July 9-12 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts 43rd Annual Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition Downtown State College and Penn State Campus 300 Exhibitors Deadline: January 30, 2009 Applications available online:
www.zapplication.org Why should you apply to this festival? Here is what its' director, Rick Bryant, has to say: -It is always ranked in the Top Ten in the
Sunshine Artist magazine rankings -We bring roughly
125,000 people to State College over five days in July (the first day of our Festival is Children's Day, and our artists set up at the end of the day, so that they are there four days). -Show is in its
43rd year and is on Penn State campus and the streets of the Borough of State College. Actually, we were founded by the State College chamber of commerce and Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture as a "town/gown" event. -
Penn State alumni return for "Arts Festival Alumni Weekend," a time to renew old college ties, attend special programs, and, of course, the arts festival. -We hand out over
$17,000 in prizes -We also receive lots of support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-not only the Pennsylvania
Council of the Arts, but also the Pennsylvania Tourism Office. -Our festival features the outdoor show, an indoor gallery exhibition, a celebration of Italian Street Painting, performing arts on three indoor stages and four outdoor stages
Where is State College, PA?
Visit this link. The publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com says:
If you are sincere about your career at the art fairs, this is an event that you should seriously consider for your participation. The best reason is that your work will be seen by a clientele who comes from across the country for this annual reunion at their alma mater. The exposure to a new audience could lead not only to success here but it will broaden your art fair experience. Lots of Easterners attend, a great cultural mix. For more information about the their website at the
Central Pennsylvania Festival of Arts. For more call for entries listings visit:
ArtFairCalendar.com/callforentriesRead more…
I have recieved some great and disappointing feedback concerning the Fairhope Arts & Crafts show. If you have feed back I would love to see your comments. I am talking about the Chamber of Commerce Show. What Iam hearing is negative to somewhat consistance in sales
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Errata--in January I reported that the
Central West End Art Fair and Taste in St. Louis, MO, had been cancelled. After speaking with this year's Executive Director, Laura Lock, she confirmed that the 2009 15th annual event has NOT been cancelled. Put it back on your calendar, artists! This cool local event that features art, performance and great food is alive and well and will be on the streets of the Central West End neighborhood June 11-14. For more info:
www.thecwe.com. My apologies to this hard-working group for this error.
Read more…
In my mailbox:
BAD BILL IN CONGRESS - NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!
There is a horrible bill being passed in Congress regarding copyright laws in our country. If it makes it through both the Senate and House all artists may lose the rights to their artwork. Big corporations who have more money will be able to go around and buy up artists' work and keep them from selling their work or making a profit. Please sign the petition against this bill.
It was brought to my attention by a good friend and I'm passing it on to my group. If you are an artist, or know an artist, please send them the links below so they can sign the petition against this up and coming law that will hurt all artists, photographers, musicians, etc. Here's the link:
http://www.petitiononline.com/Stop2913/petition.html
To find out more about what others are saying:
http://digg.com/business_finance/CORPORATE_THEFT_THE_ORPHAN_WORKS_BILL
http://www.owoh.org
The Orphan Works Opposition Headquarters
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Hi We have a small gallery in Martinsville, IN and are having a paintout with some great prizes if anyone interested here is info and registration.50th Anniversary Fall Folliage Festival Paint OutSponsored by ArtWorks, Art League and Arts CouncilOctober 3, 2009This contest is open to artists of all ages, whether amateur or professional. Using their own supplies, participants create original artwork in any medium listed below. The entry fee is $25.00 for adults, payable before September 15, 2009 . Children 12 & Under, and Age 13 to 16, may enter free of charge. All artists, whatever their age, must pre-register to participate. monetary awards and ribbons are as follows, 1st place $200.00, 2nd place $175.00, 3rd place $125.00, in each category. One Best of Show overall, $500.00. Prizes are donated by local merchants.NO ONE MAY REGISTER THE DAY OF THE CONTEST. The contest will be held, rain or shine. If the contest is cancelled for reasons beyond our control, registration fees will not be refunded, but may be applied to the next scheduled painting event, the 50th Anniversary Fall Foliage Festival paint out is October 3, 2009.CONTEST GUIDELINESRegister before September 15, 2009 using the form below.This form is NOT an electronic registration. In order to register, you must print the form, filling out the information completely, and mail or bring in form to ArtWorks with payment of the registration fee.1. Upon arrival (at ArtWorks 147 N. Jefferson), artists must check-in and have their pads/canvasses, etc. stamped before beginning work. Canvasses may be prepped but otherwise must be blank. UNSTAMPED WORK WILL NOT BE JUDGED.2. Adult entries are divided by media. Artists may register in multiple categories and may create more than one work, but may SUBMIT ONLY ONE WORK FOR JUDGING.Children judged by age group.3. Artists provide their own easels for displaying their work for the judges. Work should not be signed, framed or matted for judging.4. All artwork submitted must be original, and must be done outside between 7am and 2pm. All art must be done in or around Martinsville. All work submitted must be created the day of the contest.5. Artwork to be turned in for judging by 2pm. Judging from 2:15 until 3:30.The award ceremony will begin between 3:30pm and 4:00pm.6. Failure to honor contest guidelines or follow ArtWorks directives may disqualify an artist from participating in the judging.Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Drinks and snackProvided.REGISTRATION FORMName _______________________________________________Address______________________________________________City,State, Zip_________________________________________Email:_______________________________________________Phone______________________________Fee paid$_____________Registration Fee is $25.00 for adults, children and 13-16 free.Check or money order should be made payable to ArtWorks of Martinsville Registration fees are not refundable.Please Check Appropriate Category of Entry:_____Adult/Oil _____Adult/Acrylic____ Adult/Watercolor____ Adult/Pastel____Child 12 & Under (any media) _____Teen 13-16 (any media)Mail completed registration form and fee, if applicable, to:ArtWorks of Martinsville147 N. Jefferson St.Martinsville, IN 46151765-342-2320
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As Texas seems to becoming the Happy Hunting Grounds for artists fleeing the North and other distressed areas we will be hearing more and more reports on these events.
Veteran artist Ginny Herzog decided to not exhibit in Florida this year but instead to focus on this area. Here is her report from Houston this weekend:
I exhibited at HB this past wkend for the first time. I decided to forego the FL shows this season because of the bad economy there and, instead, do four TX shows in five weeks. I had heard good things about the Houston show and was looking forward to doing it.
The show is held in Memorial Park and artists are set up in the roadway that circles in the park. Most booths are set up on the outer circumference but in some areas the roadway has wider areas for parking and artists are set up on both sides facing each other. There were nearly 300 exhibitors and about 100 were new this year. Set up times were Wednesday, Thursday and early Friday morning. In most areas there was ample room to pull your vehicle in across from your both for unloading and loading. We had a downpour late
Thursday afternoon so I elected to leave my unstocked booth for a dinner break and returned later to stock it. Weather was very warm and humid on Friday and this Minnesotan is not used to dripping in March. The size of the crowd was okay the first day but it seemed that sales were slow for most...as if the buyers were merely scoping out the show. The temps plummeted on Wed. night and it was in the 40's when we opened our booths on Sat. We came dressed in layers and the sun warmed us up into the 60's in the afternoon. Big crowds attended both Sat. and Sunday in the perfect weather.
The show was very well publicized and organized. I thought the quality was mixed but leaned toward quite good. The focus was on the art but they had good food booths and the entertainment was supportive of the art buying atmosphere...not too loud and very tasteful. The artist hospitality and volunteers were some of the best I've encountered and it was very much appreciated.
There is very little parking available near Memorial Park so they shuttle the festival goers in large buses from shopping centers. There is a $10 gate fee which supports art in Houston. No dog allowed. This show is very well supported by the community.
As far as sales go, it was mixed. I spoke to several artists. It seems that most of the 2D artists were selling prints or smaller works from their portfolio, although I did see occasional larger works go by. Some fine crafts did okay and others said sales were down for them. Many who had done FL, said although their sales were down, the show wasn't as bad as the FL shows. Personally, I sold only one of my smallest pieces so did not come near making expenses. However, I had excellent interest in my work and felt my lack of success was probably a combination of being new to the show and the economy. I am still considering trying the fall Bayou show in Oct. and maybe returning to the spring show to give it another chance.
I thought load out went much better than expected and I even had a wonderful volunteer help me take down and load up.
Thanks for all this info, Ginny. I know some more of you were there. Let's hear what you have to say.
Other news out of Houston: photographer John Galbo rolled his truck and a crane had to be brought in to upright it. Neither John, his inventory nor truck received much damage. John drives a large box truck. I look forward to hearing from you, John, about this recent adventure.
I am sitting here and thinking what a mess this had to be not only for John, but for artists nearby and the committee. There is a narrow road that encircles the park that artists use to access their spaces. A truck in the ditch would certainly impede any movement, add to that a crane! I know how crazy some people get during set up and tear down. Doesn't anyone have photos? Nels?
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One can get a touch of cabin fever in Michigan this time of the year, for entertainment--read others blogs. Do you think I lead a wild life?
Here is ArtFairInsider.com member Pat Sorbini's attempt to handle her off art fair hours:
Well, I ask you to open my studio door at the end of the season and not imagine a war having been fought there.
Really bad. Really.
So, I have some time off from the theater, my first app due in 10 days, a need to keep busy, a snowstorm outside. There will be cleaning.
I am going to organize. Again. There will be plastic bins and labels. Old storage stuff that never really worked is already at the curb. New shelves are ready to be filled with those labeled plastic thingys.
I have the most trouble letting go of things that I may use someday maybe if just in case I might somehow.....gone. Unpainted paper castings, A book that just need a repair...for 2 years now. Mirrors with designs that just didn't work. Cast bowls that never sold, the edges cracked from schlepping to show after show. Gone.
I started this year with the same cleaning spurt, but this time I am actually redoing things. For instance, my paper cutter is on a surface just about 6 inches too low so I always hurt my back when doing any prolonged cutting. That will be moved up. Things i had stored right near my work area will be stored away unless it's something I use daily. Stuff like that.
And so we start again. A clean room, a clean slate. A new calendar book. New plans.
Guess I should get up there. One more coffee.......
Pat's blog: View from the AtticRead more…
“It is so much fun exploring each new small advance. Magic happens with a series. It’s wonderful to trust your inner instincts and turn off the brain chatter now and then.” -Jean BradleyDid Jean Bradley really say; “turn off the brain chatter now and then” ? Brain chatter, what a wonderfully interesting way of describing the constant barrage of information that plays like a movie reel in my mind. Brain chatter. I think you know what I am talking about - it is that continuous stream of questions...moreadd your commentsDeborah T. Colterweb---http://www.deborahcolter.com/blog---http://deborahcolter.com/in-the-studio/facebook--http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-T-Colter/59140847038twitter---http://twitter.com/dcolterRead more…
When a large corporation like Hewlett-Packard jumps on the handmade bandwagon you know that as an artist/craftsperson that you are definitely on the leading edge (no, not bleeding) of a cultural trend. A recent newsletter from them states, "The Best Gifts Are Hand-Made." Of course it goes on to discuss how one can use the HP products to make these hand made gifts, but any smarty knows that Play Station games and plasma TV's aside, recipients treasure the one of a kind.
I hope the days ahead find you deep in a creative heaven and your bag of goods emptied by the appreciators of your fine work.
Read more…
May 16 & 17
East Lansing, MI
downtown East Lansing
230 Artists
Deadline: January 31
Produced by Art Festival Board of Directors under the auspices of the East Lansing Arts Commission/City of East Lansing.
Established in 1964, the East Lansing Art Festival is held every spring during the weekend prior to the Memorial Holiday weekend. The popular Festival attracts 70,000-80,000 attendees from across the region. In addition to the 230 juried exhibitors emerging artists are also invited to participate through a competitive selection process. Emerging artists must be affiliated with an institution of higher education within the last 2-3 years.
East Lansing is a charming University town with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, galleries and the beautiful Michigan State University campus across the street.
What to expect besides the art:
Free performances on two stages highlighting a wide variety of music
Free arts activities for children and families
An international-style food court
Having exhibited in this art fair ourselves here is what else you will like:
*well-educated visitors, unaffected by the economic downturn in the State; professional people from State government and the University
*well-planned entertainment that enhances the art rather than distracts from it
*a festive mood as this is the kickoff of the art fair season
*affiliation with the Public TV and radio stations, bringing the right people to you
*a well-seasoned staff who "get it"
*easy load in and out
Message from the Arts Program Coordinator, Corinn Van Wyck:
We were rated 32 this by Sunshine artist in their 2008 top 100 fine art fair list. The 2008 festival was very well attended and our artist surveys indicate that most artists had very positive sales - doing better than expected regardless of the economic downturn and some nasty blustery conditions late on Saturday. The great thing we have going for our festival, now in its 46th year, is that this community really supports the event and the artists who attend. Our patrons are knowledgeable and dedicated - they look forward to the festival every and plan to come out and shop - regardless of weather or bad economic news! As a wise person said at an event I attended last week, "there may be a recession going on, but we have chosen not to participate!" I think that sums it up nicely.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Visit: http://www.elartfest.com/ for more information.
Then, don't dawdle visit: zapplication.org to apply. Today would be a good day to do that, don't you think?
Looking for more art fairs for 2009? Visit ArtFairCalendar.com's call for entries pageRead more…
I am fairly new to art and craft shows -have only been doing them about 2 - 3 years. Last fall they have become my main scource of income since losing my job the last day of August 2008. Before this I did them because they were fun and did not do a lot.This is the first time in 40+ years that I have been out of work for more than 6 weeks and that only happened twice before in my life. I am from southeast Michigan about 35 miles northeast of Detroit-need I say more.I am looking for shows in the southeast Michigan area-art and/or craft shows. Because of my financial situation-looking for some more inexpensive shows to do. I feel I need to move farther out of town because it seems everyone has seen me before-I need some new customers. We make bracelets and pendents out of vintage silverplate and sterling silver flatware. Most of the silverware is vintage 1930's-1940's although we did have one pattern from 1910. My husband makes them and I do the final cleaning and buffing, packaging and working the shows myself unless they are larger ones.Its been a tremendous opportunity to meet people and just listen and learn from them. I find out more and more things with each show. I truly wish I had done this earlier. Any hints or leads on shows would be much appreciated.Thanks you for all your help in advance and hope to see some of you soon!Kathy & Walter Gleissner
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Success! Finally! I had a great show! My ego had a huge lift! The WCACG did a wonderful job of advertising their show. As I drove to the show, I saw many promotional signs in peoples yards!
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When I read this column from the Brazen Careerist, Penelope Trunk, Reason to give thanks: There is no job shortage for young people recently I was pretty stunned. Perhaps that is because I'm not one of the young people, nor unhappily, spend much time with this age group.
Its conclusions are very interesting:
1. Jobs for low-level candidates are increasing
2. There are plenty of entry-level jobs to be had, the unemployment rate for college grads has been at 0% for the past seven years
3. College grads are doing fine in today's market. "Skilled professionals remain in demand despite the economic downturn. While the unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent in October, the unemployment rate for professionals with college degrees remains manageable at 3.1 percent."
Read the rest of this story and then think about how that positions you and your art work in today's marketplace. Some very interesting statistics are to be found here.
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From the
Obama Art Report website: Just a friendly reminder to all you artists (or friends of artists) out there... The Manifest Hope art contest is ending in just 6 days, so if you haven't yet, start submitting! Contest Basics: There are three categories for entry: Green Economy, Worker's Rights and Health Care Reform. Artists are allowed one entry per category. 15 pieces will be chosen for display during Manifest Hope: DC. Celebrity judges include
Shepard Fairey and
Spike Lee. This is going to be absolutely huge people, so break out the pens, pencils, brushes and spatulas...
Contest deadline is midnight Friday January 9th. To enter, or for more info please visit:
www.manifesthope.comRead more…
Posted by don crozier on January 17, 2009 at 2:43pm
Don's note- This is a wonderful opportunity for midwesterners to learn about the business end of art. This workshop is being conducted by top professionals in the St Louis area. Alton is just a half hour north of St Louis.Framing your life as an artist:Saturday, January 24, 10:00 – 3:00Jacoby Arts Center627 E. BroadwayAlton, IL 62002618-462-5222info@jacobyartscenter.org$40 fee.Advance registration recommended. Please call if you are interested, the workshop is filling fast.Since making art is only one aspect of our lives as artists - The goal of this workshop is to address those other areas of concern, identify resources, and explore a wide range of possibilities which exist, allowing us to move forward and sustain ourselves as artists.Agenda9:30—10:00Registration Coffee, Juice, Bagels10:00—1130Welcome: Susan Bostwick & Kate PossPanel: Opportunities, Options & StrategiesCharity Davis-Woodard, artist; Ken Konchel, artist; Laura Miller, St. Louis Art Fair; Mary Giles, artist; Kathryn Nahorski, Artistic Director Jacoby Arts Center; Emily Blumenfeld, VIA Partnership11:30—12:30Lunch*Networking, Building Tours(There are 4 restaurants & fast food chains within easy walking distance, or you can bring your lunch.)12:30 – 1:30,Panel: Law & ArtSue Greenberg, Executive Director VLAASteve Dawson, Bryan Cave LLC1:30 – 3:00Bookkeeping & TaxesSue Greenberg, VLAAStella Vivod, H&R Block1:30 – 3:00Photographing Work, Submitting Digital Images, Utilizing the WebJoseph Gruber PhotographyJim Cook, studiojmcResume & Artist Statement ReviewIf you would like feedback on your resume / bio, provided by John Harvey & Susan Bostwick - bring your documents (along with images of your work) on a disc or jump drive. There 15 available slots – first come, first serve. Comments will be emailed. Please include contact information / email address along with your materials.Portfolio ReviewKate Poss will provide brief portfolio reviews between 12:30 & 1:30.There are 8 available slots – first come, first serve. Sign up with paid registration.Please register by calling 618-462-5222Payment accepted via credit card, by check (payable to the Madison County Arts Council), or in person.Jacoby Arts Center627 E. BroadwayAlton, IL 62002
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Ahhh, you just keep working and working and what do you get? Most people in this business know the long hours and the creative flow necessary for success in this business. My most recent favorite book is Malcolm Gladwell's The Outliers. It is a very thought provoking book, full of interesting statistics including - the 10,000 Hour Rule. In order to be really good at something a person must put in at least 10,000 hours working at it.
I believe you will find some good food for thought in member Jeane Vogel's recent blog posting:
No Shortcuts to the Artist's Life
There were no fewer than two dozen young people -- under 30 -- who walked into my studio on Saturday and wanted a job, wanted an internship, wanted to know the secret of success, wanted to know why they couldn't sell their art, wanted to know --- well, you get the idea….
http://jeanevogel.blogspot.com/2009/01/no-shortcuts-to-artists-life.htmlRead more…
Another great art fair report from a sunny place...Tempe, AZ, and the Tempe Festival of Arts:
Hanging outside of Zeny Cieslikowski's photography booth at the Tempe Festival of the Arts is a sign that reads, "Invest in your happiness, surroundings, pleasure, understanding, senses. Invest in fine art."
Cieslikowski travels across the country to more than a dozen art festivals annually. The California photographer decided to put the sign up last year when the unemployment rate began to skyrocket and the stock market crashed.
"With all the investments that have gone so poorly for so many people, I thought I'd put the idea in people's head to invest in things that have lasting value," he said. "Even if they don't buy my art, I just wanted people to remember there are other things besides the economy to invest in, like children and family."
Read the article here: Vendors, crowds flock to Tempe Festival of Arts
The article does say with pride that the organizers enlarged the festival this year because they got so many applications. Artists hate to hear this. It may enrich the presenting organization, but it definitely does not enrich the artists.
In the "comments" to the article there is a griper about how the festival disrupts the business going on at the rest of the stores in this commercial district and wishes it would go away. Seems to me I've heard this story before...where was it? oh yes, Ann Arbor, State College, Coconut Grove, Denver -- art festivals bring thousands of people to cities where they eat, shop, spend the night, buy gas, let alone the artists who come for several days and also contribute to the economy. Gee, let's turn that money away and not have the festival. Who needs the millions of dollars these events produce?
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In October the University Cultural Center Association in downtown Detroit announced announced that it will not produce the
Detroit Festival of the Arts in 2009 due to the construction of the Midtown Loop Greenway. The Midtown Loop is part of a two mile green-way trail following existing street patterns linking Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center and incorporating a variety of planting beds to separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic; help the community reclaim much needed green space; reintroduce native vegetation; incorporate public art along the greenway; and create an environment to help build a strong sense of place and community. The Loop will extend through a significant portion of the festival site. Any inquiries can be addressed to UCCA President, Sue Mosey at
susanmosey@gmail.com. It is said the festival will return in 2010, but who knows? In 2007 the Greektown Arts Festival was also cancelled because of construction in the downtown. In its 20+ year history this festival has brought outstanding street performers to the city, headlined wonderful urban musical groups, held Shakespeare on the lawn of the Detroit Institute of Art and held author readings at the Detroit Public Library. A true cultural gem, I hope it will return when times are better. RIP, Detroit Festival of the Arts. Here is a link for more info:
http://www.detroitfestival.com/08/Read more…
Posted by Connie Mettler on November 27, 2008 at 10:47am
This is a special edition of our Call for Entries. Listed below are twelve Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions.
Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 26 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Fair appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, IL.
Taking her cue from this success she has gone on to create new events in affluent areas of the metro area. Her hard work coupled with a strong marketing outreach have enabled many Chicago area artists the ability to commute to their art fairs.
The rest of us have, of course, joined the group and headed to Chicago to meet this good marketplace. Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the twelve events. Then, "think Chicago!"
Info About The 2009 Applications
Recognizing today's economic realities Amdur Productions offers:
1. No raise in fees for 2009
2. Reductions in fees for two events
3. Introduction of two new "bare bones" events to appeal to the bargain hunter in all of us, artists and patrons
4. Full disclosure on their website of site description and amenities
5. Optional fee payment plans to spread payments over time.
6. An Art Festival Boot Camp to sharpen your skills at art fair participation
Call for Entries: Chicago's Amdur Productions
12 Art Fairs to Fill Your Season and Your PocketbookMay 30 & 31
Arlington Heights
Promenade of Art
To benefit Northwest Community Hospital
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: A great show for experienced as well as new artists. Nice easy compact festival layout. Traditional themes do well.June 5-7 - New!
Chicago
Eastside Millennium Art Festival
downtown at Michigan Ave., on Lake & Stetson Sts.
Fri. noon-5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
150 artists
Amy says: Originally founded as the New Eastside Artworks, this fair is reborn in the middle of this busy area just north of Millennium Park.June 20 & 21
Wheaton
Cantigny Fine Art Festival
Father's Day weekend
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Show fee reduced from 2008
Amy says: Beautiful setting, very low stress. Middle price points do best.June 27 & 28
Glencoe
Glencoe Festival of the Masters
In cooperation with the Village of Glencoe and the
Chamber of Commerce
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: Held in a wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million.July 11 & 12
Lincolnshire
12th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival
Village Green
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well.July 18 & 19
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Fair
Buffalo Grove Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright art doing well, crowd loves jewelry and wearables.July 25 & 26
Skokie
North Shore Festival of Art
Westfield Old Orchard
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: In a highly visible location at this popular outdoor mall. Judaic art did well last year.July 31, August 1 & 2
Chicago
Gold Coast River North Art Fair
A Chicago tradition for over 50 years
Along LaSalle Street, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior
Fri. noon to 5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
395 artists
Amy says: Big show, best for experienced artists. All art, all prices.August 8 & 9
Glencoe
Art at the Glen
The Glen Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
195 artists
Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds, All art, all prices do well.
August 29 & 30
Highland Park
Port Clinton Art Fair
Along Central Avenue
10 am to 6 pm
260 artists
Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists.September 26 & 27 - new date + new concept
Joliet
Starving Artists Festival
downtown
10 am to 5 pm
130 Artists
Reduced show fees for 2008
Amy says: All art priced under $100 - a great end of season marketplace to clear your inventory. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.October 17 & 18
Highwood
Last Call Art Fair
On closed streets in the downtown
10 am to 4 pm
125 artists
Amy says: Absolute end of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.
Apply: www.juriedartservices.com
Learn more about these fairs: www.amdurproductions.comRead more…
East Lansing, MI
downtown East Lansing
230 Artists
Deadline: January 31
Produced by Art Festival Board of Directors under the auspices of the East Lansing Arts Commission/City of East Lansing.
Established in 1964, the East Lansing Art Festival is held every spring during the weekend prior to the Memorial Holiday weekend. The popular Festival attracts 70,000-80,000 attendees from across the region. In addition to the 230 juried exhibitors emerging artists are also invited to participate through a competitive selection process. Emerging artists must be affiliated with an institution of higher education within the last 2-3 years.
East Lansing is a charming University town with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, galleries and the beautiful Michigan State University campus across the street.
What to expect besides the art:
Free performances on two stages highlighting a wide variety of music
Free arts activities for children and families
An international-style food court
Having exhibited in this art fair ourselves here is what else you will like:
*well-educated visitors, unaffected by the economic downturn in the State; professional people from State government and the University
*well-planned entertainment that enhances the art rather than distracts from it
*a festive mood as this is the kickoff of the art fair season
*affiliation with the Public TV and radio stations, bringing the right people to you
*a well-seasoned staff who "get it"
*easy load in and out
Message from the Arts Program Coordinator, Corinn Van Wyck:
We were rated 32 this by Sunshine artist in their 2008 top 100 fine art fair list. The 2008 festival was very well attended and our artist surveys indicate that most artists had very positive sales - doing better than expected regardless of the economic downturn and some nasty blustery conditions late on Saturday. The great thing we have going for our festival, now in its 46th year, is that this community really supports the event and the artists who attend. Our patrons are knowledgeable and dedicated - they look forward to the festival every and plan to come out and shop - regardless of weather or bad economic news! As a wise person said at an event I attended last week, "there may be a recession going on, but we have chosen not to participate!" I think that sums it up nicely.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Visit: http://www.elartfest.com/ for more information.
Then, don't dawdle visit: zapplication.org to apply. Today would be a good day to do that, don't you think?
Looking for more art fairs for 2009? Visit ArtFairCalendar.com's call for entries page
This is a special edition of our Call for Entries. Listed below are twelve Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions.
Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 26 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Fair appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, IL.
Taking her cue from this success she has gone on to create new events in affluent areas of the metro area. Her hard work coupled with a strong marketing outreach have enabled many Chicago area artists the ability to commute to their art fairs.
The rest of us have, of course, joined the group and headed to Chicago to meet this good marketplace. Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the twelve events. Then, "think Chicago!"
Info About The 2009 Applications
Recognizing today's economic realities Amdur Productions offers:
1. No raise in fees for 2009
2. Reductions in fees for two events
3. Introduction of two new "bare bones" events to appeal to the bargain hunter in all of us, artists and patrons
4. Full disclosure on their website of site description and amenities
5. Optional fee payment plans to spread payments over time.
6. An Art Festival Boot Camp to sharpen your skills at art fair participation
Call for Entries: Chicago's Amdur Productions
12 Art Fairs to Fill Your Season and Your Pocketbook
May 30 & 31
Arlington Heights
Promenade of Art
To benefit Northwest Community Hospital
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: A great show for experienced as well as new artists. Nice easy compact festival layout. Traditional themes do well.
June 5-7 - New!
Chicago
Eastside Millennium Art Festival
downtown at Michigan Ave., on Lake & Stetson Sts.
Fri. noon-5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
150 artists
Amy says: Originally founded as the New Eastside Artworks, this fair is reborn in the middle of this busy area just north of Millennium Park.
June 20 & 21
Wheaton
Cantigny Fine Art Festival
Father's Day weekend
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Show fee reduced from 2008
Amy says: Beautiful setting, very low stress. Middle price points do best.
June 27 & 28
Glencoe
Glencoe Festival of the Masters
In cooperation with the Village of Glencoe and the
Chamber of Commerce
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: Held in a wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million.
July 11 & 12
Lincolnshire
12th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival
Village Green
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well.
July 18 & 19
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Fair
Buffalo Grove Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright art doing well, crowd loves jewelry and wearables.
July 25 & 26
Skokie
North Shore Festival of Art
Westfield Old Orchard
10 am to 5 pm
150 artists
Amy says: In a highly visible location at this popular outdoor mall. Judaic art did well last year.
July 31, August 1 & 2
Chicago
Gold Coast River North Art Fair
A Chicago tradition for over 50 years
Along LaSalle Street, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior
Fri. noon to 5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5
395 artists
Amy says: Big show, best for experienced artists. All art, all prices.
August 8 & 9
Glencoe
Art at the Glen
The Glen Town Center
10 am to 5 pm
195 artists
Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds, All art, all prices do well.
August 29 & 30
Highland Park
Port Clinton Art Fair
Along Central Avenue
10 am to 6 pm
260 artists
Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists.
September 26 & 27 - new date + new concept
Joliet
Starving Artists Festival
downtown
10 am to 5 pm
130 Artists
Reduced show fees for 2008
Amy says: All art priced under $100 - a great end of season marketplace to clear your inventory. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.
October 17 & 18
Highwood
Last Call Art Fair
On closed streets in the downtown
10 am to 4 pm
125 artists
Amy says: Absolute end of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome.
Apply: www.juriedartservices.com
Learn more about these fairs: www.amdurproductions.com
