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ARtFest Midwest,The other art show in DesMoines. Did anyone do this show in 2011? I am looking for feedback. I have been accepted to this show and I live in Atlanta. With rising gas prices I am not sure its worth the drive.  I paint florals on canvas and metal ceiling tiles.

I've often wondered why a list of artists for an art show can be tough to find until you actually get to the festival. They have worked hard, and we want to thank you for participating! AT the NAA, we're always striving to improve things, even if it's in small ways at first. If you think continuing to have this list available and publicized is a good thing, let us know!

The artists of this show (many who are participants on AFI) are listed below, and we can't wait to see what they've got on display this weekend! To attract buyers, we've been promoting it in the local paper and other print/radio media (maximizing ad dollars through sponsorships), on facebook, through email marketing, and other word-of-mouth generating methods. Below the list is our ad. Feel free to share the image with your Naples customers to let them know you'll be on Fifth Ave South for the street's last festival of the season.

A PDF of the ad in Showcase is linked here: NDN-Showcase-DNFA-2012.pdf

Artists can be found in media order: 

• Ceramics
• Digital Art
• Fiber/Leather
• Furniture, Glass
• Graphic/Printmaking
• Jewelry
• Metal
• Mixed Media 2D
• Mixed Media 3D
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Wood

CERAMICS

216 Aurelio, Martha

230 Beam, Brian www.brianbeampottery.com

221 Blum, Doug B. www.dougblum.com

42 Clegg, Larry R.

108 Collison, Richard www.palmsuppottery.com

141 Dzedzy, Stan

6 Green, Bruce A.

148 Grimsley, Joseph

231 Hedgeman, Tonya C. www.bytonya.com

156 Lee, C. C.

97 Mann, Toni

160 Markiewicz, Gail M.  www.gmceramicart.com

201 Moore, Cindy

86 Moore, John E. www.the hairy-potter.com

55 Nappo, Gabrielle www.gabriellespottery.com

98 Painter, Susan W. www.susanpainterpottery.com

13 Rankin, Ralph

77 Shields, Ken C.

68 Thoreson, Thorwww.gillsrock.com

120 Vaughn, Todd www.gtoddvaughn.com

19 Woods, Glenn www.potteryboys.com

DIGITAL ART

7 Alboher, Lea

41 Billman, Greg

159 Cornell, Robert

185 Leben, John www.lebenart.com

56 Montecalvo, Paul F. www.paulmontecalvophoto.com

76 Parker, Timothy www.art2d.com

FIBER/LEATHER

14 Brogden, Megan www.meganbrogdenstudio.com

33 Cole, Candiss www.candisscole.com

67 Donofrio, Caryn R.

51 Gil, Jorge

205 Kroetsch, Leeann www.threadedartwear.com

146 Laine, Philippe C.

171 Mansard, Iris S. www.raincoatlady.com

220 Melillo, Jeanne M. www.jeannehomedesigns.com

187 Pace, Marie C. www.mariepacedesigns.com

83 Park, Herion www.herion.us

176 Perry, Diane

54 Rubright, Barbara L.

200 Rudoy, Shekina www.shekinadesigns.com

126 Sorrells, Ken www.graffitimats.com

5 Weiss, Jeffrey D.

82 Zarcone, Robert J.

FURNITURE

123 Causey, Teri www.tericausey.com

GLASS

138 Aronzon, Lisa M. www.lisaaronzon.com

213 Carlin, Kevin P. www.motorcityglassworks.com

105 Debon, Dennis www.energywebs.com

90 Eickholt, Robert G.

222 Espinosa, Josephina www.glassisters.com

112 Fishbein, Harvey &

    Leviton, Harvey  www.harvardreflections.com

35 Goldhagen, David www.goldhagenartglass.com

175 Haddad, Jamille www.jamilleatheatwaveglass.com

124 Miller, Lindi L.

80 Miller, Tim S. www.tmillerglass.com

48 North Gerlach, Celeste B.

204 Schmidt, Susan www.artifaxdesigns.com

157 Slade, Bill www.billsladeglass.com

119 Thomas, H. A.

150 Zidek, John www.johnzidek.com

GRAPHICS/PRINTMAKING

163 Packard, Lawrence D.

173 Reynolds, Patrick J. www.patrickjreynolds.com

78 Strailey, Nancy

JEWELRY

3 Angeloni, Liz

12 Brown Gordon, Sue

17 Chuang, Cynthia www.jewelry10.com

50 Coy, Kimberly M.

58 Dinka, Dianna J.

47 Fox, Pam M.

38 Hampel, Christiane www.hampeldesign.com

227 Hausner, Martin

125 Johnston, Sharon www.sharonjohnstonjeweler.com

63 Mahfood, Bernadette S. www.hotflash-designs.com

43 Marksz, Gail & Alex www.markszofpalmbeach.com

218 Nelson, Joyce www.cosmopolitanjewels.com

162 Nilsson, Robert & Teresa

206 Polk, Randy www.randypolk.com

59 Reardon, Kathleen & Thomas www.trkd.com

197 Romano, Gina

219 Strader, Molly www.mollystrader.com

20 Strobel, John www.johnchristinedesigns.com

73 Sundin, Lauran www.lauransundin.com

140,142 Trisko, Robert

70 Vagner, Michael

METAL

196 Cambronne, Steve L. www.stevotomic.com

207 Gurtan, Vedat www.gurtan.com

23 Johnson, Dennis A. www.erlundjohnsonstudios.com

62 Lapso, Kathleen M.

225 Matthews, Mark

115 McCaffrey, Shirley

181 Otfinoski, Peter www.otfinoski.com

166 Pattinian, Merri L.

217 Pompei, Vincent J.

129,130 Ricaurte, Rommel E. www.steel-alive.com

152 Ruby, Kurt

96 Schmidt, Ron

224 Snider, Diane M.  www.wyldeblaze.com

MIXED MEDIA 2D

65 Adams, Cynthia www.casaartstudio.com

208 Bi, Dan

182 Cheng, John

229 Doncaster, Barbara www.barbaradoncaster.com

21 Erlund, Beth www.erlundjohnsonstudios.com

170 Fergus, Virginia S.  www.vsfergus.com

189 Ferrell, Jack

100 Gal, Yoram www.yoramgal.co.il

52 Henderson, Debbie www.debbiehendersonart.com

215 Hunter, Chanpen www.renderingsinframe.com

164 Katic, Milenko R. www.milenkoartstudio.com

228 Kern, Anna T. www.annakernartist.com

66 Manneck, Holly www.manneckart.com

143 Manrique, Belisario N.

212 Mickelsen, Nina www.clarissastudioart.com

121 Miller, Bill & Kelleghan, Susan

234 Mirandon, Nicholas

116 Williams, Liz

161 Wilson, Donna

MIXED MEDIA 3D

8 Collins, Mary-Anne & Bill

114 Fountain, Doug www.dougfountain.com

147 Laurent, Elaine www.elainesells.com

36 Stern, Robert & Patti www.theperfectview.com

232 Wender, Andrew

PAINTING

24 Alexander, Rick L. www.artbyalexander.com

49 Armstrong, David

106 Barter, Stacy www.stacybarter.com

113 Carlson, Julie www.oilsbyjulie.com

168 Conary, Mary Jane www.maryjaneconaryartist.com

158 Couch, Pamela www.pamelacouch.com

128 Crawford, Marta www.martacrawford.com

135,137 Davis, April A. www.aprilwdavis.com

202 Folks, Eva www.evafolks.com

177 Galloway-Carter, Sandra L. www.sandragalloway.com

64 Groenteman, Barbara www.barbaragroenteman.com

110 Guo, Yongqun www.artdesignsyg.com

72 Holehouse, Jim G. www.tropicartdesign.com

89,91 Hummel-Marconi, Debbie www.mything.com

15 Krupp, Barbara www.barbarakrupp.com

44 Lee, Ning www.ningleeart.com

61 Lin, Alan www.xlinart.com

145 Lowe, Michelle Nicole www.michellenicolelowe.com

31 Marshall, Kimberly www.marshallsartz.com

32 Maurer, John www.johnmaurer-art.com

4 Metzler, Janice G.

144 Miller, Charlotte F. www.cfungmiller.com

214 Miller, Sandra L. www.sandmillfineart.com

122 Millsap, Thom www.millsapfineart.web.officelive.com

199 Odmark, Gary W. www.gwodmark.com

2 Ostrowski, Joann S.

93,95 Park, Edward

57 Pearse, Darlene www.darlenepearse.com

75 Plumridge, Don www.donplumridge.com

85 Pollack, Stephanie www.stephaniepollack.com

127 Pransky, Phyllis www.phyllispranskyartist.com

37,39 Reichow, Christine www.christinereichow.com

226 Ross, Tom www.tomrosspaintings.com

101,103 Seslar, Lin

155 Skinner, Joy www.joyskinner.com

172,174 Snow-Hein, Laurie www.lauriesnowhein.com

192 Soderquist, Linda H.

191 Solomon, Anne Marie

209 Thomas, Marcus C. www.marcusthomasartist.com

71 Wang, Jan Peng www.janpengwang.com

109 Wang, Li www.liwangart.com

223 Warman, Abby www.abbywarman.com

84 Whitney, Jan

11 Wu, guanwen

118 Wu, Man-Wai www.manwaiwu.com

88 Yuan, David

180 Zenor, Phillip L.

PHOTOGRAPHY

153 Blekfeld, Bernard

53 Cavanah, Doug

10 Clay, Eric www.fadedbeauty.com

107 Cuba, Carlos www.carlosimages.com

45 Deane, Jennifer Dana www.jddfineart.com

40 Deng, John www.johndengphotography.com

94 Duse, Luciano www.lucianophotography.com

198 Easter, Jeff www.artworksoncanvas.com

46 Gerlach, Pat www.patgerlach.com

81 Gerlich, Jack www.jackgerlich.com

1 Goodman, Dennis www.dennisgoodmanphotography.com

203 Guglielmo, Chris www.aquaexposure.com

16 Humphrey, Larry www.larryhumphrey.com

178 Jasinski, Michael & Brian

102 Johnson, Nels

167,169 Kousnsky, Isack www.isack-art.com

69 Louis, Jean-Claude M. www.jeanclaudelouis.com

74 Megela, Jack www.jackmegelaphotography.com

179 Richmond, James G. www.richmondphotography.com

117 Rowell, David E. www.daviderowell.com

136 Sunquist, Lawrence B.

SCULPTURE

194 Campbell, David B. www.stonelegance.com

235 Casco, Oscar

71A Causey, Scott

22 Gibson, Alan G.

87 Nogueira, A. Cesar

29 Okonkwo, Nnamdi www.nnamdiart.com

92 Peltier, Gilles www.gillespeltier.com

116A Pozzobonelli, Mauro P. www.pozzobonelli.com

195 Rujuwa, Peter

186 Striewski, Andrea E.

183 Townsend, John W. www.marinesculptures.com

139 Tyree, Tanya L. www.2artstudios.com

WOOD

9 Baisley, Victor

60 Boudreau, Donald R. www.boxesbyboudreau.com

190 Deveer, John & Levy, David www.davidlevycreations.com

18 Holzbaur, Werner www.werner-holzbaur.com

210 Linn, Robert B.

99 Schmidt, Russ D. www.rdalegalleries.com

211 Shoemaker, Roger

165 Smith, Woody

233 Vollmer, Jeffrey P. www.merchantsofmirth.com

79 Wilhelm, Robert A. www.rawdesigninc.com

June 1-3
Mount Clemens, Michigan 
Anton Art Center
Fri.: 12noon-9pm, Sat.: 11am-8pm,
Sun.: 12noon-6pm
80 artists and craftspersons
Deadline: April 1

The fair takes place in picturesque downtown Mount Clemens, a small-scale urban landscape with retailers, restaurants and nightclubs. The Anton Art Center has hosted a fine arts fair for over 30 years. The 2011 Mount Clemens Art Fair drew approximately 8,000 visitors. The first day of the 2012 fair will be held in conjunction with a classic car cruise on preview night.

The Art Fair has wide demographic appeal and will be advertised throughout Macomb County and the surrounding area. We will send press releases, e-blasts, print and other electronic promotion to our mailing lists. Artists will be provided with postcards and electronic ads.

Expect: 

• $850 in cash prizes
• enjoy complimentary breakfasts
• friendly volunteers  
• $15 jury fee, $150 booth fee

The Mount Clemens Art Fair includes a wide-variety of live entertainment, a Children's Area with make-and-take art activities and more.  Join us for a lovely weekend in Downtown Mount Clemens!

For more info: www.theartcenter.org
Email:jcallans@theartcenter.org
Phone: (586)469-8666
Fax:  (586)469-4529
Application:  www.MountClemensArtFairArtistApplication.pdf  

I read in John Leben's recent blog about this year's show that you pay attention to posts on AFI.

So, you probably saw a couple of mentions about the spaces in the rear of the park which are mulched along the narrow sidewalk with narrow paasage for patrons between the booths on both sides.

If I understand correctly, there is room to move the booths back away from the edge of the sidewalk.

Would that not be a better solution than the way it is now.

Artists back there suffer, because the crowds are thick in the sidewalk and are pushing thru.  Most artists' booths dont get a good looking at (which kills sales) because the crowds are moving on.

It is hard enough to get into your finely juried show.  But when one gets in, I would hope they would be on an equal footing with everybody else there to make sales.

The people in front have a big advantage over those in the back.

See if you could remedy that problem for next year.

 I hope we get some feedback from someone on your fine committee.

Hopefully waiting, Nels Johnson.  Just a simple request.

There have been a lot of blog posts singing the praises of the Winter Park Art Fair. I’ll add mine to the chorus. This is a great show! For me, its the best show in Florida. Of course, that’s not saying much when you look at my dismal sales for the first five shows in my Florida tour. I averaged around $1100 each for the first five (Artfest, Coconut Grove, Naples National, Las Olas and Bonita Springs). For Winter Park I grossed a little more than $4700. A good show for me.

This is a rare breed of art fair... one which residents support wholeheartedly. They look forward to it every year. They save up their art buying for the Winter Park Art Fair. I know of a few more shows that have that special vibe, Krasl in St. Joe Michigan and DesMoines Iowa show, to name two of my favorites. They are shows that the residents are proud of.

When I checked in on Thursday afternoon, I was greeted by Carole Moreland, a board member, and one of the show organizers. She recognized my name as the poor bloke who has been blogging about his dismal Florida season. She wished me a good show and assured me that the committee studies our blog posts and makes notes about how they can make their art fair better in the future. That made me think about the conversations I had with Barry Witt at the Bonita Art Fair and Howard Alan at Las Olas. Our blog posts help give guidance to other artists considering entering these shows and directly affect the number of artists who apply to these shows. The organizers like positive reviews and they like to see big sales numbers for their shows. Art Fair Insiders has more power and influence than I had originally thought. But, lets see if this influence eventually manifests itself in improvements to the art fair circuit.

Anyway, back to Winter Park. Big prize money (although I didn’t win any), fantastic lineup of artist, an enthusiastic buying public and great weather all made for a premier art fair. The only negatives I could come up with were the difficult load in and load out... lots of dollying, and some questionable locations for some of the booths (especially the ones on wood chip paths). But its a show I would be delighted to get into again next year.  

One more show for me in Florida, Naples Downtown. Then, its back to Saugatuck, Michigan. See you in the Spring, Nels.

All art show artists who create their own work are continuously disadvantaged by (1) buy/sell operators, (2) group operations (3) mass manufactured items, (4) co-artist teams who exhibit in multiple shows on a given weekend (5) people who jury in with a certain body of work only to display a totally different (sellable) body of work at the show and (6) people who jury under 2 or 3 mediums with the same work.  I'm seeing these situations at almost every show.  If we're ever going to create a level playing field, it has to STOP!

BUY/SELL:  We all know that's where the "vendor" buys product somewhere else at a very low price  (i.e. overseas or even the U.S.) and merely sells it at a show at high margins and/or volume, when the vendor had no involvement in the creation or production.  There is absolutely no place for that in a fine art show.  Don't tell me that we need to give customers "something they can afford".   Patrons who want that kind of product already have an outlet (almost every chain store in USA).

GROUP OPERATIONS:  I've seen this a few times with jewelers (and it might also exist in other mediums), where one manager has 2, 3 or more people apply to a show under their individual names; yet all product is owned and managed by one central manager.  It is likely that the product is either buy/sell or mass produced.  Each booth might have a different style (silver vs. gold, vs. something else), but the central manager collects all the monies and apparently runs the entire operation, even though the promoter thinks he/she has several individual artists creating their own work.  This is deceptive and, when proven, the artists and manager should be banned.

MASS PRODUCED ITEMS:   Artists who create and produce their own work are seriously disadvantaged by people who subcontract their product to mass production factories.  In these situations the "artist" is no more than the outside sales person for the product.  He/she may have created the original design, but is no longer involved in production because it is mass produced by any idiot that can push the machine start button and take the finished product off the machine.

CO-ARTIST TEAMS EXHIBITING IN MULTIPLE SHOWS:  I've seen many instances where Co-Artist Teams actually exhibit at two shows on a given weekend.  Upon inquiry, I hear that "oh, this is my work and that is his/her work".  Yet they applied as a "team" of co-contributors.  It's not a problem for two people to have different works.  But when they apply as a team, and do not exhibit as a team, that is a problem!  They are stealing a booth from another more deserving artist.

JURY IMAGES DO NOT MATCH BOOTH DISPLAY:  I'm seeing this more often every month.  Artists having difficulty jurying into a top shows with their "saleable" art are sending jury images with totally different bodies of work.  The problem arises when the artist sets up his booth with only his saleable items and never shows the juried body of work.  Art shows should always have a notebook with the jury slides and booth shot to compare the actual artist booth display at the show.  Where it is not consistent, artist should be confronted and told he/she cannot exhibit bodies of work which were not juried into the show.  No exceptions!

MULTIPLE MEDIUMS:  I've seen people who submit applications into two or three mediums and over time get accepted into each of the mediums.  Yet when their display is the same work.  It has to be one or the other.  It CAN'T be all three.

I just exhibited at the Scottsdale Arts Festival.  I was near someone who I suspected as a buy/sell or mass production operation.  When I saw that the name plate had two co-artists names but I only saw the one same person exhibiting all weekend, I was even more suspect.  Now I have googled their name, found out about their production company that has been selling their items wholesale since 1972, company listed as 11-50 employees, sells through numerous retail outlets and does 40+ shows a year, etc.  I continued to search and found one of the co-artists listed as a participant in Howard Alan's Juno Beach Art Show, which happened the same weekend they were in Scottsdale.  

I have since sent a lengthy letter to the Scottsdale promoter and informed them of my findings and asked that they take action.

Perhaps this was the "straw that broke the camel's back", so to speak, at least for me.  I've just read the blogs about certification and others to try to fix what's wrong with our industry.  Certification is not the answer!  The buck is always going to stop with the promoter.  So it is up to all of us to educate the promoters and inform them of wrongdoings as they occur.  But not just so they can slap the hand of the current artist, but to take corrective action in the future and perhaps even ban the offending artist.

And it's not just enough to take action at the current show.  It is essential for promoters to communicate with each other and compare notes.  I know a lot of times a director at one show is a juror at another show and vice versa.  This is where each promoter's database of offending information should be shared with each other.  

This is the only way we will make the playing field level for all.

The Naples Art Association has listened to your concerns and read your comments about the 2012 Mercato Fine Arts Festival earlier this month. Thank you for your professionalism and understanding in what was a challenging weekend for all involved. The decision to cancel the second day of the festival was made with the best interests of everyone in mind, and we are sorry if any artist felt put off. I assure you it was not the intent of any member of our staff.  Rather, we recognize the impact this had on you and want to offer you a special reduced rate on next year’s show.  

Looking back on the festival and regarding our decision, we considered the severe weather forecast, the potential risk to the artists, customers and the Mercato complex as a whole, the damage that had already occurred and the potential for further damage.

The forecast for the day called for gale force winds of 35 - 40 plus miles per hour. The wind was more of a factor along some parts of the show lay out than others given the directionality of the gusts and the position of the buildings. Some areas were like a wind tunnel while others were not affected as severely. Many artists lost inventory on Saturday, and we did not want to put artists at risk for further loss when the weather was forecasted to be much worse on Sunday. Early Sunday, artists’ tents were blowing over – into other artists’ tents and to the ground – and staff members and volunteers were rushing around helping artists protect their art and equipment. Some artists still lost valuable property. We made the call to close and began helping artists load out. 

When the rain stopped and the sun came out, the weather seemed to clear up. Unfortunately the winds were still very strong and continued to be so for the rest of the day. Once the decision to close the festival was made, Mercato officials requested that the street be cleared as quickly as possible.

A decision in the midst of a situation like this has many considerations. Please know we made the call with broad perspective and with you in mind. We understand the hardship an artist feels when you’ve planned for a weekend of selling opportunity and half of that potential is cancelled. As professional artists in the festival business, I’m sure that inclement weather is a familiar risk to you.

The 2013 Mercato Fine Arts Festival will be a growing year. We’re offering 2012 Mercato artists an extra incentive to be a part of it. The jury process will stay in place because it helps keep the balance of artwork and is a fair way to continue allowing other artists the opportunity to participate. If you decide to apply and are juried into the 2013 Mercato Fine Arts Festival, the Naples Art Association will reduce your booth fee by $100.

The Naples Art Association wants you to succeed at our festivals. We’re a nonprofit organization driven by our mission to support the arts and help connect our community with top quality artists. Looking to the future, we have a renewed focus on building Mercato. Located in a high-traffic, affluent shopping area during the height of season, we feel this festival, having just finished its third year, has not reached its full potential. Thank you for your art, your talent and your constructive conversation; it helps us better see things from an artist’s point of view. With improved festival planning, new marketing ideas and taking your ideas into account, this show can grow.

If you choose to comment, we appreciate your keeping all notes civil, constructive and on topic. If you would like to speak privately or share additional ideas you are welcome to email PR Director Kathleen Taylor at Kathleen.Taylor@naplesart.org.

To your future success and future festivals with us,

The Naples Art Association   

First off, it is me, Nels Johnson, writing this.  It says Ellen Marshall, my wife, but I am writing on her computer and it logs into AFI as Ellen. (My computer is "migrating" at the Apple Store, into a newer model--one that is guaranteeing me 100-per cent acceptance rate at all shows I apply to, heck, I bought three of them, gonna give a couple to my special friends, after I get done "certifying" them.

Well, in our household this past weekend Ellen took off for Winter Park and I got to go to Lakewood Ranch--whoopee!

Ellen got the better deal.

I showed up at the ranch early Saturday morn to set up my booth.  This show is held in tight quarters, you almost have to squeeze between booths to get to another area.  In past years I have had a lovely corner where I could park the van and dolly right to.  Naturally I asked for the same spot.

But no, I was assigned the spot from hell.  I noticed at least four other artists had their usual spaces, but not me. First off, you could not get your van even remotely close to the space--think an easy two-block schelp.  Then you would have to squeeze your Magline Cart thru very narrow openings to get to the spot.

I demurred.  I asked if there was anywhere else they could stick me.  The director said "Nada" and then I said "Aloha", see ya and I was down the road, no show, no income, no booth refund, but that's show biz sometimes.

I did get to play golf both days instead and won a grand total of $64.20 in my league which I promptly applied to drinking green beer and green Jack Daniels manhattens.

Meanwhile Ellen had one of her best Winter Parks ever.  She killed them on opening day and at showend she had a lot of empty spaces on her walls.

I think the majority of artists had a great show there.  And why not?  It is still one of the top Florida shows to do.

One distressing thing about the show.  Many lucky artists set up in front on the street--primo spots.  Others are in the park and some places there suck royal canalwater.

In the rear of the park they have artist booths lined up to the edge of the sidewalk on both sides.  This creates ahuge logjam of people coming thru without being able to really see much. Artists suffer.  Why doesn't the show let the booths set back from the sidewalk.  I mean they have only been doing this show for 40 years or more.  But that is Winter Park for ya.  Those people know best.

While on the golfcourse on Saturday I got a call from Teri Cusey telling me about the Les certification deal.

I went online later and read the thread.  Pretty amazing, over 3000 views on it.  Thank God people actually weighed in on the subject.  Very enlightening.

Let us just say a well-intentioned idea has been thoroughly vetted and found to be not sustainable.  You gotta hand it to Les he is always thinking of new ways to improve the lot of us fellow artists.  Personally, I think most of his ideas stink, but that is my own personal opinion.  He takes a too elitist position for my taste.  Personally, I wish he would take up serious gardening and quit being so involved in so many shows.

In our biz nobody gets to be king but it sure looks like he feels he is. Well, you know what happens to most kings.  Enough said.  There were great discussions and opinions got aired.

Some good came out of all that.

About Barry Cohen.  It is a heart-breaker.  I worry about something happening to me every time I get in my van and go to a show.  You gotta be diligent, check your equipment, check those tires, check those brakes--and most importantly--wear your darn seatbelt!  that is so crucial.

I never knew the man, saw him at a lot of shows, he will be sorely missed.

Ironically, I see where Connie reposted my blog I did after Boston Mills last summer--dealing with feelings of mortality.

The really good thing about our biz is we all usually have good things to look forward to.  It keeps our engines running in high gear.

In less than two months, Ellen and I will be heading to Saugatuck,MI where we live during the summer season, leaving Ybor City, its chickens and its heat far behind.

I got a solid summer schedule to build on.  Just got Boston Mills, Virginia beach and Artstreet this past week to go along with Krasl, Columbus and A,B&E.  Now I am filling in the holes.

Still got six more shows to do here with downtown Naples next.

Get to hit off real grass up north makes the golf game a lot more enjoyable.

I have lot to be thankful for and I think we all have lot to be thankful for.  Enjoy the moment, take deep breaths and hold onto to it for as long as you can.

Aloha, Nels.

August 18 & 19

Artist fees:    $25.00 application fee
                    $350.00 per 10' x 12' booth space

Admission:    $8.00 per person, children 12 years & under are admitted free

In mid-August as many as 18,000 festival-goers will plan on enjoying a weekend of art, crafts, entertainment and gourmet food in Mount Gretna, PA. Where is Mt. Gretna, PA?

Visit this link.

Every  year, during the third weekend of August, this community of some 700 homes and cottages suddenly springs to life, welcoming 265 artists chosen through juried competition and     20,000 visitors who-by their presence acknowledge the role that    art plays in their homes, hearts, and lives.

And every year, as thousands of art show patrons return,many others discover Mount Gretna for the first time. For everyone who comes, it is a return to an earlier era: a time when neighbors greeted neighbors from their front porches, when going for ice cream meant going for a stroll rather than getting into an automobile, and when life itself pulsed at a rocking chair pace.

Very nice things were said about Mt. Gretna at ArtFairInsiders.com by this year's participants, including, "I will certainly sign up for the Mt. Gretna, PA show again."

Learn more about the event at: www.mtgretnaarts.com

Contact them at: mtgretnaart@comcast.net, or 717-964-3270

         Apply online at:
        Zapplication.org

I attended the OOAK show in December and took some video, actually my friend Jacki Bilsborrow, took the video with my new iPhone. It has taken me forever to get it posted here, but I know lots of artists have questions about this show so here it is.

The technical challenges for me have been not nearly as much fun as most of the work I do around the art fair business. But they say you don't get paid for the stuff that is easy, they pay you for the hard stuff. This video is very amateurish and I only offer it here for background and for reference if you are considering being a part of this show.

Barry lost his life this past Friday in a auto accident on I-95- traveling to an art festival. Over the past 20 plus years we have been great art fair friends. His acrylic sculptures were highly admired, and always top notch- he too was a perfectionist. He was always a joy to have as a neighbor. We had recently figured out a summer schedule- which included using our N.J. home as a staging point. I know he would have been really upset if another friend had lost their life, because of tire or auto failure--he would probably run around and remind us all to "Check your car NOW"- I hope I have said that loud enough for you to hear Barry--Fair Winds your booth is always next to mine.

Congratulations to John Costin**, winner of the $10,000 Best of Show Prize at the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. Best of show is awarded for the artist's whole body of work. Here is a representative Big Bird Drawing by John Costin.

Also to John and Shirl Parmentier for the Morse Museum Award for a Distinguished Work of Art, $2500.

At Winter Park the judges make the rounds of the booths and choose pieces to be removed from the booth to be judged altogether in a gallery space.

Winter Park is generous with awards and there are lots of winners. Here are the rest:

10 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE ($2000)
Painting - Matthew Cornell, Orlando, FL
Jewelry - Lauran Sundin, Concord, NH
Wood - Thomas Dumke**, Oconomowoc, WI
Fiber - Amos Amit** Los Angeles, CA
Clay - Becky Lloyd & Steve Lloyd Clyde, NC
Wood - Matthew Hatala** Danielsville, GA
Glass - Scott Amrhein** Sherwood, WI
Photography - Mark Mackinnon** Millbrook, NY
Fiber - Sandy D'Andrade Red Hook, NY
Fiber -  Xiao Xia Zhang Minich & Patrick Minich, Cleveland, OH

20 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION ($1000)
Sculpture - John Whipple Winter Park, FL
Photography - Cali Hobgood** Urbana, IL
Jewelry - Patricia Karnes** Winter Park, FL
Painting - Charles Gatewood** Phenix City, AL
Jewelry - Kim Koch Oshkosh, WI
Clay - William Kidd Miramar, FL
Jewelry - Pam Fox** Sarasota , FL
Mixed Media - Rasa Pranckunaite & Algis Keburys Astoria, NY
Glass - Mark Sudduth Cleveland Hts., OH
Wood - Don Carter Longwood, FL
Drawings & Graphics - Jody Depew Mcleane Eagle River, WI
Fiber - Jill Wagoner Fuquay-Varina, NC
Fiber - Candiss Cole**-Footitt & Rodger Footitt Sedona, AZ
Clay - Brian Beam Fulton, MI
Jewelry - Sana Doumet & Munir Doumet Clearwater, FL
Glass - Chris McCarthy St. Louis, MO
Wood - Donald Boudreau Hollywood, FL Ebony
Clay - Michael Kahn & Mieko Kahn Greenbush, MI
Mixed Media - Paul Andrews Charlotte, NC
Clay - Shadow May Chattanooga, TN

Jim & Shirl Parmentier - Winners of the Morse Museum Award

AWARD OF MERIT LIST ($500)
Mixed Media - David McKirdy Tampa, FL
Mixed Media - Jeff League Winter Park, FL
Mixed Media - Joe Decamillis** Birmingham, AL
Wood - Larry Roofner Windermere, FL
Sculpture - Kostas Ulevicius St. Petersburg, FL
Drawings & Graphics - Helen Gotlib Ann Arbor, MI
Jewelry - Jonathon Stopper Sarasota, FL
Watercolor - Russell Yerkes** Tarboro, NC
Wood - John Mascoll Safety Harbor, FL
Glass - Duncan McClellan** St. Petersburg, FL
Photography - Emerson Matabele New Orleans, LA
Photography - Robert Clibbon New Smyrna Beach, FL
Sculpture - Bill Secunda Butler, PA
Fiber - Miriam Carter Dublin, NH
Jewelry - Christian Butera Apopka, FL
Clay - Mark Knott Suwanee, GA
Painting - Jon D Smith Naples, FL
Sculpture - Trent Manning Winter Haven, FL
Jewelry - Rick Austin Inverness, FL
Drawings & Graphics - Edson Campos Winter Park, FL
Leather - Horace Thomas** & Shawn Thomas Belton, TX
Jewelry - John Ruff & Carolyn Ruff Springfield, MO
Watercolor - Randy Eckard Blue Hill, ME
Painting - Bruce Peeso Monson, MA
Drawings & Graphics - Ron Hoyle Lees Summit, MO
Clay - Michael Schwegmann** Champaign, IL
Fiber - Mary Sly & Dan Wyatt Friday Harbor, WA
Clay - Marti Mocahbee Staunton, VA
Clay - Vadim Malkin Orlando, FL
Drawings & Graphics -Heinrich Toh Kansas City, MO 

**Members of AFI - including Best of Show! Woo hoo!

I just listened to the podcast from last night. Great job Connie, but while i was there I also listened to your interview of the St. Louis & Des Moine show directos. King from Des Moines says at one point that it a good idea to attend an open jury (which I have) and then he states that with technology now you can even view some shows jurying process online. I had never heard of this opportunity. Does anyone know of any shows that you can look at the jury online?

Anyone know anything about the Mountain View show in September produced by California Artists?

June 30
Elk Rapids, Michigan

Veteran's Memorial Park

10am-5pm
75 Artists

Deadline: April 1  

Prize money:

 ART & TECHNOLOGY competition-- April 3-14, 2013--- Jacksonville, Florida- downtown Jacksonville locations -  modeled after ArtPrize- just announced - WOW !!!!

Got to love Gasparilla for the terrific prize money. As a result they get many applications from people who do very few shows but who think they have a crack at winning part of $74,500 in awards.

Congratulations to the lucky ones:

Trent Manning of Winter Haven won the Raymond James Best of Show Award on Saturday during the opening day of the 42nd Raymond James Financial Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.

Manning, one of more than 230 artists at the festival, received the top honor along with $15,000 for his "King of the Mountain" sculpture.

The artwork was judged by Douglas Dreishpoon, chief curator at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY.

Thirty-seven artists were honored for their work, including:

• Robert Kastrinos of Orlando received the Board of Director's Award ($7,500)
• Tampa's Jeff Eckert took the Roddy Brownlee Reed Award of Excellence ($4,000)
  
• M. Kemper of Oklahoma City earned the Mayor's Award ($3,500)
• Paul Shatz** of Charleston, S.C., won the Anniversary Award ($2,500)
• Oren Estell of St. Petersburg captured the Friends of the Museum Award ($2,000)
• Shannon Blosser-Salisburg** of Bethany, Ill., received the Robert & Elizabeth Sanchez Emerging Artist Award ($1,000)

If anyone has the complete list I'd love to see it.

**AFI members - a special congrats!