(From my blog post-trying to get others' views)
This is my first post and inquiry. I was so looking forward to doing this show at the Callanwolde Mansion in Atlanta, GA. I applied and was accepted by the jury. I went to pay my single booth fee (a week before the deadline) through ZAPP and received the message that it was "SOLD OUT". Confused, I clicked on the double booth (which I did not need or want) and it was available. Again, I tried to click on the single booth with the same message. After sending two emails and not getting a response about the "sold out" question, I finally got this e-mail:
2014 Callanwolde Arts Festival: January 25-26, 2014
STATUS NOTIFICATION
Dear Amy,
Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2014 Callanwolde Arts Festival.
When the jury made its selections, you were either Invited or placed on the Wait List.
The response to this event was immediate and very strong. Those who received the invitation to participate secured their space quickly, many with double spaces.
Although we set the deadline to confirm your participation (make payment) and open the Wait List on January 13, we are now completely SOLD OUT.
How did this happen?
The jury invited 90 artists to participate. This venue will hold a maximum of 86 artists. There is no room to "expand" to include more space. We were quite surprised that no one declined, and many purchased a double space. It is very unusual for our events to sell out so quickly and it really put us in a bind, because we hate to lose you!
We regret that we are unable to invite you to join us for this event, however if we receive any cancellations, you will be the first to know!
Don't forget, we have many more events in 2014! Click HERE to see them all.
If you have questions, please send us an email and we will do our best to reply to you quickly.
Sincerely,
Patrick, Randall, Lisa and Sarah
Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces
info@affps.com
After going back and forth, insulted by one of the staff (saying I shouldn't have waited until the last minute to pay, which I didn't), I finally just gave up on them... they were selling double booths (and then not single) before everyone who had been juried in had a chance to get a single booth.
I was very frustrated and miffed...
Has anyone else have this happen to them? Should the people in charge of this made some of the double boothers, give up half their booths to accomodate the four of us that just were plain out of luck...
Replies
I've never heard of that happening. Is it a new show?
It is, but those in charge also are in charge of several other shows in the Atlanta area, so they should know what they are doing.
Bummer that they overbooked like that. I wonder if a snail mail letter might make a difference. I have heard of artists getting a positive response with a paper letter...
I doubt it
Wow that does really suck! I have never had that happen...and can understand why you would be upset since you followed their requirements to commit before the deadline.
My other artist friend believes they should have made some of the double booths into single booths in order to accommodate all the artists that were juried in. Apparently, there were four of us that this happened to. This is my livelihood! I was very, very disappointed by this and, now, have to wait until March until my next show!
I agree....I also feel that they are obligated to accomodate juried artists who meet the deadline