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Scottsdale Waterfront show in Scottsdale, AZ.

2017 was my first time doing the Waterfront show in Scottsdale and it was a success. Thunderbird Artists really does know how to put on a great show. No buy and sell, no T-shirts, no soap-on-a-rope. Just high quality fine art and the best of the best.

Load in can be tough because you have to either dolly in or use the golf carts. It all went smoothly. I was given a wonderful space near the fountain and had plenty of room to show my artwork.

Denise, Judy, and their entire crew area always there to help you in any way.

The waterfront show is really a beautiful setting, a shopping district and high-end homes above. Parking is easy and plentiful for both the exhibitors and the public. Many of the patrons were from the buildings surrounding the show and many more were from upscale neighborhoods in the Phoenix area (I know because I delivered to some very fancy neighborhoods).

The weather was perfect which I think brought out a lot of people. Most buyers were from the area however many were from the east coast (snowbirds). I did have to ship a piece to Michigan. My buyers were not holding tight to their wallets and purses. They were buying what they wanted.

Music at art festivals is either a "Heck No / Other" experience for us artists. Music at this show was perfect. Near me was a very talented piano player who did 70's and 80's hits, and he did fairly well with the patrons. I always get "tired" of hearing the same songs over and over but he kept it moving and the crowd loved him, so did I because they would listen to him and visit me.

Security as mentioned by Robert is top notch. Not only roving patrols but Arizona's finest are there to keep watch - I never worry doing a Thunderbird Artists show.

My points for this show: (1 to 10, 10 being the best) ( not in any particular order )

Load in: 9 (a little tough, but with the golf carts works out good)

Patrons: 10 (high end, 30 to 60 yo, know what they want and buy it)

Promoter: 10 (Thunderbird knows how to treat artists right)

Location: 10 (On the canal at Scottsdale's Fashion Mall - perfect)

Load Out: 7 (tough, as it was getting dark and late - but I persevered)

Atmosphere: 10 (Trees, grass, fountains (on my side) pathways, etc.)

Artist Parking: 10 (underground parking for cars and vans, not tall sprinters)

Nearby restaurants: 8 (some high end. low cost breakfast and coffee right in village)

Neighborhood: 10 (you are in Scottsdale, AZ in winter, what else could it be but a 10)

Artwork at Show: 10 (There is no buy / sell at a Thunderbird show)

My sales were great. I do southwest (south west) artwork and my buyers were from the area and from the east coast (snowbirds).

Would I do this show again? Yes. It's a 12 hour drive from my home but I now break it up to a 7 and a 5 hour drive (Stop in Indio, CA at the Fantasy Springs Casino - great room and not a bad price - excellent restaurants).

I would recommend this show to artists who specialize in high end southwest artwork - but who am I to say what sells at shows - I'm as mystified as many of you.

Good luck out there!

The Sedona show is held on a baseball field, at the High School. It's a nice venue with all the booths on grass. You cannot drive on the grass so you have to dolly your work to your space, not too bad.

I made money at this show selling my southwest art (Shamans) in the price range of $95 to $1,800.

Load in is the day before the show. Load out is a bit more difficult. The show closes as the sun is setting and it gets dark fast - you just need to take your time and hope you get onto the field to load out because there is always a line of vans itching to get in.

Weather played a part in the 2016 show with rain on Saturday, although not too much, but the lightning storm was a bit nerve racking. People still came out, but not as many as we would like. Sunday was beautiful and sunny with a lot more people.

It's a tourist area, but you don't get a lot of tourists (my opinion). Most of the patrons lived in or near Sedona and go to the show every year. I would recommend this show if you have artwork related to the southwest or have a product that "fits" into the southwest lifestyle.

The city of Sedona is about 2 or 3 miles from the venue - lots of restaurants and shops there where the tourists hang out. Most tourists in Sedona go for the activities in the area, like hiking, jeep tours, etc. I will apply to do the show again this year. I don't know what hotels cost in the area because I usually do AirBnb.

My neighbor at the 2016 show was a jeweler and he sold well on Sunday. He was staying with his wife and kids in the brand new hotel right next to the show and he told me it was $400 per night, ouch.

Good luck out there !

Hi All. I did the Southwest Art Festival in 2016 (three days) and 2017 (four days) and this show has been a winner for me. I sell southwestern artwork (Shamans) and this is what they are looking for out there. I did the show in 2012 with my abstract sculptures and went home with zero sales. I tried it again in 2014 with abstract and again, zero. I fell in love with the southwest indigenous American artwork and decided to apply with my Shamans - bang, found the key for the lock.

The show is at the polo grounds in Indio, about 3 or 4 miles south highway 10, and about 2 miles east of La Quinta. The show is attended by residents throughout the area.

This year (the four day show) I had little expectations for a crowd on Thursday but I was wrong, very wrong. The place had (on a scale of 1 to 10) about an 8 every day for attendance. Most of the attendees are between 40 and 60 and they have just moved there or are established and looking for something interesting... not much to do in the desert if your retired, so going to the SWAF is a great adventure.

Three of my sales were to the same person on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, just could not get enough. My prices range from $95 to $1,800 and average out at $295.

I have some friends who also did the show and they were not as happy as me (financially). I don't know why they were not selling, but as I mentioned earlier, this (I think) is a southwest show (Southwest Art Festival) and I really do think that with that name on the show, this is what people are expecting to see there.

When you do the show you are given a receipt book when you check in that you have to fill out for each sale (If more than one sale to the person you put it all on one receipt). When the buyer leaves they have to give the gate person the yellow copy to get out with their goods, and they are tight on this.

Weather is always a back of the mind thought when doing desert shows. You never know what's going to happen. The 2016 show ended early on Sunday because of a wind storm. The 2017 show was perfect weather throughout the four days (thank goodness).

Load in is sometimes a bit tight as the aisles are only one car wide, but somehow we all seem to make it work. Load out goes a little easier if you take your time and knock down your booth then take your receipt book to the office, then get your car, wiggle your way in, and load up.

Booth spaces are reasonable for a California show. If you can, get a double. It gives you more room and makes it easier to breakdown in the end. The booth spaces are quads and larger than normal 10 x 12 wide, so a double gets you 10 x 24. You can even request an entire quad for not much more than a double. If you normally use a 10 x 10, a 10 x 20 space will allow you to show your work a lot better, it's just an investment in a second tent, but your "presence" will more than make up for the added expense.

The people organizing the show do a great job (it's never easy) and bring you water throughout the days (drink it!). Mornings there is some food and coffee for the artists. There is also a free lunch ticket for Friday (burger and chips).

If you do decide to apply and get into the show, I suggest bringing a cooler with some apples and power bars and lots of water to keep hydrated.

Good luck out there!

Below is a photo from the 2016 show. I didn't have time to take a photo of my booth for 2017, too busy selling!!!

Just got back from a one day show in South Bend, IN, run by Shireen Kline. It's called "For The Love of Art".  Beautiful venue in downtown South Bend. Host hotel was an equally cool Hilton Doubletree. It's even connected to the Century Center, where the show takes place. She uses the 2 ballrooms at the center where roughly 45-50 artists have their spaces, with pipe and drape and electricity if you need it. Space fees start at $165 for a 10x10. No extra fee for a corner, which I really appreciated.

Show is always the first weekend in March. Weather was cold with flurries but people still came out. Large parking lot ($5) and an entry fee of $7.  Setup was easy thru four dock doors and plenty of large, carts available. Same with takedown.

I've never seen a promoter with so much energy. She had a great team of volunteer helpers to answer all questions quickly. Entertainment was excellent - She even had a poetry slam. Country duo, Rock duo, and a youth chamber quartet. With the room being small, the entertainment was never overpowering. Lunches were delivered from 3 area restaurants and delivered to your booth by Shireen and the volunteers. Storage in two corners of the floor. Raffle prizes given thruout the event and at the end, awards for the artists.

Everyone seemed to be happy with their sales, making their expenses and a bit more. Doesn't sound like much but She is still trying to get this event going strong. I could see great things in the future for this show. Would be worth a try if you don't have to travel too far. I live in Naperville and the trip was a doable 2 1/2 hrs one way.

Keep this little gem in mind for 2018! A very fun, very 'chill' time was had by all.

I've exhibited at various Bonita Springs Art fairs over the years, including at the mall many years ago. I've done well there in the past off and on, but never great. Two years ago was the last time I did Bonita and took home $4000. I was a happy camper. This year I did around $950. This is my poorest showing in 4 years at any show. I'm jealous of you artists who were at Gaparilla. I was wait-listed this year.

I can't complain too much because the four previous art fairs were good for me this winter and it was just a matter of time before the bottom dropped out. Not sure why I did so poorly. I just couldn't connect with this crowd.

It's a nice setting for a show, in a park in old Bonita Springs along old highway 41. The show is spread out all over the place making it confusing for patrons to navigate. There are five distinctly different areas where exhibitors put up their tents. We were in a paved parking lot near the train tracks. The furthest away area was across old 41 where police were on hand to stop traffic to allow patrons to cross. Other areas were in grass where the wind kicked up a lot of unwanted dust and debris. A nice setting, but not a great layout for an art fair.

Turnout was low at this show, and, from my perspective, was mostly retired people who had "no more wall space" or were "downsizing." My work is surrealistic with fantasy and humor thrown in. Its also digital, which could be hard for some retirees to get their head around. Whatever the reason, I didn't connect. Other artist around me seemed to do OK, so it wasn't a bust for everyone.

Another subject of discussion among us artists was the fact that this is the third Bonit Springs art fair of the winter. They have one in January and February as well. For non-retired, and non-snowbird people... actual full time residents who have jobs, they probably got their fill of art fairs with the first two. These are the people who typically buy my work. Also, Bonita is close to Naples where there are about one million art fairs over the winter months. Yes. this area is saturated with art fairs.

Anyway, I've got another "filler" art fair next weekend to round out my winter schedule. I'll be at Brooksville, a small show where I don't expect much. Nels laughed at me when I told him I'd be at Brooksville, but he laughed at Bradenton too. I did OK there. Maybe I'll do OK at Brooksville. Can't be much worse than my showing at Bonita.

August 19 & 20 
Duluth, Minnesota 
Bayfront Park on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior 
150 Artists
Deadline: March 16

Application Fee: $30  Booth Fee: Single 10' x 12' $300, Corner single $400, Double 10' x 25' $600, Double corner $70

The 8th annual Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair located on the beautiful   Duluth lakefront. Work includes jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass and more.

There is significant advertising, promotion in the North Shore communities and tourist audiences. Website and social media opportunities for artists.

New this year: This show is now produced by the Stone Arch Bridge Festival (Mpls) team.

Learn more & apply:  http://www.artinbayfrontpark.com

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts was this past weekend. Just got back home from this show. This was our second year doing the show and it was another successful year in Tampa. If you aren’t familiar with this show they give out big award money and many awards. Many of the best artist are attracted to this show for the awards. Another great thing about the show is it is pretty affordable to do compared to a lot of the other shows we do and hotel options are cheap within walking distance to the show if you do your homework.

The show is great about giving you all the info you need and if you read it everything runs smoothly. They do a great job advertising, offer patron money with ribbons and really push pre shopping on their website that does a great job featuring the artists. I also feel they do a great job about making this show about the art. This always is a big plus when we are choosing shows. The show takes place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at the Tampa Museum of Art. It is one of the prettiest settings for a show. The waterfront gets better and better each year.

Set up is on Thursday and Friday. Show runs Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. We prefer the set up on Thursday even though it is an extra night in the hotel. It is relaxed and then we can enjoy a day in the Tampa bay area. You show up to a staging area an hour before you are marshalled in with your group. The staging area moved this year due to construction. This is also artist parking. It is not an easy walk to the show from the new staging area but they will shuttle you in and out.

Since we stay at a hotel near the show that offers plenty of oversized parking not a big deal and I actually prefer the new location since it is across from one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa, Uleles. During that hour wait you can grab a great meal. They line you up and marshall you in. Once you are at your booth you have about 1.5 hours to set up before you need to move. I am not a fan of the marshalling in as I have mentioned before. I am not a patient person and since it only takes us 45 minutes to set up a single booth I could have been done in the time I waited from check in time to load in time. I am one of the few that feel this way. Most artists love it. They all tell me it is less stressful, which is true, but the real reason if you ask them after a couple beers is that they like the feeling of having a police escort into the show. Makes them feel special and I have to agree you feel like a big deal when you have police escort entering a show. Needless to say set up is a breeze. It is great to not have to move your vehicle. If you can’t set up in the 1.5 hours no big deal you have all the time in the world to go back. Lots of great restaurants in the area so many artists would take a break and enjoy a nice meal before finishing up.

The show only allows single booths. We normally do a double so a single is tricky for us but it really cuts costs. The booths are pretty much back to back. Some booths have more storage behind then others and the booths are not squeezed together so there is some room on the sides for most. Some booths are on the grass some on pavement. Pros and cons to each. I would prefer to be on the concrete, I like the flow, but the area can be windy. This year it was windy. Those on the pavement need to be more careful plus many of the booths on the pavement seem to get more wind from what I have heard. It is the way the park is set up.

We have always had a corner and those areas also get more wind. The middle booths are more protected. We broke out our extra weights for this show. Gusts were up to 35 mph. I highly recommend the gravity weights. They are black bags that pack up really small when not used. They take up no room and we leave them in our truck always. You can fill them with sand, gravel or water. It is usually easy to find water. The park let us fill them up no problem and we now had an extra 150 lbs on the tent on top of the 250 we already had. The tent never moved the whole weekend. I think a set costs around $100.

Many artists were going to home depot to buy buckets or rented water barrels from the show. For the money the gravity tubes are well worth it. They have already paid for themselves after having to use them a few times at different shows. Plus it eliminates the stress and time of finding extra weight when needed. Some tents did go down over night and some art was damaged because of the wind. I can’t emphasize enough to use extra weight when needed. There isn’t any shade in the park so if you want shade make some for yourself. We had sunny days every day. Sunday was too windy for an umbrella in our area. Sunscreen and hats were a must.

This show has great amenities for the artists. There is a big artist’s hospitality tent in the middle of the show. Continental breakfast, hot lunch with healthy option, even gluten free options, water all day, sweets if you want it, artist award ceremony with snacks I believe but didn’t go so not sure, lots of volunteers for booth sitting and in the tent they always had someone that could actually answer question. The judge for the show actually comes into each booth and gives you a card and introduces themselves. I am sure I am missing other things and hopefully someone can add to this.

Saturday was a beautiful day. The wind was not bad just enough to be comfortable and not hot. It was packed all day. Serious buyers right out of the gate. Our first sale was from a patron that pre shopped on the shows website and came just to see us. This was before the show started. Strong sales all day. Sykes building is the round building in the skyline at the park. They were out shopping for art since they had just redesigned their headquarters. They bought a lot of art at this show. By the end if the day Saturday almost half our inventory was gone. Since Sunday had been the better day last year we were hoping for a sellout. Plus many people told us they were looking on Saturday and coming back on Sunday to buy.

Sunday was another beautiful day but very windy. Umbrellas were not an option for shade in our area. Packed show again.The buying energy was not as strong in our area. We did have be backs but had already sold what they wanted. We did sell three more pieces making this an even better year than last year for us. Reports from other artists were across the board. I know many artists were very happy. My jeweler friends were not as happy. The patrons did not ask for discounts, what a treat. Only a few had sticker shock but they were not buyers for our work. Marge Luttrell was just down a few booths from me and it is always great to see her and her work. I am sure she can chime in on the show.

I am writing a glowing review but there are some negatives. Last year we were very close to the music stage and again this year we were right near the stage. This year they turned the speakers towards the audience instead of towards the booth so this helped. The music is still loud but it didn’t affect sales and we didn’t have a problem talking to our clients. The show does not encourage dogs but people bring them. We remembered last year dogs peeing on our stuff were a problem and it was again for many of us this year too. We are currently building a new kit to deal with dog pee instead of driving home having to smell it.

Finally breakdown. It is always going to be a challenge getting out of a park in the middle of the city. For breakdown you are assigned a load out time. Ours was 5:30, 30 minutes after the show closes. You are supposed to breakdown first before you line up. Many artists will say that they cannot break down that fast but that is not true. Many of us can. For a single booth we can be down to the ground in 15 minutes. Unfortunately many of the artists do not follow this rule and line up even though they are not broken down.

They do not allow everyone in at 5:30 that has this load out time. They let in just one or two vehicles per aisle. The rest of us that followed the rules had to wait to be let in until those that were not broke down left. This slows down everything and causes a big delay for all the later load outs. Patience is a must and possibly one beer while you wait so you can stay patient. One last thing, the police that work this show are some of the nicest, friendliest we have worked with. You leave with a smile.

Last Florida show for the year for us.  We will miss it but hopefully on to more great shows.

Okay, I know this will never happen in any big way, so don't sweat it, and those of you who disagree with my rambling musings, it's just a thought, I was thinking.

Recently got back from the Fountain Hills Not So Great Fair and whilst I was standing around freezing and waiting for the occasional buyer to manifest I had a thought. Occasionally I have more than one but I did have this one...Booth fees are way out of control and my first experience with shows that charge a commission was in California 7 years ago. At the time I was incensed. ( Yes, I am fully aware that I signed up with the knowledge that I had to pay a commission but to mention that would ruin my diatribe) "How dare they charge me a __% commission on my sales on top of the already over inflated booth fee! The nerve of those guys!" As it turned out the __% commission I was to pay them amounted to about $26.45 and on the way out of the flea market grounds the collector of said funds said, "keep it for gas money", was that meant as an insult?

I digress, so the thought I had at the previously mentioned show was; what if more shows actually DID charge a commission IN LIEU of an over inflated booth fee. Those that sell a lot pony up what would only be reasonable if they did well and those that didn't do so well would come out with their skin still intact. The Festival of the Arts in Oklahoma City is one such show with a model that I will use as an example. First, they charge a nominal booth fee, if my memory serves me, of $150. Second, if you make a certain level of sales the booth fee is credited back to you and you pay a __% of your sales to the show. How can that possibly be in the artists favor? The show is sharing the risk with you. How? Well, they have the responsibility of delivering actual buyers to the show, they want you to do well so that they can do well. Win-Win don't you think? Of course this show will only consider you for future fairs if you reach another pre-determined sales level but that's their prerogative, they have to make their expenses and fund whatever projects that they fund.

Okay that was just an example but the point I'm trying to make is this. Booth fees are going up astronomically. Just got an email trolling for artists for the Cherry Arts Festival and they want $600! Remember when booth fees went to $100 and artists got incensed? What warrants this kind of highway robbery? The show is only in its third year and the reviews that I read of the previous years were not blindingly brilliant. What if instead this show did a low booth fee, took a commission and the promoters actually worked to deliver buyers? It is in the best interest of the show that you do well but if you don't? The risk is shared, and you don't have to mortgage your house for the second time!

I guess another point that I'm getting around to is this. How many show "promoters" are actually promoting with the intent that artists benefit from the experience? Locally, I've participated in one show where the promoter really does his homework and delivers the buyers! I can think of another one that I signed up with that may not necessarily have had the artists interest at heart as the show was held in the back of a shopping center with heavy road construction going on nearby. I bet he'd work real hard to get people in there if it were a commission show and he had something at stake.

Yah, I know, there are no guarantees of ever doing well at a show but at least I'd feel better about it if I knew that the show was really working for the artist. Ultimately, our participation is voluntary. No one twists yer arm and says you have to do any particular show at all but, wouldn't it level the playing field a little if the show had everyone's interests in mind in addition to their own? Just say'n.

July 8 & 9   
Rochester, New York
Presented by: Corn Hill Neighbors Association
375 Artists
Deadline: March 19                               

"Corn Hill has excellent organization and volunteers that make a very positive event for the artists/exhibitors."

"I feel the quality of the art is terrific and diverse. It is on my list of must do's every year!"

What a joke,  I think they should name the show something else, not the Great Fair  I did this show in the early 90's and then it was a Great Fair.  The work was real good and no buy/sell.  I knew artists that did wonderful sculptural pieces, paintings, and fine jewelry work, but where have they gone. The artists I knew 20 years ago are no longer doing this show.  And this show has evolved into mostly buy/sell.  It is a shame.   And then the landscape is changing do to progress.   Used to park my van behind my booth, not any longer.  The land has a hotel, assisted living facility, and coming soon retail/apartments.  So unable to  park behind the booth. it is called progress.  The bathrooms were plentiful, and clean,  Security was excellent.  I remember when the streets were so crowded with buyers one could hardly walk.  Now seems rather empty,  People just out for a stroll not looking sideways at the art but straight ahead at their cellphones (leave the phone at home)  And no I do not have a smart phone.  Setup was horrific, as was teardown,  it was a free for all.  I figure after 30 years they would have figured something out.   Did talk to quite a few artists who are NOT coming back.  I would like to know why they had a direct tv booth, kitchen knife booth, windows for your home, where is the art in that,  One can tell by this review that I WILL NOT BE BACK.  The best part of this fair were the people I met and stayed with.  

April 1 & 2
Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Presented by Glynn Visual Arts
75 Artists
Deadline: March 10

No application fee. Booth fee: $220

This annual Spring Arts Festival on St. Simons Island, GA offers a fine arts event in a small town ocean-side setting that brings more than 8000 visitors.  Postell Park is home to this festival, across the street from the Golden Isles Visitors' Center. The one square block setting is located under mighty live oak trees, in view of our historic lighthouse with the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred yards away.

The arts festival brings visitors from as far away as Atlanta to enjoy the ambiance of this coastal community and is anticipated by the local community, visitors and local businesses. New this year is a bicycle scavenger hunt on Sunday that focuses on everyday art in the community but also brings more visitors into the park for the start and finish.

Artist amenities include a continental breakfast each morning, bottled water, and booth sitters during the show.

Marketing: 
Local newspapers and tourism guides, local magazines, billboards, banners, and signage throughout the community, posters in storefronts, Constant Contact emails, and our website. The festival is also promoted through the Golden Isles' Convention and Visitors Bureau website and other local online calendars.

Learn more & apply:  http://www.glynnvisualarts.org/festivals.html

Contact: Hannah Roberts, festivals@glynnvisualarts.org, 912-638-8770

48th Annual A Fair in the Park
September 8, 9, & 10
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
110 Artists
Application Deadline: March 10

Application Fee: 1 medium $25, 2 mediums $50
Booth Fee:  $395,  Corner $445

This event is held in the affluent city neighborhood of Shadyside, in a lovely park beside Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

The Fair is free to the public and draws strong community support. Outstanding live music, artist demonstrations, children's activities, plus a variety of food choices are featured throughout the weekend. Make A Fair in the Park part of your 2017 show schedule.

A Fair in the Park is held in the lush surroundings of Pittsburgh's Mellon Park. An estimated 20,000 dedicated visitors enjoy the opportunity to interact with over 100 regional and national artists working in a variety of mediums including clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, metal, mixed media, and two-dimensional art.

Shoppers will enjoy outstanding live music, artist demonstrations, children's activities, plus a variety of food choices are featured throughout the weekend.

• Rated one of Sunshine Artist's Top 100 Art Shows
• Drive-up loading and unloading (weather permitting) 
• Amenities: free parking, security, booth sitting and more
• Four awards for Best of Show Artist, Artistry/Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Originality  
• Saturday Night Artists' Party with complimentary drinks/food and awards presentation

We employ a full marketing and PR campaign to promote both our event and to highlight the talented artisans participating in the fair. 

All Members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh are offered a booth space at A Fair in the Park. Each year approximately 60% of the artists at the Fair are Members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh, who have become Members by passing a rigorous jury process. The remainder of the artists at A Fair in the Park are selected by a jury from a large pool of national and international applicants.

When artist call themselves high-end artists in art show world?

How many times I hear this from other artists and I ask my friends what that suppose to mean. When it comes to jewelry does that mean the artist works only with gold, platinum and diamonds and that make sense. So how those that play in other mediums. Does quality of craft and skills counts in being high-end artists? Why do you call yourself high-end artist?
In photography, which is my area I practice, I really do not see that in art fairs world. Anyone with the right equipment can produce a large print (48X96). Printing in metal or acrylic does make you a high-end photographer. Using high framing materials does that make you high-end artist.

So because you have big item with high price does that make you high-end. Does success make you high-end artist. What about those yard artists?

Look at ceramics, more detail in piece makes more special but does that make you high end artist.

So my question to you, why you call yourself I high end because price alone does not make it. To me high-end is more when I walk to that store with the cyan little box.

May 13-14
South Walton, Florida
Presented by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
200 Artists
Deadline: March 1

Application fee: $40; Booth fee: $300

ArtsQuest is held in beautiful South Walton, Florida, at Sandestin along the Gulf of Mexico. The two-day festival is always held Mother's day weekend, which is a great time for discerning travelers to visit South Walton. ArtsQuest artists compete for $10,000 in cash awards, including Best in Show, Awards of Excellence and Awards of Merit. It is the kick-off event for Art Week South Walton, an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.

The festival takes place at the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin which is also home to large-scale events such as the 30A Songwriters Festival and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. Located along the Scenic Hwy. 98 Corridor, Grand Boulevard is easily accessible from regional drive and fly markets, including Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Mobile, Pensacola and Tallahassee.

Marketing: With the support of the Tourist Development Council, Visit South Walton, there is a comprehensive marketing campaign for ArtsQuest, including radio (Southeastern markets), social media, direct mail, posters, online advertising, and regional and national print media.

Amenities: Artist hospitality room serving continental breakfast, light snacks * Artist parking * Overnight security * Booth sitting * Artist-only lunch specials at participating restaurants * New festival venue is conveniently located to many affordable accommodation options

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=5422

Learn more: https://www.artweeksouthwalton.com/
Jennifer Smith, jennnifersmith@culturalartsalliance.com, 850-622-5970