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Thanks to all of you who participated in the survey and shared it with others. Our second annual best art fair survey is all tallied. The purpose of the survey is to bring attention to the best shows in the country and promote "art fair tourism."

Artists have opportunities to share their best shows, but the people who attend don't. We sent out emails to our 50,000+ email subscriber list and posted it through our websites, Facebook and Twitter. Friends took it and shared it also. The results reflect the art fair buyers perspectives, a very component of our business.

The top 50 fairs have exciting quality art, fascinating artists and ever-changing venues in big cities and small towns, oceanfront and lakefront, it all adds to the diversity of your experience and keeps you coming back.

AMERICA'S BEST ART FAIRS - the Top Ten

Don't miss the entire Top 50 art fairs, craft shows and art festivals, including the Best Regional shows, the best urban show, and interesting demographic information: www.BestArtFairs.com

There are more details at that link about who took the survey, why people come to art show, what they buy, why they buy and why they don't come to some shows any more, including a lot of great tips for show organizers.

Learn even more in our podcast where we talk about more of the details and share statistics. Our guest Laura Berarducci, Marketing Director of the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau talks about the economic impact of the popular art fair on the region.

Listen to that here: podcast-bestartfairs

Show directors, we are preparing a report analyzing the results of the survey that will be ready soon. Stay tuned, you'll be hearing more!

Just looking to see what other people think about Art Fair Sourcebook's decision to charge events to be listed/rated?  I am kind of torn.  

        Sunshine Artist charges for listings, and I believe them that they do not take that into account when choosing the best events. 

       Now Art Fair Sourcebook has decided to charge significantly more than other services to list shows.  If I don't pay, will I still get audit cards?  With no audit cards will the list be meaningful?

Last weekend's Kimball Arts Festival was visited by thieves who came in the night and burglarized several tents. 

Police say sometime between 1am and 6am Sunday a person, or group of people, burglarized seven booths. Two of the items stolen were hand-carved wooden chairs valued at $11,000. 
"I found out about it as I was walking down the street this morning 39 back to my booth someone had some chairs stolen," said Ron Benoit of Woodensound Fine Woodworking.

They weren't Benoit's chairs, but the artist in the booth next to his. Along with the two chairs, several art pieces and a handmade jacket were stolen. A sculpture was also vandalized.

This is a long running and highly respected festival.

Learn more here: http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/over-20k-in-art-stolen-from-park-city-festival#.V7NuIkzpJzQ.facebook

What precautions do you take to prevent this from happening to you?

Krasl results came today.... and while I was ridiculously hopeful about being selected (and after seeing the others in my category  - 3d mixed media) I received the ominous. REJECT email. I asked for my jury results - anticipating middle of the road results  - and received 3 1's, 1 2, and a 6. I was devastated. 

How do you recover from this? It's devastating and crushing. it make you question.. why......

A long time valued member of this site says he is tired of no action being taken on issues related with our business and will be leaving the site.

An advertiser who has tantalized me with an opportunity fails to complete the deal.

Poor attendance at an art fair which has delivered well in the past deals a blow to the pocketbook.

Unprecedented rainfall in NYC (13" in 24 hours!) destroys millions of dollars of property.

A beloved entertainer takes his life.

Endless problems of insurrection and political mayhem in other parts of the world seem unsolvable. And who is even thinking about how climate change that will affect future generations?

Feeling low this morning I turned on Morning Joe and then Good Morning America before I came to my computer. How long could I listen to that? It made things worse. Syria, Iraq, the Kurds, Gaza. OMG -- that was a wrong decision.

What do you do?

I have read a bunch of posts, opinions, issues on this topic and feel that I can contribute.  First, my credentials - I have sold Point of Sale software to many retailers for years.  Every one of them accepts credit cards, I have relationships with many processors and services, I do not sell Credit Card Processing nor any of the products I will review here.  I am happy to further explain anything to the best of my ability.

PCI - this is a big grey area.  It stand for Payment Card Industry.  It refers to security standards.  Your processor has the ability to charge for non-compliance, but that does not release you from liability.  If you violate PCI Standards, and a fraudulent charge occurs as a result, your processor may fine you up to $10,000 per incident (violation, not fraudulent activity!).  Take it very, very seriously.  A few points:

• Do NOT use knuckle busters.  Unless you lock up the slips immediately, and follow a specific security process to keep them secure, you may be in violation of PCI Standards
• PCI fees typically apply to older payment devices (credit card machines).
• Square, Paypal, Intuit, SalesVu etc are all PCI Compliant and do not charge PCI fees

Processor monthly fees - Don't pay them.  For our industry, the expense of the dedicated credit card machine is ridiculous.  Find a processor without them

Smartphone / Tablet processing - In my opinion, this is the only way to go.  You can buy an i-Pad for about the same as a wireless CC machine.  Square and SalesVu both have great iPad apps and they just plain work.  You can wirelessly tether to your cell phone, and the processing uses an insignificant amount of your data plan (you won't notice any difference).  There are no monthly fees, just the percentage.

The real math - Square charges 2.75%, SalesVu charges 2.7%.  Square charges a bit more for 'keyed transactions' (card won't read), SalesVu does not.  Your bank will tell you that they only charge "1.8%" or x basis points over the exchange.  What you need to do is estimate your monthly charges, then add all the 'fees', then estimate the 'non-qualified' and 'semi-qualified' transactions that carry a surcharge, then figure out what your REAL percentage is.  We used to have a ridiculously low rate, through someone that I have a long term relationship with, and it still worked out to over 2.2% net.  And trust me, you won't get the rate that I did.  Unless you are charging over $5,000  per month don't waste your time with the math. Get Square or SalesVu.

Square or SalesVu?  I can't address Intuit or PayPal, I have not used them.  We use SalesVu with Square as a backup

• Cost - SalesVu is a bit cheaper, does not charge for 'keyed transactions', but does cost a little more for Amex.  Square will give you as many card readers as you want, SalesVu gives you one, additional ones are $99.  No monthly fees on either.  SalesVu does have a minimum monthly processing fee of $15, so if you run less than $563 in a month they will charge you the difference up to the $15.
• Devices - SalesVu has a much better 'swiper' that does not spin around, the Square device is tiny.  Personally, I don't like the Square device, but many do!
• Application - Square will let you put items in the system with prices, including discounts, but this only works on the iPad.  SalesVu has a robust Point of Sale app that works on iPad, iPhone and Android.
• Reports - if you want to analyze your business, SalesVu wins, hands down.  Sorry, Square fans.  BUT there is that $15 minimum monthly
• Email - Square stores customers emails.  If they have ever used Square with that card, you don't have to enter the email for the receipt.  BUT you don't get the customer email address for marketing purposes.  For me, this is a deal breaker.  SalesVu allows you to download your customer base with email addresses any time you like.  Very easy to look up customers and orders on SalesVu as well.  If a customer has used the card with YOU before, SalesVu remembers the email address
• Support - I have never used Square support, but have heard from others that it is not great.  SalesVu does have great support, but you will use it more because it is a much more robust application.

Why even bother with Credit Cards? - If you are not accepting Credit Cards, you are throwing away money, plain and simple.  We did not accept cards for the first 3 years.  Once we did, our average transaction with CC is 30%-40% higher.  Overall sales up 50%.  Get over it, it is a cost of doing business.

Ok, so I have bared my soul, and am prepared to be abused.  Obviously I like SalesVu, but I don't have anything to do with them.  But remember, I have not charged you for this consultation!  This is a fabulous forum, and I am happy to share what I really know (my wife is the Artist, I am the sales guy).  I leave the Art expertise to Nels, Goeff, etal.

Being relatively new and not having seen the jury process, I drove down to Forth Worth last week to observe. I thought I would share my experience as it was interesting to see the process. First though, I will point out that it was nice of the show to validate our parking.

I attended the afternoon session and sat through the jewelry and photography sessions. There is a lot of competition out there and was impressed with the work submitted. The set up of the room is basically five screens set side by side so everything appears at one time. They went through all of the slides fairly quickly as a preview. Sometimes it seemed almost too quick but they had a lot of applications. Then, they went back through and read the submitted description of the work.

The descriptions varied from basic statement of I shoot with XX and do my own printing on XX to more elaborate statements of their vision. Not sure the jurors really were listening to them. A couple of statements seemed like "pick me, pick me" sales pitches.

I was surprised at the number of what I would consider mixed media that was submitted in the photography section. Also surprised at some of the repetitiveness of some of the photo subjects. ie....numerous photos of a dock or piers in the fog. Quite a few did not have booth shots and there were also quite a few that were not "traditional" booth shots. I think of the booth shot of basically standing at the front of the booth and taking picture showing all three walls but there were booth shots from angle and different distances and some that didn't even really show more than a wall.

It was clear who the photographer on the jury was. After the initial photography preview run, he told the other jurors that there were several applicants that used little people figurines in their photography but basically they were all copycats except for the one person (didn't name him but basically described his work). The reaction of the other jurors and their comments definitely left me with the impression that the other were not going to be getting through. Just didn't seem proper for one juror to basically blackball the other applicants.

All in all it was a very enlightening experience and I recommend attending one some time. If I didn't make the cut, I am going to try and get down to Fort Worth for the show to see who got in.

From an email I recently received:

I just wanted to give you some feedback on some of the recent shows that I have been to.  Yesterday I went to the Nashville show and there is so little painting and fine art.  I specifically went there to find a painting and I counted about 5 people. The previous week I went to Franklin Tennessee ready to buy and nothing.  Why are there not more original painters?  I am so tired of looking at all photography.  Anyone can take a picture and frame it, but it takes real talent to paint.  I would like to see more original art.

We have lived here for 10 years.  We are originally from the Chicago area. I do see that there are lots more fine art shows in the midwest and Florida, but the drive is just too far. I miss all the great art in the Chicago area and suburbs! ... I do wish that more of the promoters would put more fine art dealers in their show.

Thank you.

Gail 

Lebanon, TN

Why isn't this solid customer finding paintings at the shows? Can you help explain it?

Well, it has been a while since I did a show blog.  Here goes--about this year's Ann Arbor {AA}.

I am in the Guild show on Main Street, it was my 30th year doing AA shows--it was also my most putrid year for AA.

Each morn before the shows opened, I walked to various other shows there.  Trouble was, most booths were not open yet at 9 AM.

I kept track thru social media what was happening overall.

I have reviewed this show for many years and you can check my previous  blogs for setup info and other relative factors.

There are four major shows in AA at one time.  Over 2000 booths and that does not include the squatters.

You have mucho artists competing for a slim margin of buyers.  Some artists make out very well, others get by barely.

I had a horrible show.  Cannot blame the weather {it was pretty nice for AA--no 100 degree days for setup or teardown--rain was minimal}

I saw numbers and numbers of disinterested patrons trudging down the street, more interested on checking out stuff on their cellphones than looking in the artist' booths.

When I got a sale, it was usually lowend.

Some people around me prospered, others withered on the vine like me.

I found the crowd quite conservative in what they chose.  I am speaking from a 2-D artist's view.

Personally, I think my time is done on Main Street, may have to choose new venue locations.

It is in the works.

Let me now give you my analysis of what is going on here.

If you depend on volume sales here it is not a good bet  like it used to be.  If you sell high-end you can snare a few that will make your show.

It wasn't just me who suffered.

I talked to Bernie, Robert and Gary, all photographers, in the State Street Show.  They basically responded, "WTF is going on here, nobody is buying anything."

A  couple of them had a decent show because of one customer who bought a bunch.  If that one had not showed up, they would have been up the creek without a paddle.

I just do not see enough people coming to that show anymore to make a serious purchase for putting over the bed or the fireplace.  I never heard one conversation about this.

Also, you mainly get one shot at them.  There are very few be-backs.  The shows are too long, and far apart.  It is almost a mile walk from the west end of the shows {Main Street) to the east end {South University).  Most people are exhausted.

I think the return on your money invested in this show is too low for the time involved.

You are talking about a four-day show with a day before setup.  MOst artists are going to take a half or full day to get there and then go home or on to the next show.  You are essentially devoting a week of your time.  With very long, boring hours every day.

You are paying nearly $800 for a single booth, parking can run you another $75.  You gotta eat at AA restaurant prices and pay for hotels the same way.  

For most artists it is going to cost $1500-$2000 to do AA.

Now, look at your return.

In the old days {pre-2006} you did not mind these expenses.  Heck, a lot of us would do $5K on opening, and closing day.  We would do lower amounts on the other two.  In a really off year it would mean a $5K show, in a great year it could be anywhere from $12K on up.

Right now, many artists are lucky if they gross $5K sales.  That is not a great return on money invested.  This year, I barely made more than expenses--that is deplorable.

I just do not see AA getting any better as time goes on.  It is too many booths chasing too few sales.

Interestingly, next year, they are going to start the show on Thursday and end on Sunday.  It will be interesting to see if having the extra weekend day increases sales.

Here is another point to ponder.

So many good artists have quit doing AA.  Why has not a sharp promoter staged a show on that date to attract all these good artists?  No Howard, no Amy, no Patty doing a show on that date.  I think they are missing the boat.  Any comments?

I do not want to end this blog on a downer side--so here is a little golden find.

If you like sushi and also spicy Korean style food--think lettuce wraps with chicken, pork or beef, then consider Seoule Garden restaurant on Boardwalk Ave.  This is just one street east of State Street out by the interstate.  Not far from the Red Roof, Hilton and Embassy Suites.  This place is uncrowded, very reasonable and fun to eat at.

Later, Gators.

I was all set to do "Best of the Northwest" in Seattle Nov. 14-16th. Sadly, I broke my left arm in an accident Nov. 2nd. Doctor has said not to do anything for 2 months. My left arm is immobilized. I immediately contacted them so they could fill my space. I had asked them to at least consider a partial refund if they filled it. They refused, saying it wouldn't be fair to other applicants, plus admin time. They filled it immediately the same day and received  another $400 booth fee. I am upset with their practices. I don't think this is ethical. I would like to know of any actions I can take, and your feedback.

Well, I just cancelled buying my booth space at Va. Beach this year.

It seems the newbie director there has been swayed by the powers-that-be who absolutely hate photography to make a new rule or two about our medium this year.

Her new rule--editions can only be limited to 100. Mind you, previously there and most places, editions have been 250.

Oh gee, I guess we have to cheat and renumber all our editions to the new number--are you frigging nuts!

Then, it gets better.  The director decrees that no photos will be allowed in the show if they are giclees.

Gee, I wonder where photographers who make images from digital files are supposed to print them.

I mean, are we somehow, mysteriously supposed to soak our digital file in stone-cut oatmeal and then print them in chemical trays.  Hold the cinnamon (It lowers blood pressure, but also lowers contrast in photos( I made that up)).

I mean what has this girl been smoking.  Who is she listening to.

Two things are going to happen--neither good.

One, they will ignore enforcing the rules and look like further num-nuts.

Two.  Fewer good people are going to apply.  Which probably the little old craggy women-painters who run that show will cackle in delight.  They hate photos, we make more money than them.  Digital-Envy.

Wait til I get a 18 megapixel.  I will pull that baby out and wave it in their faces every chance I get.

Call me "Nels-Jack-Flash."

How to Photograph Your Booth

The September (200 best shows) issue of Sunshine Artist came out this week. It contains a four page article I wrote on how to photograph your booth. It also has some examples of clean booth photographs I've taken for artists in different mediums.

The article isn't on my web site yet as per my deal with Sunshine Artist, but I do have the example booth photos I've submitted. All booth pictures were submitted with permission from the artists.

http://bermangraphics.com/artshows/photograph-your-booth-article.htm

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

Does that sound like a good category for the Discussion area?

This is a friendly community, and after all, we all need each other to survive in the business. Nonetheless, I do know some people are loath to ask questions because sometimes the seasoned members have "heard it all."

My take on this:

• It is important for the life of AFI to help increase the sense of community that members feel with one another.
• It’s NOT ok to treat new people in the community badly.
• Newcomers will ask dumb questions. They will ask questions that have been asked dozens of times before. They will make various faux pas. You need to accept this.

But that’s the easy part.

• The hard part is the oldies need to accept this too. We all need to know how to not only tolerate but encourage newbie questions.
• Tired because there is no new discussion or ideas? You want this site to be lively? then we  need to be careful not to deter the newbies from participating again.
• When a long-time regular says "FFS, search the forum for the answer before you post" that's not only unhelpful, it drives away that newcomer and other newcomers from participating.

This doesn’t necessarily we're going to ban or punish those that do respond with a sarcastic comment. It does mean overwhelming such posts with so many more good remarks.

Some people only post once. If they get a rude or hostile answer, do you think they'll be back? Their posts need to be responded to. Respond nicely, usefully, and hospitably. Ask a question in the response to solicit further contributions. This is how we build the community to be even better and more helpful. Can you help out here?

Communities need new blood to survive. If we drive away the new blood, our community won't last long and serve you the way it has in the past.

What do you think? (oh no, was that a dumb question???)

I am unpacked from the 50th Annual Havre de Grace Art Show - which is put on by the local Soroptimist group (Women's Service Group). At one point in time, this juried event was very large with upwards of 300 vendors. These days, it is about half that number of exhibitors, with more craft than art. The show has shrunk over time as the volunteer staff has greyed and fine art draw has decreased.

The booth fee for the event is very reasonable (under $200) and the venue is a mostly level and somewhat shaded Tydings Park in Havre de Grace, overlooking a marina populated with large powerboats, and small yachts (which might seem a good demographic). The whole venue overlooks the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay, just south of where the Susquehanna River flows into the bay... There are plenty of eagles, osprey, heron, egrets and other cool birds to see... It is usually a two day event, with a relaxed set-up on Friday. There is food, music and kid activities. The event is held close to Aberdeen Proving Grounds (military base), which hosts a huge number of military personnel and contractors. Many of these folks were unaffected by the 'sequester', but you couldn't prove it by my art sales this year...

My wife and I did a booth apiece - side by side. She staffed the River Road Candleworks booth and I the Art of Mark V. Turner booth. This year being the 50th Annual, the management added a 4 sales hour stint on Friday night (normally just a set-up day) from 5 PM - 9 PM. There was a good latin jazz band and a very small fenced (as reqd by Md law) area which dispensed adult beverages.

Small Problem: It gets dark around 8PM.... Most vendors didn't have lighting. So most closed up as darkness fell. My wife and I used my LED lighting system off the deep-cycle batteries and were able to stay open until closing time. The soy candle booth did over 100$ that evening and I sold one $50 original acrylic painting. 

Saturday dawned to good weather and we arrived and set up uneventfully. The weather was good all day and the event was well-attended by the public. My wife did well selling our ~$6.00 scented, dye-free, hand-poured, all soy jar candles. We had lots of repeat business and referral customers. Meanwhile, I was only selling two additional small originals. However, I was awarded the blue ribbon for painting! This came with a check that was equivalent to selling two additional small original paintings.

(Photo by Leo Heppner, Heppner Imaging, Copyright 2013 - Used by Permission)

The show director also picked out a small painting for her grandson (no, she wasn't one of the judges). In fact, I didn't actually recognize any judges as such during the event... This is not the first blue ribbon I have collected at this event for painting. However, I am honored by the judge's decisions as there was good competition in the fine arts category this year. The show closed up on Saturday with the threat of rain overnight and into the AM on Sunday.  We buttoned up the booths and went home (Nice to do a show where one can go home and sleep in one's own bed).

Sunday dawned grey and overcast. It rained overnight a bit and also briefly on the way down I-95 to Havre de Grace. We left a bit late and were not quite set-up as the crowds came on. For some odd reason, this event seems to have a rain event in the overnight Saturday to Sunday time slot each year. However, this year it didn't come down in buckets like it usually does... Last year saw several tents wiped out from water weight, but none were noted this year.

Sales over at the candle booth were steady, while I racked up next to nothing for my part. However, I did get to flaunt my blue ribbon in my tent during the day and many folks stopped by to admire the work....just didn't buy....

In the end, our craft division sales were same as last year. However, my art sales were approximately 1/4 of what they were last year. But as so many know, fine art painting sales at any given event are a total crapshoot if you do not produce and sell prints...and I don't/won't...

There was some buy sell at the event - notably a male vendor with Virginia plates, who was selling colorful Ghanaian style woven baskets at high prices. He has won ribbons in times past for his merchandise (note I didn't say 'his work'). Many vendors have seen him before and knew him for buy/sell, but show management didn't seem to know and he got in again... I sent show management links to web pages where you can buy the merchandise he sells....

Overall, this event was good for my two businesses - the craft business b/c we made money and the art business because I was again honored for my creative abilities - even though my inventory didn't shrink much.

Here comes the Opinion RANT.... All jewelers and wearable vendors without thick skins need to go do something else now and not continue to read. While I admire most wearable vendors abilities to generate considerable revenue for themselves, they are like too many ants at a picnic. Show directors, I propose a way to weed out some of the plethora of wearables with an honest criterion for decision making

All the jewelers I spoke to did well in their sales, with almost all who would say, reporting thousand to multi-thousand dollars in sales. And as usual, there were a lot of jewelers, but most whined about the overall number of jewelers and all the other artists who had a 'jewelry' component as part of their merchandise mix...ie glass and ceramic artists with pendants. I have very little sympathy for them seeing as their booths probably took in 30-50% of the gross sales overall - while despite being best painter in show, I did less than $500.00 in sales...

I am looking for non-jewelry fine art events. Jewelers and wearables need their own events in order to understand what fine artists endure season after season. Fine artists take a beating at most events because of the number of jewelers and wearable vendors... If you look at the demographics, the majority of attendees at these events are women (most with non-buying or non-buying decision-making male companions). These customers will almost always buy something to wear in preference to or before buying something to put on the walls or on an end-table.... Wearables suck the revenue out of too many events - leaving very little for fine artists. The number of 'jewelers' at events is confirmation that artisans know where the money is to be made and many have chosen to go the wearable route b/c of the guaranteed sales factor - to the point of 'wearable; saturation at many events. Many events are at 40% or more of vendors having 'wearable' merchandise

Very few 'jewelers' make their own findings, settings, chains, pull their own wire or half-round ring shank stock, cut cabochons, cut stones or create other components for their products. It is the extremely rare and talented Jeweler with a capital J who does all of the preceding... Those rare birds are not part of this discussion....  The same goes for many wearable vendors. I do not include those who do their own weaving, spinning and dye-ing as part of their process as being part of the problem I am seeing - which keeps most fine fiber artists out of the discussion.  I also do not consider quilters to be part of the issue b/c they make their component forms out of what used to be scrap...

As a fine art painter, I use paint, hardboard and frame components. However, the only obvious store-bought item visible to the customer in un-altered form is the frame which I assemble myself and I minimize this aspect of my product. If a jeweler was only allowed to sell products which they made completely from feed-stock materials rather than incorporating out of the box ready-made components, there would be only a few who could compete at each event - rather than the over-supply of wearables at every event I attend as either an exhibitor or attendee..... Show directors if you are still reading, this aspect of outdoor shows has to change....

Plenty of jewelers and wearable vendors will tell you that there are too many of their discipline in any given exhibit or festival. Yet, none will suggest a method by which to reduce those numbers. This is one way to up the quality ante and increase the originality and hand-production aspects of the exhibitor. It would also reduce buy/sell wearables at all events... It would eliminate the store-bought "bead-ers", store-bought component assembler jewelers and most of the ateliers mass-producing jewelry in general...

I am quite ready for the flames - just look at the number of wearable artists on this board. So if you have a blowtorch out and at the ready because you buy most of your stuff ready made and only do 'creative assembly', I encourage you to make the most of your opportunity to cook me in the shell so to speak...

I have encountered a situation that I'm not sure how to intrepret and I would appreciate hearing from others in regard to similar experiences, opinions, etc.

For the past couple of years I've been very fortunate in being accepted to most of the shows to which I have applied, some of which I thought I had very little chance of getting into.  I try to keep my work fresh and introduce new work when possible.  And, I feel my work has gotten better from year to year if for no other reason than more experience, exposure, etc.

However, it seems I am getting more rejections and wait-listings for 2012 than I've ever had before and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.  With the economic issues we've all seen, it seems there would be fewer applicants to shows and, thus, less competition but this doesn't seem to be the case.  Of course there are all the usual reasons why one isn't accepted to a show i.e. simply an inferior body of work; poor photos; large number of applicants in a particular category, etc., etc.  But, as I said, I feel my work has improved, my photos are every bit as good as they've ever been if not better and , as near as I can tell, there has been no significant change in the numbers of applicants in my category.

So, I'm simply having a hard time in pinpointing the problem.  I can only assume that I'm wrong and my work is getting worse instead of better.  I intend to step back, take some time away from shows and devote it to making some changes and improvements in my work, get some better photos  (pay attention Larry) and solicit opinions from you good folks.

I also have a real personal problem with the wait-listing issue.  To me, that simply says, "you're not good enough to be in our show but we're going to keep your name in the hat just in case we need it".  This is my own personal hang-up but I can't seem to change my thinking.  I would almost rather be rejected out-right than wait-listed.

I would appreciate hearing any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, comments any of you might have on these issues.  And I would be interested in hearing from anyone who is having a similar problem with 2012 and what you think the reasons might be.

Thanks to the auditors from AFI who came in to help select the following noteworthy blogs that appeared on the site this year. Please make your choices - up to five and email me your list as soon as possible so we can reward the winners. Email me: info@artfaircalendar.com!

Here they are:

JANUARY
1.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/late-december-letter-to-fellow
[David Hipwell: January 2, 2010 - Personal status]

2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/kumquat-festival-2010
[Bill Sargent: January 31, 2010 - Good Information]

3.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/heres-how-im-achieving-my  
[Jackie Jacobson: January 26, 2010 - Informational]

4.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/walking-zombies-at-suncoast
[Michael Lee: January 25, 2010 - Good report]

5.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/creativeness-over-mass
[Larry Jelf: January 23, 2010 - Good commentary]

FEBRUARY
1.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/coconut-grove-2010-the-fobots - "Coconut Grove 2010 - The Fobots Perspective" Phil Crone 2/18
 
2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/our-coconut -"Our Coconut" Bill Sargent 2/17
 
3. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-stephens-art-festival -  "St. Stephen's Art Festival" Greta Anthony  2/17
 
4. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/artigras-2010-is-it-the - "Is It the Weather?" Jim Parker 2/17
 
5. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/art-fest-ft-myers-lots-of - "Art Fest Ft. Myers - lots of folks, few bags, no award $$" Bert Herrera 2/8

 
6.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/crafts-on-the-river-aka-the - Geoff Coe
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/crystal-river-manatee-festival- "Crystal River Manatee Festival" Roxie Spell  2/5
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/suncoast-arts-festival-january - Jennifer Simpson 2/4

MARCH
1.    Please Talk Among Yourselves – Connie Mettler
Blog post discussed problems occurring on the board while moderator was away and suggestions for fixing.  Generated lots of discussion on readers views of problems and their solutions to fix them.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/please-talk-amongst-yourselves

2.    Tarpon Springs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly-R. C.  Fulwiler
Good review of show.  Gave reader a  good idea of the park set up and his problems with set up, weather, and awning problems.  Addressed the promoters problem with understanding what was meant with “Give me the
same booth as last year”.  Provoked good discussion on weather problems.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/tarpon-springs-the-good-the

3.    Shoplifting-Pat Falk
Good blog post on a problem that all show artists are facing.  Generated good discussion on other artists experiences and their solutions.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/shoplifting-1

4.    Gasparilla-The Good, The Bad, The Ugly-Barry Bernstein
Very informative.  Discussed several show problems such as booth location, judging from slides and loading and unloading as well as good things such as the prize money and hotels.  Generated good discussion.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/gasparilla-reviewthe-good-the

5.    I Put Fine Art Registry Security Tags On The Back Of All My Paintings- Joseph and Sari Grove
    Very good discussion about a problem concerning all those who have work on consignment in shops or galleries.  Took us step by step.  Good discussion
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/i-put-fine-art-registry

#6 is here in case you decide to go against my wishes and pull the blog post that you did.

6.    Estro Gine Arts Show @ Miromar Outlets-Geoff Coe
Good review of show.  Discussed show problems such as lack of restrooms, confusion over weather and show closing, customer complaints about traffic and getting into show.  Also discussed good things such as promotion, staff organization and set up.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/estero-fine-arts-show-miromar

APRIL
1. A Dream Realized - Terri Drake  April 14

2.  Copy Kats Beware - Heather Jordan April 21

3. Proving you Actually Did Make It - Walt Bennett  April 15

4.  Art and Craft Show Scam MI  Ap 15

5.  Michigan Painter Jan Dorer - Gil Dorer   April 7

MAY
1.  Surprises! Blue Crab Festival, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - Heather Jordan 5/20
    Well written. What a good lesson for us all….  Attitude is everything.

2.  East Nashville Arts Fest- Martha Bennington  5/27
    Informative . . . . Love the fact that she considers it “One artist’s perspective” instead of     “This is it …these are the facts!

3.  40 Questions Craft Artist Blog Series Question #20 - Michelle Sholund  5/25
    Educational

4.  Free supplies to anyone who is interested - Christine Heisler  5/21
    This is what networking is all about.

5.  Lakefront Artist Fair, Racine, WI - Linda Anderson  5/2
    Perfect format, Great info!!

JUNE
1.  "Bad Things Happen When You're Not Where You're Supposed to Be"  - Posted by Munks on June 28, 2010 at 1:30pm
 
 What can I say, the Munks has a way with words.  This one is my favorite overall.

2.  Downtown Denver Show/ or sticking my toe back in the water - Posted by mark zurek on June 8, 2010 at 12:07pm
 
I chose this one because Mark managed to get all the important info in and made the reader enjoy it at the same time.  I especially enjoyed the people watching bit.
 
3.  Salina Kansas- Smoky Hill Riverfest Art Fair- Posted by Patricia Hecker on June 15, 2010 at 2:00pm
Ok I must confess that I only chose this one because of the comments made by the Salina Native (I suspect one of the promoters).  A very well written slap across the face.
 
4.  Artists Beware - NO art fair at Orchard Lake, MI, June 26-27 - Posted by Connie Mettler on June 21, 2010 at 11:57am
 
I really like the way you put it out there and did not try to be one bit politically correct.  Easy to get the message when it’s that forward.
 
5.  Highland Park, IL Festival of Fine Craft-Posted by geri wegner on June 28, 2010 at 2:20am

How great is it to have a shopper’s perspective. 

JULY
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/port-washington-fish-day-is-a - David Hipwell 7/29
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/discounts-and-taxes - Jackie Russo 7/29
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/jackson-hole-artist-banned-for - Connie Mettler 7/29
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/no-money-for-booth-fees-but - Richard Rothbard 7/23
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/ann-arbor-summer-art-fairs - Patricia Hecker 7/19
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/cherry-creek-lakefront - R. Michael Wommack 7/9

AUGUST
1.  Arts in the Gardens, Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua New York-Pat Sorbini - Nicely written show review.
 2.  Brighton Fine Arts Festival, Brighton Michigan-Nancy Grimsley
Good review of show with a couple of good pictures.  Others who have done thE show also commented.
3. Bits & Pieces on Winter Park, Howard Alan Frisco & Park City art shows, maybe. Other stuff too. –Robert Leuallen  Good review of shows and Howard Alan in particular.  Generated comments from others about their experiences.
4.  Cleveland Caravan: Willoughby, Medina, Akron, Lakewood and Chardon, OH -Leo Charette- Gave good insight on smaller shows.  Lots of comments on smaller shows.
5.  From Passion to Survival-Larry Berman
Good report on a thought provoking subject.  I don’t necessarily agree with all his comments but it did generate lots of good conversation on the subject.
6th Annual Blues Festival - Robert Louallen

SEPTEMBER
1.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/the-plaza-kansas-city-a - The Plaza Kansas City - a review, R. Michael Wommack
2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/disasters-in-atl - Disasters in ATL - Paul Flack
3. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/again-through-faith-my-life - Again Through Faith my Life continues to be blessed, Katherine McNeill 9/17
4. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-louis-art-fair - Bert Herrera  9/13
5. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/arts-beats-and-eats-review-or - Arts, Beats & Eats Review or Fun, fun, fun - Barry Bernstein  9/12
6. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/early-fobot-reportlongs-park - Early Fobot Report --Longs Park, Amy Flynn 9/3

OCTOBER
1. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/a-little-stupidity-in-memphis - A little stupidity in Memphis - Bonnie Blandford 10/27
2. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/memphis-river-arts-fest?xg_source=activity - Memphis River Arts Fest - Mary Beth Shaw 10/25
3.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/fly-on-the-wall - Fly on the Wall - David Plank 10/18
4.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/40-question-craft-artist-blog-263 - How do you spot re-sell at Art Fairs - Michelle Sholund  10/17
5. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-jamesview-from-the-inner  St. James/View from the inner court - Mark Zurek  10/4

NOVEMBER
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/lake-mary-heathrow-festival-of
Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts
Posted by Joe Clifton on November 8, 2010 at 4:27pm (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/chastain-park-art-festival
Chastain Park Art Festival (Atlanta)
Posted by Melanie Rolfes on November 8, 2010 at 12:56pm (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/estero-fl-fine-arts-show-nov
Estero (FL) Fine Arts show, Nov. 6-7, 2010
Posted by Geoff Coe on November 8, 2010 at 12:30pm (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/halifax-daytona-beach-florida
Halifax - Daytona Beach, Florida
Posted by Alison Thomas on November 8, 2010 at 6:32am (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/mayday-underground-crafts-amp
MayDay Underground Crafts & Art Luau
Posted by Stefani Tadio on November 7, 2010 at 10:03am (Great review)

DECEMBER
1. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/did-i-really-make-a-living DID I REAlly make a living selling art? Merri Pattinian  12/11
2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/here-is-my-tequilaelvis-what Tequila/Elvis/Meaning of Life Report - Nels Johnson 12/21
3. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/spreading-the-good-spirit-a Spreading the good spirit a bit - Mark Zurek  12/10
4.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/cleveland-by-hand-after-a - Cleveland By Hand after a month to reflect - Judy Goskey 12/6
5.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/wake-upsmell-the-censors - Jack Stoddart 12/5

Email me NOW - awards going to the top ten blogs....info@artfaircalendar.com

Then stay tuned for the rest of the awards -- coming soon!

One of the great things about my online business is that it requires some offline activity and my favorite activity is visiting art fairs. December 1 I was in Columbus, OH, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds to attend the Ohio Designer Craftsmen's Winterfair. This is a long established event and my husband participated in it for nearly 20 years, so I knew it well.

The show is held in a large exhibition space with spacious parking nearby. There are wide aisles and it is a comfortable venue to visit. There were over 400 exhibitors. This used to be a very fine gallery quality event, but as the show grew from 250 to this size (and it has been this size for a very long time) the quality has declined. Nevertheless, I spotted no buy/sell, except for the gourmet food area. It is organized by an artist's organization and they pretty much know what is in the show.

Glass display by Robert Coleman

The aisles were full when I got there at noon on Saturday and there was a lot of shopping happening. Artists reported good sales on Friday.

Who was there? I visited with Mike Barnes, Ray Becker, Amy Beeler, Scott Berry, Adrienne Blum, Don Bodenberg, Lois Bosworth, Joe Cyberski, Patty DeMaria, Tahmi Schepper, Bruce Erdman (aka Cherry Sphere), Jerry Farnsworth, Lynn Fisher, Nina Harris, Tom Harris, Denise Houck, Linda McGurn, Rebecca Nobles, Barbara Rubright, John Russell, Jim & Rombye Perry, Kathy Sheldon, Charlie & Paula Shoulders, Simon & Joy Tarasiewicz, Barbara Nelson, Neil Kemarly, Chuck Wimmer and many more.

Here's a video with quickie interviews with even more artists that will also give you an idea of this event: