A good day at the post office
I've heard it from other artists for years, a lot of whom I've been able to help. But now I've experienced it myself. I just received two acceptances in the mail for shows not using online applications but asking for digital images. Cain Park and Medina. But up until now, I've received rejections or wait list for five shows I've applied to on ZAPP or JAS, with the jury still being out for a few more I haven't heard from yet.
Not that it bothers me because it will be the first shows I've done in about four years and I don't know how much stamina I will have. I did spend about two hours trying to set up the frame of the Trimline canopy I purchased used. I got as far as figuring out what which pipes went where and found out that the person that sold it to me forgot to include the two bolts and wing nuts to finish attaching the rafters. And then I had to put it back in the garage because storms were coming in. I need to practice setting it up at least once a week for the next three weeks before my first show.
Anyone live in Pittsburgh and own a Trimline and maybe use mesh walls?
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
Larry, I am very impressed that you are practicing putting up your canopy at least once a week for the next three weeks. I can't tell you how often at our shows I have watched exhibitors struggling with new canopies! I think I have seen three near divorces or break-ups for couples trying to get the things up properly!
I have KD brand, made here in Colorado, my main stomping ground. It's an e-z up style, very strong. I've worn out one top and got an excellent heavy-duty replacement last summer from Garden Winds for only $100. The new one is quite a bit heavier, so I have to beg for help to pull open the frame after the top is on.
To address the first paragraph; I have ordered a custom AFSB that lists only non-zapp shows. I've used a professional photographer for zapp-it didn't do me any good.
We've been using an E-Z Up for the last 15 or so years. Early on we were doing The Shaker Forest Festival in Gaithersburg, and were required to have a canvas tent. We contacted a 'tarp' maker in Amish country who custom made a tent cover and four zippered walls. He made them from boat canvas-reversing them so the material showed on the outside. We have never had water damage in all these years (doing 15-26 shows a year). We did have someone take a knife to one of the walls (only to steal BLANK credit card slips -I bet they were mad when they got home ;-). I took a needle and some record thread and was able to sew the puppy right up--no problems since. My husband really knows how to weight each leg down during the show, and at night, he anchors the center down with his tools & fastenings boxes. We've seen many a neighbor 'fly' by us over the years. We've been very lucky (it only happened once--that's all you need to learn your lesson).
Speaking of, right now our E-Z Up is doing double duty. It's set up outside, covering up our NEW Kitchen Cabinets-whew-who (sp?). I'm just so excited. It's nice to have an 'ol friend doing double duty-and cheaper then renting pods! Who says we don't know how to repurpose everything and anything?
Sorry for the ramble. Oh, and thank you Larry, Linda, and everyone else for the videos-memory lane was great ;-)
Wind sprints will also help (just joking)-- Larry-- DO NOT GET AN e-z -- THEYARE NOT WATERPROOF- not even if you spray scootchguard on the top --it will seep like an old pup tent- ok for my glass-- not for a photographer- btw- my #1 hint is too just stay calm at set-up/down- and enjoy yourself- if I can't also have fun after 30t years I shouldn't be out there-- Fair Winds--and weather
No one mentioned the first paragraph you wrote. So, what were you thinking when you wrote it? Rejects by online organizations and acceptances by "the old fashion way"?
Just curious ?
Larry Berman > Linda A ShieldsApril 6, 2011 at 9:15pm
It's the irony of the online application systems. I've helped hundreds (actually thousands) of artists have a better chance of being accepted but am having the same problems with my own work that they did with theirs. Shows taking applications not using ZAPP or JAS, I'm assuming are getting fewer applications so may be easier to get into. Or maybe good looking images may have a better chance of standing out. I'd love to attend one of those juries.
I'm currently watching videos on YouTube on assembling a Trimline so I can go at it in the morning again.
It is one of those things that once you do it, it gets easier. And the second time is still easier. As Charlene says, it helps to have a system. We don't break ours down all the way. We keep corners on the roof sections and disassemble them in half and bungie em together. The distinct corners make those easy to identify. Straight poles are interchangeable, just depends on what's on the corner as to whether it's an awning, or a sta-bar. The leg extenders stay attached to the lower section of leg, along with the leg foot. The uppers can be confused with awning pieces, unless they have the corners attached.
You'll figure it out quickly. Our first show, we were standing in the park in Muskegon MI reading the instructions page by page, even though we'd done a dry run. Just don't drop a pole on your toe. I speak from experience.
For our Trimline we use a colored bungie system to make set up less stressful. We bundle the awning and sta-bars in orange, legs in purple, roof in red, et cetera. It really helps us to move faster. The connectors are in a separate tote.
Charlene
Melanie Rolfes > Charlene ClarkApril 15, 2011 at 10:51am
I copied the color bungee idea from AFI for my trimline and it really helps. It helps not only setting up, but when I am loading too. I can make sure I don't forget any of the pieces by making sure I have all the different color bungee sets. (I am scared I will forget a piece of my tent at home one day ;)
I don't break everything down. All the connectors stay on. I am able to set the whole thing up in 30 minutes and by myself. It does get easier everytime. Having the connectors on really helps me identify what goes to what for me. I don't have to rely on the color bungees anymore, just look at the connectors.
It's a good thing you have until July to practice putting up the tent, Larry. I'd suggest you get a timer and see if you can beat your "personal best" each time :)
Replies
Larry, I am very impressed that you are practicing putting up your canopy at least once a week for the next three weeks. I can't tell you how often at our shows I have watched exhibitors struggling with new canopies! I think I have seen three near divorces or break-ups for couples trying to get the things up properly!
Good luck at your spring/summer shows.
Howard
www.rosesquared.com
Rose Squared Productions, Inc.
To address the first paragraph; I have ordered a custom AFSB that lists only non-zapp shows. I've used a professional photographer for zapp-it didn't do me any good.
We've been using an E-Z Up for the last 15 or so years. Early on we were doing The Shaker Forest Festival in Gaithersburg, and were required to have a canvas tent. We contacted a 'tarp' maker in Amish country who custom made a tent cover and four zippered walls. He made them from boat canvas-reversing them so the material showed on the outside. We have never had water damage in all these years (doing 15-26 shows a year). We did have someone take a knife to one of the walls (only to steal BLANK credit card slips -I bet they were mad when they got home ;-). I took a needle and some record thread and was able to sew the puppy right up--no problems since. My husband really knows how to weight each leg down during the show, and at night, he anchors the center down with his tools & fastenings boxes. We've seen many a neighbor 'fly' by us over the years. We've been very lucky (it only happened once--that's all you need to learn your lesson).
Speaking of, right now our E-Z Up is doing double duty. It's set up outside, covering up our NEW Kitchen Cabinets-whew-who (sp?). I'm just so excited. It's nice to have an 'ol friend doing double duty-and cheaper then renting pods! Who says we don't know how to repurpose everything and anything?
Sorry for the ramble. Oh, and thank you Larry, Linda, and everyone else for the videos-memory lane was great ;-)
Larry,
Everyone commented about the tent....
No one mentioned the first paragraph you wrote. So, what were you thinking when you wrote it? Rejects by online organizations and acceptances by "the old fashion way"?
Just curious ?
I'm currently watching videos on YouTube on assembling a Trimline so I can go at it in the morning again.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
It is one of those things that once you do it, it gets easier. And the second time is still easier. As Charlene says, it helps to have a system. We don't break ours down all the way. We keep corners on the roof sections and disassemble them in half and bungie em together. The distinct corners make those easy to identify. Straight poles are interchangeable, just depends on what's on the corner as to whether it's an awning, or a sta-bar. The leg extenders stay attached to the lower section of leg, along with the leg foot. The uppers can be confused with awning pieces, unless they have the corners attached.
You'll figure it out quickly. Our first show, we were standing in the park in Muskegon MI reading the instructions page by page, even though we'd done a dry run. Just don't drop a pole on your toe. I speak from experience.
Larry
For our Trimline we use a colored bungie system to make set up less stressful. We bundle the awning and sta-bars in orange, legs in purple, roof in red, et cetera. It really helps us to move faster. The connectors are in a separate tote.
Charlene
I copied the color bungee idea from AFI for my trimline and it really helps. It helps not only setting up, but when I am loading too. I can make sure I don't forget any of the pieces by making sure I have all the different color bungee sets. (I am scared I will forget a piece of my tent at home one day ;)
I don't break everything down. All the connectors stay on. I am able to set the whole thing up in 30 minutes and by myself. It does get easier everytime. Having the connectors on really helps me identify what goes to what for me. I don't have to rely on the color bungees anymore, just look at the connectors.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next