No one predicted that Connie Mettler would end up an
Internet guru.Sure, Connie's decades in the art fair business make her an expert in art events, and helped her develop
friendships with artists nationwide. But when I told her about this "Internet" thing, she first saw it as just a
distraction from the real world art fairs she loves.
Luckily, I kept up the pressure to put my mom's love for the art fair business to use on the World Wide Web. In 2004 I started ArtFairCalendar.com to collect the nation's art fair event listings all in one place because of her concern about falling attendance at the events.
Then as social media arrived I develooped
ArtFairInsiders.com to bring the artist community together online. In both cases it is Connie's decades of expertise that provide the inspiration and on-going expertise that have made these sites successful.
This week is Connie's birthday. Surprisingly to both of us, she now has four websites and has been working full-time as a "web producer" for many years (in addition to her roles consulting for other art events nationwide).
So, Welcome to the official Connie and ArtFairCalendar.com Birthday Party!
Will you please help me recognize Connie's years of efforts to support and promote artists and the art fair com
munity?
I invite you to show your support these art fair websites and the art fair community with a small PLEDGE
(starting at $12 which also makes you eligible to win some great prizes):
win prizes*, and send Connie a Happy Birthday wish:
Thanks for being here!
Scott (Connie's son)
*prizes like free booth spaces at 3 shows, a GPS, Amazon gift card, very cool art, consulting from experts, etc.
Comments
I am thankful for these websites, too. I know there are many others out there who appreciate them.
Let's hear from some of you artists who are happy to have this place to share information.
I'll be so pleased to meet you.
Good! You deserve tons of kudos for what you do. I'm sure it's an all consuming task to manage these sites.! Happy Birthday! Will I see you this weekend in East Lansing? I'll be in booth #28. : )
Thanks, Lynda -- you've been such a generous member here, sharing information with others and reporting back to the site. It is a pleasure to hear your words. Made my day!
I found the AFI community on New Year's Day, 2011. It was exactly what I needed at the perfect time. This community so freely shares the 'been'there-done-that' information that I was able to head out to my first show last year with confidence. AFI is an invaluable resource. Thank you Scott and Connie for acting on your vision. The AFI community is a great support network, not sure where I'd be without it. Certainly not where I am. Thank you!!