annual juried event in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood adjacent to the University of Chicago campus and President Barak Obama's home.
The 57th Street Art Fair is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts. Considered the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest, the fair typically features the work of nearly 200 exhibitors. Most are returning artists, but each year between 50 and 75 new exhibitors are invited to participate by a jury made up of collectors, critics, curators and artists.
This two day event showcases a range of original work in glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics and fiber art entirely designed, created and produced by artists from around the country. No reproductions, unlimited editions, or mass-produced works, please.
Marketing:
57th Street Art Fair employs a PR firm November-June to publicize artist involvement via social and traditional media. They secure media coverage throughout every major Chicago outlet and in some national outlets as well.
More Information: http://www.57thstreetartfair.org
Contact: Lee Tomlinson lee-tomlinson@sbcglobal.net (312) 259-4951
 June 14, 15 & 16 Centennial Park
Nashville, Tennessee
Fri. 12PM - 8PM; Sat. 10AM - 7PM; Sun. 10AM - 5PM
150 Artists
Deadline: January 11
Application Fee: $40
Booth Fee: $495 (10x10), $900 (10x20) The 45th Annual American Artisan Festival will take place this coming Father's Day weekend in Nashville, Tennessee at Centennial Park, the city's most historic and beautiful park featuring the Parthenon, one of Nashville's architectural treasures. While the show retains its original location, both the park and Nashville have experienced explosive growth in the past five years, making it an even better time to showcase your work to this growing, creative community.  We invite you to apply today for an incredible exhibition opportunity, as touted by fellow artists: historically very high art sales potential, consistently high national rankings among artists, a family-run business approach, and the opportunity to connect and sell to the dynamic community that is the new Nashville.
Of the artist exhibitors surveyed after the 2018 show,more than 90% reported they would love to come back to the show if invited again (thank you artists for the feedback!). The estimated revenue from this show per artist ranges based on medium, but the mean is around $8500 according to artist reports, and is known by local Nashvillians as the best high-end art fair hands down.
Always free to the public, the American Artisan Festival is visited by more than 25,000 annually. In addition to presenting 150 of the best artists in contemporary American handcrafts and fine art, fair goers also enjoy live music, free children's art booths, and more than fifteen artisanal food and drink booths including beer, wine and craft cocktails.
There will be a 'Nancy Saturn' People's Choice Award for $1000, as well as the of Best in Show Award for $500, which will be determined with our jury.
The American Artisan Festival has had a long and successful history in Nashville since 1971. Founded by Nancy Saturn, a pioneer in the contemporary craft movement, the American Artisan Festival has been dedicated to showcasing work of the highest quality for over 40 years. Nancy lost her battle with breast cancer in 2010; however, the show carries on her vision and tradition of excellence led by her daughter and protégé, Samantha Saturn.
ARTIST AMENITIES:
Full-scale marketing and press campaign including print, online, radio and
television media outlets as well as select direct media opportunities (if
interested in participating let us know!)
Contact Samantha Saturn (615) 212-9095
www.americanartisanfestival.com americanartisanfestival@gmail.com |
 June 7-9, 2019
Downtown Omaha, Nebraska
135 Artists Deadline: January 11
Jury: $30; Booth fees: $350 Regular, $425 Corner; Electricity $85
The Omaha Summer Arts Festival is the largest arts festival in Nebraska, attracting more than 80,000 patrons from throughout the region. The Festival has consistently been recognized locally and nationally as a top festival: voted #1 festival in "2017 Omaha's Choice" poll by the Omaha World Herald, Best of Omaha's top three festivals and top 100 art fairs by ArtFairSourceBook.com
What is new this year: Our Location!
We have determined our new location for 2019, 2020 and 2021 Festivals. It will take place around the North Downtown Stadium. We feel this is going to be a great location. A few highlights:
Please know that our team put a lot of time and energy into this site selection - - the needs of the artists, as the cornerstone of the Festival, were a top priority, and we are very excited about the new opportunities and energy this temporary site will offer. More about our new location. What you can expect from us:
This popular show features 135-juried artists from across the country selling their fine art and contemporary crafts in 14 media categories. An experienced staff of dedicated, event professionals produces the Omaha Summer Arts Festival. Members of the Festival's Board of Directors visit each artist individually providing an opportunity for one-on-one feedback and evaluation. We care about the artists, listen to their input and react to their concerns.
An exceptional show layout allows every artist to pull his or her vehicle in front of their booth for easy set-up and teardown. Each artist is provided an 11' x 10' space with an additional 11' x 2' storage area at the back.
Omaha Summer Arts Festival is an all-original show and artist presence is required.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:
Contact: Roxanne Nielsen, rnielsen@vgagroup.com, (402) 345-5401 ext. 112
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I make choice of just putting the business-related topic on facebook after my divorce. Last year I close the year dealing with a big scam that looking back now it put me in three months behind and I am grateful for all the people that help me to not fold down and close shop. It was shameful experience and painful. I find out how difficult is working with no credit cards and no credit.
To make things even more difficult none of my April and May shows I was accepted. My last show in March was in Fairhope, Alabama. That show just generates 580.00 which 500 was from an award. Big installations were moved up in the year. Things were getting out hand beyond my imagination and fear was all over me.
I felt that was gonna lose all dreams and hope. I will end having nothing to show up for all my work. In the top of that, I was dealing with all social issues that see and experience. You watch the news and I can only realize how bad it is. How many people approve and very vocal about it. I just do not think that people do not understand the fear that minorities live every day or cannot talk about it. At this point, I am only begging Father to let me survive and things improve in June otherwise I am will facing being homeless as a reality.
I can ask help again but it would be a stop gap and then what. I can go back to the workforce but even doing that I will be facing the reality I will lose everything. At my age, that is just embracing and I guess I reach my bottom (glad I do not have kids). I did not have any hope and lost all faith in myself. I look what accomplish so far in QuickBooks, 13638.00 in gross income with a net 1200.00 until this point, my soul falls into a deep dark hole because it was a confirmation of my feelings. I have been paying shows late or super late or when I show up. I was been staying in van and towel bathing and putting myself below my standards for what? You just finish St. Charles Art Fair and you only make $ 40.00 entire weekend. You are driving back home hoping to enough gas to make. You asking if you should use those coins for gas or food.
I told myself if 57th Art Fair does not work you need to fold. Saturday I set up and finish the day and I am looking at 200.00 in sales and keep asking myself what the hell are you doing. You keep putting this happy face but you I am scared to death, please Father I got one more day please help me because I have done everything I can in my end. Sunday close the day with 4000.00 and feeling much better. I was thinking you made in one day 1/3 of what you made in 5 months. You got confirmation and starting date for the big install.
The following months had been all over but I am only 9K away from what I wanted to reach this year. That start of the year kill you and the Fall trip to Florida was not good. Still, I having my best year in the last 5 years.
Still to this day I live with fear. A fear that pushes me to keep moving forward. I understand not talking about race and social issues with friends (most they are conservative) is not a good idea. I choose not to talk about how to feel some my dark problems to my friends is a better choice. I found opposite what I thought I know the type woman I find interesting and looking forward to starting dating again in near future.
I got some goals for next year. I am hoping to better in the art shows, keep pushing more art installation because it will allow me to do the shows I want to do and not do shows because it may only hope of making money. I need to remember even people think that I am failing as an artist I need to push hard into the installs because I need to generate 2 to 3K each month from those jobs. Mainly because what happened at the start of this year.
Maybe the biggest thing it will feel more secure about myself and not let the noise shake me like it had done this year and in the past. When I feel better I will start seeking for that other person in my life.
If you reading this long statement is because I trying to express my gratitude to Father and friends. I have four people that help my soul to get better, Adam Egenolf, Anita Melling Baldauf, Stephen Baldauf and Rachael which I will be grateful.
Hope to see you next year
Looking for anybody that still has any of the old style Pro Panels wire hangers with metal clips they are no longer using. They work well for displaying my artwork, but I can no longer purchase them from Pro Panels as they have been discontinued. I live in southern Arizona.
January 12 - 13Vero Beach, Florida
Presented By: Patriot Productions
100 Artists
Deadline: January 5
Application Fee: 0 Booth Fee: $110
January in Florida is prime time for weather and demographics of people, join us for the best exhibitor customer service on the planet!
Our expo is in its 4th year and is held Winter and Spring with a robust attendance of 5,000+ over two days. It is a unique combination of Arts & Crafts Expo with an adjoining Home & Remodel Show.
We are a professional event production company and invest thousands of dollars in newspaper, radio, TV, outdoor media and social media paid advertising.
Lots of fun and profit! Free admission & parking.
This is a non-juried event.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
