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12220927268?profile=RESIZE_400xJanuary 20 & 21, 2024
Venice, Florida
Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club
Saturday 9am-6pm & Sunday 10am-4pm
100 Artists
Deadline: November 11, 2023
 
Application fee: $30.00 Booth fee: $250.00
 
For over 30 Years the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club has hosted the most artist-friendly Art Festival in South Florida. Our artists consistently give us great reviews for the support we provide, easy in-load and out-load, enthusiastic crowds, and overnight security. We attract thousands of attendees with our array of artists, antique/classic automobiles, live music, family fun, tasty food, and drink. Venice is directly on the Gulf of Mexico and has some of the best beaches in Florida which attract thousands of northerners every winter.
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Again, this year we will have a large circus tent as an option for artists who prefer protection from the elements. This year the City of Venice will again host the City of Venice Road E-O, a popular equipment operating competition that draws crowds of spectators to the event. The Rotary Art Festival has grown in popularity over the past years, and we expect to continue to attract more artists and larger attendance in 2024.
 
Show Features                         
  • 12220927486?profile=RESIZE_400xArtist parking behind your booth or close to your booth
  • Easy load-in and load-out
  • Overnight Security
  • Music
  • Wide variety of Food and Drink
  • Attracts thousands of attendees
  • Children's activities attract numerous families
  • Venice and Rotary enjoy great Community Support
  • RV parking is available on-site, but hookups are not available
Contact: Joseph Pokorney joe@lancastermcginty.com
Read more…

booth security.

I would like to know effective security measures to prevent stealing a painting off the wall at an art fair.   Has anyone used cams etc.?   Two of my smaller paintings were lifted this past weekent at the Lakeview East Art Fair when i went to get my van to pack out. This is rare as my paintings would not bring anything if fenced etc.   thanks. 

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12220920674?profile=RESIZE_400xFebruary 29 - March 3, 2024
La Quinta, California
La Quinta Civic Center Park
Daily 10am-5pm
200 Artists
Deadline: October 20, 2023
 
Application fee: $50 Booth fee starts at $350
 
SCOPE Events, LLC invites you to apply as one of the 200 premier artists for the four day La Quinta Art Celebration SPRING 2024, lakeside on the stunning La Quinta Civic Center park. (This year the event kicks-off on Feb. 29th due to leap year!) La Quinta is located 30 minutesfrom sunny Palm Springs, a famous vacation destination. Art enthusiasts are from the affluent Coachella Valley, patrons from elite California coastal communities, and snowbirds who return to the Valley each year.
 
The target patron demographic also includes polo and tennis fans who arrive for the numerous equestrian events or the BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament. A significant marketing budget is allotted to reach present and potential art patrons. We strive to curate the right mix of attendees who are true art collectors.
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Artist Awards
Best of Show: $1000 & Best of Category: $500 - winners will receive an invitation to exhibit the following November at La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE 2024 or Spring 2025. Award of Merit winners will receive a ribbon and acknowledgement at 2024 event.
 
La Quinta Art Celebration SPRING 2024 is a commission art event. This allows the event to offer participating artists low booth fees, lower up- front cost, and a fiscal risk shared between the Promoter and the Artist. Artists pay 20% of all art sales that are a result of participation. Artists tabulate their sales on a tablet which provides them with a database of all sales and patrons information for their records.
 
12220926059?profile=RESIZE_400xInvited Artists Receive:
• Daily continental breakfast, a deluxe boxed lunch, snacks throughout the day, and unlimited bottled water
• Volunteer golf-cart drivers for load-in (they are not able to lift or carry your art and supplies)
• Labor available for hire to physically help with load in & out
• Volunteer Booth Sitters
• Artist Helpline available 24/7
• Artist Award Reception with gourmet appetizers, premium wine and beer; artist assistants attend for free
• 24-hour on-site private security
• Artist information included in the official event program and on the event website
• Opportunity to purchase low-cost ads in the event program
• Knowledgeable, attentive, and helpful staff
 
"This is the BEST of all the art shows we have ever attended.
The staff and support are amazing, the venue unparalleled, and the sales are consistently high.
If we had to choose only one show to do this would be it!"
 
For more information: www.laquintaartcelebration.org
Contact: Kathleen Hughes info@scopeevents.org
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The Next Mock Jury

The next mock jury is scheduled for Tuesday September 26th. Besides Barry Bernstein (high end ceramicist) and Bonnie Blandford (jeweler and former show director), we will have a new juror this year. Camille Marchese, director of the Coconut Grove Art Festival will also be a juror. You don't have to be available as it will be recorded and uploaded to Youtube. If you want to participate, the instructions are on my web site: https://bermangraphics.com/blog/holding-a-mock-jury-on-zoom/

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

Read more…
12218099076?profile=RESIZE_400xMarch 15, 16, & 17, 2024
Winter Park, Florida
Central Park and along Park Avenue
Friday-Saturday 9am-6pm & Sunday 9am-5pm
215 Artists
Deadline: September 25, 2023
 
Application fee: $45/Booth fee: $575
 
The 65th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation's oldest, largest, and most prestigious juried fine art festivals. It's also one of the nation's most profitable for artists, positioned at #10 in Art Fair SourceBook's 2022 festival rankings and #6 in Sunshine Artist's Top 200 from 2010-2020, a 10-year ranking of the nation's most profitable art shows. In ArtFairCalendar's ranking of Best Art Fairs, we rank #6 in America and #1 in the South.
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The Festival debuted in March 1960 as a community project and is still produced by an all-volunteer board that puts an emphasis on meeting the needs of the artists. Here are a few comments from 2023 exhibiting artists:
  • The Artist Care Team volunteers were beyond amazing. 
  • Excellent service with water and snacks. It was nice not to have to leave the booth.
  • So well-run, well juried and fun!
  • A nice high-end fair. I liked the community support, awards and art purchases.
  • Thank you for the fabulous and profitable experience.
92% said they would plan to apply to attend the next year. 
 
12218099683?profile=RESIZE_400xSet in a beautiful, historic downtown setting, the festival draws approximately 250,000 art-loving visitors. Over 1000 fine artists from around the world apply yearly to this highly competitive and very popular show. An independent panel of three judges will select the 212 fine artists and three emerging artists invited to exhibit their works.
 
ARTISTS' AMENITIES
  • Extensive media promotions
  • Artists retain all sales proceeds
  • Artists' Hospitality Center with refreshments
  • Artists' Gallery on website
  • Security patrol after hours
  • Artist Housing Program
  • Booth sitting by volunteers on call
  • Artist Care Team - several times day with water & snacks
  • Saturday Night Artists' Party (Dinner & Awards Presentation)
  • Art Festival Magazine (distributed at event & on the website)
  • Limited free artists' parking near the Park
AWARDS - TOTAL OF $76,500
  • Best of Show: Purchase Award, $12,000
  • Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation Art of Philanthropy: Purchase Award, $5,000
  • Morse Museum Award for Distinguished Work of Art: $2,500
  • The Monte Livermore Celebration of Nature Award: $2,000
  • Ten Awards of Excellence: $2,000 each
  • Twenty Awards of Distinction: $1,000 each
  • Thirty Awards of Merit: $500 each
In addition, Patron Program purchases are estimated to exceed $90,000 this year.
 
Read more…
12216307074?profile=RESIZE_400xGoldendale, Washington
September 23, 2023
Downtown Main Street
Saturday 11am-9pm
Deadline: September 20, 2023
 
No Application Fee/Booth fee: $45
 
The Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate the completion of the Art at the Heart of Goldendale public art installations on Main Street on September 23, 2023 in downtown Goldendale.
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Art at the Heart as a whole is new this year. This type of event has never been done in Goldendale. This special event will be a Celebration of the arts—the expression of human creativity, skill, and imagination, such as painting, music, literature, and dance or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional impact.
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For more information: 
https://www.goldendalechamber.org/
Contact: Teja Finch 
teja@goldendalechamber.org
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12189721692?profile=RESIZE_400xMarch 9 & 10, 2024
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Craig Park, 100 Beekman Lane
Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
200 Artists
Deadline: September 30, 2023
 
Application fee: $30/Booth fee: $250-$400
 
We welcome your application to the 49th Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival on the Bayou, a premier outdoor event. This juried show attracts artists from across the U.S. It offers artists the opportunity to exhibit in a waterfront, oak-shaded park in the center of Tarpon Springs. The city was named Best Historic Small Town for 2018 by USA Today. Some 18,000 loyal patrons flock to the show every year to interact with and buy from exhibitors, sample craft beer and good food, and enjoy live entertainment. Awards total $19,000.
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Tarpon Springs sits at the north end of Florida's most densely-populated county, accessible from the entire Tampa Bay area. It offers an old Florida ambience with its brick streets, restored Victorian mansions and intimate bungalows surrounding the Festival venue. Downtown boasts a variety of restaurants and shops, just two blocks away. The historic Sponge Docks area, celebrating Greek heritage, is an easy walk or trolley ride away. The Festival, in the midst of these attractions, provides a unique opportunity for purchasing fine art and fine craft. 
 
The 2024 Festival features a revamped site plan, maximizing exposure to each artist's tent and easing visitors' movement through the Park -- all based on artists' suggestions. Musical entertainment also takes a fresh approach with instrumental ensembles. Organizers continue to promote the original work of artists by excluding buy/sell and production studio work, as well as souvenir items.
 
12189722266?profile=RESIZE_400xTestimonials
  • Good show, well curated, good support.
  • Everyone was kind, polite and well informed. As first timers we were pleasantly surprised with speed and ease of load-in. You handled so many artists in such a tight space in an efficient, organized manner, AND with smiles on your faces!
  • You run an artist-friendly show!
  • Having the fee stay at $250 is unique in comparison to comparable shows some of which seem to use us as a fundraiser.
  • Nice to see a festival with higher end art.
  • Stunning show and location.

The 2024 Festival features a revamped site plan, maximizing exposure to each artist's tent and easing visitors' movement through the Park -- all based on artists' suggestions. Organizers continue to promote the original work of artists by excluding buy/sell and production studio work, as well as souvenir items.

Contact: Jean Hungiville president@tarponspringschamber.org

 

 

Read more…
12187434887?profile=RESIZE_400xFebruary 17 & 18, 2024
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Gardens North County District Park
Daily 10am-5pm
275 Artists
Deadline: September 27, 2023
 
Application fee: $40.25/Booth fee starts at $589
 
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce invites you to apply to be an exhibitor at the 39th annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, presented by the Hanley Foundation, a two-day ticketed outdoor fine arts festival over Presidents' Day weekend. 
 
Known as one of the nation's top art festivals, ArtiGras,in Palm Beach Gardens, annually attracts tens of thousands of art lovers and collectors. The Festival showcases a juried exhibition of gallery-quality art and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with and purchase directly from the artists. Along with the onsite artists, ArtiGras will feature interactive art exhibits, children's activities, live music, youth art and recycling art competitions, among other demonstrations.
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ARTISTS SERVICES
We want your time with us to be not only profitable but also enjoyable. Artists will receive via e-mail a list of select hotel, tent, and equipment rental information.  
 
During the festival, the following amenities are offered to all artists:
  • Artists’ Oasis: provides free water, coffee, and snacks daily (Saturday and Sunday) 
  • A continental breakfast 
  • Booth sitters
  • Golf cart assistance to and from the customer art pick-up area
  • 24 hour security
12187436262?profile=RESIZE_400xAWARDS
During ArtiGras, three judges will select 25 artists in the Fine Art Showcase and give out $15,000 worth of prizes and recognition awards. Judging will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17. Cash awards and ribbons will be presented on Sunday morning, February 18.
 
For more information: http://www.artigras.org/
Contact: Brian Elkin brian@pbnchamber.com
Read more…

Call for Artists: Mercato Art Celebration

12189714866?profile=RESIZE_400xJanuary 27 & 28, 2024
Naples, Florida
Mercato Naples
Saturday 10am-6pm & Sunday 9am-3pm
130 Artists
Deadline: October 8, 2023
 
Application fee: $38/Booth fee: $540
 
Experience the sophisticated, fun, and vibrant Mercato Art Celebration Art Show hosted by Naples Picasso Events. This all-day extravaganza offers Naples residents and visitors the perfect blend of shopping under the sunshine and memorable evenings filled with dining, drinks, entertainment, and captivating Fine Art from renowned national and international artists. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere where sophistication and community converge, brightening both your day and night.
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 The Mercato Art Celebration Art Show, brought to you by Naples Picasso Events, brings together artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to celebrate creativity and culture. Prepare to be enthralled by a diverse range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. This event provides a unique opportunity to discover new artists, explore their extraordinary artworks, and engage with the vibrant art community.
 
In addition to the artistic delights, guests will relish the incredible Southwest Florida weather, ample parking options, and the chance to visit the celebrated restaurants and stores within Mercato. As the grand finale, Mercato and Collier County close down the entire street to vehicular traffic, allowing attendees to stroll through the event, interact with artists, and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Naples.
 
Read more…

I've been a moderator, helping Connie since the beginning of AFI. And now I feel it's time to do a little self promotion. I specialize in improving existing jury images and can photograph any kind of artwork. I do get a lot of jewelry to photograph. I also do free image evaluations and teach artists how to photograph their own artwork. My phone number is 412-401-8100.

Here are a few links to examples of my services.

Artwork photography
https://bermangraphics.com/digital-jury-resources/jury-slide-photography.htm

Improving existing jury images
https://bermangraphics.com/digital-jury-resources/fixing-jury-images.htm

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

Read more…

Call for Artists: Pearland Art on the Pavilion

12177075454?profile=RESIZE_400xOctober 14 & 15, 2023
Pearland, Texas
Pearland Town Center
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
30 Artists
Deadline: August 31, 2023
 
No Application Fee/Booth fee from $150 - $325
 
Pearland Art on the Pavilion returns to Pearland Town Center for another year of unique finds, regional artists, and live entertainment. Discover artwork from painters, photographers, jewelry makers, woodworkers, and more; hear from a showcase of talented musicians; and indulge in treats from local food trucks.
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The event takes place under an outdoor event pavilion at Pearland Town Center, which is an open-air mall 20 minutes south of downtown Houston.
 

Contact:
Rebekah Burns rburns@pearlandtx.gov
Read more…

Call for Artists: 2024 Smithsonian Craft Show

12177048696?profile=RESIZE_400xMay 1 - 5, 2024
Washington, DC
National Building Museum
Daily 10am-5pm
120 Artists
Deadline: September 17, 2023
 
Application fee: $50 Booth fee starts at $1280
 
12177049494?profile=RESIZE_400xThe Smithsonian Craft Show is a juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American crafts and design held annually in Washington DC. Three jurors, who are experts in the field and newly selected each year, choose 120 artists from a large pool of applicants. Previous exhibitors must re-apply each year. No one is grandfathered into the show. There is no quota for any category of Craft Art. Artists are selected based on the originality, artistic conception, beauty, and quality of their work. The show is produced by the Smithsonian Women's Committee. Proceeds from the Show fund grants that benefit the Smithsonian's education, outreach, conservation, and research programs.
 
The theme of the show is JOY. Bringing together the most outstanding and inventive minds and makers of American crafts to celebrate the JOY OF CREATING.
 
The Craft Show does not charge sales commissions. However, accepted artists are encouraged to donate an item for the Show’s Online Auction or other fund-raising initiatives, the proceeds of which benefit the Smithsonian.
 
For more information: https://smithsoniancraftshow.org/
Contact: Heidi Austreng austrpr@si.edu
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Call for Artists: Palm Beach Fine Craft Show

Palm Beach Fine Craft Show

View this email in your browser
 
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 
Deadline to Apply is September 15, 2023
Artists Call for Entries: 20th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show
February 16- 18, 2024 • Palm Beach Convention Center
______

The 20th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show is a juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American & International crafts and design hosted over Presidents' Day Weekend, February 16-18, 2024 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

The Palm Beach Fine Craft Show encourages artists to continue to grow and stretch the limits of their media. The Craft Show is committed to presenting the most thoughtful, original, and skilled American & International craft and design objects. All work submitted to the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show must be original creations. 
 

AWARDS
The Palm Beach Fine Craft Show will be awarding three artist in the following categories: Best in Show, Best New Artist & Artist Choice. Artist will be recognized for outstanding excellence by jurors, committee members, peers, and arts organizations. These awards will be presented on the final day of the Show.

Award recipients must submit an application with processing fee and participate in the show to be nominated. 2024 Award recipients are automatically accepted to the 2025 Show.

Apply Online Now
For more information, please visit www.PalmBeachFineCraft.com
 
Apply now for the opportunity to participate in the most anticipated fine craft event! The non-refundable fee for applying is $35. NOTICE: The application fee is due at the time you fill out the online application and accept the terms and conditions.

Electronic application deadline: SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

About the Jurying Process: 
Three jurors who are experts in the field choose artists from a large pool of applicants. There is no quota for any category of Craft Art. Artists are selected on the basis of the originality, artistic conception, design and quality of their work. 
 

Questions? Call our main office at 561.822.5440 or email info@palmbeachshow.com

LOCATION
Palm Beach County Convention Center

2nd Floor Ballroom
650 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
DATES & TIMES
February 16-18, 2024
Friday, February 16...................11am – 6pm
Saturday, February 17..............11am – 6pm
Sunday, February 18.................11am – 6pm
 
 
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Website
Email
Copyright © 2023 Palm Beach Show Group, All rights reserved.


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12178020470?profile=RESIZE_400xSeptember 9 & 10, 2023
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Historic City Streets
Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm
50 Artists
Deadline: August 15, 2023

Application fee: $10/Booth fee: $75

The ArtsFest is part of the 41st Home and Garden Tour in the Registered Historic District in downtown Fort Wayne.
 
We think you'll love spending the weekend with us in our historic neighborhood during its very popular Home Tour. The West Central neighborhood is on the National Historic Register and the ArtsFest takes place in the street in front of these revived workers' cottages and restored mansions. Imagine your booth set among shady trees and enjoy the easy-going vibe, where the residents show off their unique homes to old-house lovers. The event regularly brings in about 3,000 people who attend the tour every year and love the ambiance of the neighborhood.
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We include our neighborhood artists' studios. West Central was saved from the wrecking ball because the Fort Wayne Art School was here. As time went by and the neighborhood deteriorated, artists moved in to live and work here. The artist community is the backbone of the neighborhood. We have invited them to host open studios during the tour, to use their mailing lists to bring in more shoppers. We will be marketing this new aspect with more emphasis on the arts. We expect this will enhance sales for both the ArtsFest exhibitors and the resident artists.
 
12178020882?profile=RESIZE_400xWhat to expect:
  • a small boutique event
  • easy setup, drive up to your booth, short hours, helpful volunteers
  • cool food trucks, live music and buyers that appreciate unique and one-of-a-kind goods.
  • A friendly place to spend the weekend AND you can't beat the booth fee!
Apply: 
 
Contact: Connie Mettler cjmettler@icloud.com
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12167892454?profile=RESIZE_400xFebruary 17, 18, & 19, 2024
Miami, Florida
Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-6:30pm & Monday 10am-5pm
280 Artists
Deadline: September 15, 2023
 
Application fee: $40                 Booth fees: $850
 
For 59 years, the Festival has been one of the most prestigious outdoor juried fine arts shows in the United States. There is truly not a more iconic South Florida arts festival. The idyllic Coconut Grove setting, the sailboats moored on Biscayne Bay, the familiar faces, the festive atmosphere, and the world-class art all lead to its success. We will award over $50,000 in prize money.
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Testimonials
“The 2023 Coconut Grove Arts Festival was my first time doing the show - it was an incredible experience. Set up was easy, logistics were clear and the crowds were insane! Never have I seen that many people at an art festival. I had a profitable show and I hope to be a part of it again. Thanks to the show director, her staff & volunteers for doing such a great job.” - Tanya Kirouac
 
“This show is shooting right back to the top of the Florida heap! Artists are being heard and changes are being made. For me this was a great show with some awesome post show action. Shhhhh!“ - Jay McDougall
 
“I always refer to the CCAF as a world-class top-tier show. Few art festivals can juggle so many moving parts and still manage to elevate the exhibitors to the absolute highest visibility of the entire event.”
- David Oleski
 
12167893089?profile=RESIZE_710x"The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is one of the all time great art fairs. I first displayed my work there almost 20 years ago and was there last year. It always attracts a massive educated and engaging crowd that is there to have fun but also to buy art. I always consider myself very lucky when I am accepted to exhibit my artwork at the show and there is nowhere I would rather be that weekend." - Xavier Nuez
 
“The Coconut Grove Arts Festival, is my favorite and most profitable Art show. Every year, my gross sales have increased over the last. The layout of the show gives everyone a good location. At the Artist oasis, lunches and water are provided to the artists. I look forward to coming down each February to participate in this wonderful show.”
- Christine Lush-Rodriguez
 
“Coconut Grove does not disappoint! The buyers are there to BUY ART!! They are knowledgeable and plentiful. It’s a fabulous show that should not be missed. What a fantastic way to spend a weekend!!”
- Sharon Tesser
 
Apply NOW:
 
Contact: Camille Marchese camille@cgaf.com
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52nd Carbondale Mountain Fair, Carbondale, CO, July 28-30, 2023

Fees: Jury $50, Booth $400, pick your space $435, corner $500

Medium: Leather: plain and hand carved equestrian, K-9,

personal leather goods and gun leathers.

Price Range: $4 cast iron skillet handle pad to $9,800 silver mounted

saddle.

Web site: https://www.carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair/

This event is not listed on Zapplication

 

     The 52nd Carbondale Mountain Fair was held in Sopris Park, a grassy city-block park with large old shade trees. The big draw for the event is the live music.  The stage is at the NW corner of the park, about 130 artist booths are along park perimeter and internal aisles. The booths are far enough away from the music, whose volume was well controlled, so artists could converse with clients.  All mediums were represented, the quality was high, and there was no buy/sell.

     Carbondale is a small town with a population of about 6,500.  It is in the northern end of the Roaring Fork Valley which extends from Glenwood Springs at the north on I-70 to the ski areas of Aspen and Snowmass to the south in the mountains. It is a bedroom community for workers in Aspen.  Forty-four percent of Carbondale is Hispanic. The Roaring Fork Valley is one of the most affluent areas of Colorado and the US. The Aspen/Snowmass skiing complex and summer recreation drive the economy of the region.  Carbondale is about 3 hours from Denver and about 1 3/4 hours from Grand Junction, CO by way of I-70 and Colorado 82. Travel through Glenwood Canyon is still subject to brief or total closure due to flash flooding. Debris from burn areas has closed I-70 when it rains in the canyon.

     Mountain Fair is a BIG COMMUNITY DEAL! Besides the live music there are: runs, raffle, yoga, police-firefighter tug-o-war, aerialists, and a creative art canopy. Then there are competitions for: singers/songwriters, pie and cake baking, fly casting, horseshoes, limbo, pottery throwdown, and wood splitting by men and women. There is always something going on that draws crowds who then disperse to the artists’ booths. For a more complete list of events, visit their website. A bilingual program is published.

The event is ecofriendly.  Besides the usual “trash” and “recycle” containers, there were “compost” containers. No bottled water is sold.  Utensils and plates from the food vendors were also compostable. Single use plastic bags are banned. Besides the artists, there were booths for massage, Gay for Good LGBTQ organization, Hemp/CBD products, and silent auction. Beer was sold and there was an alcohol-free zone. Crowd estimates are over 20,000 and it is said that the town population triples during Mountain Fair. Besides locals, I made sales to people from all over the US. I especially like bartering with my Hispanic friends where I get to use my rusty Spanish.

     Locals refer to Carbondale and area as ”a bubble” different from everywhere else.  The crowd was a mix of 30 somethings Aspen chic; scruffy ski bums and snowboarders waiting for the first snow; a few bikers and ranchers; lots of ink, dreadlocks, wealthy retirees, young families, and everything in between and on the ends. Fashions, jewelry and bearing spoke of lots of money. Many arrived on very expensive bicycles and large bike corrals are provided.  Overall, I was thinking 1960’s hippies fast forwarded to 2022.  There were young girls, teens, young women and the older generation with flower crowns and theme of the day costumes. Saturday the police wore “oil slick” as they described it or tie dye. Bubbles the Rainbow Trout composed of over 4,000 salvaged aluminum cans paraded through the park. I felt right at home with my long locks, gold earring and headband. It was not the usual western saddle maker image.

 

SET UP AND TAKE DOWN. Check-in was at 2:00pm Thursday and extended until noon on Friday when the fair opened. The Rules say you have 30 minutes to unload before beginning your setup. Take down began at 5:00pm Sunday and artists were supposed to have everything down and ready to load before parking on the perimeter of the park.  This was well managed this year with volunteers after a free for all in 2022.  Musicians played after 5:00pm during take down.  Professional security is provided Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. During the day, Carbondale police were doing walk abouts.

     Show hours are noon until “dark” Friday, 10:00am until “dark” Saturday and 10:00am until 5:00pm Sunday. There was misleading information in the artist packet this year which stated the show opening 9:00am. I stayed open until 7:00 on Thursday and 8:00 on Saturday. Once the live music starts there are few buyers wandering around. Electricity is not available. 

Sunday morning was slow, but a gospel rock band livened it up.

      

WEATHER. The temperature was in the low 90’s. I errored in  choosing my booth by one space and the sun from 3:00 to 5:00 was brutal.  There was a brief light sprinkle Thursday, and a microburst and shower Saturday. It was humid for Colorado, but nothing compared to eastern US humidity.

 

THE SHOW.  This is a well-organized and managed show run by Carbondale Arts, a volunteer organization.  This was the fourth year I have done this show.  Sales tax of 8.4% is collected at the end of the show. This saves you from reporting it to the state.  They request that you have a FEIN or SS when paying your sales tax. Booth sitters were available.

 

THE NUMBERS.  Sales were slower this year than 2022, which was one of our record shows, however, sales exceeded expectations. There were sales of belts, holsters, canteens, check books, suspenders, billfolds, wallets, dog collars and small cases. Belts with sterling silver buckles and multiple item sales kicked up the gross. Sales ranged from $4 for a cast iron skillet handle to a multi-item $500 sale. The average sale was $66 and total sales were in the low $5K range. I will apply to this show in 2023 and pick one of the shady booth sites. Lodging costs in the Roaring Fork Valley were up this year and, in some cases, more expensive than ski season. We stayed in Battlement Mesa with our daughter and commuted 1 hour 10 minutes to the show. Fuel costs for the entire trip and the commutes ($385) were about equal to one night’s lodging.   

 

SHOW SUGGESTIONS. For the most part you could not ask for a better managed show but there is always room for improvement.

  1. The no plastic bag rule was not observed by the popcorn vendor again this year. I specifically bought Kraft bags for this year after I was told not to use my plastic bags imprinted with my logo in 2022.
  2. The website and program published the opening time as 10:00am but the artist packet says opening time is 9:00. I heard about that one from Jean who likes to sleep in.
  3. Kudos to the volunteers managing load in, morning entry manning the barricades, and load out. It was a BIG improvement over 2022.
  4. Suggestion: I had more than the usual number of returning clients from years past. Would management consider a page or two in the program for returning artists to advertise with business card size ads? It’s another source of income for the show and a benefit for artists.
  5. Photos, crowd, Bubbles, Gospel rock group, early Sunday morning rockers

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12150045674?profile=RESIZE_400xNovember 10, 11, & 12, 2023
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Downtown Fountain Hills
Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm
500 Artists
Deadline: July 31, 2023
 
Application fee: $35             Booth fee: $500
 
Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts is a juried art festival in its 49th year of operation! This event has become a Valley-wide tradition, welcoming over 200,000 guests over the course of the weekend to experience our juried Art Festival featuring every category of Fine Arts & Crafts. The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce is so proud to produce one of the largest Festivals in Arizona, twice a year!
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This is an Outdoor Festival under the shadow of the fourth tallest Fountain in the World! The Festival spans down Saguaro Blvd., Avenue of the Fountains, and a portion of Parkview Avenue.
 
We are proud to offer an Artist Reception on the Saturday of the Event beginning at 5:30pm. The Artist Reception offers free food and drink hosted by one of our Festival Concessionaires as well as the local VFW chapter.
 
12150046058?profile=RESIZE_400xTestimonials
This is my favorite show! It goes very smooth from beginning to end and I always make a large profit! It's one of my best shows!
- Deanna Martinez-Hay, Art 4 your Glasses
 
The Fountain Hill show is professionally run from the directors to the volunteers. Everyone is friendly, helpful and there for you. Great art buyers. My favorite shows!
- Dorothy Proffitt, Western Winds Artwork
 
This is a high-quality show. The attendees are enormous, and the camaraderie amongst the vendors is awesome. I feel blessed to be a part of this Fountain Hills Fair.
- Genevieve Markowski
 
We love being part of the Fountain Festival. The show is organized very well. The load-in and load-out process has improved with each show. We cannot say enough good things about Hannah and the rest of the team regarding the time and attention they have given to making these events a success. They seem to have thought of everything.
-Todd and Sallie Johnson Artchuterie
 
We have come to count on the festival spring and fall. It delivers great sales every time. Easy set up and tear down in a beautiful setting . Staff are friendly and security is great. What more can you ask for?
-Molly Bennett (Tahoe Fire Glass )
 
Contact: Hannah Toth hannah@fhchamber.com
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Call for Artists: Beverly Hills Art Show

12149643855?profile=RESIZE_400xOctober 21 & 22, 2023
Beverly Hills, California
Beverly Gardens
Daily 10am-5pm
235 Artists
Deadline: July 28, 2023
 
Application fee: $35-$55 Booth fee: $415
 
This is the show's 50th anniversary! Accordingly, the October 2023 event will include additional activities and happenings to celebrate the show's long, successful history, which has been vigorously supported by the Beverly Hills community.
12149643893?profile=RESIZE_710xAttracting art appreciators from all over the world, the event is again expected to host 40,000 visitors throughout the two-day event. Four garden blocks along Santa Monica Blvd. between Rodeo and Rexford in Beverly Hills will be brimming with over 230 artists from throughout California, the Southwest, and the rest of the country.
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12131256070?profile=RESIZE_400xDecember 7-10, 2023
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Merchandise Mart
Thursday - Saturday 10am-7pm & Sunday 10am-5pm
550 Artists
Deadline: August 4, 2023
 
Application fee: $40                Booth fee: $2600
 
The One of a Kind Show Chicago is celebrating 22 years in 2023. Held in December each year, this 4-day event features fine art and luxury goods, as well as creative maker products of all kinds from hundreds of juried artists. This annual event also include the city’s finest partners and charities, and attracts approximately 50K visitors each show. The award winning show also boasts an ideal downtown Chicago location, a premium indoor environment, and a unparalleled marketing and promotional campaign. This show can be your best opportunity to expose your work to tens of thousands of affluent consumers who value handmade, artist/maker created work and love to shop!
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The show is held during the busiest shopping weekends of the year and is located on the 7th floor of the ironic Chicago Merchandise Mart, THE MART. The building continues its decades long reputation as being the epicenter for high design and luxury goods. THE MART serves as the home to leading innovators in culture, art, business, and fashion and welcomes around 30,000 people each day and nearly 10 million people each year. The building is connected via an enclosed walkway to the newly renovated Holiday Inn Mart Plaza and voco hotel.
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New this year will be an expanded mentor program, promotional opportunities, artist amenities and events.
 
Contact: Kathleen Hogan khogan@themart.com
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Alpine Art Affair, Winter Park,CO, 2023

Alpine Art Affair, Winter Park, CO, July 8-9,2023

Fees: Jury $25, Booth $215

Medium: Leather: plain and hand carved equestrian, K-9,

   personal leather goods and gun leathers.

Price Range: $4 cast iron skillet handle to $4100, 1860

             reproduction saddle, most items <$300.

 

The Alpine Art Affair was held in Winter Park, CO July 8-9 in the Rendezvous Event Center (aka Hideaway Park).  This was the 49th year for the show.  Show hours were 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. Winter Park is primarily a ski resort about an hour and a half west of Denver. During the summer, cycling, extreme mountain biking, fishing, hiking and camping are popular activities. The drive to Winter Park is easy on I-70 and US 40.  The latter is a typical mountain highway with switchbacks and steep grades to the summit of Berthoud Pass and down on the Fraser River side.  The uphill sides have passing lanes.   Going down the Fraser Valley are the towns of Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash and Granby. Highway US 40 also provides access from Kremmling, CO. Granby is the gateway to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and it can be reached through the Park over Trail Ridge Road (US 34) from Estes Park, CO.

 

FEES. The jury fee is $25, and the single booth fee is $215.  This is one of the lowest booth fees for a Colorado resort area. Others are $350-$425. Participants are no longer required to purchase an annual sales tax license at $60.  Sales taxes are collected by the show late on Sunday. The sales tax rate in Winter Park is a whopping 11.2% (2.9% Colorado, 1.3% Grand County, 7% City) compared to around 8% elsewhere, but the park is a good example of how the revenue is spent.

 

SET UP AND TAKE DOWN.  Set up starts at 8:00am on Friday.  You unload on the perimeter of the park.  A golf cart and volunteer youth were available to assist.  There is a lower level of multiple booths in rows and an upper level with clusters of 4-8 booths.  Lower-level booths are on grass in front of a stage, and upper-level booths are on grass along curved concrete walkways. There are about 60 booths. Load out was equally easy.

 

WEATHER. The temperature during Friday set up was in the mid-70’s, and Saturday and Sunday it was in the low 80’s.  There were a few sprinkles Friday afternoon. It was one of those “blue sky rains” with large raindrops from a passing cloud. 

 

THE SHOW.  This is a well-organized and managed show run by a nonprofit group of local artists.  Student scholarships are funded through the collection of booth fees from participating artists and food vendors.  Graduating seniors, within Grand County, pursuing art studies are eligible for the scholarships.   The crowds were larger than previous Winter Park shows I have done.  The quality of the work was high and there was no buy\sell. There was a good mix of art with a dominance of jewelry and 2-D. Some musicians were performing on the stage Sunday, but nothing was publicized about that.  The Lions had an all you can eat pancake breakfast for $10, and complimentary coffee for artists. They also raise funds for scholarships.  

I had previously done this show from 2011-2014.  In these years, sales declined from around $3K to a little less than $2K, dropping about $150, $200, and $700 each year. During the hiatus, I did Steamboat Springs, CO in 2015 and Jackson Hole, WY in 2016 and 2017. I returned in 2018 planning to alternate Winter Park with another CO July show. Then there was the Covid hiatus, so we returned this year.

Belts were the best sellers, with some nice belt and silver buckle sales, and the usual dog leashes, wallets, checkbooks, and gun leather. I had some people pull out billfolds and cases they had bought earlier, and others commented they were glad I was back.

     Roving booth sitters were available, or you could phone in a request for one.  There was a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception Saturday after the show. There were lots of dogs at the show and we enjoyed each other’s visits.

 

THE NUMBERS. Saturday, I met my daily goal of $1.2K sales.  Sunday was slower, but we exceeded the two-day goal of $2.4K minimum. I had 45 sales, and the average sale was $58.  Sunday was a slow day. My margin was 59%, and comparable to other Colorado resort area shows.

 

OTHER STUFF. 

Advice for other artists: Hotels/Motels and restaurants in the resort areas are expensive.  I have found condos or rental houses to be more economical. I found a studio condo on Vrbo for $85/night ($106/night with taxes and fees) which was an amazing deal. There are USFS campgrounds along the Frazier River in dense spruce and fir timber. I sat on the patio one evening marveling at how far the tops of tall spruce and firs move in the wind.

Winter Park is at an elevation of 9052’, As with any Colorado mountains show, read up on altitude sickness and plan accordingly. Bears and other forest critters are around the shows and housing so follow local instructions that are widely posted.

I had an interesting experience with the 6’5” clearance in the condo parking garage. My booth and artwork are hauled in a 1988 Suburban (great mountain beast with second 350-V8) that got new leaf springs and overloads this spring. Getting in loaded was no problem. Saturday night another 2020 something Suburban parked next to us and I commented to Jean, “look, my old Suburban is a foot higher than that new one”.  Sunday morning, I scraped the roof barrier as the new springs had relaxed and raised the empty body up to the 6’5”. I never considered that happening.

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