I live in Asheville, NC and I'm new to the festival circuit. I've had some bad weather this year at a couple of festivals but the one festival I had the best weather was a bust (Lake Norman Fine Art Festival) and I wont be doing that one again.
I'm looking for some of the better festivals in the South East. I've don Inman Park and Virginia Highlands summerfest both in Atlanta and had success. They are both larger festivals (attract 100k ppl) and have been around for years. Therefore, I'm starting to think the oldest festivals are they way to go. Anyone with any imput would be helpful. I realize it will be a life long pursuit seeking out the festivals where I will have the most success, but it's difficult finding these festivals if they aren';t on Zapplication I'm not sure where else to look or do research. Btw, I'm a mixed media artist. Urbanites seem attracted to my style.
Thanks
Leif Erik Johansen.
Replies
Hi Leif,
There are several sources of listings for art shows. Sunshine Artist is one, but there are a couple associated with AFI. If you check under Art Show Discussions you will see a thread that I started titled,
Florida shows in November, any suggestions
There are several good suggestions for sites on there. Also, just cruising the discussion threads on this site provides a wealth of information and you will find that most people are more than willing to try to help another artist.
Now on a personal note, I just did Arts in the Park in Richmond, VA this past weekend. Large show, but a good one. I think this was their 43rd year. You might want to check on that one for next year.
Just to let you know, we are ALL looking for the "perfect show", but the caveat to that is that the perfect show for me, or Larry, or anyone else, may or may not be the perfect show for you. So even after you do all your homework, research and get as many thoughts from folks that have done the show, to a certain extent it still is a bit of a crap shoot until you actually get there. And even then there are so many factors beyond anyone's control ( like a hurricane ) that you just have to have faith and go with your best shot. But, the input and thoughts from the experienced folks on this site is great and they will try to steer you in the right direction. ( not me, I'm still a newbie at this game )
Take Care,
Wayne Hayden
There are a lot of factors to consider, age of the festival not necessarily being one. New to shows, experience and careful planning and having a proven, marketable body of work is the way to go. Age and attendance numbers can mean nothing if the wrong people attend. A lot of the established shows are turning into family festivals, which can actually relate to fewer sales.
If you're looking for older shows, there are now quite a few approaching 50 years. But like I said, that means nothing.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Fair enough Larry. Thanks for the advice.
Do you have any names you can toss my way?