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Hi,

I'm new to artfairinsider but have been doing shows for a few years now. I work in mixed media 3D using found objects and recycled materials. I started doing the shows a few years ago when I lost my job as an accounting clerk (before that I bartended and waited tables for about 10 years). I have always been one to think creatively and was raised by my dad who was a self employed antique dealer. I basically just decided to risk my rent money one month on an idea I had, bought what materials I needed, ironed out a design, and hand made my first batch of product. Then, I realized I had no idea where to sell my work. So I had a rough first couple of years selling everything I owned repeatedly and ending up at low end shows and flea markets. Mainly because I didn't have money to book shows, didn't know anyone in the business or even where to begin. As I did more shows, and gradually saved a little money, I was able to upgrade my display, improve my work, and started getting in better shows. Now, after only have been doing shows four years, I've traveled anywhere from New York to Arizona and done about 100 shows already. Just bought a motor-home this year which has greatly reduced my travel expenses and made life a lot more comfortable.

I have decided to post using my first initial and last name because part of my reason for being excited about this website is that I see artists discussing how to help get rid of buy/sell at shows. In the short time I have been doing shows, I have noticed what a big problem it is. There are so many wonderful artists out there, and sadly so many booths being given to people who are doing kit crafts, imported buy/sell, or companies who are sending reps to shows to use art shows as retail outlets for their products. While many shows are truly jurying well, sometimes they just don't notice. I feel it is very important to keep an eye out for these things and as a community do what we can individually to try and help maintain the integrity of art fairs. It is a daunting task indeed, however, I feel it is going to become more and more urgent that we try to police this situation. Yes, many show directors are going to look the other way and not enforce the rules. I still think we need to bring these things to their attention. If more artists would speak up about this problem, perhaps even start demanding that the shows give us back our jury fees when they are allowing buy/sell to stay in the show, maybe some progress can be made.

I am also very opinionated about people taking photographs of art at shows. I can't believe that so many artists allow the festival goers to snap photographs of their work left and right. I think shows should have policies against this. Personally, even though it may look tacky, I put up no photos please signs. It is sad that one has to, but if you've ever gone into Hobby Lobby or Michael's lately, you'll see that China is mass producing knock-offs of all kinds of crafts that at some point, some creative artist came up with and then didn't do anything to protect their work. While it of course could not be completely eradicated, this type of thing only further helps to promote the cheap minded mentality that has been permeating our society. I understand the economy isn't good right now, and people don't have a lot of money, but when the average person sees a small metal sculpture for $2.99 at a store and then sees one at an art show for $30 - $50, they may think the price isn't fair. Obviously, people who attend festivals and know that they are they to shop for and look at art will understand the difference. But it is and will continue to effect the volume sales off the spontaneous buyers.

That all being said, I don't mean to come across as negative just being new to this forum! I really do enjoy what I do. I love traveling, meeting people, doing shows, and most of all, creating! It is a great thing to have this forum and website here where we can connect with people, learn from each other, and hopefully make new friends!