Hi, fellow artisans! I lurk here more than post, ofcourse, but thought I might just post about an inaugural show in Florida the first weekend in . I noticed earlier that there was a post from someone wanting input on it. It is the St Johns River Artfest in Sanford, Florida. I have been a stained glass artist for over 20 years, but doing shows only about 5. I have confined myself to Georgia shows, because it is so expensive to travel, but decided to offer my glass to other audiences this year..This is 1 of only 2 shows I have booked so far this year. The first is the Mossy Creek Festival near Perry Ga, which I have done for a couple of years.
I spoke to someone on the planning committee for the St Johns show a while back. It is a juried show, and I got notice yesterday I have been accepted. According to the person with whom I spoke, the main purpose of this event is public education about how the art is created, and to that end will have a special section of the show for demonstrating artists. I applied for that, but have not yet heard if I have been accepted for that.
They are doing extensive advertising in the area, and even their website seems to be artists friendly. They will have lots of volunteers who will be there for the artists. The accepted artists will be mentioned in advertising.
I know it is a first time show, and I am rolling the dice, but I just have a good feeling about it. Apparently, they did not have as many applicants as they wanted, so they are extending the jury period through mid April, and asked that I let other artists know. If interested, just go to their web site at www.stjohnsriverartfest.com . I will submt a review after the event...
Even though I have been more of a "lurker" than a participant, I really appreciate the conversations here. I just have not had anything to contribute til now. Happy Shows, all.....Mary Anne Maslanka
Comments
Thank you, Di.....I am committed, so will be going...
As a resident of central Florida, I live in Winter Park, I would not be concerned re: Treyvon Martin. Sanford is not my market so, I will not participating in the show but the area is not dangerous for festival goers.
I would contact the committee, my guess is they have already fielded calls from concerned artists. At least you will be updated on their thinking on these events and its potential impact on their plans.
Oh my goodness!!! had not connected the dots! I was already committed before that happened, so I may still just take my chances...Thanks for the heads up!
May 5 and 6 is not that far away.....I would only caution that you keep an eye on the Treyvon Martin story unfolding in Sanford. Currently, that is not a city I would want to be anywhere near.
Precisely my point, Mary Anne. These people may have no clue, but the information I have seen makes me think they are pretty serious about building a solid event.
Thanks, Connie. I know I am taking a chance on a first time event, but it just seems to me that, if the artists are not willing to take the gamble on a first time event, what will happen to the event and all the hard work that goes into producing it?
I have spoken with the organizers, Mary Anne, and was impressed with the fact that they seem to "get it" and are really working on community outreach and have been visiting Florida art fairs to try to emulate some of the better ones. Still, it is a first year show, so you never know. But if I lived near and was open on that weekend I like what I am hearing from the organizational point of view. And yes, they have advertised with me, but I can tell you I speak often with clueless show organizers, and these aren't in that group.
OK...Thanks for the input, Alison...They certainly seem committed to producing a good event. I will submit a review.
I believe that is the show that invited me to a artist get together where they wanted our input on how to do a good show. I think there were five of us, representing different media. I think they will do a good job. Florida, however, is not in good shape, especially around Sanford so don't get your hopes too high.