Blog

Arti Gras was our 3rd art fair of the winter season for Marcia and I. This is also the third time we have exhibited at this show. The good news? We had a good show. We sold well and even won an award. The bad news? Most artists did not do well. 

I am a digital artist. I create surrealistic images with environmental themes using humor and fantasy in the mix. My lowest price point is $28 for small, unframed limited edition prints. I sell a ton of these. My highest prince point id $695 for large prints on canvas. I rarely sell these canvases, but they help draw people into the booth. But... one reason for my success at this show was that I sold three of the big canvases to one customer, and had a couple more big purchases that helped the bottom line.

Now, about the show. Arti Gras is on the same weekend as Coconut Grove in Miami. I've done Coconut Grove before and I like this show better. I guess I have a problem with Miami. Its tough to get around and the show, itself, is too busy and commercial for my tastes. Arti Gras is in a suburban area of Jupiter called Abacao. Roger Deam Stadium is there, where the St. Louis Cardinals play ball in the winter. The show is set up on two cross streets, Central and University. We exhibited on University the last two years (and did pretty well), but this year we exhibited on Central (where we did better). Central is the better street to be on where most of the booths are situated. Many visitors skip the booths on University.

Load in was pretty easy. We were able to drive our van right up to the booth, unload and setup without having to move the van. The street is pretty wide and accommodates vans on both sides of the street with access down the middle. We had a corner booth and we were able to position the tent with side walls on both sides. We also had a big grassy area behind the booth with plenty of room for storage. We were also able to use spiral stakes in the grass to hold down the tent at the back, but with plenty of weights in the front. Weather was terrific all weekend with little wind and mostly sun, so the stakes and the weights were not even needed.

This is a three day show over the President's Day (Monday) holiday. Saturday and Sunday (10-6) had decent crowds early but crowds dried up by mid afternoon on both days. Monday (10-5) had less crowds and many questioned the reason for even having a show on this day. 

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce sponsors the show and there is a gate charge for admittance. I like shows that are organized by arts organizations or citizens groups like this one. I shy away from shows that are organized by professional promoters.

Load out was equally easy (if packing up an art fair booth can ever be called "easy."). We packed everything up, broke down the tent, then pulled the van in for loading up.

I like this show and would definitely do it again, but I heard lots of complaints from other artists. Could be we just lucked out with a couple of big sales and the award. Without them our gross would have been half of what it was.

Our next show is in Bradenton, only the second year for this show. From what I've heard from other artists I don't expect to make a killing at this one. But, who knows... maybe we'll luck out again. 

As an oil painter, realism landscapes, I had moved to SW Florida and just started to do these winter shows, Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Sarasota. Had some success my first year and last year was on my way to success. What has happened this season? Almost all the oil painters have done just awful, barely any sales whatsoever for us. I've seen other more decorative art being sold as well as sculptures. Sure looks like our Fine Art Market has disappeared here.

Anybody have any idea where to go from here? Opinions?

Hey everyone! I've recently started using my art for "good" and have created a children's book titled "What Makes You Special?" featuring my original paintings as illustrations and my original story.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645616499/what-makes-you-special-childrens-book-by-britt-hal

It all started last fall when I created a painting of a narwhal. My husband told me it looked like it could be in a kid's book. I sorta brushed off the idea, but then at my fall art shows I also had a couple patrons tell me it looked like it could be in a kids book. Since this recurring theme kept presenting itself to me,I thought maybe I should think about it. So I started researching arctic animals, because there aren't a lot of animals where narwhals live, and realized all the animals were a bit like "misfits" of the animal kingdom. And so a story was born!

The hero of the story is Little Narwhal, who realizes that he is unlike the other arctic whales with his long tooth. Despite his papa trying to tell him how special he is, he has to see for himself and embarks on an adventure to see what makes other animals special. My book revolves around arctic animals – most of which many children will have never seen (narwhals, puffins, belugas, killer whales, moose, arctic foxes, harp seals, polar bears and musk oxen). Each animal offers something “strange” about themselves, but then also why that makes them special. At the end, Little Narwhal realizes that our differences make us who we are, and we should be proud to be ourselves!

Why is this important? I am increasingly concerned with the amount of bullying children are enduring and how cruel society can be to those who do not conform to its standards. If even one child reads this book and feels encouraged that he or she does not need to change who they are, then this book has been a success.

I am almost finished with all the artwork, will then have them professionally photographed, and will then be sending the book off to the printers! I'm estimating having everything to the printer by beginning of April. So I have started a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the printing and shipping costs and other things like ISBNs and ebook conversion.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645616499/what-makes-you-special-childrens-book-by-britt-hal

Rewards tiers start at just $10 (to be listed on my website as a supporter) and goes up to $650 (for the original cover art painting). You can pre-order one of the books for just $25 backing pledge.

The kickstarter page has tons of information about the quality of the book, excerpts from the book, some of the images, etc etc. So I wont hash it all out here. You can check out the page to read all of that if you're interested. But I hope that you will find it in your heart to help me get this book into the hands of kids who need to hear they are special just how they are. Even if its just $10. It all adds up!

Thanks so much!!! Oh, and feel free to share the Kickstarter link on your social media pages! The more people that see it the better! THANKS!

June 24 & 25
Duluth, MN 
Park Point Recreation Area                 
120 Artists
Deadline: March 1

Marketing: Being the best really depends on continuing to increase sales for our artists. One strategy we have is to attract local art collectors, tourists and repeat visitors with disposable incomes.

Suburban Collection Showplace

200 Artists

Deadline: February 26

Application Fee: $30; Booth Fees: $400-$950

Want to stay close to home AND earn money 

in April? Then please consider applying to our show.

The Showplace is a first class expo building situated right off the freeway in an affluent area of Detroit's western suburbs. The show offers fine artists in the region a reliable, regularly scheduled, weather-free venue to showcase their freshest and most beautiful work, and word is spreading rapidly that this is a destination event for artists and patrons alike.

Consistently lauded as one of the most artist-friendly Art Fairs, accepted artists are given postcards and free tickets for their customers, email blast content for their patrons, free electricity, a roving snack cart with complimentary snacks and drinks during the show, complimentary morning coffee, muffins, drive right up to your booth for unloading and loading, plus more! 

What to expect:

• Elegant Grand Gallery entrance showcasing your art
• Delectable cuisine and relaxing entertainment
• Community partnerships and other fresh components, to create a regional marketplace for artists and their patrons.  

Effective promotion is as crucial to overall success as the selection of artists.  Our mission is to deliver a high quality experience for patrons and artists that will assure qualified buyers, return visits and exponential event growth. 

For more info:  www.GreatLakesArtFair.com 
 

Apply: http://greatlakesartfair.com/artistapply.html

 

The Fair is held outdoors on the courthouse square in downtown Lafayette. Over 8,000 art lovers come to this fair to view and buy artists work. Held on Memorial Day weekend, the fair attracts both locals and out of town visitors. A nearby farmers market also helps draw people. Admission is free.

This fair is organized by an art loving all volunteer committee to share great art with all members of the community. We try hard to keep our artists happy with booth sitters, load in and out help, free coffee and any thing else we can help with.

We promote the fair on social media, newspapers, public radio and TV advertising.

Testimonials:

 Contact: Andrea Schmidt, rtffair@gmail.com, (765) 491-6298

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

Find more art fairs looking for artists right here: www.CallsforArtists.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 5 PM ET LIVE

The guests:

Samantha Saturn is reviving a popular Nashville, TN, art fair: American Artisan, June 16-18. The event was started in 1971 by her mother, Nancy, a retailer and pioneer in the contemporary craft movement. In its day it was "THE" show to do in Tennessee. It was restricted to 3D crafts and the 2D people were jealous they could not participate. It will be held in historic Centennial Park. Samantha grew up in the business booth sitting, checking in artists and managing the show.

Louis Nunnelly, an artist and businessman with deep roots in our business and in the Louisville community, has spent the last three years perfecting a new event along the Ohio River to host the Big 4 Bridge Arts Festival in Louisville on Sept. 9 & 10. Making it attractive to quality artists and patrons is his goal. A popular location, ample parking and trolley service are a few of thse components. Exposure on the City's website and local partnerships are part of the marketing.

Let's rethink that old idea "I never do first year shows." Maybe Sam and Lou can change your mind. 

Click here to listen

(I hope you know you can always download these to listen any time. The podcasts are usually so full of insider information that they make good background while you are working in your studio or driving to your next show.)

Leave comments or questions for Samantha and Louis below.

From my mailbox:

Hi Connie and all my friends,

It has been a long time since I have been in contact, much water has flowed under the bridge and my situation has changed.

I am now 73 and had my 4th and most serious back surgery a couple of years ago with fused vertebra and metal rods inserted.  (Have so much metal in my back that I am picking up alien transmissions)  My back has deteriorated to the point that I have had to give up shows and it is very painful to work.  This, together with the fact that my wife has Alzheimer's has forced me to throw in the towel as most of my efforts are going into taking care of her.  (Have been doing that for 50+ years and am not going to stop now.) 

Anyway, here is my situation -  While I am no longer making instruments, I have quite a few remaining instruments and have them on my website - www.archiesmithinstruments.com .  I have seriously lowered prices and will consider serious offers.  My instruments are made for a purpose - which is to go out and give pleasure to those who play them and to those who hear them.  It really distresses me to think that they might wind up in a box or a flea market.  I am "trying to find good homes for my 'children'".  If anyone knows of someone who might be interested, please let them know to check out my website.

ALSO - if you know of anyone who is making bowed psalteries, I have a LOT of bookmatched tops and backs left over.  (Have never been able to turn down a beautiful piece of wood, so I have made a lot and still have approx. 200.)  These are all made from highly figured domestic and exotic woods - from Bubinga to Zebrawood.  (Also have jigs, etc.)  Am also selling the Sprinter Hilton - 2008 2500 Sprinter Van w/1.5K miles and many extras.

May you ALL have safe trips, great shows and FABULOUS SALES.  Will miss seeing all of you "on the circuit".

Archie Smith

Archie Smith Instruments

info@archiesmithinstruments.com

arcsmith@ctc.net

If you are new to this site, here is more information about Archie: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2160589%3ABlogPost%3A341821&commentId=2160589%3AComment%3A343047

Always free to the public, the American Artisan Festival is visited by more than 25,000 people each year. In addition to presenting the best in contemporary American handcrafts and fine art, fair goers also enjoy live music by some of Nashville's most talented musicians, free children's art booths for kids of all ages, and more than fifteen artisanal food and drink vendors including beer, wine and craft cocktails. 

I want to start by saying that I'm grateful for the opportunity to rebuild and relaunch the festival that I spent my entire life celebrating in Centennial Park. Along with my two sisters and my father Alan, my mother Nancy Saturn built The American Artisan Festival as a family business. I only missed the event one year when I was traveling abroad but otherwise, I was always there working either booth sitting for artists, or helping my mother check people in, and eventually helping her layout and manage the show. I loved doing it from the beginning and of course I loved working with my mother to create it. It has always been a family business in that sense. 

But beyond the countless memories and moments I have shared in doing that work, the best part was that the community of artists also became my family, and I learned what it means to share the love of art with the community and to support artists. I learned about your process and your passion for developing it. I learned from my mother Nancy also how important it was to create access and a space to connect to artists so our Nashville community could understand and appreciate the pure joy of collecting contemporary art--whether decorative or functional. 

Over the years I myself came to appreciate that you can drink your coffee in a mug made by hand that feels good to the touch, or watch the light shine on a blown glass ornament on your Christmas tree, or sit on your porch and bask in in the sounds of a soulful wind chime on a rainy day--as I have my whole life in my own home. 

All of this is to say that 43 years later, I still love the mission and I'm so honored to have the opportunity to work with you as we rebuild this show with love and commitment following the path of my mother's soul. 

Now, I will take that forward with a renewed sense of passion. I have relocated with my family to Nashville after almost 20 years living in New York City with the goal to bring this show to a new level of importance and quality and I can't wait to introduce the new Nashville to this incredible event. I do hope you will join me this year as we pioneer a new-old show, and I thank you in advance for your support. 

After 10 years of doing shows in South Florida and Toronto, I have never been in a show worse than this. Set up day Friday, we were told to come between 9-1. We roasted in the parking lot until noon, because Jack Busa, the director, had a problem with the insurance for the Fairgrounds. Saturday, all set up, but no one came. Friends were calling, can't find it. Only see signs for Gun Show.  What happened to all the money he said was being spent on advertising and signage???? It was the best kept secret in West Palm!

By Sunday 12 noon, the vendors were packing up to go home. There were about 60 of us, a few jewellers sold some pieces and 2 paintings were sold, all weekend. How do I know? Because the vendors had nothing to do except congregate and share our disappointment and frustration. I spent over 500 for a 10 x 20 booth and almost 300 to tents 4 us, and I sold 6 prints for 20. each,2 to other vendors!

Needless to say, shows are exhausting, but if it's a good one, well worth it. I am putting this out there so no other artists get taken in like we did.20170212_104601.jpg The picture I've attached is what the halls looked like at 12 noon. EMPTY!!

This was a beautiful venue on the canal in Fashion Square Mall.  Setup on Thursday started at 10am and I was able to park close to my booth space to unload and setup.  Beautiful weather all three days and sales were good for most artists that I talked to with a few not so good.  Friday traffic was kind of slow and no sales.  Saturday traffic was slow until after the Parada Del Sol parade then it picked up and sold one of my higher priced items at $1,500 and a few smaller sales.  Sunday traffic was a slow start an sales were good for my lower priced items.  In summary my sales were good and would do this show again.  Thunderbird Artists did a great job organizing this event, they had golf carts with trailers to help artists that needed it during setup, security was excellent and they made sure everyone followed the rules which made for a great show.

Setup on Wednesday was the easiest I have ever had. Organization was excellent and a beautiful venue.  This was a 4 day show that should be a 2 or 3 day show.  Somewhere around 150 artists. Traffic on Thursday was fair but only artists that were making sales were for items under $100 with a few larger items.  Friday, made the first sale. Traffic fairly good but sales were slow from what I saw and my first sale was 1 hr prior to close.  Saturday traffic was very busy and some artists with large art work made sales, most with desert scenes.  No sales for me until near close, finally made a sale. Sunday slow until noon then traffic picked up but no buying energy.

This is a very nice show, great promoters, volunteers, nice amenities (daily coffee, snacks, fruit, donuts, raisins, dates, water.  Volunteers delivering water  and cookies all day. Organizers were the best, venue was the best I have ever been at. Quality of artists was very high, the number was around 150 which is about the perfect size IMO.  Promoter is the chamber and did heavy advertising on TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, billboards over a fairly long period of time. Ads were in some markets in drivable communities like San Diego, Los Angeles and also as far as Phoenix .  The booth fee and commission rate of 15% is very fair based on the quality of this art festival.

Setup on Friday was easy, able to pull up close to booth as I was by the sidewalk.  Had to setup in the rain as it rained most  of the day on Friday, glad we were on grass as the street gutter was several inch's in fast moving water like an AZ wash.  Promoter was on site all three days and was marking booth layout in the rain on Friday.  Venue was very nice, weather both days were excellent but sales very slow for everyone.  There was an International Film Festival ending that weekend and most of the crowd at the art festival was there for the festival and looking for something to do between shows.  All though a nice venue, easy setup, easy takedown and reasonable booth fee I don't think I will do it again due to poor sales. I don't know if sales were low due to time of year or most patrons being tourist.