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I'm ready for the "I Survived Carefree" T-shirt. Okay, so maybe I'm being a little over dramatic about it. I was hoping that my experience this year at the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival ~ January, 2012 would be at least as good, or perhaps a little better than it was last year, my first year of participation, but it was not to be. Friday the weather was fair and saw many of the local Snowbirds roaming the festival grounds as if they were sleep walking, to say the least the energy was not frenetic. The festival promoters include wine as part of the festival which I understand is a nice way to create an ambiance of casually viewing art while sipping wine. (For more on the art of selling art and ambiance see this link from smARTist: Click here for Part I  from Jack White-> http://smartistcareerblog.com/2012/01/part-i-buying-art-can-we-return-to-the-good-old-days/)  There was a lot of sipping and very little buying which is not unusual for a Friday crowd. Saturday was the warmest day and saw many more festival visitors (and the bulk of my sales) with a higher tone to the crowd, you could tell by all the chatter in the streets. Sunday was overcast and never got beyond mid '60's it started out slow but gained some momentum through the middle of the day but by 3:30 the crowds thinned and by 4 most vendors were ready to go but the show must go on till 5. One vendor was packing up at 4, the promoter saw this and took her to task, probably wont see her there again! Sales in general were spotty at best, some very large pieces walked out with the bulk of what I saw being reprints of originals. Some artists sold nothing, others, like myself, sold a few. Although, on Sunday, I did have one customer who commissioned some of my work which was a highlight of the show and, who knows, may actually push my figures over last year though I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm not going to count the chickens, etc...

Logistics; Load-in, depending on where you were located was either easy or chaotic. If you were at one of the entry points it was easier, if, however, you were in the middle of the show, like we were, it became somewhat chaotic. The streets were narrow and there wasn't much space to park and unload. If you had parked near your space earlier in the afternoon, like we did, it was easier to access your spot. In some areas the booths had been moved into the middle of the street as compared to being pushed into the parking spaces on either side of the road like last year. If you got your vehicle in it was probably more difficult to get it out! Setup didn't start until 5:15 when most of the stores were closed. As restaurants were still open there were still some cars parked in vendor spaces causing people to wait and later leave in frustration as they couldn't set up. Artists were rotated around a bit this year from last which, quite honestly I think was a good thing. Last year we were at one of the quieter entry points without a lot of visitors, this year we were placed more in the middle of the show so we had quite a bit more visibility. Some of the vendors did not appreciate their new locations and felt it may have impacted their sales. Some areas of the show did have a lot of congestion built into the way booths were setup and so some artists may have gotten overlooked. Load-out was pretty much the same congestion. I had stacked my boxes in one of the nearby alley's so when the bell rang at 5 I was ready to pack up before I brought in the van. It started to drizzle a bit before tear down time and I was fretting over we would have to break down in a heavier rain, it didn't materialize thankfully but by then I had the van moved in closer with the discovery of the secret back way to my booth. We had to carry most of the work a short distance to the van but it was easier than trying to move onto the street till some of the neighbors were packed up and moved out.  Others had to wait longer for those ahead of them to clear out. We were packed up and out by 7 which is typical for us.

Amenities: Don't expect them, no water, no snacks, no booth sitters. The show had two nice food vendors (and popcorn) besides the wine. One vendor served variations on a Greek menu, gyro's, hummus, etc. Very good stuff with the sauces "home-made". Another vendor had variations on salmon, wraps, etc. We had some of their fare last year and really enjoyed it. Nearby restaurants were $$ but we found one little place around the corner with a good $7.50 burger and fixins for lunch. Apres the show we always like to go to Harold's in Cave Creek at least once. The brisket plate with salad was enough for us to share. The next night we found a new place, Alberto's Italian Restaurant. Though reservations are probably a better idea we found one non-reserved table and enjoyed sharing a salad and linguini with meat ragu, again plenty for two.

Reflections: I would probably do this show again, at least give it a third try. Besides it being about 25 degrees warmer than Denver at this time I really enjoy the area besides what other shows are there to do in January that don't require over 1000 miles to drive?

READ THE FINE PRINT:    I made the mistake of not reading the fine print and this past week tried to cancel with my present credit card company.   I found out that when the three years expires it automatically gives you another  3 years unless you write 90 days in advance to cancel.   So now i am stuck till april 2013.  I did not read the fine print.  If I want out it will cost me $314.00.    The one good thing to come out of this is that i was told that my rates are going to come down.   (I want that in writing) , and  am getting free supplies, whatever that entails.     

This was the 28th annual installment of this community staple, run by the Cape Coral Rotary Club.  It's extensively advertised in local media, well supported by local businesses,  and (with the notable exception of the 2010 event, which was held in bone-chilling cold and rain), it always pulls a large crowd.  And it did this year, too, despite stiff competition from the more upscale Bonita Springs National Art Festival held about 35 minutes' drive south. 

The shows are different in many respects--Bonita positions itself as a prestigious national show, with geographic appeal to the deep-pocketed, recession-proof denizens of Naples and the golf course communities extending north into Fort Myers. 

Cape Coral, by contrast, has been buffeted hard by the recession.  Founded in 1957 and designed to appeal to World War II veterans who were looking for inexpensive family housing, it retains a blue-collar, mom-and-pop feel and strong military ethos.   This show bills itself as a community event, and the advertising touts family fun and the local businesses lining the show venue, as well as the art.   

And art there was! This is a large (280-artist) show with a long layout--it stretches for about a third of a mile down Cape Coral Parkway, a four-lane road separated by a grassy median.  And although there was an oversaturation of  buy-sell jewelery (about which more later) and a number of booths offering low end craft items, according to some folks I talked with, there was also a strong cadre of high-end artists (some of whom were there as a second choice to Bonita Springs.)

The single-street layout made for an exemplary load in/out, which I'll share in detail in case this is read by show directors who might want to "go to school" on this setup--because it really works well.  On Friday night, artists check in at a storefront and large parking lot one block north of the show's center point, get their booth number and packet, and wait for city officials to close the parkway to civilian traffic (roughly at 7 PM).  Traffic flow is reversed for the entering artists.  If your booth is on the north side of the parkway, you enter the show at the west edge , drive east along the outer lane, and then pull over to the inner lane to park at your booth space.  Artists with south-facing booths enter from the east side, and do the same.  This keeps one lane open for vans, and one lane for parking (and it's strictly enforced.)  (Numbers are easy to see even in near darkness, as  each is displayed on a fluorescent sign with orange background erected in the exact center of each space.)  Lighting along the street is a bit dim for a central shopping corridor.  Smart artists bring flashlights or headlamps. 

If you chose, you could wait until 6 AM Saturday morning, but all artist vehicles had to be off the road by 8 AM.  Artist parking was in several large grassy fields a block south of the parkway. 

Now, on to the show!

A cold front moved through SW Florida on Friday afternoon and dropped the temperatures into the 40s and 50s for Day One.  There was only intermittent sun and a moderate north wind.  It didn't affect the crowds; streets were still packed.  But they mostly kept their hands in their pockets.  I made back booth fee with a little to spare, but that was it.  My average sale per customer, which has been running around $125 so far this season, plummeted to less than $40.  My neighbors reported similar results.  But a few friends of mine, with slightly warmer south-facing booths, reported better results.  Weird. 

Day two dawned with no wind, clear skies, and a forecast for temperatures that just might brush 70 degrees.  In Florida snowbird season, that's perfect for a show: Cool enough to keep potential customers off the beaches and warm enough to get 'em browsing the tents.  But would they take those hands and wallets out of their pockets? I decided to tweak my display, adding a small rack of 8x10 mats and some left-over 2012 calendars to give myself some lower price points. 

For most of the morning and early afternoon, it didn't make that much difference.  The booth traffic was brisk, but very little merchandise was moving out the door.  I found myself smiling at one apologetic compliment from non-buyers after another and answering routine questions--"Canon, not Nikon; photographs, not paintings; no, I don't have any photographs of  ". (My favorite request in that genre was from a young Goth couple sporting dark tattoos and nose rings who pleasantly asked if I had any pictures of a Raven.)

In my little spare time, I scribbled sarcastic headlines for the blog I was going to have to write today.  And then, as every browser headed out the door empty-handed, I reminded myself that the fat lady hadn't sung yet, and there was lots of time left to turn this show around. 

And then, miraculously, it did.  At about 1:30, a be-back--my first of the show!--returned and purchased a large canvas.  Then a new customer walked in and quickly bought three more. Still another be-back waited patiently for 15 minutes while I totaled and bagged, then bought still another.  By 3 PM, I'd matched my sales total for the much-tonier shows at Coconut Point and Estero, and happily wadded up my draft notes of snarky headlines and threw them in the trash. 

Traffic tapered off the last two hours, giving me a little time to poll my neighbors on their results--nearly all were satisfied, and one artist, who also did the show last year, said she was up 35 percent. 

So, how to account for this fourth-quarter flurry?  Had I, a longtime Denver Broncos fan,  been channeling my inner Tim Tebow? 

Well, the improving weather certainly could have played a part.  And so did plain dumb luck, I'm sure.  But I think most of it had to do with the show's long, narrow layout, coupled with my booth space at the extreme east edge of the show.  Folks just entering the show knew that no matter how much they liked my work, there were still nearly 280 booths to go, so they delayed buying decisions.  And by the time they got to the far end of the show, a warm restaurant was more appealing than a trudge back to find an artist they'd seen two hours earlier.  It's a long walk for anyone in their 30s, let alone the older demographic of SW Florida. 

 I was fortunate to wind up with a good sales total. In fact, given that Tebow's Broncos got pasted by the Patriots 45-10, it's fair to say I had a far better weekend than he did.  Most of my neighbors did OK, except for the jewelers.  Among other photographers I polled, things seemed satisfactory.  I didn't have time to walk the show extensively, but I didn't see a lot of large packages being carried around. (Hopefully some of you other artists will chime in with your impressions.)

This show certainly delivers the crowds.  But given its size, layout, and demographics, you need at least some low-price items.  And if you provide larger work, be it 2-D or 3-D, it would probably help close sales if you offered delivery to your customers' cars and/or homes.  No matter your medium, you need patience and lots of business cards.

All that said, I've got long-term concerns about this show.

* Although the Rotary, in a commendable attempt to simplify the application process this year, moved to Entrythingy, the fact remains that they want the entire fee--$326 for application/single booth/sales tax--when you apply.  Checks are cashed promptly.  If you don't get accepted, you're promised a refund of all but the app fee, but they don't promise by when.  (It would be good for a reader who's been rejected to weigh in on this, if you're out there.) It's reasonable to speculate that this policy isn't going to change anytime soon in this cash-strapped city...but the organizers should be aware that it's a deterrent to artists that will make it difficult to fill the show in coming years. 

* The show was a bit smaller than last year, and that's not necessarily a bad thing (especially given the layout). However, by my count, over 65 of the participating artists were jewelers--nearly 25 percent.  And several of the jewelers I spoke with had walked the show, and reported that about a quarter of those were buy-sell.  One, who normally has an average sale of about $150, said that she sold only her lowest priced items, averaging barely $50.  Another said, "It's really hard to sell quality work when three booths down, people can buy something for $10." We've all seen an influx of buy-sell cause a death spiral of formerly well-regarded shows, and one can only hope that it doesn't happen here. 

August 18 & 19
Michigan City, Indiana  
     30th Annual Lubeznik Center for the Arts
     Lakefront Art Festival
     Set up: Fri.: 3pm-7pm; Sat.: 6am-8am
     Sat.: Festival hours 10am-6pm
     Sun.: Festival hours 10am-5pm
     Deadline: February 3
Notification of jury decisions: March 9
Deadline for booth fee ($150) for accepted artists
Jury fee: $30

The Lakefront Art Festival attracts thousands of visitors from surrounding states to a festive, high-quality event held under shady trees in a grassy park on the shore of Lake Michigan. In 2011 they had over 6000 visitors attend the festival. Because the event is sponsored by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, it is overseen by arts professionals, committed to making every aspect of the festival a quality venue for artists and visitors.

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to link my website to my ArtFairInsiders page.  Thanks, Jean Parish from FL. www.giftideasbyjean.com

I just came across this info that I thought I should pass on.  I know how lodging can be very expensive for artists.  The 34th Annual Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival in Manchester, Vermont has change it's venue to the Field at Riley Rink in Hunter Park.  They will have free camping there.  That would eliminate a huge cost of doing an art show if you don't mind camping.  Since this show is in August camping shouldn't be that bad.  I hope this information will help some of you make your show schedule decisions for 2012.

Jacki B

I thought I would pass this information on to everyone here.  Some of you may do this show.  The Taste of Stowe Arts Festival held in Stowe, VT has been changed.  It is now going to be called the The 8th Annual Shelburne Museum Arts Festival.  Read below to see why they have made the change:

For many years we did a summer show at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT. It was a very successful show, well attended with good sales. For a variety of reasons, especially construction on RT 7, changes at the Museum, etc., we moved the show to Stowe. The summer Stowe show has gone OK, but has not been as successful as the Shelburne Museum show used to be. Today construction on Route 7 is complete and the new management of the Museum has invited us back. This is an opportunity that we can’t turn down. We will still do the show in Stowe in the fall when Stowe really rocks.

This is good for many reasons. Chittenden County is the most populous in Vermont. Burlington is just a few miles down the road. We have not had great success getting people from there to make the drive to Stowe. This will make things a lot easier. In the summer, all the hotels rooms in Chittenden County are full, the area is packed. We should be able to draw on this influx of tourists. The show is right on RT 7, the busiest road in Vermont. We will have signs and banners out so people will know about it. You will not be able to miss the tents from RT 7.

So, if you used to do this show, this sounds like great news.  If you haven't done it before, this sounds like it could be a good show to do.

Jacki B

Looking for free information and angry not to get it
Not an art show issue.

Most people have heard the expression that everything should be free on the internet. Well here's one I've never experienced before.

I received a phone call earlier today from someone who was looking for information. He had read my web site article on how to set your camera to photograph art and wanted to know how he should set his bottom of the line CoolPix.

His first question was whether I was a camera store and sold cameras.

No, I'm a photographer who works with artists teaching them how to photograph their own artwork.

I'm a photographer also, he says.

OK, what's your question?

He says that he has a CoolPix xxx and wants to know if he should be using one of the mode settings.

I don't know anything about the camera you're using, I use a top of the line DSLR and keep it set on manual exposure.

He then throws out the names of two other cameras asking if I know anything about them, like it's a quiz.

I'm sorry, I only know how to use the camera I own and I'm really busy right now shooting some jewelry.

His response blew me away. Well "f**k you" and he hung up.

What ever happened to decency and common sense. I can't imagine he's older than fifteen or so and is this what we're in for from the next generation? Something to think about.

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

June 8, 9, 10
Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

135 Artists

Deadline: January 22 
 

"This is an excellent, well-organized festival," one artist said. "I have my highest sales here and always encounter enthusiastic, loyal customers."

• discounted hotel rates
• complimentary snacks and beverages
• an Artists' Awards Breakfast on Saturday and an Artists' Meeting on Sunday with continental breakfast
• an air-conditioned lounge with indoor restrooms
• booth sitters; water delivery; overnight, indoor storage
• 24-hour security
• electricity

Artists say: [The Omaha Summer Arts Festival] is my favorite show to do; and [the] treatment of artists is the best! said one artist. Not many shows do anything for artists anymore-it is very important to us.
 

Apply today: www.zapplication.org  

I received an email a few days ago from a (potential) customer who wanted to buy one of my pieces. He selected a large print of one of my digital paintings at a cost of $1250. We traded emails and info back and forth. Then he wrote that he would be sending me a check for the print, but, since he was moving to England and he was running out of time, he would be sending me a check for more than the cost of the print. He asked me to deduct the cost of the print and send the excess on to his shipping company. After a couple more emails, and my insisting that he pay me only the cost of the print, and send me only the address where I should send it, he pulled out of the deal saying "I'm sorry thats the only way i can continue this transaction." Be careful. He might be targeting other artists.

Imagine my surprise when I was cruising through the Huffington Post and came across this article: What is an Original Print? Interestingly the writer, Daniel Grant, even consulted the rules from some of the nation's art fairs including the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair and the Rising Sun Festival of Arts and Crafts and many in between. 

The article defines "print" as "an image drawn or etched or engraved on some surface by the artist..." It also examines digital images, giclees and whether or not "reproductions" should be or are allowed in galleries and also art fairs. Seen this discussion before? Yep, deja vu all over again...

Maybe, but in the current economy many people are feeling less able to afford original art, "but they still like art and want to buy something," said the vice president of the Vero Beach Art Club, which has held an annual Under the Oaks art festival in March since 1952. That festival had been an originals-only event but began allowing reproductions a few years back, "because we want people to be happy." Similarly, the Wickford Art Festival in Rhode Island changed its policies in 2008 to allow reproductions, "because of the way the economy has been going," said Francie Christophersen, who chairs the festival. The rules could be changed again to disallow any and all reproductions, "but that probably won't happen."

Discerning minds may be interested in reading it and weighing in.

I have been thinking of some features that Zap might incorporate into the show listings. Some of these might not prove popular with every event or promoter, however they do merit some thought. I' m looking for opinions on these thoughts.
Along with all the usual event app info etc, I would find it useful in making choices on entries if the following info was available:

Total openings at show, total number of re invites, remaining openings, now for the fun part, openings available by category and number of apps to date. Wow would these be mind blowing! One other thing would be to note in the show info if they provide artist parking and also parking for large rigs & RV's at the show site. This would eliminate some phone calls to the event directors to ask about the parking. Anything to make planning easier. Thanks for reading!

I am set up as a S corp, virtually no inventory/invoicing/etc. issues. I am looking for some software i.e. intuit that would make it easier to file annual tax returns, anybody got any ideas?  Thnx in advance.

1. Member of the year - Geoff Coe, Larry Berman, Jim Parker, Nels Johnson, Annette Piper
2. Personality of the year - Nels Johnson, Munks, Linda Shields, Barry Bernstein
3. Author of the year - Nels Johnson, Geoff Coe, Corey Johnston
4. ROFL award - Caroline Kwas, Munks
5. Most generous and helpful - Larry Berman, Jim Parker
6. Newcomer - Michelle Wermuth, Ruth Finkenbiner
7. Special Recognition - Geri Wegner, Annette Piper
8. Best Blog post -
   Two Gutterballs in a Row
   Rejections, Wait Listings in 2012
   A Pirate looks at 67
   I Can be Taught
   Escalating Booth Fees-What are they thinking?
9. Best Discussion -
   What's the worst question you have been asked at an art fair?
   If Jewelry is such a competitive arena why don't the shows subdivide the category?
   Addicted to Gushers
   Is it possible to earn a living doing art fairs?
   
   

Please email me your votes: connie@artfaircalendar.com

Deadline:  January 15 Midnight

Please note we will NOT extend the deadline.

March 30 - April 1
St. Louis, Missouri
36th Annual Spring Art Fair

Every year we produce two juried art shows (Spring and Labor Day weekend).  Artists in all media are encouraged to apply.  These shows feature juried local, regional and national artists; original work.  From the pool of artists applying, about 110 artists from all over the US and Canada are invited to exhibit.  These artists are selected by a professional jury process in eleven distinct media categories.

Both shows are presented in the indoor, air-conditioned setting of the Greensfelder Recreation Complex at Queeny Park in west St. Louis County.  Food and refreshments are available on site, parking for the public and artists is free.  Live music playing during wine tasting and peek attendance.  During Sunday afternoon, an interactive shildren's art education program encourages families with youngsters to meet and talk with artists and learn about their work. 

• Our 36th Annual Spring Art Fair
• An air-conditioned indoor art fair.  You don't need to worry about the weather, tents or security
• Jury/Booth Fees ($25/$200); free electricity available for every booth at no additional charge.
• Cash awards totaling $4,500
• Booth sitters, 24-hour security
• Excellent marketing campaign, including newspaper, magazine and radio advertising, internet and e-mail promotion
• Promotional postcards, business cards and coupons provided free to exhibiting artists
• Live music throughout the art fair
• Wine tasting Friday and Saturday Evenings
• Interactive art program on Sunday afternoon to encourage families with youngsters to meet the artists

Artist's entry deadline: January 16, 2012 (postmarked) 

Notification Date:  February 3

Booth Fee Due:  February 23 

 

For more information: www.artfairatqueenypark.com/  

 

You may also contact:

Vic Barr, GSLAA President

314-997-1181

vicbarr@sbcglobal.net 

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking for more 2012 art fairs?

Visit www.CallsforArtists.com

Well, I was there.  It wasn't very pretty for me.  Maybe for others.  Somebody please step up to the plate and give a review.  I hate being put in a tight spot with Mrs. Megala reading-- Help me Rhonda, Help me please.  Don't make me have to review this show.  BTW, I did not make expenses--worst show in 32 years in Naples.  Help.  Somebody who did good, please write the review.  it aint going to be me folks.  I am not stupid.

Fantastic weather, a great venue with easy set-up and plenty of traffic. I am looking for feedback from other artists who may have done this show. It was really my first fine art festival in South Florida and I do think I might give another year even though my numbers were not so good. I do about 12 shows in my home area of New England plus Annapolis and I think because I have developed a following I am doing really well up there. No one is buying much art in January in New England so here we are!

We were allowed to set up starting Friday at noon and were able to drive right up to our space. Included in the booth fee was a nice continental breakfast Sat. and Sun. mornings. And some lively volunteers brought water and snacks around on Saturday afternoon. Cash prizes were awarded Sunday morning for 1st and 2nd place in category plus best in show. So some happy campers there!

Feedback is welcome.

The Marion (IA) Art Festival is pleased to announce their upgrades in the ratings from the Art Fair Sourcebook:

"The MAF is one of the most artist-profitable festivals nationwide! The 2012 Art Fair SourceBook ranks the MAF as:
- #17 fine art event nationwide
- #24 overall in fine craft
- #1 among events exhibiting 100 artists or fewer
- #1 one-day show in the country
- #2 in the nation for return on your investment ($12 for every $1 spent)

Our exhibitors enjoy a sincere welcome and an easy-to-do show. Visit our website to see the range and quality of our 19th annual lineup – you'll find fifty of your most respected artist pals."

Read more about this show here:  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/call-for-artists-marion-arts-festival