Yes, it seems like it is way too soon to be thinking about the Florida art fair season, yet you know if it is July the winter applications are not far behind.
What a surprise it was to read that the Downtown Naples Association has broken with Howard Alan Events and is joining with the Naples Art Association to put on events in downtown Naples beginning in 2010.
"After 21 years with an out-of-town company, the Downtown Naples Association has joined forces with the Naples Art Association, to produce Fifth Avenue South art festivals.
“With the Naples Art Association administering shows, it will get bigger,” said DNA chairwoman Cathy Christopher. “Being local, they have a huge impetus and great incentive to reach out into the community and make these shows sensational.”
Shows have averaged 30,000 visitors who spend $1.2 million in restaurants and shops, she said.
But as proponents called this a perfect marriage, the DNA’s separation from long-time partner Howard Alan Events could be called a bad breakup."
Read the rest of the article here from the Naples News.
The article says Howard Alan has secured another venue north of the area.
What do you think? Is this a good thing for the artist who has been participating in the HA Events?
Are you more likely to apply under the sponsorship of the DNA?
Do you think this is a good move for the DNA?
Is this good or bad?
Comment below.
The real booth "tax" is $35 that will be for ALL city of Naples art festivals except the Naples National It includes the show that Naples Art Association will run on 5th Ave. Let's remember it's all about the MONEYand the Art Association needs the revenue. FYI Howard Alan will still be giving money to the Downtown 5th Ave Assoc even though the Show will be at the Waterside shops in North Naples that's the deal and he's working with the Naples Chamber of Commerce.
As a patron I have mixed emotions about Howard Alan events. The quality of the artists is so uneven at his festivals that depending on the mix, rather than a rising tide lifting all boats, the good artists are lost among the bad ones. How the artists respond to this change will be the key to success. If the good ones come back, I'll make the trek across the 'glades to attend.
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