Representatives vs. Authentic Artist at Shows

One of the rules, in my experience of most shows I've done, is the artist must be present in the booth/at the show.

I noticed several booths this past year not adhering to this rule. When my potential customers ask me if I'm the artist - I ask them why they ask... and I've been told - most of the booths I stop in - it's not the artist [I don't agree...] - However,

At one booth in particular - I know the artist - he was not at his booth. He sells a LOT of work - [mostly matted prints], and does show original work as well... but he had a few lovely young women working the booth. He's been in several shows that I've been in, and I have never actually seen him in person at any show. Maybe he does more than one show per weekend and can't be in two places at once?

I know some artists hire sales people and/or models to conduct the sales, but at least the artist is in the vicinity.

At the most recent show, another rule states 90% of the booth must be original work..10% reproductions. Lately, most booths are the other way around. Of course, this is probably the price point selling best at the moment, so I really can't blame artists who are trying to make a sale... but a rule is a rule???

So it makes me wonder who's enforcing these rules? Do the promoters actually check ID - check who is setting up and manning each booth? Or checking the inventory?

I know Judy at Thunderbird Artists - she personally visits every booth at every show. She knows each artist. She will also help guide artists with placement of art that shows best... so she knows if painters are bringing jewelry, etc. The Scottsdale Arts Festival checks ID at check in.

I would love to hear from promoters.

We require DL or passport at check-in. I have made exactly one exception in 11 years when the husband of one of our veterans showed up in his wife's place. She was too ill to attend, but didn't want to be a no-show and leave us with an empty space. He had attended with her every show, so I allowed him to stand in for her.

I've only ever had one photographer I did not know send someone else in his place, claiming that the artist was ill. Another photographer who knew him ratted him out—he was doing another show about an hour away. Doppelgänger was asked to leave.

I also personally go to every booth and introduce myself as the show director, wear a name tag identifying myself, and make public the booth number and location in the show where they can find me if there is a problem. Yes, it takes a long time to make the rounds, ask each artist how the show is going for them, and if they need anything, but it's well worth it. I know my artists, and when someone is displaying work that is "not consistent with images submitted to the jury," I have no trouble asking them to remove the offending items.

Bottom line, if a promoter or show director will not enforce the rules as stated, they should get rid of them. It's not fair to all the others who do follow the rules.

Replies

Rudy Hyatt June 4, 2012 at 9:40pm

A lot of people especially clients would appreciate the artists to come down to fairs like that but there are those who still wreak havoc even with just representatives manning the booth. That would be a completely different point of view and would actually be based on whatever thing you have going in there. But when just starting, it would be great to physically be present just to let the possible clients get to you easier.
sandhi schimmel gold April 30, 2010 at 12:04am

It was not a photographer, but a 2-D artist.
- Robert Wallis > sandhi schimmel gold May 23, 2012 at 11:19am
  
  There are a couple of big name photographers on the circuit who employ a bevy of stand-ins to do shows for them. From what I understand they will do at least two or three shows each weekend a piece. They seem to have a rivalry between each other to see who can out-do the other. They each usually have double booths. I don't see how they get away with it, and both have been around for a long time.
Art on the Lawn: Barbara Berney April 29, 2010 at 11:22pm

We require DL or passport at check-in. I have made exactly one exception in 11 years when the husband of one of our veterans showed up in his wife's place. She was too ill to attend, but didn't want to be a no-show and leave us with an empty space. He had attended with her every show, so I allowed him to stand in for her.

I've only ever had one photographer I did not know send someone else in his place, claiming that the artist was ill. Another photographer who knew him ratted him out—he was doing another show about an hour away. Doppelgänger was asked to leave.

I also personally go to every booth and introduce myself as the show director, wear a name tag identifying myself, and make public the booth number and location in the show where they can find me if there is a problem. Yes, it takes a long time to make the rounds, ask each artist how the show is going for them, and if they need anything, but it's well worth it. I know my artists, and when someone is displaying work that is "not consistent with images submitted to the jury," I have no trouble asking them to remove the offending items.

Bottom line, if a promoter or show director will not enforce the rules as stated, they should get rid of them. It's not fair to all the others who do follow the rules.
Larry Berman April 29, 2010 at 9:25pm

This is an enforceable rule, unlike trying to identify reps. I've asked a lot of show directors to please check picture ID's on Saturday morning, or each day. State College does that because of my request and I would hope to think that some other shows do also.

As to the artist you referred to. If it's a photographer I'm thinking of, he may have stayed in his truck framing throughout the show. But he also has a tendency to apply to more than one show an a given weekend.

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

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