Another newbie here. I am still finding my way around, but so far there looks like a wealth of excellent information. I have only done a couple shows so far. Looking to do a few more this year. I create metal art sculpture, craft, figurines, etc. using primarily recycled materials. I am based in the outskirts of the St. Louis, MO area. I do have a website www.chappyproductions.com and am also working to build my web presence and do some online selling along with the shows. Not willing to quit my day job yet, but hopeful to be able to cover costs and then some for now, so I can expand my body of work.
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Hi Bob! Welcome to Art Fair Insiders. You'll find lots of info here. I live in the St. Louis area too. Maybe we'll meet at a show sometime. I'm in the Queeny Park Art Fair at the end of March. What shows are you in and/or applying to?
Robin Ragsdale
www.evenbetterimages.com
Hi Robin, I am still working on getting everything planned, paid for and scheduled. My work schedule and general life demands/situations have put a crimp in some of my plans and delayed a few goals, so I am adjusting accordingly. Unfortunately it also means that I have already missed some deadlines, and while I may not be able to show at some of the events I would like to this year, I still plan on attending.
A few of the shows I am interested include the Queeny shows, Faust, Washington, mo, Hannibal, possibly Kimmswick, Belleville, and some smaller local shows (more for the experience and product development for crafts more than anything). Some others that I am looking at are the St. louis art fair, Taste of stl and wine walk, and (maybe someday) Laumeier.
I am also looking beyond local, including NW Arkansas, and (gasp) Chicago, and possibly beyond.
Hi Bob, welcome. That is exactly how my husband and I started out in the art fair business. He really just wanted to justify buying new camera equipment and all those hours he spent in the darkroom, so we both kept our jobs for awhile. Besides if you are starting out you have probably not even settled on what you are going to create. I see you are in St. Louis area. Have you attended some of the art fairs around there? There are some excellent ones. Those are the best places to find your place in the business and an education in and of themselves while you are finding your way. Also, if by any chance you can attend the open jurying workshop on February 25 in St. Louis it will also be worth your while. You can see more about this on the home page in the "events." Best wishes.
Hi Connie, thanks, I did make it to a few shows last year to get a feel for them and see if they were a good fit. My father-in-law has been on the show circuit accross teh country for many years. He has been able to give me some pointers on the shows he has had good luck at, and the ones that weren't so good. His product differs enough that he is not been able to get into some of the shows that I am interested.
The workshop on the 25th looks very interesting. unfortunately, my "day job" schedule does not allow me to attend.
Hi Bob and welcome to AFI :) Its a big step to go full time... dipping your toe in the art show water is a great way to get a taste and to see how your items will go.
This site is full of fabulous information - use the search bar (top right hand corner) to look for specific info or just browse around :)