I greatly enjoyed the 30th anniversary of Art In the Park. The weather cooperated for the 3 day show except for a downpour Saturday morning from 8 to 10. The show opened at noon and closed at 8pm on Friday, but I had patrons in my booth by 9am and did not close up until 9 as the crowds kept coming. Ditto for Saturday - closing time was 7pm but patrons lingered. My neighbor reported he did not close up until close to 10 as his booth remained busy. Thankfully on Sunday, the lovely people of Plymouth did not linger and everyone could start take down at 5. The Sunday Plymouth paper announced "Record Crowds Predicted" and I believe they were correct as the streets were filled all 3 days as was my booth.I found set up and tear down very well planned and drive up to booth was great. There was no “check in” – You received your booth assignment, and unloading instructions in the mail. Once you were set up, a volunteer brought you the booth tag. I found it nice that the food vendor area had their own street as their large trucks did not venture into most art areas.I talked with several artists and their list of complaints included:Entry fee too high (I agree)No booth sittersNo one giving out water (I will add that the local high school band had a couple of water booths and several times walked around offering to sell water – this was their major fund raiser and perhaps the reason organizers did not offer the water)Music in the center core too loudCrafters and commercial businesses were interwoven with artists. Evidentially this used to be fine art only, but there was a varied cross section of booths.From what I observed, the layout for approximately 400 booths was as good as possible. The core of the event was at a downtown intersection and booths spread out on adjoining streets. I was 3rd from the end of one of those streets. Typically I may have groaned about paying my dues as a first timer at this event, but patrons actually entered from all points of the perimeter. Greyhound type busses ran continually from various park & ride locations and dropped patrons off at one of the less desirable ends. I’m not sure if it was the design of the show or the very experienced event patrons, but I’m fairly sure any patron that attended came down to my end. It was nice to have an active booth, even though not all were buyers. They may be one day.Kellogg Park takes up an entire block and one corner is at the event’s core. The entire park was dedicated to a variety of creative, hands on, kid’s art activities including a kid vendor area where kids sold their art. Throughout the weekend I was thrilled with the higher than average amount of teens & preteens that visited my booth, initiated great art savvy conversations and even purchased some of my photography. I did not make the connection until late Sunday when I realized this lovely community is quite active in its efforts to get kids involved and comfortable with art at a young age. How great is this?Two school lots served for artist parking and ours was approximately 5 blocks away. Overnight parking for those sleeping in motor homes or vans was allowed. The organizers had arranged for discount rates at several hotels. Several of the nearby restaurants dropped off menus and offered booth delivery. Security was provided by city police – not rent a cops. A great majority of the people I spoke with (now remember, I do like to talk) had been severely affected by the problems within the automotive industry and my heart goes out to them. Having said that, I had quite a profitable show. No framed items sold, but I nearly sold out of my 8x10’s and 16x20’s. I also have (9) 18x24 & larger orders to complete when I arrive home Tuesday. I’m thinking I’ll get better gas mileage with (4) empty crates in my trailer!I do so enjoy Michigan & its lovely people. I think I’ll take the long way home to Wisconsin via the U.P. rather than deal with the high van/trailer tolls in Chicago. Yes – it’s probably a wash with the extra gas, but I get to enjoy Michigan for just a tad longer.Bottom line – Entry is high and it is not an all fine art only event. For me, it was an enjoyable show and I will return. I’ll have my typical videos on YouTube later.
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My husband, sculptor Jim Goshorn, had one of those "I think I'll try that." moments with this first time show in Dickson Tennessee. The show was held the last weekend in June and they did a lot of things right. As is always true of first year shows, there were some mistakes. But overall Jim and I think the show was a good one. Despite over 100 degrees heat index and low, low attendance we made some sales. Firefly must have done a pretty good mailing to get such a concentrated art buyer crowd. Load in and load out was easy. Those of us in the shade were hunky-dory, those in the sun were offered help to move Friday evening.Pluses included the Renaissance Center - a fabulous art center; Snacks and water all day long, Dinner Friday night and breakfast on Sunday. A REALLY nice acceptance package and some good publicity.On the downside, parking for the patrons was a mess -- we were told Patrons would have access to the paved parking lot next year.Pretty good score for this event... hope they keep improving...At any rate, we made more at this small venue than we did in East Hampton the following weekend!
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Yes, it seems like it is way too soon to be thinking about the Florida art fair season, yet you know if it is July the winter applications are not far behind.
What a surprise it was to read that the Downtown Naples Association has broken with Howard Alan Events and is joining with the Naples Art Association to put on events in downtown Naples beginning in 2010.
"After 21 years with an out-of-town company, the Downtown Naples Association has joined forces with the Naples Art Association, to produce Fifth Avenue South art festivals.
“With the Naples Art Association administering shows, it will get bigger,” said DNA chairwoman Cathy Christopher. “Being local, they have a huge impetus and great incentive to reach out into the community and make these shows sensational.”
Shows have averaged 30,000 visitors who spend $1.2 million in restaurants and shops, she said.
But as proponents called this a perfect marriage, the DNA’s separation from long-time partner Howard Alan Events could be called a bad breakup."
Read the rest of the article here from the Naples News.
The article says Howard Alan has secured another venue north of the area.
What do you think? Is this a good thing for the artist who has been participating in the HA Events?
Are you more likely to apply under the sponsorship of the DNA?
Do you think this is a good move for the DNA?
Is this good or bad?
Comment below.
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Do you ever watch Antiques Roadshow on PBS and marvel at the prices that the pottery brings? Pay attention. Today I am bringing you an opportunity to have that kind of pottery in your own collection. I bought my first art fair art from Madeline in l976 and have been watching her journey as a ceramicist ever since. She is one of Michigan's most popular artists, exhibiting her pottery at top fairs and galleries, teaching classes and workshops and consulting. Her work has appeared in
American Crafts Magazine, the
New York Times,
Ceramics Monthly and is coveted for private and public collections.
"Mardi Gras Teapot" clay and seed beads- 14"x8"x4" She says,
I was the little girl who always made potholders on a plastic loom on the backyard picnic table. I am the daughter of Irene who baked the fabulous cakes with four tiers of frosted roses, fiber optic lights and fountains. I am the granddaughter of Francis who crocheted tablecloths for the bosses at Ford Motors so her husband could keep his job during the Depression. This month you'll find Madeline in Cleveland Heights, OH, at the
Cain Park Arts Festival and in Ann Arbor, MI, at the
South University Art Fair. Learn more about her and her work as an artist:
ArtFairCalendar.com/featuredartistRead more…
My many thanks to all of you who have added my link to your websites, blog posts, etc. This helps
me get great SEO and carry on my mission of bringing patrons to the art fairs to see and buy the works of your hands. If you haven't done it yet, please add my link to your site. Here is where to
get my links for your site. Linking helps everyone's google rankings and brings more "eyes" to our "pages." Here's my latest publicity coup. Many thanks to Liane Pruchnik of Chicago who did a great write up of my site ArtFairCalendar.com in the Examiner.com:
Summer Art Fairs: Read this article and you won't miss one, no matter where you live! Here is what she says:
"Across Chicago and the suburbs there are amazing Art Fairs open to the public that draw artisans from all over the United States. Food, drink and entertainment can make the outing an all day event. The only problem comes with finding out where the Art Fairs are and when they are taking place! There is a wonderful site that can help you plan your outings - ArtFairCalendar.com." Read the rest of
Liane's article here. Thank you, Liane. I hope to see you at one of the art fairs some day soon.
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wed. - Friday, 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm - never on SundayWhat else can you expect? This annual extravaganza is the most exciting art fair for the year. The entire center of the city is taken over by four recognized art fairs, plus just about every other square foot of space is taken up by "squatter" shows and artists. Seems like just about everyone who owns real estate in Ann Arbor makes sure they have a slice of the revenue.
What does this mean for you? You can hit the sales and the merchants and find great bargains, and/or you can be wowed by some of the nation's best contemporary artists and find one-of-a-kind treasures to cherish for a lifetime.
Do not be intimidated by the logistics! Everyone works together to make it easy for you to attend. You can park near the fairs or park at Briarwood Mall (I-94 and State St.) and take a shuttle.
For more information:
www.ArtFairCalendar.com/Michiganartfairs
Bet you'll like this story from last year about the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, photos, links and all the info, ArtFairInsider.com
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Find many more art fairs around the country:
www.ArtFairCalendar.comRead more…
Good fortune has allowed us to do Cherry Creek for 13 years - not consecutively. After not being there last year we had hoped that things would be good. It was the first time EVER, anywhere, that we sold only one piece over $100.00. Sales were not anywhere near what they should be for a show of this caliber. Interest however, was amazing. I don't remember both of us talking this much- but it was like pulling teeth. We also gave out MANY business cards. Have had two call backs for larger pieces so it may work out yet. People seem to be very cautious and need some time to think about their purchases.Friday night had torrential rains that didn't help anything. We had close to 10 inches of rain flowing through our booth. I swear there were whitecaps in the middle of the street and surfing was a distinct possibility. Denver had about 1.15 inches of rain in less than half an hour. We stood across the street from our booth in a yoga clothing store with all the skinny people. I wanted to run out to the booth but Jim held me back. I decided to distract myself by looking at the sweet yoga frocks, knowing full well I was safe. Nothing would fit anyway.............
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We did the Des Moines art fair last month, this is only the second time for us. The last time we did it was six years ago. Our sales figures were pretty much the same which is okay with us. Of course when it comes to sales, mediocre is the new good. The show is great about communication, advertising, volunteers, load in and out. They had water coolers behind the booths so you could fill your glass and not accumulate all those plastic bottles. Snacks all weekend (though not much in the healthy department). The weather was hot and humid and sometimes threatening but nothing big happened. The hours are lonnnnngggg so we skipped the breakfast. Wifi at site though some had to move around to find it. Several reports of theft from booths but I think they were resolved.It's all in all a great show and they really try to accommodate the artists in any way possible and if the economy ticks up a bit it will be great!!
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We are asking artists to donate their time and talent to create a piece of art that will be sold at the Gala on October 23, 2009.Details:1. Gather a 6”x6” canvas, piece of paper or other light-weight medium.2. Paint, assemble, or create your work. The only requirement is size—6 inches square.3. Return your finished work along with the completed bottom portion of this form by September 30, 2009 to NCCC, 238 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Please be sure to print your full name on the back of the work. Artists will be recognized in the Gala program and on the North Country Children’s Clinic website.4. Works will be sold on October 23, 2009, Gala at SUNY Jefferson Community College. They will be priced at $20 each.All proceeds from the sales will help to “open the doors” to a better quality of life for North Country children.To learn more about either organization visit www.childrens-clinic.org or www.ncaccess.org or call (315) 782-9450.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Detach and return this portion taped to your work- - - - - - - - - - - - - -Artist contact information:Canvas Information: ___________________________________________________________________Artist’s Name ___________________________________________________________________Title ___________________________________________________________________Street Address ___________________________________________________________________City/ST/Zip Medium ___________________________________________________________________Phone Email ___________________________________________________________________I give permission to NCCC and NCAC to reproduce my art for the purpose of promoting the 6x6 Art Opens Doors project with credit to the artist available upon request. ___________________________________________________________________Signature…
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Trying something new....flying to shows. Worked great until this leg of the trip. Have a slight problem getting my tent to Ann Arbor. Anyone willing to rent me a tent for the State Street show. Maybe a nice LiteDome, ShowOff or CraftHut. Just throwing it out there in hopes something will pop up. Thanks!Kelly Allenemail: Statements@aol.com
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I have tried to get into the Cherry Creek Art Festival for over 13 years. I have walked through the festival and I can not believe I have never been accepted. I instead have gone have done the art shows in the past in Brekenridge and for the last several years Fresco. I am continued asked why am I not in the Cherry Creek Art Festival. My work is in 8 different galleries throughout the United States, and I have a European following. I am amazed at the response to my paintings, especially since I started using a pallett knife. I have had many articles written about me, last one American Art Collector June issue.
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The Relentless Eye: Global Cell Phone Photography 2009Cell phone cameras are the relentless eye of the global simulacra. Simple and everywhere, cell phone cameras have transformed how photography is practiced. Helen Day Art Center announces the first of its kind international call to cell phone artists. We seek entries that reveal the creative mind through this ubiquitous medium for a ten-week exhibition opening September 25th, 2009. Entries will be juried by the acclaimed photographer, Eirik Johnson (www.eirikjohnson.com). For detailed information and submission guidelines visit us online at www.helenday.comDeadline for submissions is August 31, 2009.
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(I'm away from my office visiting family in California, but still keeping my ear turned to the latest news in the art fair business.)
Whenever I hear people decry the lack of young artists entering the art fair business, I look around, and see plenty of new artists, the problem is that they are not "young." Maybe this is an older person's business. This article from the Denver Post, quotes director of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Terry Adams on the CCAF's Emerging Artist program, "This is our way of introducing them to this business," Adams said. "There are more artists leaving at the upper end of the age group than are coming in at the lower end, so this is our way of replenishing this generation."
Pretty cool...just like many of today's artists, people leaving established careers (for a number of reasons) and entering the arena in their '50's and '60's.
Read the article here: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12759316
Were you at Cherry Creek? Tell us about your experiences here.
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It's your turn.
"Have you ever wondered how to go from being a “struggling, emerging or even semi-established artist to selling a complete show for $198 million?” Bravo says they might be able to help you with their new artist-based reality competition to win a “gallery show, a cash prize and a sponsored national tour,” whatever that means." This is a for-real deal being produced by Bravo and Sarah Jessica Parker's production company. Do check it out. They are looking for thirteen artists: "We want contemporary artists. Your medium could be one of many (or several of many) – painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, mixed-media – we want voices that believe in their art and want the world to know," says Bravo. Casting calls going on very soon in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and New York. Read all about it here:
http://www.bravofan.com/bravo-now-casting-for-untitled-art-project/ and here:
http://www.bravotv.com/casting and here:
http://animalnewyork.com/2009/06/bravo-casting-for-sarah-jessica-parkers-art-reality-show/Read more…
I was at the Kutztown Festival yesterday (June 29) and as always, had a great time. The 9 day festival held in Kutztown Festival is like a Renaissance Festival, but cut out the minstrels and 'ol English dialogue and insert PA Dutch heritage, history, and traditional folk art. I have gone to the festival for about 5 years now and primarily go as a shopper with Christmas list with many names usually checked off by the end of the day once I am done there. I haven't been able to do the event since it takes place over a 9 day period.The event has taken place since the 70's and every year gets better with age. The jury does an amazing job with a large variety of folk art and traditional art forms galore. There is about 350 artists who make up the event, plus demonstrations from artists and others such as barn raising. I have several friends who do the event each year and find it to be THE event to do (and look forward to) each year as many make at least $5,000 over that period of time with many more making about $20,000 or so - all depending on what is being sold and contacts after the event. The event also offers information about hotel and even housing options including housing options at the local college and campground info as well as opportunities in staying on site.One artist, Lin who works with recycled glass cups and creates stained glass and butterfly feeders. New to the show, Lin stated how she was just happy to be accepted into the event. After the first two days of the event being open she quickly learned it can be a very profitable event making several good sales. Monday proved to be good, despite less foot traffic. In my experience, walking the event on both weekdays and weekends, some weekdays can be incredibly busy especially if the weather cooperates. The event ends around the 4th of July with a great fireworks display. Another artist, a jewelry maker who works with leather, attended the show for the first time last year, had such a successful time found it was necessary to buy two booth spaces. So far the weeks start has showed it was the best move to ever make.Don't take my word for it, go to their website - www.kutztownfestival.com (I think that is the site address) and see for yourself. Information on how to apply and more is found there. I am seriously thinking about signing up for 2010 - maybe I will see you there! - Michelle Sholund, By the Bay Botanicals
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This past weekend (June 27-28) I participated in my first outdoor art show. It was a lot of work, but I'm pleased with the experience. The show was in Northville, a nice little town about 15 miles west of Detroit, and not far from my home in Ann Arbor. It has a well developed Main Street area, which is where the art fair was held. Weather was good, although a bit windy on Sunday (I got to watch a canopy set up by Marvin Replacement Windows blow down the street 3 or 4 times before they gave up on it). My canopy help up just fine, but only because I've read enough here and on other forums to weigh the canopy down with about 150 lbs. of stuff. I also used my new ProPanels, which are a big improvement (at a huge increase in cost) over the wire grids I've use at indoor shows and outdoor markets. If you get ProPanels, be sure to pay the extra for the adjustable legs. It think it would very difficult to keep them stable without the adjustments.As it was my first time at the show, I can't compare it with previous years, but other, more seasoned exhibitors, told me that attendance and spending seemed to be down. Even the food vendors said that sales were down. This is not surprising in Michigan, where the economy is really bad. Sunday was a better day than Saturday for sales.I was very pleased with the attention my pictures attracted, and pretty happy with my sales. About 50 people asked for one of my business cards, and asked for my show schedule. I also really enjoyed talking with the people who stopped by my booth. Although there were a number of photographers at the show, the selection committee did a good job picking different photographic styles.I hoped that this show would help me figure out the right mixture of framed, matted and unframed/unmatted photos, but that didn't happen, since I sold some of each. Also, about 2/3 of my sales were on credit cards.The organizers of the show could have done a better job getting volunteers to cover for lunches and bathroom breaks, but I had a friend stop by on Saturday, and I had about 20 minutes of volunteer to cover my booth on Sunday, so I was fine.This was a good show to start with, as it was only two days and not real big. My next show is in Plymouth, Michigan, on July 10-12, and it's much bigger.Although I live in Ann Arbor, I'm not doing any of the fairs here as I didn't decide to do any art fairs until April of this year, and that was way past the application cut-off dates.This forum has been a huge help! Thanks for running it Connie, and thanks to all of the amazingly generous people who contribute their time and advice!Cheers.
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wed. - Friday, 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm - never on Sunday
What else can you expect? This annual extravaganza is the most exciting art fair for the year. The entire center of the city is taken over by four recognized art fairs, plus just about every other square foot of space is taken up by "squatter" shows and artists. Seems like just about everyone who owns real estate in Ann Arbor makes sure they have a slice of the revenue.
What does this mean for you? You can hit the sales and the merchants and find great bargains, and/or you can be wowed by some of the nation's best contemporary artists and find one-of-a-kind treasures to cherish for a lifetime.
Do not be intimidated by the logistics! Everyone works together to make it easy for you to attend. You can park near the fairs or park at Briarwood Mall (I-94 and State St.) and take a shuttle.
For more information:
www.ArtFairCalendar.com/Michiganartfairs
Bet you'll like this story from last year about the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, photos, links and all the info, ArtFairInsider.com
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Find many more art fairs around the country:
www.ArtFairCalendar.com
