Hi,
This will be my first year applying to shows, after having shown my work in a small local Art League show last year. My panels are not professionally made, and I know this might hinder me getting into bigger shows, but I'm not certain I'm ready for those shows yet anyway.
I have reviewed some of the shots on Larry's website and here and these are the shots I have based on the information I have read so far. I have 3 shots, depending on the type of categories available and the type of show. I am a fiber artist, and some shows force me to specify wearable or non-wearable.
1. Fine Art only - for fiber non-wearable category (2D wall art)
2. Fine Art/Fine craft - for fiber (2D wall art and original hand-dyed card sets)
3. Fine Art/Fine Craft - for fiber (not specified as wearable or non-wearable) (2D wall art, card sets, hand-dyed silk scarves)
Thanks for any feedback you can offer.
Replies
Hi Karen,
You said your panels were not professionally made? They are beautiful! Did you make them and if so would you mind sharing how? I too am applying to art fairs for the first time this year and am looking for a reasonably priced panel solution. You art work looks great - is it felt? I've never seen fiber like that. Just beautiful.
Sarah
Thanks Sarah! The panels are made from PVC pipe and PVC connectors. Then a green mesh/plastic fencing is zip tied inside the frame. I'll upload a photo so this makes sense.
I bought the frames already made from a woman who used them for local shows that didn't have specific booth requirements. Then I sewed covers from a stretchy knit fabric that can easily pull off for washing. I also spray painted the lower legs to blend in better.
To connect the panels together, a friend used a heat gun to form a u-shaped piece of smaller PVC that fits into the upper frame of the panels as they sit next to each other. We also fixed some upper support bars that I spray painted white to cover the PVC lettering.
Thanks for the complement to my work too! I am a fiber artist, and the 2D work I'm making right now is on poly-suede, which has a great soft texture on the surface. It is very receptive to taking the inks I use and holding the vividness of the colors.
If you have any questions or want to see more pictures, let me know.
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I should also mention that I have more time than money at the moment and so sewing the covers was a decent investment, although it took some time. If I had a bit more money, I would have probably worked a little harder to find used pro panels. The fabric cost about $250 and I bought the panels for $100 (they came with an ez-up tent that I passed on to someone else).
Wow. I am no expert, but I think these are gorgeous. I wish my booth looked as clean and elegant. Great job!