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July 1 & 2 
Ludington, Michigan
Rotary Park
120 Artists
Deadline: February 28
Application Fee: $35/$25 Early Bird
Booth Fees: $175/$350
The 49th Annual 2017 West Shore Art Fair takes place at Rotary Park in the beautiful Lake Michigan resort community of Ludington. Surrounded by miles of white sand beaches, and abundant outdoor activities including one of Michigan's finest State Parks.
The Art Fair was recognized as one of Sunshine Artist's "200 Best Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs" two years in a row. The open-air, juried fine art and fine crafts show is managed by the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, a community arts organization that cultivates access to arts and culture in West Michigan.
Artist Amenities:
- On-site breakfast for artists provided on Saturday and Sunday
- Booth sitters
- Food will be sold on-site and information on local restaurants within walking distance will be made available
- Overnight park security will be provided Friday and Saturday nights
- Free overnight RV parking is available at Ludington High School or for $10 at the Mason County Fairgrounds
- Awards will be presented to the top three exhibiting artists. Winners will receive award ribbons and jury fee will be waived for the following year
- A program listing all artists with their media and booth locations will be available
Marketing:
The West Shore Art Fair will be publicized and marketed throughout the region, statewide and beyond utilizing a variety of media and social media networks.
Testimonials:
"I want to thank you, and all of the staff and volunteers, for what has turned out to be not only my best, but my favorite art fair of the summer! I truly appreciate everyone's hard work."
"Thank YOU for all your efforts to make a thoroughly wonderful
and successful show! We were so pleased with the weekend and our friend who did the show for the first time said he would definitely return."
Apply: www.zapplication.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestShoreArtFair
Contact: Sheila Preston, wsaf@ludingtonartscenter.org, (231)845-2787
June 2, 3 & 4
Mount Clemens, Michigan
Presented by the Anton Art Center
75 Artists
Deadline: March 1
Application fee: $20; Booth fee: $125
ART! Macomb is held in historic, walkable downtown Mount Clemens. With plenty of parking (free on the weekends!), public art, and other cultural assets, ART! Macomb is situated in a central business district populated primarily by unique, locally-owned shops and restaurants.
New this year:
The Anton Art Center is revamping the 35-year-old Mount Clemens Art Fair to better serve a modern Macomb County. In addition to a new name, the Anton Art Center is partnering with the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority, Macomb County's OneMacomb and Make Macomb Your Home initiatives and adding Friday to the weekend to capture attendance from County employees who work within walking distance of the art fair.
Marketing:Our marketing will focus on downtown and fair assets: free parking on the weekends, a vibrant and walkable historic downtown area, unique local shops and plenty of dining options, extensive public artwork and other cultural resources, not to mention the Anton Art Center!
We will continue our partnership with C&G Newspapers for print advertising, and will be increasing our advertising and public relations for the fair using a combination of traditional and new media.
Learn more: www.theartcenter.org/art-fair
For more info: Phil Gilchrist, information@theartcenter.org, 586-469-8666
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Find more local shows for your 2017 show schedule: www.CallsforArtists.com
September 2-4
Portland, Oregon
Portland's Pearl District
130 Artists
Deadline: February 28
Application fee: $35; Booth fee: $615-$1250
As one of the top five art festivals in the nation, Art In The Pearl attracts the foremost artists from the U.S. and Canada, and showcases a wide range of high quality fine art and craft from traditional to contemporary.
We are Portland's largest outdoor art fair, drawing over 100,000 people every Labor Day weekend to it's beautiful location under the canopy of trees in the historic North Park Blocks of the Pearl District. Known for its art galleries, upscale businesses and residences, the Pearl District is an affluent vibrant community that thrives on art and culture in NW Portland. The setting of the show, combined with the incredible artistic talent, allows visitors an authentic connection to the world of art and is satisfying for first-time art fans to experienced collectors. Art In The Pearl's success is due to being an art-friendly festival for both the community and the showing artists: organized by artists, for artists.
Collectors and art enthusiasts travel from far and wide to attend the festival.
Learn more: http://www.artinthepearl.com/
For more info: Kelli MacConnell, info@artinthepearl.com, 503-722-9017
 Art Olympia is an open art competition held as a biennial event in Tokyo with the goal of discovering talented artists around the world. It aims to promote exchanges of the world's various cultures through arts. Artworks of approximately 180 pieces (80 from Japan and 100 outside of Japan) will be selected and undergo a final review in Tokyo by a panel of international judges.
Total value of cash and extra prizes is approximately $500,000 USD.
Artworks submitted will first be reviewed online and the final review will be in Tokyo. The first review will be done using the images of artworks and the final review with the original art. The final review will use a point rating system, allowing the public to check the reviewing process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Primary round judging will be held in New York and Tokyo to select 100 works from New York and 80 works from Tokyo. The chosen work will be evaluated in Tokyo to determine the winners. New York based entry is for artists residing outside of Japan regardless of nationality.
Awards:
For all-entrants category, the first prize winner will receive $120,000, the second prize winner $30,000 and the third prize winner $20,000. All of the 180 finalists will receive cash prizes, have their works displayed at the exhibition, have exposure in an art magazine and will be listed on the Art Olympia website.
In the student category the first prize winner will receive $20,000, the second $10,000, and the third $5,000 along with other benefits. Student entries will be eligible for both the general and student categories.
Judging:
At the primary round judging, a panel of five (5) jurors will evaluate the works as digital images. Ten (10) jurors will conduct the final round judging by evaluating the actual works in Tokyo. In order to keep a fair competition, all artworks will be judged blind at the primary round and final round judging. Total points and the ranking of the finalists will be announced officially.
A panel of Jurors, comprised of experts from various fields of the international art world, will provide artists with a rare chance to have their artworks reviewed by international art experts.
-Schedule-
1. Entry period: From October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017
2. Announcement of the Winners: June 7
3. Exhibition: Toshima Ward Office Building, Tokyo, Japan on June 17-25
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Fees:
General submission:
$60 for 1 image; $100 for 2 images; $140 for 3 images
Student submission:
$40 for 1 image; $70 for 2 images; $100 for 3 images
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In the winter us Michigan artists look for warm weather and a reasonable market for our art (that market is not here in the frozen North). Marcia and I have been heading south to Florida every winter for shows during February and March. We've had reasonable success at the shows and had the added benefit of getting in some beach time.
Next winter we're wondering if we can have the same success out west. My brother lives in Arizona and I haven't seen him in years. It might be fun to spend a month or two in Arizona and California. In February there are shows in Tubac, AZ, Scottsdale, AZ, Palm Springs, CA, and Fountain Hills, AZ. Art Fair Source Book ranks these shows 5, 8, 6 and 7 respectively.
In March there is the big one in La Quinta, CA, then Scottsdale, AZ, Carefree, AZ, Tucson, AZ and Tempe, AZ, with rankings of 10, 8, 7, 7 and 7 respectively.
In April, we have the option of heading home through Texas to hit Woodlands, Tx, Ft. Worth, and Southlake with rankings of 9, 9 and 8.
I know the Texas shows have a pretty good reputation among artists, but, with the exception of La Quinta, I haven't heard much about the Arizona shows in February and March.
Any Northern artists out there who have chosen the West for their winter schedule? And how did it go?
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May 6 & 7 Detroit, Michigan
Sat. 10am-7pm; Sun. 11am-5pm
80 artists
Deadline: February 14
Application fee: $25; Booth fees start at $295
The Palmer Park Art Fair is back for its 4th year. The show is held in beautiful Palmer Park and is adjacent to some of the city's best neighbor-hoods. Residents are professionals with huge homes and great disposable income. Our experience is the shoppers like more traditional images, and afro-centric work also does well.
The show winds around a pond and runs adjacent to the historic log cabin. Artists are encouraged to get out of the tent and create installations that enhance their work and interact with the natural beauty of the park.The "entertainment" is metal working and artist demonstrations. Patrons are invited to get their hands dirty. All of this helps to contribute to appreciation and sales.
Integrity Shows uses a 3 year jury rotation plan. Once accepted, artists can count on being in the show for 2 more years provided they submit an application by the deadline.
Why you should be here:
- Limited to 80 artists
- Significant paid advertising and news coverage
- Easy drive up unloading
- Experienced artists friendly organization
- Free parking and RV parking
Learn more: www.PalmerParkArtfair.com
August 5 & 6Detroit, Michigan
Sat. 10am-7pm; Sun. 11am-5pm
100 artists
Deadline: April 28
Application fee: $25; Booth fees start at $330
This show, in its 2nd year, is held on beautiful Belle Isle State Park. Many artists reported record sales in our first year, some selling work priced at $4000 and up. The audience is a mix of suburbanites and city dwellers with the budget and appreciation to buy art.
Belle Isle is a beautiful island State Park in the Detroit River. Tens of thousands of people come out on summer weekends to enjoy the gardens, visit the aquarium, and the zoo. It's a location that feels inviting to city residents and suburbanites. The show is near the entry bridge across from the stunning Scott Fountain. There is ample parking.
As with other art fairs by Integrity Shows, artists are juried on a three year basis. If you are accepted by the jury you are assured of acceptance annually and re-jury in the fourth year. Of course you still need to apply on time and your work has to be relatively the same. We believe that artists should be able to plan at least a part of their schedule.
Learn more: www.BelleIsleArtFair.com
Learn more: www.BelleIsleArtFair.com
Presented by Mark Loeb, Integrity Shows, info@integrityshows.com
Mark Loeb, Integrity Shows President, has been producing and consulting with events since 1982 in metro Detroit. Among the shows produced by Integrity Shows are Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show, Funky Ferndale Art Fair, Belle Isle Art Fair, Palmer Park Art Fair and Jazzin on Jefferson.
June 10 and 11
Buffalo, New York
Presented by the Allentown Village Society
400 Artists
Deadline: February 24
Application fee: $25; Booth fee: $275 single; $450 double
Each year tens of thousands of patrons visit the festival to enjoy the charm and character of the Allentown neighborhood. Artists set up along the streets surrounded by beautiful, historic architecture. Patrons are treated to seeing beautiful works of art and having the opportunity to meet the artists. We encourage our artists to demonstrate their techniques and to interact with the public.
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Jay & Toni Mann at Allentown |
Marketing: We advertise in local newspapers and featured on local TV programs. We also use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
We have a poster/t-shirt contest. A first place prize of $2,000.00 is offered for the design of a exciting, vibrant poster celebrating our 60th festival. See our website for more details. ENTRY DEADLINE: March 11.
The Allentown Village Society has received numerous honors, awards and is recognized by the Library of Congress.
Learn more: www.Allentownartfestival.com
June 23-25Columbus, Ohio
Easton Town Center
Presented by Huff-Burch Promotions
105 Artists
Deadline: March 1
Application fee: $25; Booth fee: $300
The 18th Annual Easton Art Affair is one of Ohio's premier Fine Art/Fine Craft shows. Featuring 105 Artist from across the Nation selling the Fine Art and Fine Craft in this Juried show held on the streets of the "Entertainment Forum" of Columbus, Easton Town Center This wonderful venue is visited by over 28,000 patrons per weekend, (by car count).
Take a virtual tour at www.eastontowncenter.com.Huff-Burch Promotions, developer and organizer of Easton Art Affair, has 40 years of experience in the Art show industry. It is our only show we produce, so extensive attention is given to all details, ensuring the exhibitor a very hassle free successful event! Our location, marketing and advertising are aimed specifically at your customers.
This is a must for your 2017 schedule. To make it even more convenient, this year all application will be accepted through ZAPP. Just go to www.zapplication.org to apply now.
Learn more: www.eastonartaffair.com
Contact: Barb Huff-Burch, bhuff@eastonartaffair.com, 330-284-1082
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Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
After freezing our tootsies at Images in New Smyrna Beach, Marcia and I headed for Fort Myers for our 2nd show of the winter. The weather forecast was for sun and temperatures in the 80s. YES!
We were one of about 50 booths that would be open on Friday evening so we got there early on Friday for our scheduled setup. We were escorted into the art fair in order of our booth numbers. Although we had to park on the street about 50 feet from our booth, load in was pretty easy. Just a short dolly to the space. We had a corner booth in a space that was already 12 feet wide, so we positioned the booth so that we had two side walls... lots of exhibit space. We had a leisurely setup and were allowed to move our van right opposite our booth and leave it there for the entire setup (I like that).
Our booth was in a great location. We were in the middle of the show, on the bridge going over a waterway with fountains. We set up on the sidewalk, which was very level with room plenty of room behind our booth for storage and in front of the booth for customers.
The forecast was accurate. Great weather. Friday night was busy but mostly with lookers and party goers. We took in just under $600, so, with the added exposure, I thought it was worth it. It seems that it takes people a while to decide on buying my work, so I look for the be-backs. Lots of the Friday night people would be back Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday brought lots of people. The crowds were consistent and sales went well all day, bringing in around $2200. Sunday was better with sales over $3000. We wound up with a gross of just under $6K, better than our average show for last year, but a bit below our gross from the Fort Myers show last year.
This is a well run show. One of the better ones in Florida. Big crowds. Descent sales.
Our next show in Florida will be Arti-Gras on February 18-19. When Marcia and I put together the schedule we debated on whether to spend the two weeks between shows in Florida, or go home to Michigan. We did the math and found that we could fly back home for 10 days for a lot less money than staying in Florida. We booked a room at a Comfort Inn near the airport and arranged to leave our van there for the duration. A free shuttle took us to the airport on Monday morning and we were home that afternoon.
Here's another brilliant arrangement that Marcia thought up. We have a Michigan friend who scheduled a vacation to Arizona, flying out of the Grand Rapids airport on the same day we were arriving from Fort Myers. We both live about 40 miles from the airport. Our friend left her car with the "valet" service at the airport when she arrived. We picked up her car and drove home. Our friend also scheduled her flight back from Arizona on the same day we were flying back to Fort Myers. So, we drop her car off with the valet, and our friend gets her car back when she lands. HA! Great arrangement.
One of my first Florida art fairs was Images. That was 30 years ago. I bombed at that show, but was smitten by the "art fair" lifestyle and the opportunities art fairs present for actually making a living with art. My goal has always been to be a professional artist but that show, and a few others around the same time, convinced me that making art was not going to pay the bills and feed my family.
At that time I was also working as a freelance media producer... a much more lucrative profession. While most of my income came from corporate clients, I went back to New Smyrna Beach the following year with a TV crew and shot a documentary called "Art Fair" (https://youtu.be/q16q5Ju_pBk). The video celebrates the independence and creative spirit of the art fair artist.
Over the years I dabbled with art fairs, but my main focus was on my media business... until about 15 years ago. Gradually, I phased out the "media" career, and phased in the "art" career. I've been doing art fairs fairly regularly for the past 15 years but this year I finally went back to New Smyrna Beach to give Images another try. And here's how it went...
I grossed about $2500, half of what my average art fair grossed last year. Not great, but, optimist that I am (all of us art fair artists are optimists), I enjoyed the show, and will probably give it another try next year. Here's why.
It was very cold (and a bit rainy) and not enough people braved the weather to come out for this show. Better weather will bring out more people. The committee was great. Very positive. This is a long running show and the committee knows how to do it. They don't micro manage the artists. Load in on Friday was easy, parking was convenient (100 feet away in the lot behind our booth), and load out was equally easy and convenient. Access to the artist lounge and "real" bathrooms was an added perk. Another major perk was where we stayed during the show.
Marcia (my wife) booked an airB&B in New Smyrna Beach. We had no real idea where the place was in relation to the show. We just knew it was somewhere in town. As we followed the GPS on Thursday evening, trying to find our lodging, it took us right into the middle of the art fair. I gave Marcia a confused look, convinced that she put the art fair coordinates into the GPS instead of the airB&B. But a few blocks later we arrived at the B&B... less than a mile from the art fair... walking distance. About the same distance from the artist parking lot. The place was a two bedroom apartment right on one of the many canals around there, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, for only $125/night. A terrific place!
I may be in the minority about giving this show a positive review. Other artists I talked to sold less than we did and questioned the viability of exhibiting here again. The cold weather was a turnoff. But, hey, this was our first Florida show of the winter and we just came from the frozen North (Michigan), so we were happy to get away from the snow. We've got 5 more shows in Florida. We're hoping for better sales, but, you know what? There are no art fairs in the frozen North during the winter, so, Frorida is our best option for making a living in this crazy business.
I have been creating just about every day for the last ummm….too many years. As soon as my wee hands became acquainted with the world I needed to create. More than anything else I may be, I'm a sewer, writer and still “at my age” a dreamer.
There are a great many experiences during all this time….. People, animals, stories, music, gardens, homes and places, that I have loved and still love…..still miss.
Everything I make has always been an intercourse with these loves. A crazy passion compels me to respond to the mad, beautiful, terrible, funny world we live in by engaging with it and using everything that comes to hand or can be found….. to render my version of it, my story, perhaps…… or a way of saying hey, look at this, this is funny, this is precious, this is beautiful!
I've been lucky to find venues, humble, utilitarian and adventurous ones that people have responded to, enabling me to make a living out of chaos!
For years now, under the “Wicked Stitch of the West” banner….. it's been clothing of the epic variety that celebrates our bodies and how we move through our environment.
My nightmare, if I have one……is to suddenly realize, on my deathbed, that there were things I had, or had easy access to, that I didn't use up in this pursuit.
I have no patience, personally, with extremely unaffordable things. I want my clothing and frivolities to be accessible to the average person, without compromising quality.
I’d rather make (and own) a top for $85, than $850, $8,500 or $85,000. Owning an 85,000 dollar coat or gown would make me ill…..
So to those “Juries” who don’t invite me or stick me on a bloody “wait list” to your show…..well, I could make a list of colorful metaphors and make folks mad, but all I will say is…….
Your loss and leave it at that.
****** A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history - with the possible exceptions of texting and JAMESON....
I figured out my coffee limit: 6 in 2 hours….I can no longer
blink!
If more of us valued food, fellowship, cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world……
Slainte,
Lynn
March 25 & 26, 2017 
Altamonte Springs/Orlando, Florida
Presented by: The Orlando Art & Living Expo, Inc.
Cranes Roost Park
150 artists
Deadline: Feb. 16
Application Fee: $25/Booth Fee: $285
Creative Artists join us at the UpTown Art Expo!
The streets along beautiful and newly renovated Cranes Roost Park at Upton Altamonte in Altamonte Springs/Orlando will come alive with artisans showcasing their talents, color and music. The free admission Art Festival will feature displays of glass, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, photography, pottery and sculpture.
The festival offers artists a beautiful world class setting with easy access set-up, free adjacent parking, overnight security and cash awards/ribbons will be presented.
The UpTown Art Expo will be strongly promoted throughout Central Florida media including Magic 107.7, WMMO 98.8, WLOQ, WMFE 90.7, Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine.
Poster competition: We are presenting a design competition to select the official Uptown Art Expo poster for our next festival. The winning artist will receive $150 cash, a handful of posters and a booth space at the festival. Artists are encouraged to submit their designs. Entries should be appropriate for replication for posters, T-shirts and other Uptown Art Expo promotional items. Submission Deadline: September 5, 2016.
The Orlando Art & Living Expo, Inc, is a non-profit whose mission to bring art & music together, and enhance the quality of life in Central Florida.
Apply: www.zapplication.org
Learn more: www.uptownartexpo.com
For more info: Jim Barton, jim.barton2011@yahoo.com
Phone: (407)592-0002
Memorial Day Weekend - May 27 & 28Denver, Colorado
Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun.-10am-5pm
Conservatory Green
Northfield area of Stapleton
Limited to 150 juried artists in 15 media categories.
Deadline: February 9
Jury Fee: $35; Booth Fee: $495 for a single booth. Corners, double booths and electricity available. All artists will be on paved streets.
The Denver Arts Festival will hold its annual premier fine arts and fine crafts event at the Conservatory Green in the Northfield area of Stapleton. The Stapleton community, 15 minutes Northeast of downtown Denver, with over 20,000 residents is now home to many upscale neighborhoods, 50 parks, bike trails, shopping and more. All art patrons from the Denver Metro area will find it easy to come to the Festival since the location is just off two major highways, also a recently completed commuter rail line. Over 50,000 people are expected to attend.
We are proud to be working with the Master Community Association (MCA) to hold the Festival at Stapleton. The Director, Jim DeLutes, a former art show artist, has run the show for the last 10 years and continues to grow this festival into one of the best shows in the country.
Expect:
- Promotion of the event to the art-buying public in newspapers, radio, TV, press releases, magazines, social media and other venues valued at over $150,000.
- Artist amenities include booth sitting, overnight security and a great onsite staff to handle any issues promptly.
Festival Director: Jim DeLutes, Jim@DenverArtsFestival.com, (303) 330-8237
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Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
June 24 & 25
Grand Haven, Michigan
Presented by: The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
100 Artists
Deadline: February 15
Application fee: $30; Booth fee: $275
The Grand Haven Art Festival is a community event inviting 100 artists from the region to transform Washington Avenue into a chic, outdoor art gallery. This well-attended event boasts free admission, food vendors, kids' activities and live music. Residents and visitors from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Detroit and more visit the annual Art Festival looking to purchase that perfect piece of their homes, cottages and offices.
Artist Amenities:
- Awards: Best in Show, Jury's Choice and Excellence Award and HonorableMention selected by onsite jury, invited to participate in the 2018 Grand Haven Art Festival without being juried
- Complimentary coffee and muffins Saturday and Sunday; snacks and water
- Roaming booth sitters for artist breaks
- Boxed lunches available for purchase delivered directly to artist's booth
- Artist-only parking reserved one block from the start of the show. Each artist will have two parking spaces assigned to them
- Complimentary invitation postcards
- Extensive Festival marketing and promotion
- Paid security Friday and Saturday nights throughout the Festival
- Grand Haven Art Festival Brochure including name, image, booth number and contact information of all participating artists
- Information packet provided in April including lodging options, area information, event logistics, etc.
- A welcoming and excited community for the 56th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival
Testimonials:
- "Strong sales, helpful staff."
- "Sales were very good! Set up was simple, weather cooperated, plenty of hospitality."
- "Location is great!"
Apply: www.zapplication.org
Website: www.grandhavenartfestival.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrandHavenArtFestival
Contact: Mary Sherman, msherman@grandhavenchamber.org
Phone: (616)842-4910
A recent podcast with 3 artists and some callers came up with these conclusions:
- having income from several sources helps a lot
- sometimes the rain, a terrible crowd or the fact that you may have picked the wrong show intervenes with the "earning"
- you've "got to love what you are doing" to make it work
Our participants were:
Marge Luttrell, encaustic painter and a former high school art teacher, who has been participating in art fairs for 7 years and who did 25 shows in 2016. Her "other" income includes teaching at places like Arrowmont and Penland. Her work sells from $350-$3500.
Jill McGannon, a realist landscape painter with an MFA who has earned her living with her art since 1988, with success in galleries and her own business (15 employees) mural painting and licensing her work until the Crash of 2007 took away that income and she came to art fairs to earn. Her prices range from $250 for a 9 x 12 to $4000 for a 30 x 40.
Loc Tran, an artist who creates his own designs and screen prints the designs onto t-shirts. Although he is not doing art fairs, in the last 10 years he has found plenty of other opportunities, wholesaling and retailing his work at events with consistent revenue in the 6 figures.
On the podcast we talk
- $$ - how much do you earn at a show? with $$ answers
- great tips from Kelly Cassidy: have a helper, never discount, have an outstanding booth, consistent prices and a sign that says "I do commissions"
- Jill does fewer shows because of commissions
- how to sell something with a $3000 price tag
- Loc has no employees and has 150 wholesale accounts; exhibits and sells at "niche" markets, veterinarian conventions, dog shows, etc.
- all have friends who earn their living at the art fairs ... you can do it too.
Listen or download this right here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artfairs/2017/01/31/is-anyone-here-earning-a-living
This was a very affirming discussion. Do you have any tips to add? Or questions to ask?
