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St Stephen's Art Festival

Posted by greta anthony on February 17, 2010 at 9:20am

So this was my first year at St Stephen's. My van was giving me problems so I left for coconut grove much earlier than I needed to I got to the show very early and of course I got a little lost. I truly hate a downtown area. Called the phone # that came with the paperwork and got a hold of Daisy the new show director and she was able to get me unlost with good directions. I found a pay parking lot close to the show and decided since I was early I'd walk St Stephen's, see where my spot was and how things were going. Found my spot right away and a friend of mine was setting up only 2 booths away from me so that was an added bonus. Our set-up time was 12pm and I starting walking the show about 11am, apparently the staff knew about the bad weather coming and were letting us early birds get our booths unloaded and set up before it got here, Which I thought was very considerate of them. Also the spots were clearly marked with the corners outlined and arrows as to where to start the booth, very nice. So I pull in was able to get right next to my spot. Put up my tent but didn't raise it all the way, left it at halfmast unloaded the display and boxes then parked the van back in the same lot which was about 1 1/2 blocks from the show. Set up my shelves and curtains put all of the boxes inside, weighted the corners and also tied down to the heavy parking stones behind my booth, still leaving it at halfmast. I stayed with a friend about 20 mins from the grove got there about 3pm and we watched the weather with our fingers crossed, having done everything I could to protect my booth I tried not to stress about it too much and it was just fine in the morning when we got there to finish setting up.

At first I didn't like my spot and thought since this was my first year I was paying my dues with a bad spot. I was wrong, sales on all 3 days didn't really start until after 1 and then it was hard to get a break, as a nod to the bad economy I made a lot of the smaller pieces, should have made more bigger ones. Sold out of all my big dragons on sat, sun found one in the overstock boxes that I'd missed while setting up, put it out and by 2pm it had found a home. There were bathrooms real ones just for the artists, coffee and breakfast stuff all 3 mornings. A spaghetti dinner Sunday night, which we didn't go to, had other plans. A staff member came by at various times during the show to see how things were going. The judges actually came into the booths and talked to us. We were given breakdown instructions, lo and behold they stuck to them, had to breakdown your booth completely including the tent before you got a load out pass, then I just drove in and loaded up. What a pleasure, but then of course I had to navigate the downtown area to get back to 95 but I survived it. The staff at St. Stephen's did a good job and were available and friendly. I also liked the fact that when a patron came into the show they each got a program right away, with a map of the show included. Did see some buy sell but not a lot, overall the quality was good.

I walked the Grove show on Monday morning while my friend took care of my booth. First if you wanted a program you had to hunt one down, there was some very impressive art at the show and there was some not so great. I was surprised to see hammocks, wooden utensils, the obligatory Peruvian art which seems to be at every show, so so beaded jewelry. A friend was at the Grove show and blamed the doctored pics that were sent in. Also she noticed that none of the committee was comparing the zapp pics with the set up booths, which they do for Melbourne and Virginia Boardwalk. $800 is a hefty fee, surely for that kind of money they can do a better job at policing the exhibitors that they let in.

So to wrap things up I truly enjoyed my first St Stephen's experience, set up was a breeze, breakdown went smoothly, sales were good my own fault they weren't better. Will bring more bigger pieces next year and only got lost once. Oh and the van with over 423,000 miles on it didn't break down, a big plus any day.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Posted by Wendy Boucher on February 9, 2010 at 2:39pm

This coming weekend I will be participating in the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. I have not been in such a large show before. Any advice for this show in particular?

Artwalk - San Diego (April and Sept. shows)

Posted by MICHAEL ALAN STIPEK on December 9, 2009 at 6:00pm

I had originally put this info on a previous post but it got kicked off.I talked to the directors of the ArtWalk San Diego at the NAIA conference in Peoria last Sept. I was very interested in applying to the April show. The website shows a lot of pictures, but also raises several questions, to wit:Q. How secure are your panels, since the show supplies the tents and the artists everything else?A. You can strap your panels to the roof and also the legs, but bad weather rarely happens here [!]Q. How do you protect your artwork from the elements and overnight, since there are no side panels to the tents?A. We have security [300 booths] and you can hang your tarps over your work or suspend them from the tents.Q. If you get 1,000 applications for 300 spots, how do you determine booth placement, etc.?A. Returning artists get an extra point on their scores, thus ensuring that returning artists will have an advantage over new applicants; also, returning artists get preferential booth placement - new exhibitors are likely to get side streets [this info is not on the website].After this Q & A with the directors, who, by the way, seemed to be very nice and very concerned with putting on a class event, I decided to pass on the application.

Delray Garlic Festival

Posted by Andrea Olson on February 17, 2010 at 8:30am

The 3rd year doing this fun event. Friday was a weather disaster with tornado warnings shutting down the sane artists. I was lucky in that there was a huge tree about 2 feet from the back of my tent to tie to. I had foot weights, leg weights, 12" forged iron stakes, and tied to the tree. When the storm hit, the wind forced the top and sides to separate, let in the downpour,, and tipped the tables I was holding onto! I was holding on for dear life and at that point I thought "I must be crazy". ( I really doubt my sanity at times like these!) When the rain slowed, I lowered my tent way down, re-tied, restaked, and went home to get warm. Many tents were damaged or lost.

Saturday was very cold for south Florida and most folks had their hands in their pockets. Sunday was much nicer, but still cold. Proceeds were about equal to past years.

The staff headed by Suzanne and Irish are above and beyond, and seem to be everywhere, helping everyone. The music and food are just fantastic and the show closed on Sunday evening with a great Journey tribute band.

This show may not be the best money maker but it sure is fun with a great mix....a little of everything. It raises huge amounts of money for this beautiful community.

My Art on Display- JamArt by Kenneth Harris

Posted by Kenneth Harris on January 31, 2010 at 3:22pm

Hey everyone, check out my art on display at the Clarion Hotel, Altamonte Springs FL in the Waterfall Cafe. If you are in the area stop by and check it out!

Call for Artists: Summer Arts Festival in Omaha, NE

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 13, 2010 at 4:56pm

June 25-27, 2010 36th Annual Summer Arts Festival Downtown Omaha, Nebraska 135 Artists Deadline: January 20 The 36th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival invites you to be a part of one of the most lively art festivals in the Midwest. Located in downtown Omaha alongside a beautiful park, the award-winning Summer Arts Festival draws a diverse crowd of 80,000 people for a weekend of unique visual arts, great music, tasty food and hands-on children's activities. Festival patrons enjoy browsing and buying an eclectic mix of functional and non-functional pieces by 135 artists in 14 media categories. High-quality work in the $50 to $200 range tends to sell most frequently, but, of course, higher priced artwork does not go unnoticed (or un-purchased) by Omaha's fair share of art-lovers. "This is an excellent, well-organized festival," one artist said. "I have my highest sales here and always encounter enthusiastic, loyal customers." In addition to $2500 in cash awards, artists can expect hospitality and concierge services that are a step above the rest. The Festival offers you: * discounted hotel rates

* complimentary snacks and beverages * an Artists' Awards Brunch on Saturday and an Artists' Meeting on Sunday with continental breakfast * an air-conditioned lounge with indoor restrooms * booth sitters; water delivery; overnight, indoor storage * 24-hour security * reserved parking and electricity Artists also reap the benefits of the festival's substantial marketing efforts and media coverage. "[The Omaha Summer Arts Festival] is my favorite show to do; and [the] treatment of artists is the best! said one artist. Not many shows do anything for artists anymore-it is very important to us." This year, the Festival has transitioned to ZAPPlication, an online jury management system. Complete information about applications and digital submissions can be found on the website at www.SummerArts.org. Paper applications are also available. The Omaha Summer Arts Festival is introducing an online application this year to streamline the submission process for artists and jurors, alike, said Vic Gutman, Festival Executive Director. We are committed to making our Festival enjoyable from beginning to end! Interested artists may visit www.SummerArts.org to apply today! The deadline for applications is January 20, 2010. For more information about the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, please contact Elizabeth Balazs, Visual Arts Coordinator, at (402) 345-5401 or ebalazs@vgagroup.com.

Southwest Arts Festival 2010 in Indio,CA

Posted by BenJamin Stielow on February 9, 2010 at 11:05am

Not a bad weekend. Nice weather, good crowds and a buying energy that I havn't felt at a show in a while. Sales seemed all over the board, one neighbor did quite well, another o.k. and another was a goose egg; but I did notice quite a few bags being carried. I had only 2 sales, but they were good sales.

I was told that this was Shanna's first year organizing the event, and I feel bad that I can't remember our traffic control guru's name, they both seemed concerned in what they could do to help the whole process along. Both show operation and load-in/out seemed to go very smooth. One of the easier load-in/outs for me.

I will likely apply to do this show again next year.

Michigan art fair news: Arts, Beats & Eats moves to Royal Oak!

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 8, 2009 at 6:11pm

Breaking news -- it's official -- the hugely popular art, music and food festival held on Labor Day

weekend is leaving its birthplace, Pontiac, MI, to move to a new address -- cool, captivating, hip downtown Royal Oak. Jonathan Witz, producer of ABE, made the announcement this afternoon at Sangria Tapas Cafe in Royal Oak. I've been part of the arts of this event since its inception 12 years ago and have seen firsthand what was a very promising and exciting and financially rewarding event full of the nation's top artists slowly become a victim of the huge shoulder to shoulder crowds and the crumbling local economy. What had started out as a happy "Ann Arbor alternative" for those who were tired of the AA crowds lost much of its luster. Heck, it's been tough in Michigan for a long time now. The recent recession where the rest of the country seemed to be slipping into hard times was nothing new to people in business in Michigan. Therefore, this is great news! Royal Oak is a lovely residential suburb, full of young families, excellent schools, cool restaurants and good shopping. It is going to be really interesting to see how the huge event adapts to this new footprint, but I'm telling you, that if anyone can make it work it is Jon Witz, a man with more ideas, moxie and readiness to make things work than the average guy. Here's wishing you good luck on the move, Jon. Thanks to the city fathers of Royal Oak welcoming the event. Stay tuned for a solid economic turnaround. Read the announcement in the Royal Oak Tribune.

Kansas City Plaza show '09

Posted by Bill Sargent on September 28, 2009 at 10:30pm

This was our first time at the Plaza show and we came with great expectations (a self inflicted condition). It went well enough for us and was by far our best show of the year to date.We had been apprehensive about parking and had been told not to move our vehicle for the weekend once we found a good spot. We found a fabulous spot completely by accident and followed the advice since our hotel was a fairly short walk away. No one we know of complained about parking, though. One other friend left his vehicle in place all weekend once he’d found a good parking spot.The setup went well and artists were assigned a time to roll in and dump their stuff within 45 minutes. This turns out to be plenty of time. Friday is a heavy day since you set up in the morning and the shows runs from 5 to 10 PM the fist day. Crowds are heavy Friday night and we actually sold more that evening than we have at many other shows for the entire weekend.Results were mixed for artists. The mixed media guy behind us did about 300 for the whole show. A photographer friend reported 9300, which was an all time high for him. Another photographer friend and veteran of the show sold 3K. Two years ago he had taken in 12K. Yet another photographer who habitually sells in the five figures at this show was down about a third this year. A painter who had sold 12K lat year was up to $750 by early Sunday morning.The level of work was about as good as it gets. The judges did a fine job in selecting the winnersCrowds were thinner this year, according to some of its members. We were near the food and beer in the row next to the river, so there were plenty of people and our booth was crowded for most of the show.As in Fort Worth, you don’t want to leave your chair unattended if it’s outside your tent. I found a drunk comfortably settled into mine just when I wanted it the most. I finally talked to him and he was nice, if a bit clumsy, when it came to moving. Too bad he spilled most of his beer on the cushion in the process. Fortunately it dried out before noon the next day after exposure to a bright sun and low humidity.Later the next evening I was ready to sit down again after hours on my feet and I looked up to see the very same drunk comfortably settled in my chair. Again. Not wanting to risk another Pabstism for my cushion, I left him alone until he finally wandered off.Teardown went smoothly in our area and we were out of there in a reasonable time.The next day we were looking for something to visit and stumbled on the museum that features the steamboat “Arabia” which was sunk in 1859. The artifacts that were recovered were in such good shape that they were able to put together an exhibit that is much like a large general store you would have walked into that year. Much of the cargo consisted of orders for various merchants and the artifacts are fascinating. Some of them were items the existence of which was unknown before the excavation. The museum is located in the City Market. Just punch City Market into your GPS and it will take you right there. There are also many interesting shops and a genuine Kansas City BBQ eatery.We will keep this show on our application list permanently. It would have been a profitable stand alone show but it was the first in a four-show out-of-state tour for us.OK, Nels, I have purposely dispersed seven grammar, punctuation and spelling errors in this post. I expect you to find them.

3 Spaces Left for Great Lakes Art Fair

Posted by Connie Mettler on October 7, 2009 at 6:00pm

Due to late cancellations we now have three spaces open for the Great Lakes Art Fair to be

held on October 16-18 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI. Do you live near? We are working to establish a good solid indoor regional event that you can keep in your art fair schedule twice a year. We have excellent exhibitors for this date but need to fill out the show. The wait list holds only categories that are full: photography and jewelry, so we need you! The advertising is rolling out and includes TV spots, radio interviews and sponsorship by the Detroit Free Press Homestyle section -- the "go to" guide for area weekend activities. Glass by Shawn Messenger Michigan area art stars will be there (Jerry Berta, Tom Hale, Sonny Dalton, Shawn Messenger, John Leben, Cynthia Mann, Linda Chamberlain, Madeline Kaczmarczyk, Joe Cyberski), why not you? Help us build a fine event that can extend your art fair season. Booth fee: $400, includes electricity, 12 x 10 space with four feet behind; drive up to unload and load Learn more at: www.GreatLakesArtFair.com While it is fresh in your mind contact: Erin Woody, Events and Marketing, Rock Financial Showplace -- 248-348-5600 ext. 236 Or email me for questions: connie@artfaircalendar.com. Don't delay. The press begins with this story in the suburban news, The Observer: Great Lakes Art Fair Comes to Rock

Happy Anniversary,Nels: Saw a Naked Cowboy

Posted by Nels Johnson on January 27, 2010 at 5:30pm

Well, it was a year ago today that I joined this site and started blogging.In case many of you missed it, I am rewriting my second blog: It was Superbowl Weekend in Tampa and I saw the Naked Cowboy--it has always been one of my favorites--hope you enjoy it--Nels.SAW A NAKED COWBOYIts Superbowl week in YborCity. I was having lunch at Carmines on Seventh Avenue.I live in Ybor City one block off the main drag. I was eating my black beans and a crab roll--ok, and also a little Patron Tequila and who strums by in his BVDs--the Naked Cowboy. In case you have not heard, this dude has been strolling around the USA in his BVDs--singing on his guitar--and stopping to let people take his pic.He is cuter than he is a singer. So there he is in Ybor riding the Superbowl wave.It will be interesting tomorrow to see if he is still in his BVDs singing since it is only going to be a high of 55 and windy.It seems everybody who has a scheme to make money has descended on Tampa this week.Its crazy,I wonder why Howard does not have a show here this week.Oh well, I get to miss the Superbowl and travel to New Smyrna Beach tomorrow and set up in chilly windy temps and then hope people come out to buy. (I made $600.00 that weekend.)Aren't I lucky. OK here is a little addition( by now, I had gone home and seen the little woman, and she filled me full of insight).She says,"You figure you are a photographer-WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF THE NAKED PHOTOGRAPHER?" Well, when I go to Carmines I bring a book and not a camera. But to describe him accurately,He was six-foot,well muscled,well tanned, hair blonde down to his waist, and he had a cowboy hat on with cowboy boots and CLEAN BVDs on that were skin tight. My wife, Ellen Marshall-a painter on the circuit that some of you know (and may not forgive, now that she has crossed over to the DARK SIDE) had a curious question. She wanted to know if he was wearing a jock strap? Well, STUPID ME--I am eating crab and swilling tequila, and I was not close enough to evaluate such a close measure of manliness. Oh well, next time I will bring my camera. Aloha, Nels.And from that episode was the humle beginnings of the Tequila Report--Happy Anniversary Nels

Open Jury in St. Louis - March 18 & 19

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 9, 2010 at 9:30am

Ready to see some great art images? Want to see your images stack up for one of the most competitive art fairs in the country? Here's your answer:
Saint Louis Art Fair Reception and Open Jury
Jurying will be held at the St. Louis Art Artists’ Guild, 2 Oak Knoll Park, Clayton, MO 63105. Parking is available in front of the Guild. We will be in the 1st floor Gallery on the right as you enter the front door.

Thursday, March 18
• 6:00 – 7:30 pm Reception at the Artists’ Guild.
Cultural Festivals will provide local artists an opportunity to learn more about the jury process. The reception will allow them to see their images projected as well as images of other artists that applied to the show. CF staff will give a demonstration on the Zapplication process.

Friday, March 19
Jurying begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. – round one of the jury process. Artists and others, interested in seeing the process, are invited to come and observe the Saint Louis Art Fair process in action.

If you have questions please contact Laura Miller at 314-863-0292, (c) 314-749-1998 or lmiller@culturalfestivals.com, or Cindy Lerick at 314-863-4485, or clerick@culturalfestivals.com.

Save the Date - July 17 & 18

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 16, 2010 at 9:53pm

As though July 17 & 18 weren't already very popular dates in the Midwest, a new event will be popping up this summer in Port Huron, Michigan.

This is the weekend of the very cool Port Huron to Mackinaw (sail) Boat Race. Boaters flock to Port Huron for the festivities and to see the boats take off on Saturday morning. To this point there have been no organized activities to keep the visitors in town and contribute to the city of Port Huron. However, the ink is not quite dry on an agreement between the City and Jonathan Witz Associates (producer of Motown Winter Blast, Detroit's River Days and Arts Beats & Eats) to host a festival.

One part will be an art fair with approximately 85 exhibitors. The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, the booth fee will be around $200 and the application fee $10. I will be in charge of the art fair. Those of you who have been in the business for awhile will know if you fit the profile of someone who can take advantage of this water loving summer crowd.

We hope to have a web site up very soon and we will be using Entry Thingy for the applications. Please mark this on your calendar. You will be the first to know when we are ready.

Call for Artists: Prairie Village Art Show in Kansas

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 27, 2010 at 5:00pm

June 4, 5 & 6
54th Year
Prairie Village, Kansas
100 Artists
Application online at:
www.Zapplication.org
Deadline: February 15

The Prairie Village Art Show is not located on a prairie but in the heart of the Kansas City metro area and surrounded by upper income demographics. It is celebrating its 54th year and is the second oldest show in the city. It is ranked in the Top 100 art shows by Art Fair Sourcebook. The show is well attended and draws patrons from the entire metropolitan area.

This show is small with only 100 artists but they come from all parts of the country. The Sourcebook says that Prairie Village, "attracts an affluent and educated clientele."

What to Expect:

20,000 Upper Income patrons
24 Hour Security
Electricity available
Friday Night Wine
Saturday Night Dinner delivered to booth
Artist's lounge with restrooms, snacks and air conditioning
Parking nearby and overnight parking allowed
Discounted Hotel Rates
Booth sitters

The Village in Prairie Village is one of those "lifestyle" shopping areas,
intimate enough for ease of shopping yet anchored by well-known names
such as Macy's and Starbucks with lots of restaurants. Does it sound as
though your clientele will be showing up here? Then you know what to do.

Application online at zapplication.org

For more info visit prairievillageshops.com or contact Donna Potts 913-362-9668.

Call for Entries: Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 8, 2009 at 5:46pm

Today's call for artists is for the BIG ONE that started it all, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As most of you know there are four art fairs running consecutively in Ann Arbor in late July. All of them have excellent art, but this is the one that is universally acknowledged as the best, the original juried art fair. The thrill of this business is in participating in an event of this caliber. Will this be your year?

Why not apply now? I always have held that it is to your advantage to apply early because generally speaking the first images the jury will see are the early applicants. Be there first and be seen first, not when the jury has already seen thousands of images. See you in Ann Arbor? Here's the rest of the story: July 21-24 - Ann Arbor Street Art Fair At the Tower On the streets and campus of Ann Arbor 175 Artists Deadline: January 14 The Street Art Fair is one of the highest ranking art fairs in the nation and for good reason:

--It draws collectors who rarely attend art fairs --It attracts the finest artists --It works with many cultural community and educational institutions to produce exceptional community art activities --It works throughout the year to be a blue ribbon presence in the Ann Arbor community --This is the original event on which the other Ann Arbor fairs have patterned themselves, as well as many other fairs across the nation. It is the creme de la creme of art events. The Street Art Fair has an distinctive jury process, unlike that of any other art fair. There are five separate panels jurying specific media or related categories. There are 4 to 5 jurors per panel, one of whom is a member of the Jury Group. The Jury Group meets in a sixth session after all the panels are complete to review the submissions with high scores and determine invitations in each category, balancing the scores, the range of work and the strength of category. Artists selected for the wait list are also determined at this session.

The jury meets over the weekend at the end of January and early February. All images are projected, statements read with additional information available upon request. The strength of this approach is that they have jurors (who are paid an honorarium) working 4 to 6 hours only in their own area of expertise, or related areas. Jurors see the work multiple times and are able to ask questions and to discuss the work, moving back and forth to compare it to other submissions in the category. Jurors are generally working artists and are often educators at area colleges or museums. They mix new jurors with experienced jurors. The Jury Group member brings a familiarity with the fair and knowledge of the goals and programs from having juried the fair on site the previous year. They will bring the overall sensibility of the panel to the final session. One of the unusual aspects of this jurying is that there is no booth slide required, but rather five images of your work. For more information on the Street Fair visit their website: http://www.artfair.org/ To view the application and apply today, visit: http://www.zapplication.org/

Mount Dora Prize Winners

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 8, 2010 at 5:30pm

Unlike Fort Myers (see Bert Herrera's posting) where the prize money had hit hard times, Mount Dora passed out their $5000 Best of Show award and many more. The Best of Show winner, James Casey, of Clermont, FL, was "shocked, totally stunned, and emotionally overwhelmed." Congratulations to James, a part time artist, who will be back at Lowe's working in the garden department soon. Read the rest of the story here: And the Winner is...

The rest of the winners:

Best of Show ($5,000): James Casey, Clermont

Judges 2-D Choice ($1,500): John Whipple, Winter Park

Judges 3-D Choice ($1,500): Rollin Karg, Kelchi, Kan.

Wendy Alderman Award ($250): Teresa Haun, Tahoe City, Calif.

Category winners, $750 each:

Painting: Polly Podolsky, Orlando

Watercolor: Scott Hartley, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Clay: Don McWhorter, Carrollton, Ga.

Mixed media: Lynn Whipple, Winter Park

Glass and metal: Scott Amrhein, Sherwood, Wis.

Jewelry: Kristin Holeman, Fort Lauderdale

Photography: Laurie Coppedge, Jacksonville

Sculpture: David Figueroa, Sanford

Fine craft: Carol Rollin, Ormond Beach

Award of Excellence ($500 each): Patricia Karnes, Winter Park; Jeffrey Eckert, Tampa; Unmarid Eitharong, Orlando; Dennis DeBon, St. Petersburg; John Kellum, Orlando; Ginny Ganong Nichols, Decatur, Ga.; Bruce Hollwerda, Hoover, Ala.; Edson Campos, Winter Park; Bill Turner, Newnan, Ga.; Charles Gatewood, Phenix City, Ala.; Fred Tate, Austin, Texas; and Michael Barnes, Big Rock, Ill.

The Really Big Deal - Grand Rapids' $250,000 Art Prize

Posted by Connie Mettler on September 28, 2009 at 4:26pm

Rick DeVos scion of the Amway family in Grand Rapids, MI, announced in April the world's largest Art Prize - $250,000 and invited all artists to come to GR in September to compete. The winner will be selected by the public! This, of course, means YOU have to get to Grand Rapids soon to cast your vote. ~~ 25,000 Peace Flags (and counting) by Kiaralinda and Todd The hope is that the exhibition will involve the public and get them looking at art, so it's all good. It

will be interesting to see the winning work. The choices of art experts often has me scratching my head, so the public can't do much worse in choosing a winner. In all over 1600 artists heeded the call. All around Grand Rapids from September 23 to October 10 you can view, hear and participate in their art throughout the city. ~~ Jerry Berta's Art Cart I was there for the excitement Saturday and Sunday. Who knew Grand Rapids was so diverse and beautiful? Sun glinting off the river (bridges turned into art, monsters in the water, sculpture on islands) and excited people everywhere trying to take in as much as possible.

~~ Madeline Kaczmarczyk's mixed media pottery The art is on the street, in empty storefronts, in every restaurant and in the galleries. Then when you get bleary-eyed there is exciting performance art. ~~Connie plays Michael Combs' guitar

I came across some art fair artists too: (former) photographer Michael Combs 6 foot wide mosaic encrusted ceramic guitar, Jerry Berta's diner art cart complete with hot dogs, Madeline Kaczmarczyk's ceramics "Womanology" and Todd and Kiaralinda Ramquist's interactive peace flags. The peace flags encircle the B.O.B., an outdoor plaza filled with provocative work. My friend Jan Richardson's daughter, Heather, was dancing with the Ramquist's in her "Peace Angel" costume, complete with flashing lights. Did I tell you this is fun? Really--be there or be square! I'm casting my vote now. Here's an excellent article I found: Grand Rapids Masters the Art of Urban Engagement -- good photos too.

Osceola/Kissimmee FL

Posted by Steve Cambronne on February 16, 2010 at 6:36pm

Great award money to lure you in and if you didn't receive an award..you lost for the weekend! Weather bad, but not good turnout and the ones that did come, looking for $20. items...Buy and sell, lot's of newbies, bad location...EZ ups were flying..duh..weights? My crafter neighbors were trying to teach me how to make $...blah, blah, blah! They were excited for making $450. Promoter was nice tho!..Good awards breakfast..but that is not what I do shows for! Kissimmee can kiss a my! Mad at my better half for booking me this one!
Stevo!

Brandywine Art Festival - Part IV

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 13, 2010 at 4:43pm

We first reported problems with the Brandywine Art Festival in August: Art Fair Doesn't Pay Bills - Loses Permit - Moves to PA And then again, Not So - "Art Fair Doesn't Pay Bills - Loses Permit - Moves to PA" Then in September we learned some more: She Kept the Money! More Bad News from Brandywine In response to our inquiry about the festival's 2010 dates we received this message: We're sorry to inform you that the 49th annual Brandywine Arts Festival has been canceled indefinitely. This is a sad time for our staff, the community, and the artists who have all contributed so much to this loved tradition. We'd like to both thank and apologize to those who have supported this celebration of the arts year after year. There is a Sugarloaf Art and Craft Festival September 25, 26, 27, 2009 at the Chase center on the Wilmington Riverfront. This is a nice event I hope the community continues to embrace it. Click Here for more info We're in the process of acquiring an attorney; it will be posted here when we do.

Ready to Make the Switch from Artist to Administrator?

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 27, 2010 at 10:29am

An email from a friend today, discouraged with sales at art fairs, said that a lot of his friends were thinking of applying for census jobs. Yes, that might be a useful alternative, but have you considered all of the administrative skills you have been honing over the years? Here are two recent job postings from two important art/craft organizations: 1. The American Craft Council is seeking qualified candidates to apply for the position of Executive Director. The next Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to lead and sustain the American Craft Council through an exciting new phase of the Council's history. With the relocation to Minneapolis, this chief executive will dynamically and strategically lead the future vitality, relevance, and impact of the Council. As a nonprofit, membership-centric organization, the Executive Director is accountable to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the execution of the strategic plan and development and implementation of the programs, policies, and practices of the Council. Within that framework, the Executive Director is responsible for the management and development of approximately 15 employees and a budget of $6 million. Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for strategic direction, external relationships and fundraising, board and executive committee relations, membership growth and development, spokesperson and public relations, and administration. This position is located in Minneapolis, MN (relocation from New York City to be completed by July 2010). For a complete job description and how to apply, click here. Please pass this along and/or share it with your constituents. Expressions of interest and/or recommendations will be held in confidence and should be sent via email to: ACC@kornferry.com 2. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - Office & Special Programs Manager The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is seeking a highly motivated individual to take charge of office administration and oversee operations and special programs for a major national visual art fair. Basic bookkeeping and event management experience required. An interest in the arts is desirable. Applicants should visit the Fair's web site at www.artfair.org for an overview of the event and activities. To apply, send resume and cover letter by January 29, 2010 to:mriley@artfair.org Subject: Office - Program Manager Search. For more information, click here.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.