From Susan Farb Morris, PR firm for Bayou City Art Festival:
Thanks to the tremendous support of you and the greater Houston community, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park experienced record-breaking attendance and phenomenal sales for the artists. The Sunday paid attendance was the biggest in Festival history for one day ticket sales -- 14,303. (This doesn't figure does not reflect children in attendance or the number of volunteers, artists, and media.) There were 6,500 children over the three days who made art in the Capital One Bank Creative Zone. Overall, there were 34,857 art lovers in attendance.
Congrats to Kim Stollis, Kelly Kindred and the rest of the staff at Bayou City. It is great to hear this news and all of us in the art fair community wish you continued success. See you in October!
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My 1st year at this show and I was very impressed. I pull a trailer so I am usually early. Booth #'s were in chalk and rain washed them away. Staff was right on it and had remarked in record time. The wind was horrible Sat.. 2 glass artists lost most of their inventory, felt awful for them. Could hear things breaking throughout the day. My trimline anchored by my stones and display fixtures was a blessing, I wasn't going anywhere! Sat. sales were constant with small items being the majority of sales. Didn't make it to the artist reception, cold and beat up by the wind. Sunday was beautiful! Had many high end sales. Did around 4K for weekend..Thanks Michigan! Crowds were constant and very heavy at times, lots waited to come out Sun due to weather. E Lansing organization was awesome. Easy load in/out, volunteers everywhere. Jeweler found that Sat night someone threw up in back of his tent, he called head of show,within 20 minutes they had it cleaned up for him. Artists for the most part were happy with sales. Hope I am fortunate to be invited back next year. Kalamazoo is next for me,will let you know how it goes.Kevin
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Posted by Ginny Herzog on April 27, 2009 at 1:16pm
This past weekend the Austin show was the last of my four TX shows that I scheduled for this month. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I skipped the FL market for the first time in over 20 years to attempt to establish a new market in TX. I had done the Austin show three times previous. The first time, in 1984, it was known as Laguna Gloria Fiesta and was held on the grounds of the Laguna Gloria Art Museum. The next two times I participated was in 2000 and 2001, when it was held in a downtown location and the show was the Austin Arts Festival, I believe. Last year they moved the show to Cesar Chavez Blvd, which runs parallel and just north of Lady Bird Lake and the show is now known as Art City Austin.Early check-in was available on Friday afternoon. It was located at an off show site, across the lake in one of the many parking lots in a large park, and was not easily accessible to artists, especially those unfamiliar with the Austin area. My suggestion would be to relocate check-in to the "staging area" in the hour previous to their setup time. There were two load-in shifts, an hour apart, giving the first shift only 45 minutes to unload, before needing to move their vehicles to available parking up to six blocks away.The first shift was given access at 7:40 and by the time the second shift drove in, it was nearly 8:45 and dark. We had until midnight for setup and access on Saturday morning was at 6:30 am.Load out was smooth except for the very gusty winds that made for nervous dismantling of the booths.This being my first time at this new 7 block stretch of Cesar Chavez, I found the show layout was too long. There were too many large gaps between groups of booths. Also, the Food Court took up a long block and, perhaps could have been placed on an adjacent side street like Guadalupe, instead, to tighten the show.This show definitely did not have the same energy as MSFW, nor the buyers.Sales were slow for nearly everyone I spoke with and several had not made expenses, including me. I'm not sure that the show was promoted very well. I was in Austin for nearly three weeks and saw very little advertising. I thought the attendance was mediocre, compared to Houston and Ft. Worth. There was an $8 gate fee and two day admission was $15, which may have discouraged interested patrons from returning on Sunday to purchase. This show seems to try to reinvent itself and I wonder if, perhaps, these are all volunteers.The awards were best of category for $100 each and $!000 Best of Show. I never saw a list of award winners, however, I know thatThe urban landscape of downtown Austin has changed dramatically since I was last here. I was very excited to see the wonderful new contemporary architecture, including loft and condo buildings. Also, some outstanding contemporary skyscrapers.My next show is the Northern VA Fine Arts Festival in Reston and I'm hoping for a stronger art buying market there.I hope that others fared better at other shows last weekend and wonder how the stormy weather affected those at the OK Festival of Arts.
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We are doing the Minneapolis Uptown show show this year for the first time and would like any information or advice. Parking, hotel, booth location.... etc.THANKS!!!
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Art festivals in Alabama are like everywhere else, each one has a different flavor, be it in Birmingham, Fairhope or Huntsville. This weekend's Panoply in Huntsville is a good example. We have participated in this event. We were amazed when we drove east from I-65 to Huntsville, it seemed there was a freeway especially built to reach Huntsville. The high tech industry has really made this town. There are lots of people with good educations.
The festival is held in Big Spring Park near the Boeing Museum and is a big deal each Spring.
Here are this year's prize winners:
Best of Show: Frederick Warren of North Muskegon, Mich. (Glass)
Award of Distinction: Joseph Wujcik, Calera, Ala. (Wood)
Merit Awards: Jason Bove, Oregonia, Ohio (Clay)
Dennis Leatherman, Huntsville, (Drawing)
Linda Overton Heath, Cowan, Tenn, (Drawing)
Joseph Maschinot, Cave Spring, Ga. (Photography)
Janet Brim, Cincinnati, Ohio (Fiber)
Emerging Artist : Ashley Dinges, Huntsville (Photography)
Art Educator: Kathryn Jill Johnson, Huntsville, (Mixed Media) ($100)
Congratulations to Fred, an award winner wherever he goes.
Here are more stories about Panoply:
Huntsville's Panoply Arts Festival welcomes big crowds and clear skies, again, w/videoRead more…
Could it be because they have business/life partners who devote themselves to the success of the artist? Yes!!
This month's issue of the Crafts Report explores the role of the "non-artist's" role in an artist's business life discussing this often unsung person's contributions to the business.
As an artist's partner myself this is not an eye-opening expose, but it is great to receive some recognition. As art director of Arts, Beats & Eats we have a revolving award, The Golden Dolly, that is awarded each year (with an award check!) to the best artist's partner. The first recipient was Richard Nash, hauling the work of Jeanne Nash around the country. Year two it went to Michael Strailey (an Art Fair Insider) who is still setting up Nancy's booth innumerable times each season. Other awardees: Carole Weber (spouse of Michale Weber), Judy Lederer (spouse of Ron Lederer), Sam Kuznets (spouse of Svetlana), etc. Many thanks to these great people.
Enjoy the article at this link: http://www.craftsreport-digital.com/craftsreport/200903/?pg=36
Read the article and then get back to this and let us hear what you think.
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June 13 & 14 Royal Oak, MI on Washington Avenue in downtown Royal Oak Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce 125 artists Deadline: March 1 A simple concept: Focusing on a core audience will bring you the best results. That's why Royal Oak continues a fifteen year tradition of celebrating artwork created with heat. What does that mean for you? A world of difference. You are not competing with prints, photos and corndogs. Everyone is coming because they have an interest in your artwork. Artists report that it is a pleasure to work with customers that already have an understanding of the medium. We encourage artists to showcase their methods by giving additional space free to accepted artists that wish to demonstrate techniques. Any loud music is buffered by our restaurants and then sponsors, assuring that no artist loses out to music and smoke. This festival features 125 clay, glass and metal artists, demonstrations and related activities. As a result we get a large focused audience. Our artists tell us that it is a pleasure having customers that really understand their work and techniques. The Royal Oak Clay & Glass Festival provides:
-Qualified Buyers -Cash Awards -Overnight Security & Free Parking -Artist Breakfast To be artist friendly while also assuring new booths every year, we have a three year jury rotation. If you have participated in the last three years you are automatically accepted when you send in your booth and application fees by deadline. The art fair is organized by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows a veteran organizer of metro Detroit events. NOTE: ONLY CLAY, GLASS AND METAL ARE ACCEPTED. WORK MAY INCORPORATE OTHER ELEMENTS BUT MUST BE PRIMARILY CLAY, GLASS OR METAL. SORRY NO POLYMERS SUCH AS PRECIOUS METAL CLAY. For more info:
www.RoyalOakChamber.com APPLY TODAY:
www.zapplication.orgRead more…
Look what web browsing finds you:
Documounts.com, "Framing solutions for today's digital & traditional artist." Finding the right partnership can really help your business take off. From what I have seen
Documounts is a useful partner for your art business. The site sells quality mats and bags for your art at prices that help you make a better profit.
This page even focuses on artists who participate in art fairs. You will find great Market Ready Kits and Pre-Cuts mats along with lots of helpful information and tutorials at
Documounts 101 (everything you ever wanted to know about matting and framing) and on
their blog (full of tips about the art business).
Bookmark this site!Read more…
My thanks to director Katie Lucas of the Columbus Arts Festival, Ohio's biggest and best art fair, for providing more information on the upcoming open jurying.
The jurying will take place at the City of Upper Arlington's Municipal Building (3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221). If you are anywhere near Columbus I heartily urge you to attend part of this screening. There is a lot to learn that will help you in your art fair career.
Saturday, February 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Digital Art - 20 applicants
2DMixed Media - 95 applicants
Glass - 48 applicants
Painting - 111 applicants
Leather - 25 applicants
3DMixed Media - 49 applicants
lunch around Noon
Jewelry - 188 applicants
Drawing - 21 applicants
Fiber - 43 applicants
Photography - 98 applicants
Wood - 44 applicants (may move to Sunday if we are running long on Saturday)
Sunday, February 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Ceramics - 93 applicants
Metal - 24 applicants (may move to Saturday if jurors are on a roll)
Printmaking - 19 applicants
Sculpture - 53 applicants
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Posted by Jan Kaulins on February 25, 2009 at 9:29pm
Sonny, Sonny, Sonny. You can't fool an old dog like me with your I NEED OXYGEN GET OUT OF WORK QUICK SCHEME--I know you only too well and I'm not buying it. Are you sure that your problems are from welding smoke, or could it be some other sort of more esoterically oriented smoke? Sonny, Sonny, Sonny. That's probably not an oxygen tank, but one of those that makes you sound like Donald Duck when you inhale it--you know, the stuff they blow up balloons with. Now that I think about it, I think you might be on to something. I've been doing shows almost as long as you have--you know that. We go back a long time my friend. I think I'll go blow some Welding Smoke, quit my job (doing shows) and join you on that tropical island beach hide-away that I think you've got lined up. We can both sit on the beach and swap lies and dirty jokes and make fun of all the other artists still working and pounding the pavement. Yes Sonny, I think you've got it figured out my dear friend, and perhaps I'll join you on that beach one day soon. Love ya old pal. Big hug to Roxie for me. Jan Kaulins
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2-22-09 An innovative new web site, the
Arts Acquisition Project, devoted to connecting artists with collectors seeks
pieces for its inaugural exhibition. The
Arts Acquisition Project aspires to be the premier arts web site to date, bringing a fresh approach to the online gallery business. The focus will be not only on the art, and revealing it to a wider audience, but also to introduce the general public to the artists as people, innovators in action. Commentary and review will also be an integral part of the
Arts Acquisition Project, as AAP strives not only to sell art, but to also cultivate an environment of artistic growth and conversation. One of the
Arts Acquisition Project's biggest assets will be its close relationships to regional and national artist and buyer communities. AAP will also have a commanding presence on the web, where its over-arching relevancy in the arts community will make it one of the top hits on Google whenever someone searches for 'art.' Quite simply, the
Arts Acquisition Project is going to become synonymous with purchasing art online. AAP is interested in showing all forms of visual artistic media, including but not limited to painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, and crafters. You are invited to be part of the inaugural group of artists included in this gallery. Artists should submit a brief biography and up to five pieces (as jpegs) of work, preferably of the same theme.
The Rest of the Story:Arts Acquisition Project is an innovative economic solution to an eclectic art market. Historically, artists have asked patrons to come to them, whether it be to galleries, exhibitions, or art fairs. With AAP, the art will be going to where the consumer is already shopping: the Internet. A sleek, hip, user-friendly website like AAP will entice a new type of buyer to consider purchasing original modern art. Natanya Willis, the founder of the Arts Acquisition Project, is an interior designer and arts hobbyist. Her appreciation of the visual arts and design has seamlessly brought her to the next generation of arts appreciation. Her understanding of the power of the Internet and its unlimited potential to convey interest in the arts will prove to be both provocative and engaging. Creating and delivery of a new online forum for the arts is no easy task, but the rewards of ingenuity and creativity are well worth the efforts. You are invited to be part of the inaugural group of artists included in this gallery. Artists should submit a brief biography and up to five pieces (as jpegs) of work, preferably of the same theme. For more information, or to submit, visit
www.artsacquisitionproject.com. Entries will also be considered for publication in the biannual print journal.
2-25-09 After artists contacted Ms. Willis for more information after reading the above "call", she has updated it. Here is her response:
Thank you for you interest regarding the Arts Acquisition Project. We are delighted with the responses so far. Please review our artist update regarding detailed questions that each of you requested. The AAP is in its development stage and the process is moving quickly. Again, I would like to thank each of you for your interest in this special project. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly and stay tuned, the site will be evolving everyday. Thank you, Natanya Willis Click on this link for the latest updates: Artist Update.doc Arts Acquisition ProjectRead more…
July 11 and 12 On the Capital Concourse around the Capital Building Presented by The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 400 artists Deadline: March 2 Art Fair on the Square is not only the single largest art fair in the Midwest, it is also rated among the best fine art shows in North America by artists from across the country, and by publications such as
Sunshine Artist magazine. Furthermore, Art Fair on the Square is the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art's most important annual fundraiser, providing crucial support for exhibitions and education programming. For two days, the eight blocks that surround Wisconsin's beautiful State Capitol are transformed as artists, entertainers, vendors, and some 200,000 visitors come together to celebrate the arts. There are a bunch of upgrades to the event this year including: * Free Lodging for Artists * More Media Coverage of the Event * Power for Artists * and a new Facebook group For more information:
www.mmoca.org/events/artfair Apply today:
www.zapplication.org Here's the latest news from Katie Hudson, organizer of the popular Art Fair on the Square:
I wanted to remind everyone that one week from today is the application deadline for Madison, WI, Art Fair on the Square. We understand that the current economic environment has taken its toll, and probably has many of you frustrated and a bit gun shy when it comes to picking shows for the summer. For this reason, I wanted to take a moment to outline some of what Art Fair on the Square has to offer artists that we believe will make your trip to Madison a profitable one. Free Lodging for Artists This year Madison residents will open up their homes to Art Fair on the Square artists and provide them with a place to stay free of charge. More Media Coverage of the Event Art Fair on the Square has always advertised on local television, radio and in newspapers throughout the region. This year our coverage will extend state-wide and there will be more of it. Thanks to new sponsorships and renegotiated contracts, we will have more television and radio commercials as well as larger and more diversified print advertising. Power for Artists! Thanks to the non-profit organization, Working Bikes, we will be able to offer artists batteries that will be recharged throughout the day through bicycle powered charging stations. Runners will swap out batteries for artists as needed so that anyone who wants it can have clean, continuous power. These are just a few of the programs that we have in the works for this coming summer. To learn more, please join Art Fair on the Square's Facebook page where you will find pictures, quotes, ideas and articles about Madison and our event. Of course you can also visit our web site: www.mmoca.org/events/artfair to see who participated last year and to download an application for 2009. Digital applications are available through ZAPP. I look forward to seeing you in July!Read more…
Posted by Jim Parker on February 11, 2009 at 5:34pm
Did Boca this past weekend. The first show of the season for me. I sat out January and was glad to get some work done. But Boca was disappointing. Lots of interest, lots of browsers, lots of love, but very few buyers. Most everyone I talked to was having the same show. I think Michael McKee did well, but the photogs were hurting. My sales were half what they were last year. We'll see how Artigras and Naples go, like Nels said.
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In case you haven't noticed, Chicagoland residents love their art fairs, there are many affluent neighborhoods and a special art fair for most of them. For years my partner and I did back-to-back weekend drives to Chicago to sell our art. Enthusiastic and appreciative audiences always appeared to greet us. Today's edition lists
five Chicago area professionally run art fairs by
Erin Melloy of EM Events. As opposed to most promoter run events, Erin does not own the events herself, but rather contracts with community groups to produce the events. She is a promoter "for hire", which translates into an organizer who needs to meet the needs of each organization as well as the artists who participate in the art fairs, giving her a double dose of accountability. Erin Melloy is currently in her 14th year of producing high quality outdoor art festivals in the Chicago area.
EM Events holds to the belief that art counts and nothing but the best will do. Connect with beginning, casual and avid collectors at any of the wonderful outdoor events, located throughout the region. Smaller intimate art fairs such as these enable you to stand out and connect with the audience. Developing these relationships are the foundation of a successful art fair life.
May 16 & 17Riverside Arts Fair Riverside 65 artists The
Riverside Fine Arts Fair has quickly become a community highlight. It compliments and confirms the appreciation for high quality design and materials that Riverside residents and our neighbors find in its quaint community. $1,100.00 in prize money. Hosted by the Economic Development Commission, supported by the Village of Riverside and the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, the festival is held in the central business district of historic Riverside. Riverside is a near western suburb where 50% of the population 25 years and older have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.
Click here for its location.
July 11 & 12Orland Park Arts Fair Orland Park 65 artists Celebrating its sixth year, the
Village of Orland Park Art Fair has become a summer tradition showcasing the amazing talents of local artisans as well as those from across the country. Orland Park is ranked #45 on Money Magazine's Top 100 best places to live and scored highest in Arts and Leisure. $8,000.00 in prize money. The annual Art Fair is hosted by the Village of Orland Park Arts Commission, whose mission is to bring cultural and artistic events to the community. The event is held at the Orland Park Crossing shopping center at 143rd Street and LaGrange Road.
June 20 & 22 Prairie State Art Fair Arlington Park 25 artists Located at the prestigious Arlington Park Race Track this second year event will feature 25 juried ILLINOIS artists who wish to join us and showcase their talents to over 16,000 patrons at the park that weekend. Prints will be allowed at this event. In the spirit of racing, all 25 artists will be in the running for $5,000 in prize money.
July 25 & 26 Geneva Arts Fair Geneva 145 artists Geneva, a chic and charming historic town located on the Fox River, will celebrate its eighth Annual Fine Arts Fair in 2009. Its prestigious reputation of offering a superb selection of fine art by renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers attracts beginning and avid collectors. In 2008, West Suburban Living magazine's 11th Annual "best of the west" named the
Geneva Arts Fair as Best Craft or Art Show. Presented by the Chamber of Commerce the show is tucked along shady streets among 100+ specialty shops located in Victorian style homes and century-old buildings. A "hands on" kids art area, awards for emerging and seasoned artists along with warm small town hospitality, offer a picture-postcard setting for this juried art celebration. $8,000.00 in prize money. For more info:
www.genevachamber.com/artfair.htmlAugust 8 & 9 Art in Your Eye Batavia 75 artists The
Art In Your Eye Festival seeks award-winning artists for its fifth annual fine art festival at the beautiful Riverwalk on the Fox in downtown Batavia. Sponsored by the City of Batavia, the festival is a collaborative effort with other key organizations and reflects the spirit of Batavia's artistic and art-supporting community. Art In Your Eye includes additional pre-festival activities focusing on art education, hands-on art experiences, and arts appreciation. The culminating two-day event at the Riverwalk includes the centerpiece outdoor fine art show, children's art activities, continuous musical entertainment, an indoor exhibit featuring local artists, food, and free guarded bike parking to attract the hundreds of cyclists traveling the adjacent Fox River trails. $14,000.00 in prize money. For more info on this event visit:
www.artinyoureye.com There is a common application for these events. Download the application at: www.emevents.com Images must be submitted by
February 1st for the current listed events. Application and jury fees are due by
February 1st. Please note: there will also be having an additional jury with images due March 1st for other events being held later in the year. For a full listing of all EM events, jury fees, booth fees, attendance, amenities, due dates, rules, etc., and/or to download an application please visit:
www.emevents.com Contact Erin Melloy at:
Erin@emevents.comRead more…
June 26-28 Washington Park in the heart of the central business district Quincy, IL 50 Artists Deadline: March 31 Where is Quincy, IL?
Visit this link. From the director, Maggie Strong:
Quincy is a lovely town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi. We have a rich arts history and are home to the first Arts Council in America. Our architecture also represents the best in the Midwest. We are in our 6th year of putting on a quality juried fine art festival and accept approximately only 50 artists in order for each of our artists to have the opportunity for good sales as we continue to grow our faire. We give out approximately $5,000 in awards, with best of show receiving $1,000. We have many repeat artists but always like to recruit new artists to apply. You can ask any of our past participating artists and they will tell you we treat artists like gold! Our community is happy to host them for the weekend! Now, isn't that intriguing? It sounds like this committee knows what is required to put on a quality event. When I replied that while they were preparing for their faire that they should visit the Belleville, IL, art fair to learn how a small community can make an art fair that excels, she replied that, yes, she had already been there and is hoping to build Quincy's to become such an event. Here's the rest:
* Our artists represent diverse styles and techniques including oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolor, unique sculpture, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics, vivid photography and so much more. * The city of Quincy is dedicated to making the faire a positive experience for both artists and guests * The faire encourages artists to demonstrate and discuss their work * Great entertainment, wonderful local food and a variety of children's activities The artists speak:
--This show has the potential to be one of the best shows of the summer in the Midwest. --Quincy knows how to treat artists. --A show of this quality so close to home is a dream come true. Download an application online at
www.ArtsFaire.org For more info:
mafdirector@gmail.com Application Fee: $10; Booth Fee: $100
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Howard Alan Events can become the backbone of your exhibiting year. These popular outdoor festivals are consistently ranked among the top art shows in the country. Located along some of the most charming streets in the nation, the festivals brings the unique creations of hundreds of award-winning artists to thousands of art enthusiasts across America every weekend.
7th Annual Alexandria Festival of the ArtsAbout Howard Alan Events More than 27 years ago Howard Alan opened a retail store in Plantation, FL. In this store, Howard featured artists and crafters, selling their work on consignment. A publicity stunt featuring a 6-foot-4-inch gorilla named Magilla, brought the press running, landing Howard and his gallery on several local TV news stations, as well as Good Morning America and PM Magazine. Realizing he had a knack for advertising and public relations he combined this talent and his passion for the arts and created Howard Alan Events, a public relations and advertising agency specializing in art show promotions.
Today, Howard Alan is one of the most widely and highly recognized individuals in the industry. Along with Debbie, his wife and business partner of 25 years, his son Darrin and their dedicated staff, Howard runs 45 annual juried art shows and 40 annual craft shows out of a small office in Plantation, Florida. With all the shows came the artists. Over the last 24 years, Howard Alan is proud to have
exhibited the work of over 10,000 different artists worldwide. Today, a typical Howard Alan show will feature anywhere from 100 to upwards of 300 exhibitors. Many credit Howard Alan for allowing them to make a living doing what they love most.
The District Art Annual...Downtown Kansas City Howard Alan Events produces multiple shows therefore they have an ongoing jury process that meets twice monthly and juries by category. SHOW DIRECTOR'S SUGGESTION: We recommend that you apply EARLY as the show and/or most categories will fill quickly. Visit their website
www.artfestival.com to view the events and plan your schedule. Then apply at:
www.zapplication.orgRead more…
