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Visiting Artist Cory McCrory clay artist will have her whimsical hand built pieces  and  Graydon Cafarella watercolor artist will have his award winning paintings up for sale.  Each will be demonstrating their talent live for you to see and ask questions; along with Sycamore Art Attacks co-op artists.  We will have food and beverage available and basket raffle must be present to win.  Don't miss out on such a rich experience of different styles of art coming together in one place. 

  Sycamore Art Attack is an non-for-profit art school and we have a co-op artist gallery.  We are located 215 W. Elm St. Sycamore Il.  You can contact us at sycamoreartattack@comcast.net. 

I subscribe to a lot of blogs, but only a few of them are by local people here in San Diego, or people that I know personally.  I don't know why, I just don't know a lot of people that are into blogging...  I can't say it's impacted my life much---with the internet it doesn't really matter if you're local or not.  You can read about the trials and tribulations of people on the other side of the world!

But this one artist here in San Diego posted a series of articles on his blog about his personal art collection, and how it's displayed in his home.  His name is John Purlia, and he's a photographer.  But he has a substantial collection of a variety of different art pieces that he has hung in different rooms in his house. His collection really reflects his personality and interests, and it's absolutely gorgeous!   He even shares images of his collection on his website.

John takes us on a tour of his residence through a multi-day series of posts with photographs of his walls and interiors, with interesting stories of his collection.

And that got me thinking of others that I've known who own art pieces, and how they display it.  I had a landlord that bought art not because it would work with some "interior design" he was trying to accomplish but simply because the work intrigued him and he liked to look at it.  I think, bottom line, that a collector has to feel some sort of connection to a piece if they're going to display it in their home--otherwise they might as well seal it in a packing crate and put it in storage to try and collect value over time...  Art is, I think, meant to be enjoyed and seen.

It also got me thinking about the famous artist, Fred Babb, who created a painting that said, "Good Art Won't Match Your Sofa".

But this train of thought ultimately led me to contemplate the role of Wearable Art in our lives.  Because of our cultural milieu, art that is wearable isn't often considered in the same "category" as Fine Art (or that which can be defined as a sculpture or painting or some other piece with no other purpose but to be Art).  Because wearable art has a functional side as well as an artistic side, it is somehow considered less "pure" by most critics in the western art world--it's very utilitarianism defeats it's attempts to be artistic.  Because it's sometimes not considered as artistic as a painting, it's not held in the high regard that Fine Art might be, and is less sought after as collectors items.  Being less easy to define,  we don't recognize as much Wearable Art in our lives.

Fashion is collectable in part because of it's construction, but also because it was designed by a famous brand well known for accomplishment in the fashion world.  The pieces aren't necessarily collected for their aesthetics, but for their originating designer names.  I'm over-simplifying, of course, and shouldn't generalize everything into one lump.  There are exceptions.

But can the argument be made that Wearable Art probably wouldn't have the caché that something like Fine Art would have if displayed in one's living room?  I can't recall anyone in my life that actually displays, on a mannequin, any of their wearable art collection in their home.  It often lives in a closet if they even own any pieces.  We have hundreds of thousands of framing stores all across the country, but where are the commensurate stores for dress form displays for one's home?  Do we, as a culture, put any emphasis on displaying our wearable art collection like we do our collections of knickknacks, chotchkies, china plates, or wall hangings?

There is one significant distinction between Fine Art and Wearable Art:  Wearable Art is portable.  It goes with you.  You literally bring your collection of favorites to wherever your destination is instead of inviting others to your home where it is displayed.  In some respects, your body is the museum.  It is an opportunity to be a walking gallery.  It is a moveable collection.

So my question for you is:  Do you use your body for display of your favorite pieces?  Do you share with others your collection?  How do you display it?

And as an artist, do you embrace the opportunities you have to share your work by wearing it?  Do you take the chance to become your own gallery?  If you are embarrassed to wear your own work, how can you expect others to not be embarrassed to wear it when they buy it from you?

Food for thought.  Live Life with Relish!

June 16 & 17
San Rafael, California
By the Lagoon
At the Marin Center Fairgrounds
10am-6pm
250 exhibitors
Deadline: April 1

The Marin Art Festival is our county's lawn party for the arts and "one of the most beautiful out door art festivals in the nation."  The event now in its 16th year features work from over 250 artists from across the globe.  The festival will host an artist preview and silent auction as well as continue it's popular hourly raffle for "art bucks", $100 towards the purchase of art with participating artists. 

The festival is full of color and surprise and offers a unique line up of entertainment including hands-on art projects for children, and live music featuring some of the best Bay Area bands.  As is tradition, Taiko drumming starts off the festival each morning.  This year's Master Artist is landscape painter Kathleen Lipinski.

Noteworthy:

• "The Most Beautiful Art Festival in America"  Event takes place by the lake in the Marin Civic Center Complex designed by Frank Lloyd-gorgeous vistas in every direction.
• The event is promoted to Marin residents who have taste and means.
• Extensive print, radio, TV and social media promotional campaign.
• Attendance is up towards 15,000.
• Major food experience with sit-down dining and student waiters.  Includes the Great Marin Oyster Fest.
• Limited to 250 juried artists.  From as far away as New York, Louisiana, Texas, Norway and Niger, Africa.
• Space Fee includes the white tent canopy, artists spaces are 10x10 and are grouped four to a tent and every space is a corner.
• Exhibitors are requested to spill out 3-4 feet outside their space to create a bazaar-like environment.
• Exhibitors can rent panels, umbrella tables & chairs and they will be in your space when you arrive.
• Music and dance stages are low-key and do not hinder artists to customer sales talk.
• Jury/Booth Fees: $25/$700

For more information and to apply: www.marinartfestival.com    

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Looking for more art fairs for your art fair season? Visit www.CallsforArtists.com

While lots of artists were enjoying the windy weather at Gasparilla, we did the Venice Art Fest with H.A.E. They did their usual good job of organizing, advertising and being on site. Setup there is a breeze (no pun intended) as long as you don't mind doing it at 5am. Quality of the work was very good and the crowds came out on Sat. Sun morning dawned with grey skies and wind. We were fortunate to have buildings across from us which shielded some of the winds. Anyway folks did come out around 11 when the sun did it's appearance. It seems that the same virus affecting sales in Sarasota has spread south to Venice. While there were many folks on the streets, they were not spending much on art. Our sales were very disapointing as we have done well here through the years. Just when we were thinking things might be getting better in FL we have 2 poor shows in a row to bring us back to reality. Go figure. Anyway a few of us had a nice diner at a local eatery on Sat night and shared stories of days gone by. 5 more Florida shows for us, do hope they are better.

Opening his studio in 1982, Jay McDougall's early years were spent designing and building original pieces of furniture. His sculpted wall pieces and vessels are the distillation of a career spent pursuing economy of line and form. Carved exclusively from Minnesota hardwoods the sensuous shapes call forth the rolling curves that flow as easily as the undulating hills around Fergus Falls, MN, where he lives and works, collecting logs and transforming them into cherished collectables.

Jay says:

A writer for Fine Woodworking Magazine, Jay also has garnered numerous national awards for excellence in his field  and was selected as a 2008 McKnight Foundation Fellowship recipient.  Today's discriminating contemporary craft collectors can find Jay's work  in the nation's most prestigious venues for acquisition. Read more here.

This month find Jay and his fine woodworking in LaQuinta, CA, at the LaQuinta Arts Festival, March 8-11.

We attended the Gilmore Shows, Inc Craftsman's Classic in Columbia SC March 2-4, 2012.  Load in and out was fairly easy with parking just feet from the door.  The entrance we used was a tight fit (standard door width) so we had to be careful how the hand truck was loaded.  Friday was painful.  I did not talk to a single artist that had much in the way of sales.  Saturday was better.  Nothing to be excited about but at least getting closer to covering expenses.  By the close on Sunday we finally covered expenses (just barely).  Show fees (booth and a half), electricity, gas, hotel, cost to produce - it adds up. The good news is we made black again.  Not much for four days work for two people plus the time for me to get the inventory ready.  Some day maybe I will be able to pay for time on task.  In the meantime we are still enjoying the shows and seeing our other artist friends and exploring other communities.  I am addicted to all the accolades even when they don't buy.  Last year this show brought in more $$ than any show I had done to date.  Others also said it was a great show last year.  No one had an answer as to the downturn this year.  Weather was not great with severe thunderstorm threat Saturday and lots of wind.  Sunday was cold (local standards) with wind.  It is an indoor show so I thought it would help bring people to the show since is was not a nice outdoor day.  Maybe they were just keeping their hands in their pockets to keep them warm. ;-)  I think this one is worth doing again.  It is a good location with lots of advertising.  Our next show is March 17.  It is a little local show (37 booths and about  7 to 10,000 shoppers) one hour from home - St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, GA. 

Busy busy busy! getting ready fro the upcoming season. I have so many ideas ( a good thing ) but finding time to accomplish everything....one project at a time I suppose. Compiling jewelry pieces and crafts on the weekends. Also every spare evening I sit down and paint...currently finishing up a commissioned project of a portrait, a young boy & girl from the 1930'S hope to be completed soon!

                                           I have a rival who will be copying this within a year

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                                        For an extra fifteen bucks that could be a bloody mary 

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                          The sign said "Dining With The Roosters"  We didn't think they MEANT it.

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   This is another show we love to do, but it would be a stretch if we weren't coming directly from the Coconut Grove show.  The sales would be fine for a stand alone show if it were an hour away.  

     But this is KEY WEST.  Most artists I know don't go there for the money.  They go for a good time that pays for itself with a little left over.  For a photographer it also provides a lot of great photo ops.  

    We were quite apprehensive about the setup.  It's on the morning of the show.  We were told that the setup did not start until six.  We arrived an hour early to scout out the setup and there was not another van in sight.  Oh boy!  we had it all to ourselves.  I found our booth number and started dumping stuff on the sidewalk.  Shortly after another van arrived and took a position at the entry to the show.  And waited.  I walked up to the driver and told him what I was doing.  

     "Ohhhh,  Nooooo"   said he.  "Get your stuff back in your van and get in line before she spots you or you'll get yelled at and maybe kicked out of the show."  I did as told and later on I was very thankful for the advice.  This lady takes no crap from nobody, runs as tight a show as I've ever seen and everything turns out.      Just.       fine.  

      At precisely six the gate is open and everyone pulls right up to their booth space.  More or less.  You get until about nine to get dumped and down to the parking area.  

     The crowds were OK and although the sales were mostly small it was steady.  We got a nice boost when a tourist bought one of our largest framed pieces.  They had a large motor home they'd brought which indicated that somewhere they had a much larger  real home somewhere to hang the piece in.  Sunday was quite a bit slower but all in all our total was more than satisfactory.  

    We have a friendly rivalry with a seasoned art-friends couple when it comes to sales and we had more or less tied each other in sales two shows in a row.  They still consider us to be newcomers after ten years.  Anyway, they kicked our butts by over two to one in Gasparilla and put us back in our place.  We're out to even the score in Melbourne.  If we don't get our butts kicked again, that is.  

      Public drunkenness is considered, within limits, as a kind of performance art in KW.  A couple of attractive and nicely dressed young women off one of the boats were walking, more or less,  through the show WHOOPING drunk.  We had to wait until they passed before resuming a conversation with a prospect.  All in a day's work there.  Later, during teardown, a drunken couple started to enter the show and the director advised that the artists were not necessarily watching out for pedestrians and they might get run over.  They seemed to become dimly aware of the danger on some level and slowly stumbled elsewhere.            

     We brought our bicycles and they came in very handy for pedaling back and forth to the designated parking lot for restocking.  

      The weather was good and the showers that came through just missed us.  We enjoyed the show, the sales were OK and all was well.

      Teardown was not that bad since we'd made up our minds earlier that we wouldn't be in a hurry.  We did have to set stuff aside on the sidewalk until the booths across the street were packed and gone.  So much for the show itself.  

     The next morning we decided to try the Blue Heaven breakfast for the first time before the long trip home.  We'd heard of long lines and were also concerned about long waits for the food based on our previous experience with other restaurants there.  We rode our bikes from the motel so we'd avoid parking problems and got there just after they opened so we got a table right away.  A few minutes later the lines began to form outside.                 The menu looked great and it wasn't as expensive as we'd been led to believe.  But then again we'd gotten our information from folks who liked a bloody mary with their lobster benedict on occasion.  

     Coffee was almost as expensive but you get free refills.  We had been advised not to be chintzy and go for the good stuff.  It turned out to be the wise choice.  Since we are among at least four other photographers to have a money making shot from the place we decided the place had long since paid for breakfast.  

      If you hang around an extra day or two to see the sights, leave your car parked and take bikes.  KW is flat as a pool table and it's no effort at all to slowly pedal through all of it.  If you get the chance, be sure to do the Mallory Square sunset.  Get there an hour early and you'll see some of the most remarkable buskers you could imagine.  Then there's the sunset itself.  For some reason swarms of sailboats make it a point to cruise back and forth in front of the setting sunball providing photo ops for the crowd.  

    If we get lucky and get into the Coconut Show again we'll be very happy to do KW again.  We recommend trying this show at least once.  

                                                       Reaction to my stuff was mixed

       I wanted to send this while on the road, but we were out of internet contact for two weeks except for our phones.  We love this show.  First of all, we have a free place to stay in Coral Gables with Ann's cousin.  We freely admit it's cheating.  

     The rules are very stern when warning artists that anyone setting up before the designated time will be asked to leave and will not be invited back to the show.  Every year, however, we arrive near the assigned time and half the tents are up.  We'll never figue it out.  There isn't quite enough room for everyone to park right in front of their space so things can get pretty tight.

     This is the most volatile show I know when it comes to sales.  Our first year there we had a record at that time of over 3K for the first day of the show.  The next day we were up to only $150.00 by two in the afternoon.  Ann was away from the booth with her cousin touring the show while I was sitting there in a black mood with a ten foot circle of dead grass around my chair.  I called Ann and told her to come back and take my place before I could cause harm to myself or others.  Fortunately she arrived quickly and as I was walking away from the booth I heard her clinching a five hundred dollar sale.  I started walking faster.  We ended the day in good shape.  

     That was years ago.  It was no different this time.  For many artists their sales varied wildly from day to day.  One artist would make three times as much as we did on Saturday and on Sunday the numbers would be reversed.  There is also the element of wealth.  At any time you can have someone come into your booth who doesn't look like much of a prospect and then they'll pay $1200.00 for a piece.  Yep, we've had that happen.  

      I also like the way they go about judging.  You select your favorite piece and take it into the judging area on the day of setup.  On the first morning of the show you get to retrieve it so you can put it back to work in your booth.  It's a little nerve wracking when you enter the building to retrieve your piece.  It either has a ribbon on it or it doesn't.  They don't have an award ceremony but you learn to not expect it at this show.  I've been fortunate to have taken many awards at this show but this year I came up dry.  Winners know they'll be invited back next year and it's good to know that a year ahead of time.  Nice when you can do it.  

      The crowds were good this year.  Again, the buying was erratic but it wasn't for lack of traffic.  We saw work of all kinds being carried by our tent.  We did sell lots of small stuff but an occasional larger piece would go out of the booth.  So far this year it's been our best show.  

     The work at this show is on as high a level as anywhere and it's a pleasure to be surrounded by artists of this caliber.  Many years ago I was afraid to apply for it and we did the neighboring St. Stephens show instead.  It was a disaster for sales.  We took turns touring the Coconut show and were very impressed. The following year I applied and was accepted.  

     Be warned that unless you have a place to stay, this show can be very costly.  We had a corner spot and our booth fee was over a thousand.  Add parking, room, food, etc. and you can see how that adds up.  Once you're in, however, you have a shot at a good total.  It's worth taking the chance if you live in Florida.  If you're from out of state, however, and don't have any shows to go with it..  you may be taking a chance.  

       We have our fingers crossed for next year and hope they'll take us back.  One never knows.  

        Ann saw this picture on the way back from the Taco truck and had to practically drag me to the spot   

   Anyway, for those who stayed after getting hit by the storm, my congratulations.  The day turned out fine if a bit windy.  Although they were late, the crowds came.  Many artists who had a bad Saturday made up for it late Sunday and many people did significantly better on Sunday.   

     We had a good setup for the show.  We opted for the Thursday setup and it turned out to be relaxed and unhurried.  We were able to drive our vehicle right up to our spot with no crowding. 

    On Saturday the juror was interesting to watch.  He lost a little speed in the corners but made up for it in the straightaways.  He was good, though.  I was impressed with his choices.  Pardon me if I may have mentioned this in an earlier post.  My brain is still foggy from the show.      

     Crowds were good but our sales were disappointing for us.  Mostly little stuff.  Some of the artists, however, did quite well so that goes to show you that if you have what this crowd wants, they'll buy it.   

    This year the long-held tradition of the award ceremony was eliminated in favor of a private party that only the picked artists were invited to.  Not only that, but those artists who were picked were expected to pay forty bucks if they wanted to bring a spouse.  A major award winner had his three year old daughter and wife with him.  Since the party didn't start until an hour and a half after the show, he didn't choose to attend.  The artists who did attend didn't have time to shower and were in the presence of patrons dressed to the 9's.  Someone commented that it had the feel of a petting zoo.  The "premium food" consisted of hors d'oeuvres apparently meant for people who had already had their dinners.  I was told there was a roped off section for VIP's that the invited artists couldn't enter.  There was no ceremony announcing winners and when the artists arrived they found the pieces on display with the ribbons attached.  So much for recognition.   

     The original format for the award ceremony worked fine for the over thirty years since my first time in Gasparilla and there is no good reason not to reinstate it.  The shared enthusiasm for the winners when they step up to receive their awards from the juror enhances the experience and makes winning that much sweeter.   

  The original teardown plan was to bring in groups of vehicles at thirty minute intervals and each group would be expected to be out of there to make room for the next.  Good luck on that one.  As it turned out, they did not require vehicles to leave until loaded.  The vehicles in each group were dispersed enough so there was no uncontrolled crowding.  Since our assigned time was 8:30 we just started carting out.  It was no worse than the Disney teardown if you didn't mind the uphill part of the push.  

     All in all, I would return to this show if invited.  The award money is borderline surreal and they feed you well at breakfast and lunch.  Saturday night the artist tent provided food along with drink stronger than tea.  It doesn't hurt that we're close enough to commute.  

     Although the show has its weak points the organizers have proven themselves to be good listeners so be sure your comments, favorable and otherwise, get heard.  

    Again, congratulations to the hardcore artists who got blown away and came back for the finish.  You're an example for all of us.  

June 2 & 3
Deerfield, Illinois
Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts
Deerfield Road and Park Avenue
Presented by: Deerfield Fine Arts Commission & Village of Deerfield

Debbie Netter is proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the Deerfield Fine Arts Festival. Ms. Netter, President and founder of D & W, has 20+ years of organizing events and knows how to make it less stressful for everyone!

Held in town, busy city-like atmosphere
- Approximately 125 artists
- 10th year festival
- Median home price - $825,000

Top reasons to consider this show: (not in order of importance!)

1. Well run, organized and fun!
2. Attentive artist hospitality including booth sitters, hot and iced coffee both days, continental break fast both days, indoor restroom facilities, bottled water delivered to you frequently throughout the show, discounted hotel rates, overnight security
   
3. Booth fees for all shows remains at $300.00, and jury fee, $35.00. Larger booths and corners available for an additional fee
4. Wonderful attendance from a higher economic buying crowd
5. Advertising intrinsically placed to capture the high to middle economic crowd
6. Easy load in and out
7. Promoter who cares and will implement your suggestions
8. Apply easily on line through Entry Thingy
9. Smaller show means less artist competition
10. Juried and judged by industry professionals

What artists say about D & W Events, Inc.:

                                                          Photo by Ann Sargent

The Saturday night storm At the Gasparilla show took out a lot of booths.  Ann took the above photo.  From counting the empty spots at the front of the show on the concrete, my guess was that between thirty and forty booths were gone.  Almost all the artists who were on the concrete packed up and left or relocated their booths to another spot.  Many of them finished the show without a tent and with obvious empty areas on the walls, indicating that work was lost in the storm.  

    Rick Abrams was the first to go and he left Saturday during the show.  Rumor had it he wouldn't be invited back, but I spoke with a member of the board who said a staff member may have said that but it would not be a problem for Rick if he decides to come back next year.  The people in charge seemed as shocked as the artists when it came to the effects of the storm in the front part of the show.  

    By far the biggest area of the show is on the grass.  The further out toward the water you got, the lesser the storm effect.  There is a rapid ten foot dropoff in elevation as the grassy area slopes down from the concrete plaza.  The tents in those locations were not exposed to nearly the wind force as those at the highest elevation on the concrete.  The museum building itself gave significant shelter from the wind in the grassy part of the show.  Many of those who were assigned to the protected areas and had come in through the side entrance were shocked when they went to the front of the show and saw the damage.  It was as if there were two different shows.  

    My wife Ann was told by a staff member that his guess was the winds were at about a sustained 40mph with gusts up to about 55.  That was probably his best guess without using an anemometer.  

     The more unfortunate Gasparilla exhibitors weren't the only ones in the area who suffered.  Local news reports showed roofs torn off buildings, downed trees smashing cars, etc. in the Tampa area and elsewhere in the state.  News reports were scary and we were glad to have been spared the brunt of the storm's effects both at the show and at our Lakeland home.  We can't help but feel bad for the folks who suffered damage.  We've been through it ourselves and know what it's like to be hanging from your tent frame and feel your feet lifted off the ground as your whole exhibit starts going over.  

    As your career goes on, it's unsettling to realize that there are two kinds of full time artists; those who have experienced this kind of thing and those who are going to.  

High winds hit Howard Alan's Venice show hard overnight, as reported elsewhere by Barry Bernstein and Nels Johnson (with great contributions from others).   It didn't stop the show in Venice, though it made Sunday morning startup a bit complicated for some. 

The show was quite well attended both days (very warm and humid on Saturday). This town supports the heck out of this show in all weather--the "vibe" is more like a Rotary show than a big art festival. Although the pockets aren't deep, for the most part, if you have $30-40 items you can sell plenty of them. I haven't done this show in several years, and I was quite surprised to get visits from customers who bought from me not only here, but at a small, low-key show at the Venice Airport that I did in 2009 and 2010. It is one friendly crowd, for sure.

The weather front moved through just before dawn on Sunday morning.  I was unable to walk the show but show manager Helayne Stallings said that several tents were damaged.  One artist near me was trying to put the roof back on his tent as I arrived; high winds later on Sunday knocked over one sculpture right off the pedestal, shattering it all over Venice Avenue.  For the most part, damage was reported as minor. 

We probably caught a break, in that the winds were 20-30 mph from the NW, and the show is set up east-west, so the buildings helped to block them. There was a rumor circulating on Sunday that Helayne had authorized artists to leave if they wanted, so I tracked her down to check. 

It wasn't true, she explained, and told me about the only show she'd ever cancelled (I believe in Bloomington Hills, MI) about 15 years ago.  The weather cleared up after the call had been made, and she caught quite a bit of flak.

So the on-site show managers give a full report to Howard himself, and he  alone makes the call whether or not to cancel the show, she said. 

At any rate, the crowds continued to come (attendance and sales were even better on Sunday for most of the artists I spoke with at show's end-- quite surprisingly to me).

This show doesn't fly high on the radar screen, and my sales aren't what I get at Coconut Point and Naples by a long shot.  But it's a reliable paycheck, the 70-mile commute to my home is easy Interstate 75 driving, and I've always appreciated the warm welcome I get here. 
Nearly everyone I spoke with was happy or at least satisfied with their sales.  Or maybe, like me, they were just counting their blessings that they survived to show another weekend.  

 (Note: Haven't heard from anyone about Naples Mercato, which was cancelled on Day 2.  Anyone?)

The downward trend in the fourth show of my Florida tour continues. Raking in a disappointing $1200 in each of the first three shows (Artfest in Ft. Myers, Coconut Grove and Naples National), I didn't think sales can get worse, but they did.

I'm now convinced of two things. The recession continues here in Florida, and the work I do is not connecting with this audience. I'm a digital artist (which disqualifies a percentage of the art-buying public), and I don't expect stellar sales at every event. But to participate in these events, I need to make enough money to cover the overhead. Thus far, in Florida, I have not been able to do that.

My impression was that most artists at Las Olas were disappointed in sales. I'm curious to hear from other artists. Were sales down for others? Howard stopped by my booth a couple times on Saturday to give me a pep talk. He'd been following my posts and assured me that Sunday was the big buying day at Las Olas. Big wind and rain probably kept some people away, but I did have sales of $400 on Sunday while only $300 on Saturday, so, I guess Howard was right.

As for the show, it seemed that Howard Alan brought in a big crowd. The streets were mostly full, even when it rained early on Sunday afternoon. The location of my booth was excellent, just off of eighth street, facing North. I was in the shade all weekend and I had easy access to my car and trailer in a metered parking lot only 1/2 block away. Parking was $1 per hour, worth it, for me, because of the convenience of having my trailer so close. Of course, my plan of being able to quickly restock as my pictures flew out of the tent in the hands of eager buyers was, in retrospect, a bit overly optimistic.

I've still got three more shows to go before I can go home to Saugatuck to lick my wounds. Next week, Bonita Springs, then Winter Park and finally, Naples Downtown... all highly ranked shows, and shows that I have done in the past with some limited success. Of course, I did OK at Las Olas a couple years ago as well. My wife, Marcia will be joining me for these last three shows. Maybe her pretty face will bring in the big bucks.

March 8-11

La Quinta, California

Outdoor gallery on La Quinta Civic Center Campus  

230 contemporary artists from 30 states and Canada 

Festival hours: 10 am to 5 pm 

The 30th Annual La Quinta Arts Festival returns to the visually stunning setting of La Quinta's Civic Center Campus in the greater Palm Springs area - Southern California's preferred desert resort location. 

This award winning event attracts art patrons and tourists from across the nation as one of the Coachella Valley's premier attractions. Live Entertainment, Delicious Food, Wine and Beer complement your experience.

Only the best artists qualify for La Quinta Arts Festival.  Undergoing a rigorous jury process competing with nearly 1,000 applicants these artists display mastery of their respective medium and excellence in presentation to qualify for La Quinta Arts Festival, consistently ranked among the top ten Art Fairs and Festivals in the Nation.

Artist Jason Napier from Washington says: 

There are many reasons why this is my favorite show...The staff is absolutely amazing! The setting is drop dead gorgeous! The artists at this show are of the highest caliber! 

The 30th Anniversary will be marked by the addition of Randy Strong as the Featured Festival Artist. Strong, an award winning designer and innovator of sculptural glass, is recognized as one of the leaders of the American Studio Art Glass Movement. 

La Quinta Arts Festival is presented by La Quinta Arts Founda-

tion, in partnership with Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta. Proceeds garnered from La Quinta Arts Festival have helped to provide college scholarship awards totaling $1,000,000 to visual art majors. 

Find complete information at www.LQAF.com or call (760) 564-1244.  Daily Festival tickets are $12; a Multi-day pass is $15. Children under 12 are free. Pre-purchase discount Multi-day tickets online at www.LQAF.com

April 21-22 & 28-29
Houston, Texas 
Downtown Houston
Noon-8pm
200 Artists
Deadline: March 1 print deadline for inclusion on website, mobile app and event program.  Booths sell on first come/first served basis.

What is the show all about?

- Celebration of international arts and culture

- City blocks of entertainment and interactive fun for all ages
- A variety of musical artists from zydeco to blues, rock and world beat

What are the selling points of the show?
- Ethnically diverse audience
- Arts-oriented patrons attracted by cultural programs and visual arts  exhibits

- Hundreds of thousands of people attend iFest each year

Artist Amenities:

• Multi-million dollar multi-media advertising and publicity campaign
• Breakfast on festival mornings
• Booth sitting/artist relief provided
• Signage for each artist
• Juried event with recognition and prizes
• Strong buyer power: 49% of iFest attendees have incomes of $50.000+
• Fabulous international cuisine and local favorites

Presented  by the Houston Festival Foundation, Inc a 501(c)3 non profit  organization established in 1971.  This will be our 42nd Annual event.   The high quality iFest Markets are unsurpassed in selection, quality and  authenticity.  Each market area is designed to offer the vendor a rich  and beautiful market venue from which to sell products and to attract a  large crowd.

For more information and application:  

http://www.ifest.org/markets/

Contact information: Annabelle Ruch-Director of Artists Markets

Email: markets@ifest.org

Cell: (832)771-7661   

Did not see any reviews on the 52nd Annual Artcenter Traverse City Outdoor Artfair or the Sounds an and sight Festival in Chelsea, MI. Has anyone done them and what do you think. Thanks

Since I just talked about the recent Gasparilla--and high winds--I thought a little basics primer would be of use to you newbies.

Oldtimers who have been around know what to do.

In the 38 years of doing shows I have been blown down once, and lost work and had booth damage, and that was because a hurricane hit our show in Vero Beach at 4 am in the morn with winds in excess of 75 mph.

Anyways, here are the basics.  Follow them and most times you will get out intact and undamaged.  You gotta work quick, no dilly-dallying.

First off, get both the front and the rear side curtains out of the way, unzip them.  They are just wind-catchers.

Undo your front and rear awnings if you have any, get them on the ground, quickly.  Fold all this stuff up later.  You want your booth down and work out quickly.

OK. Now take all the art off the walls and package it up. Same if you had art on pedestals or shelves. Get it into the van quickly.  Most times this can be accomplished 15-30 minutes.  Things don't have to be perfectly packaged.  You can do that later.  You want things down so if the booth takes a quick wind hit you don't lose work.

Next, and this applies to 2-D artists or any artist who uses fabric over their metal panels.  Get them off quickly.  They are sails and catch the wind.  With them off the air will flow quickly thru instead of building lift and tension on your structure.

If you have solid wall panels, like ProPanels or door sections.  Get them down on the ground.  Reduce your wind resistance.

Now comes the roof which can be tricky in windy times.  If you can get help one or two people who will be able to hold on to corner poles while you are undoing the fasteners to your roof.

Important.  Don't undo your weights or tiedowns until roof is off.  Take all the help you can get.

When faced with a choice of whether to take roof off back to front or in reverse, think about wind direction.  Undo the end that goes with the wind.  If you try to go against it, it will be very difficult--too much vector forces from the wind will make it impossible to roll back your roof.

Get it on the ground fast.  Now you have no wind resistance and the booth structure will come down without bending parts.

Now, take the time to fold covers and put them away.  Same goes for the roof.

If you follow this method you will get out of most windy shows (even in gusts up to 25 mph) intact and undamaged.  After all that is the only result you want.

Print this out and save it in your van, you never know when it is going to come in handy.  Fair weather friends and mucho sales.  Nels.

I know Barry Bernstein gave you a quick memo about Gasparilla Art Show in Tampa, but I thought I could give a little more in depth reporting.

My wife, Ellen Marshall was an exhibitor there.  I was not, I was in the lovely Blooming Bartow show down the road.  I tore down on Saturday at 3 pm when winds were already blasting that show at 25 mph-plus.  I got out in one piece, work intact, booth intact, made $440.00 Whoopee!

Got home last night and Ellen told me about her day.  She sold a big cow for over $2K so her show was made.

We knew from the weather reports that Sunday was not going to be a good weather day which would translate into pitiful artist sales and big risks of work and booth getting trashed.

So Sunday morn after doing breakfest across from the show, I suggested to her to do the sensible thing--tear down and get the hell out of Dodge intact.

When we arrived at the show her neighbor two booths over had his rear of the booth badly crippled.  There were others who were blown over.  Hell, big metal sculptures were blown over.  And the wind was just getting started at 8 am in the morn.

Ellen's booth was on the first line of booths in the show.  Right next to Ashley Drive set up on a concrete plaza.  Her row got the first blasts of air coming in.  Most booths fared poorly.  I mean people were weighted down with heavy blocks,weights, tied to poles.  But there is only so much wind our temporary booths can withstand and then something has to give.

We jumped the plaza curb and got her van in there.  An hour later, with help from some passerbys, we were out of there.  Jerry and Carol Napoli, neighbors started to slowly tear down.  We went home and promptly fell back to sleep, safe and sound.

Around 10 am I went out for a New York Times and decided to swing by Ashley and see how the booths were faring.  Almost every booth on Ellen's row was now taken down as well as booths on the next row in.  People out in the park, on grass, fared better.  They could stake down--they didn't have booths walking in the wind.  Trouble was, there was nobody there to sell to.

It is ironic about Gasparilla.  They offer some of the biggest prize money on the circuit--more than $75,000.  But being in this newly remodeled downtown park they now have the dubious honor of being one of the worst shows that you will ever have to tear down from.  Show was to be over at 5pm, Ellen's load-in time was  scheduled for 7 pm, two hours after closing.

Unfortunately the City Fathers of Tampa (i.e. the City Council) are hell-bent on that show only being on this concrete plaza with some grass in downtown.  God Forbid!  No artists are to be on the streets.

This poses several problems.  One, because of park size, the number of exhibitors is now less.  Two, being on concrete, even weighted down, booths are going to walk in high winds (Guess what, it is always rainy and,or windy at Gasparilla, that is the norm).  Three, vehicles must stay only on concrete sidewalks which makes for a tedious setup and teardown.  The local fire chief is adamantly opposed to any vehicles parked on Ashley behind cones.  Although Sunday morn, they did have a row of cones out with vans inside, tearing down and loading out.  This is no way to put on a prestigious art show.  

More and more artists are going to quit applying to Gasparilla, the effort is not worth it.

I am just glad we got Ellen out intact and booth undamaged.  Same thing for me at lovely Blooming Bartow(don't waste your time there unless you have ceramic butterfly gardens on rebar selling for $19.95--my neighbor sold out of them by noontime.).  I pray other exhibitors got out of Gasparilla undamaged.

The wind has been howling all day with very uncomfortable temps.  It was a tough weather weekend with the Mercado and Sullivan shows closing in Naples as well as Gasparilla.  It sounds like Howard's Los Olas escaped the brunt of the weather according to exhibitor Steve Vaughn.

I would love to see Gasparilla succed.  But the City Fathers are on a wrong course for this show.

Ironically, yesterday artist Rick Abrams wisely started tearing his booth down at 3:30 and a couple of committee members gave him shit over it.  Then this morn, those very members were holding onto a big committee tent for dear life.  Talk about karma man, there you have it.

Hopefully other exhibitors who were there will chime in with a report.  You all can't just be lurkers, you gotta be proactive sometimes.  Now I am going to take a delightful afternoon nap and have some great sushi this evening--Ellen's buying.

I visited the Gasparilla show yesterday and talked to some friends. I had a good time but it was windy but manageable. Not so this morning.  It rained overnight and booths got wiped out. It's noon now and I hear people are packing up. This pic is taken from Mathew Hatala's FB page: