Blog

October 16 - 18
Decatur, Alabama
Downtown Decatur
Presented by River Clay Fine Arts Foundation
Friday Preview Party 5pm-9pm
Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm
75 Artists

Located in the beautiful Tennessee Valley, Decatur is a burgeoning arts community whose City Hall campus is surrounded by Alabama's largest Victorian historic district and a picturesque, revitalized downtown complete with numerous bistros, restaurants and unique retail boutiques. The city of Decatur is conveniently located midway between Nashville and Birmingham. You'll find Huntsville, home of NASA, Redstone Arsenal and numerous technology/engineering firms boasts the highest per-capita level of education and income in Alabama, just 25 minutes to the east.

Testimonial:

	Lindsay Farrer, Jewelry

"Very professionally run from application, to set up, to load out. The artists are appreciated with an exceptional party with patrons, not to mention they provide us lunches! The art is exceptional, and show is well balanced... they appreciate fine art and artists!" ... Roger Poer, Designs by R & R

American Advertising Federation North Alabama Gold ADDY Award in 2016 and Decatur Morgan County Tourism Event of the Year for 2018

Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=8355

Learn more: https://www.riverclay.org/ 
Contact: Luke Hamilton, lhamilton@mccommgroup.com

(2) 2-D Flip bins for sale. Removable wooden storage & display bins on fordable Pro Panel bases. Wooden bins can be re-pained a different color of stained. Bases are Medium Grey color.

Retail $300 each

For Sale Now: 2@ $300 or $175 each

Pick-up in Atlanta

I have uploaded four photos of my craft projects, and a photo for "My Page", but the photos do not display.  Need help!  Thanks.

Fort Worth iPhone App Updated

Main Street Fort Worth just updated their iPhone app yesterday to include all the artists who will be in the show this year. You can install the app on your iphone and ipad and browse the images of the accepted artists at your leisure.

I had previously written a review of all the art festival iphone apps last October:
http://bermangraphics.com/artshows/art-show-iphone-apps.htm

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Have you ever wondered what customers want when it comes to customerservice? Of course! Aside from the many questions artists have onthis subject, one of the most asked is “is it something I said ordid that prevented someone from buying from me?” I have somethoughts on this topic.

Question 14 What kind of service do customers want?

1. Respect. Customers want to be treated with respect like a friend or familymember. Respect can easily be achieved through welcoming customerswarmly or recognizing them as a repeat customer and always lettingthem know you are available if they have any questions.

2. Trust. Patrons don't want to feel like a criminal, they want to betrusted. Letting customers know you trust them – “Sure, Iaccept checks” or “Feel free to try this on, I trust you.”goes a long way. The worst thing a craft artist can do is hover,guard your booth like a gargoyle, or follow a person around thebooth pushing them into purchasing something.

3. Be left alone. If you polled anyone what kind of customer service theylike, they'll most likely say – just leave me alone so I can shop.I say this each time I go into a shop at a mall. Before I put onefoot in the store I get accosted by 2-3 clerks asking, “Can I helpyou find something?” I recommend quick greeting those who walkinto your booth, and go about doing some simple chores letting themknow you are available to answer any questions when they are ready.This shows customers you trust them by giving him/her the power tocontrol the sale. This is very pleasing, don't you think? Also,don't interrupt customers while they are shopping they don't careand is a turn off to most. Only when a customer asks you a questionabout an item you make/sell, then is the time to win them overmentioning interesting facts about your work or testimonials (I justsold that very piece to a gal who loves the color blue too, let meshow you some other blue pieces I have over here...).

4. Don't ignore me. A big turn off customers have is being ignored. Far toooften at shows I see craft artists chat with their neighbors orco-worker, chat on their cellphone, or take too much time talking toone customer and ignoring those who very well might be ready topurchase something. This is rude. A solution might includeinterrupting the current conversation (say “hold that thought –let me assist a customer and I'll be right back) or simply makingeye contact with those who come in your booth to show you see themand will be right with them.

5. Be friendly. Customers are less likely to ask for help or buy from youopenly are having a bad day. Customers rarely buy from craft artistsif they over hear you complaining about a shows attendance or badsales as well as exhibiting negative body language (for instancesitting during, reading, or frowning or looking as though you areagitated say by a customer who rustled your feathers or whatever).One thing I learned back in my drama club days is “act” like youare having a good day even if you really aren't. Be kind and politeas well as jovial and enthusiastic about your work and being at theshow. People who are passionate about their work creates a positiveshopping environment which attracts even more customers.

Hopefully this helps to identify what customers want regarding customer serviceand how to achieve these results. Do you have a suggestion orexperience you want to share regarding this topic, do tell by using the comment button. Our next question will cover how GenX and Yr's affect how people shop especially at art and craft shows –this will be a fun topic! Happy Easter everyone!

Michelle, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

May 18 & 19, 2024
Beverly Hills, California
Beverly Gardens Park
Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm
235 Artists
Deadline: February 14, 2024

Application fee: $35/Booth fee: $415
Late deadline is February 21, 2024 with an application fee of $55.

The Beverly Hills Art Show announces a call to artists, to be held on May 18 & 19, 2024. This fun, festive, but serious semiannual fair not only attracts guests and patrons from throughout Southern California and nationwide, but also visitors from around the world. Artists are recruited nationally.

Selected artists will exhibit in historic Beverly Gardens Park along four prominent blocks in the center of Beverly Hills, adjacent to a very busy neighborhood, and near the Golden Triangle which is a business district close to fine dining restaurants, famous designer stores, important galleries and beautiful parks.

Eleven fine art and fine craft categories are featured, with an emphasis on fine art.

New artists are encouraged to apply.

For more information: http://www.beverlyhills.org/artshow
Contact: Carolyn Holden artshow@beverlyhills.org

It's HERE! Sign up now for the art fair business's happiest event of the season! Join an ArtFairInsiders.com tradition!

Welcome to the 8th annual AFI Secret Santa. Secret Santa 2019 represents the 9th annual kickoff of gifting and good wishes for the art fair community.

Over the years, artists from around the world have come together during Secret Santa for a common theme—to spread goodwill and joy to one another, through the spirit of giving and receiving happiness.

In our eighth year, we invite you to join us once again, in a time where love and optimism is needed across the globe. At AFI, we rely on the kind hearts of our members to shine a little light during the holiday season, and this year is no different.

Last year over 80 artists and show directors sent through gifts through our exchange, one heartwarming gift at a time. This year, join us in keeping the tradition going!

HOW DOES THE EXCHANGE WORK?

• 1. Sign up* & get matched

  Once you have notified me you want to participate I'll add your name to the email list at DrawNames.com. Next you will receive an email from DrawNames.com. You must click the link in that email "JOIN THIS GROUP". That will take you to the sign up page. Do that and you will be registered to participate. (If you do not signup at the link you will not be included in the drawing.)

  Contact me to let me know you want to be included in the exchange.

• The evening of December 9, 2019, we will close signups and our computer program will choose who you should send a gift to (this is the most important part; this is about the giving!). If you have not signed up by responding to our emails from DrawNames.com, you will not be part of this year's matching.

• 2. If you participated last year you must still sign up. You should have received an email invitation from DrawNames.com on 11/29/19.
  
  
• 3. *You must activate your membership in the group when you receive this invitation by clicking in. If you don't you will not be included. While you are there add your mailing address to the "wish list." Also, add your wishes for gifts you'd like.
  
  
• 4. On December 10 you'll receive the name of the person you will be "gifting" with a link to contact that person. There is a cool email system that you can use to find out their wishes.

• 5. Find the perfect gift** & send it

  Once you receive the email from DrawNames.com with your match's information, you'll have until December 17, 2019, to ship your gift.

  When you ship it, come back here to tell us you've shipped it.

• 4. Receive a gift from your match

  When you receive a gift, you'll need to come back here and post an amazing thank you note, hopefully with photos!

• 5. The best photos and thank you note will receive a prize
  
  

*When you sign up at DrawNames.com be sure to fill out your wish list with some suggestions for your own personal Santa: color preferences, your interests, dream wishes. Also at that time include your mailing address so your Santa can get your present to you on time.

**This is not about buying a gift, this is about sharing your creativity. Gifts should be made by you or handmade preferably, maybe from an art fair. Suggested dollar limit (if you're buying) $25.

Curious about our gift drawings? Put the words in the search box up above "Secret Santa" and you'll find lots of fun and good wishes.

September 21 & 22

A few spaces left - apply today

The team that has produced Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy for the past 36 years has a handful of spaces left at our newest addition, ArtWalk Carlsbad

,

September 21 and 22.

The festival is extremely well-marketed, and it takes place in one of San Diego County’s most affluent communities. There are many large and elegant homes in the Carlsbad area, and both residents and visitors to the area look forward to collecting at this expertly-produced festival. The event was created specifically to serve this demographic, and we also attract many collectors from Downtown San Diego, Del Mar and La Jolla. The beautiful venue overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and cool ocean breezes make it an idyllic setting.

In addition to fine art on display and for sale, the event also features chalk art being created live on the asphalt, and a full line up of music featuring headliner, A.J. Croce. These elements help to draw large crowds.

Each artist receives a high-quality festival tent provided by show management, access to booth sitters, and a branded wearable item.

There are no upfront jury fees, and participants benefit from an individual page on the event website featuring your work and your contact information, helping to facilitate sales before and after the event.

ArtWalk Carlsbad is ticketed ($8 until August 31, $10 beginning September 1) and each participating artist receives 20 comp tickets to distribute to their collectors by email for each 10 x 10 booth you reserve.

The in-depth marketing plan includes print ads in many local publications, radio and television, online publications, outdoor, and extensive social media, plus flyers and posters distributed to businesses. Our Facebook page currently has over 21,000 followers. Follow us on all platforms: ArtWalkSD

Apply Online: www.artwalkcarlsbad.org

Contact: Sandi Cottrell scottrell@artwalksandiego.org

We (Artists in Action) are hosting our inaugural event in Cambridge MA on March 8 and are looking for panel options. If anyone has some we could rent or borrow, I'd so appreciate hearing from you. 

We are a non-profit raising money for Dana Farmer Cancer Institute at this silent art auction with 10 artists and 50 pieces of art. We need about 6-8 panels.

And if you'd like to attend the event, check out tickets and our story on www.artistsinaction.net

Many thanks! Kira 

hi -- come see us -- i think we're 4-157 ... you can't miss jay since he uses a wheelchair.  i'll be the one holding up the wall and psyching myself up to be comfortable, smiling (well, i do that all the time - so that's not an issue) and ready to sell, sell, sell. 

following week - sugarloaf - timonion