Choosing the Right Show

Would greatly appreciate others' opinions on the following. I've been involved with arts/crafts events for several years but, only within the past year or so have I become really serious about it. And, over that period of time, I still don't have it figured out. Also, much of the following ties in closely with the subject of juried vs non-juried shows. I am still looking for the right show(s) for my work.

I do not consider myself an artist. I'm a wood craftsman who builds wooden boxes. They are finely-crafted, useful, beautiful and bear a degree of historical significance. I have invested an untold number of hours studying my craft, it's history, etc. Then there is the untold number of hours spent in actually building it. However, based on my above comment, I tend to shy away from shows that label themselves as art shows only. Am I wrong in doing this?

First, I'll start with the definition issue. I believe the technical definition of a craft is anything made by hand. However, I feel uncomfortable in grouping what I make with little sleds made of popsicle sticks, etc. Yet it seems the un-juried shows have a much greater number of little 'sleds' than anything else. And, the shoppers at these events seem to be more of the 'sled' sort of shopper. If it cost more than $5 or $10 they gasp and move on. So, my next vow is to never again do a non-juried show. Does anyone agree with this?

I did a show this past weekend that, according to what I'd seen and heard, was a large, very popular show (at least in it's home State) and it was juried. Turns out the jury was the lady who owned the property and I have no idea what she was looking for in vendors. I don't know why they asked for photos because, based on what I saw, nothing could have been unacceptable. My guess is that many of the vendors lived in the immediate area and were friends with the owner/promoter.

I suppose what I'm actually trying to do is learn how to categorize myself. As an example, the "Category" that this post falls under is "Art Fair Discussions". What I'd really like to know is how the experienced, knowledgable person in this business separates the arts from the crafts. And, how can one know that a show caters to crafts as much as art unless the two are specifically mentioned together? I realize some events describe themselves as "Craft Shows" but these are few and one has to make sure they aren't getting back in with the popsicle stick group.

If I sound judgemental or bitter I don't mean to. I really have nothing against the popsicle group (I'm sure they made a lot more $ than I did this past weekend). I simply think we should have different venues and I'm searching for mine.

Any comments, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Gordon Ekback said:

Welcome Don,
Wow, I know exactly where you are coming from.
I'm in the same category as you and into the art business for 3 years now but I've only done shows for a little over a year. I'm not sure how long the learning curve takes but it come fast and furious.
If I can, let me tell you a little of what I have learned. First, read,read and read some more. Websites like this will inform you more than doing years of shows. People who I don't even know like Larry,Nels and Chris and many more have added so much I can't begin to tell you.
The wood category in shows is usually small and one reason it is sometimes hard to sell. You are looking for a small percentage of buyers and you need to concentrate on them.
Do shows that advertise themselves as Fine Art/Fine Craft. Craft shows for me have lower value stuff and people will get confused when they see a $300. or $400. box. There is nothing wrong with craft shows but they don't work for me.
Have a very unique item. If I turn something that even looks like one that walmart might have, I couldn't even give it away.
One thing Chris would tell you (and he might) go to as many shows you can to see for yourself. If there is only one woodworker there that might be a clue.
Ask, ask and ask some more.
Your pictures for your jury/applications are most important. I will make a short advertisement...Larry Berman helped me with mine and it made a difference. Thanks Larry!
Don't be disappointed when lots of people just walk by,remember your looking for quality and not numbers. We do need shows with a bigger gate because we have fewer buyers.
As I have been told, if we can stick it out through these times we will do ok in the future.
I hope this helps a little. Best of luck!

Replies

Karin Neuvirth May 11, 2010 at 4:49pm

Don, I looked at your website, and your boxes are absolutely beautiful. I can see why you might not do well in a country craft venue because I don't think that is your target market. You definately belong in the Juried shows. I think that for this type of work that your booth shot is going to be very important - make sure that it is good one, and shows your work in an upscale looking display so that it shows off the individual craftsmenship that goes into each piece. Good Luck with the shows.
Larry Berman May 11, 2010 at 3:44pm

Thanks for the great plugs for me. One thing I wanted to say is that there are some artists I photograph work for and have made arrangements for them to pay it off over a few months if they can't afford to pay it up front. That gives them quality images to apply with now instead of waiting until next year.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Diane Wright May 11, 2010 at 9:32am

Hi Don,
I am with you. I too am trying to find the right venues and maybe that is a lifelong process. I create and sell jewelry that I believe is interesting and somewhat unique. I don't do unjuried shows because my items do not sell as the pricepoints are too high overall. Also they are riddled with buy/sell for the most part. Even a lot of juried shows have this. I think you have to do art shows to get away from country crafts - many of which are "made in China" - and have an audience interested in purchasing functional art. You are an artist of functional art and I believe that the first step is viewing yourself that way and applying to shows in which you can sell to a more discerning buyer. Go for it!
Don Mabry May 11, 2010 at 8:32am

Hi Larry,
I always have a warm, comfortable feeling when I see you've commented on one of my posts (or anyone's post). I know I'm going to get an honest opinion from someone who knows what they're talking about. And, I realize, you're probably dead-on in your comment about applying to better "art" shows. At the moment I have three applications out to larger, more popular shows and I'm anxiously waiting to hear the good/bad news. One of these is Oklahoma City which probably falls in the category of "Art Shows" such as we've been discussing. So, henceforth, I think I'm going to call myself an artist and do my best to portray myself as such.

And, I think, in the near future I'm going to have to "bite the bullet" and have some photos made by someone who knows what they're doing. I possibly know more about photography that the average person walking the streets but I'm 'light-years' away from being in the league of a professional. Most of my problems seem to stem from lighting issues and, perhaps, even composition. I'm photographing three-dimensional, oval shapes and I sometimes have a problem avoiding distortion, especially at close distances. So, as soon as I can make enough $ I intend to contact you regarding this.

Thanks again for your comments. They are always most welcome.
Don
Don Mabry May 11, 2010 at 8:06am

Larry Berman said:
Hi Don, It's really about how others perceive your work. It doesn't take much of an investment to apply to better "art" shows, and if accepted you can test the waters. In a sense we're all craftsmen but it's how we promote ourselves to the public that makes them think it's art. And sometimes we even believe our own pr and let our ego get in the way.

I remember being near another photographer years ago when I overheard someone tell him that his work wasn't very good and the only reason he was selling it was that he had enough nerve to set up a display and do the show. But that's just it. He had enough confidence in himself to do it.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Don Mabry May 11, 2010 at 8:04am

Gordon Ekback said:
Welcome Don,
Wow, I know exactly where you are coming from.
I'm in the same category as you and into the art business for 3 years now but I've only done shows for a little over a year. I'm not sure how long the learning curve takes but it come fast and furious.
If I can, let me tell you a little of what I have learned. First, read,read and read some more. Websites like this will inform you more than doing years of shows. People who I don't even know like Larry,Nels and Chris and many more have added so much I can't begin to tell you.
The wood category in shows is usually small and one reason it is sometimes hard to sell. You are looking for a small percentage of buyers and you need to concentrate on them.
Do shows that advertise themselves as Fine Art/Fine Craft. Craft shows for me have lower value stuff and people will get confused when they see a $300. or $400. box. There is nothing wrong with craft shows but they don't work for me.
Have a very unique item. If I turn something that even looks like one that walmart might have, I couldn't even give it away.
One thing Chris would tell you (and he might) go to as many shows you can to see for yourself. If there is only one woodworker there that might be a clue.
Ask, ask and ask some more.
Your pictures for your jury/applications are most important. I will make a short advertisement...Larry Berman helped me with mine and it made a difference. Thanks Larry!
Don't be disappointed when lots of people just walk by,remember your looking for quality and not numbers. We do need shows with a bigger gate because we have fewer buyers.
As I have been told, if we can stick it out through these times we will do ok in the future.
I hope this helps a little. Best of luck!
Don Mabry May 11, 2010 at 8:03am

Gordon,
Thanks for your comments. You make some excellent points and I'm sure you're right. Larry has helped me as well with photo editing, submission, etc. He's a very knowledgable individual and always ready to help. I know I need to let him take the photos as well but the wannabe-photgrapher in me has been determined to do this part myself. I need to face the truth on this subject.

I may have to start calling myself an 'artist' and pretend that I am. Some of the photographers, painters, etc. might be highly offended by this and perhaps have the same feeling as I do in competiting with the popsicle sticks. However, up to now, all the ones I have dealt with have been very gracious and as helpful as they could possibly be.

Perhaps, in one way or another, we're all in this together and, ultimately, seeking the same end-result. So, the more we can help each other the better off we all are.

Thanks again for your input.
Don
Gordon Ekback May 11, 2010 at 7:19am

Welcome Don,
Wow, I know exactly where you are coming from.
I'm in the same category as you and into the art business for 3 years now but I've only done shows for a little over a year. I'm not sure how long the learning curve takes but it come fast and furious.
If I can, let me tell you a little of what I have learned. First, read,read and read some more. Websites like this will inform you more than doing years of shows. People who I don't even know like Larry,Nels and Chris and many more have added so much I can't begin to tell you.
The wood category in shows is usually small and one reason it is sometimes hard to sell. You are looking for a small percentage of buyers and you need to concentrate on them.
Do shows that advertise themselves as Fine Art/Fine Craft. Craft shows for me have lower value stuff and people will get confused when they see a $300. or $400. box. There is nothing wrong with craft shows but they don't work for me.
Have a very unique item. If I turn something that even looks like one that walmart might have, I couldn't even give it away.
One thing Chris would tell you (and he might) go to as many shows you can to see for yourself. If there is only one woodworker there that might be a clue.
Ask, ask and ask some more.
Your pictures for your jury/applications are most important. I will make a short advertisement...Larry Berman helped me with mine and it made a difference. Thanks Larry!
Don't be disappointed when lots of people just walk by,remember your looking for quality and not numbers. We do need shows with a bigger gate because we have fewer buyers.
As I have been told, if we can stick it out through these times we will do ok in the future.
I hope this helps a little. Best of luck!
Larry Berman May 11, 2010 at 5:27am

Hi Don, It's really about how others perceive your work. It doesn't take much of an investment to apply to better "art" shows, and if accepted you can test the waters. In a sense we're all craftsmen but it's how we promote ourselves to the public that makes them think it's art. And sometimes we even believe our own pr and let our ego get in the way.

I remember being near another photographer years ago when I overheard someone tell him that his work wasn't very good and the only reason he was selling it was that he had enough nerve to set up a display and do the show. But that's just it. He had enough confidence in himself to do it.

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

This reply was deleted.