I didn't see any comments regarding the art festivals in "the heart of Arizona", Payson, Strawberry, Pine, where our shows really do have "heart". I would love some feedback. The artisans of Strawberry and Pine started the Arts & Crafts Festivals 31 years ago as a way for local artists to give back to the rural community. The members of the Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Guild of today, some the founding members, carry on the tradition of helping the community and providing a venue for creative, talented artists to show and sell their work. These shows have become an integral part of the area and really do contribute to the spirit and fabric of the community. I haven't had a chance to attend the festivals in Prescott, Fountain Hills, and Tempe in some time and was disappointed to see the less-than-favorable reviews, but I believe this is exactly what sets the Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Guild festivals apart from the rest. Although our show is small - just 80 booths - we seek out original, creative, talented artisans and crafters who have quality, hand-crafted items. The Jury Committee, comprised of local very talented artists and crafters, carefully review all applications and select the most unique, quality items with emphasis on things that are new and different. The Spacing Committee, also local artists who belong to the Guild, tries to ensure that the selected artists and crafters have a location that will get maximum traffic and not place artists of the same medium together. This is key to the success of our show, and to having a successful outcome for the participating artists. Although we cannot control things such as the weather and the state of the economy, we do our best to ensure that both the event-goers and the artists will have an enjoyable and rewarding festival experience and want to come back. Our area is unsurpassed in it's breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks. Few places can make you feel that you've stepped back in time and discovered buried treasure, as visitors to the Rim area often proclaim. Once you go "you know". So before you cross Arizona off of your 2012 schedule, I ask you to please check out this often overlooked yet most amazing part of Arizona, the heart. For more information about our arts and crafts festivals, please visit our website at http://pinestrawberryartscrafts.com, or visit us at Art Fair Insiders or on our Facebook page. Best wishes to everyone at AFI for a memorable and successful 2012 festival season.
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I too have noticed that mostly the Eastern and Mid West shows get reviewed, Some California shows but the great South West and Mountain West shows get no attention, except maybe for some Texas shows. So we Western and South West artists need to get on the stick and start reviewing the shows.