Hello All, I'm relatively new to showing. I've done fours shows, but all have been small, local art and craft type venues. I'd like to tackle a more art dedicated show at a mid-level, but not sure where to start. Can anyone recommend a good one in the Ohio area? My focus is on wildlife and pets, and I have had my art displayed in a juried gallery show before. I have an EZ up tent, a professional banner, and a table; but no show panels yet - so I know my display probably isn't up to the level expected of the higher level shows. Also, I have a good number of original paintings in both acrylic and watercolor, but my largest pieces are only about 12" x 12" or 11" x 14" framed. I also offer prints and stationary, which have sold well at the smaller shows, but which I know are frowned upon at the higher level shows. Unfortunately, I'm finding that my originals do not sell well at my current venues, as I think the price point is too high for the venue. People keep picking up my paintings, remarking on how lovely they are, then they turn it over for the price and walk on! Thus, I think I need to move up to a better venue where people are shopping specifically for art and aren't shocked by the price tag. Typically, I charge $ 45 - $ 90 for my pieces, matted and framed in the case of watercolors, on canvas for acrylics. I've included a few samples of my work - I do a lot of birds and small animals. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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With your work, I'd go ahead and apply to Summerfair in Cinci -- applications are still open. You have nice work, and I've seen all across the board there. Worst that can happen is that they say no! And by the looks of it, you'll have done several shows by the time it rolls around!
Thank you, Joel! I'll look into this one, too. And thanks for the vote of confidence on my artwork!
Connie and I discussed it. We both feel that the best thing you can do is attend the open jury for the Columbus Arts Festival in February. You don't have to apply. It's open to all artists. You sit in the back of the room and watch all the jury images projected category by category. That will give you a good idea of what people are submitting and what their booth looks like.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
What a great idea, Larry! I didn't know such an opportunity even existed. I will definitely see if I can take part in this. Thank you!
Worthington (June), Upper Arlington (Labor Day weekend), Crosby Gardens in Toledo (June), Hyde Park in Cincinnati (October), Medina (July), Kettering, Bowling Green ... visit callsforartists.com for some other ideas.
Thanks, Connie, I will check all those out!
Yes to what Connie said.
Also, Akron Art Expo Hardesty Park in July, Lakewood one day, beginning of August.
Chagrin Falls, 2 day June, Willoughby, one day July, Cain Park 3 day, July.
also to view- Columbus in June, Cincinnatti ( how do you spell??) June, Boston Mills one show end of June, one 1st week July.
Also, Winterfairs in Columbus and Covington Nov and December.
And what Judy said also is important. Attend some of the shows where you're not quite ready. Study the displays and the presentation and the quality of the work. This is really important in moving up to better art fairs. Always worth a trip for research.
As you move up in the show hierarchy, the booth image becomes more important. You didn't post an image of your display but it sounds like you barely have one so far. 2D art should be displayed hanging on walls within your booth and tables with table covers as well as greeting cards are frowned upon at better shows. Having walls to hang your art on is mandatory but you can get away with the table and stationary at smaller shows.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Yes, I know I need to up my game display wise! I'm intending to buy some panels next year. Right now, my table display is ok, but pretty crowded. That said, any recommendations on display panels?
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