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Had a great time at this festival this past weekend.  Our first time doing the show.  Our location was in the Frontier Park....a really nice location with park benches, shade trees, etc.  Good crowds all three days.  Rained for about 1 1/2 hrs. on Sat. but folks were still out buying in the rain!  God Bless them!!  One concern that we saw creeping in were vendors sneaking in buy/sell items into their booth that they were not juried into the show for.  WHY do vendors feel the need to rip off promoters and others buy selling this crap?  We shoot ourselves in the foot by doing this.  In a very short period of time, if the promoters do not stay on top of the buy/sell, it could fast become a crappy show.  I for one sent an email to the gen. chairperson about my concerns.  I would DEF. recommend this show to anyone with quality handcrafted items.  These folks came to buy.  Our first Missouri show and will return again next year for sure!

The City of Ann Arbor seeks an artist, or artist collaborators to create artwork(s) for permanent inclusion in the southwest corner of the main lobby area of the Ann Arbor Justice Center (AAJC). Deadline for submissions of qualifications has been extended. Contact Aaron Seagraves, Public Art Administrator, for more information. $150K for public art inside Ann Arbor police-courts building lobby. Deadline is 09.01.11 - Ann%20Arbor%20Justice%20Center%20SOQ%20RFQ-797B.pdf.

2.  Guggenheim Grants for artists and scholars 

The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation is offering unrestricted grant money to selected individuals who demonstrate advanced professional standing in the humanities annd creative arts (excluding performing arts). Fellowships will be granted to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship/research work or artistic ability. This fellowship is intended to provide time and unrestricted funds to individuals to focus on their projects. Deadline 9.15.11. Learn morehere.

3.  Director of Development - Ann Arbor Summer Festival

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is seeking a creative and strategic-thinking individual to serve as its Director of Development to plan, manage and implement a comprehensive fundraising program. Details here.

4.  1708 Gallery seeks exhibition proposals for their 2012-2013 season.
National and international artists working in all mediums including, but not limited to, video and film, new media, installation, painting and social practices, and curators are encouraged to submit exhibition proposals. Current students are not eligible. Proposed work must have been created within the last three years. Please visit the exhibitions page of the gallery's website for more details. Deadline: 10.15.11. Gallery website.

5.  WDEE TV (budding local internet TV station) is looking for artists
who would like their art piece placed on the set of a talk show. You will be mentioned in the credits and during the show as that episode's art sponsor. Contact Lfriend@darkelfentertainment.com if interested.

6.  Calling all indie crafters and art makers!
We want you to be a vendor at Liberty Local - a hand made craft fair presented by the Ann Arbor Art Center. The Ann Arbor Art Center is currently accepting applications from artist vendors whose work embraces the indie spirit - unique, handmade and creative. View the rest of the listing on a3arts.org.

All these links come to you by way of the Cultural News from the Ann Arbor area Arts Alliance.

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IL doesn't have the best weather reputation. We were at Long Grove IL, beautiful charming and peaceful suburb surrounded by golf courses. A dark cloud appears out of the blue (or the black) and a 40 minute storm took couple tents. We are doing our best trying to be creative to be able to make it in hard times. We don't need to add storms to our shows, and why do they arrive on weekends and not week days??? mmm...I took some pics that explain why is better to invest in a good canopy. No need to to type words. Oh, and after that damn storm came on Saturday at 10:30am , a beautiful sun came out and stayed for the whole show.

PS...What are those cables doing connected to the pole during a storm???? That is the question...

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

My husband just left to go "get his line wet".  Around here that means he's going to see if a fish wants to bite.  I should probably share that he is pretty much strictly a bass fisherman.  Large mouth or small mouth--no matter, but it had better be a bass.  I guess they are more fun??

But here's the thing about most bass fisherman:  they are catch and release people.  They don't play for keeps.  At least not until you get to the Pro level, and then they keep them just long enough to weigh them, and then back they (the fish) go.  Bass fisherman buy lots of cool colored baits, and lots of gizmos and gadgets to catch these large mouth bass, or small mouth bass, and as soon as they've caught them--they let them go.  To swim away and get caught another day.  The whopper of a fish story he told last week/month?  He could tell it all over again tonight, with the same fish.  What a concept, the possibilities are almost endless.  Catch and release.

At this point, let's remember that this is an art blog, and while I love a good analogy, this is not the time for one of them.  In fact, we had all better view this as a polar opposite.  If an artist catches someone's attention with a painting, to the point they want to take it home with them, then I say at that point the release part of "catch and release" becomes a bad word.  A wrong word.  A much-to-be-avoided word.  We'd better be thinking in terms of keep.  Catch and keep.

No silly, I don't mean keep the painting, I mean keep the patron.  They just gave you a vote of confidence.  They just told you with their checkbook that they like what you are doing with the paint brush. 

And you would release them??? 

Not stay in touch??? 

Not send them a newsletter now and then??? 

Not tell them when your next show is, and where???

Ha!  I thought you'd see it my way.  Now go send out a few post cards or something.  An email note, or a newsletter.  Show that patron the new paintings you've been working on.  Whatever.

Catch and release is for fisherman.  Catch and keep is for artists. 

Later, Cooper

Grrr... have you ever spent longer than you intended on a post and then hit the wrong key and LOST THE WHOLE THING?  I love you all enough to start over.

Long Grove, IL is located in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago.  It used to be an extremely popular little shopping area... primarily very crafty painted wooden type stuff, but the weekends used to be nonstop swamped there.  I don't go often but I've heard it is not quite as popular anymore.  I thought I'd give it a try because it wasn't too expensive and was close to home.  When will I learn?

On the good side, setup and tear down were easy - you could drive up to your booth.  Cold water was offered often, lots of choices for lunch delivered to your booth, booth sitters dropped by at least twice a day.  I had wonderful neighbors and the quality of the show was decent.  I only saw a couple stinkers.  Some pretty good live music played throughout the event.

But I sold next to nothing.  Didn't make booth expenses.  Everything else really doesn't matter, but I'll vent about the rest just to make myself feel better.  The artists had to park at a remote site with a shuttle.  Didn't want to wait for it after a terribly disappointing Saturday and had to drag my roller bag over some rough terrain... quaint brick sidewalks, stone and the like, while sulking the whole way.  I sold only small ticket items.  I had a lots of interest in commissions and some significant jobs could come out of it.  Maybe it's just me?  I'm in a SERIOUS slump.  It looked like the ceramics guy across from me was having a decent show.  The sculpture guy next to me from Miami said he did about $1000.  My beloved AFI-ers Carla Banks and Claudia Winters were neighbors on the next row and Carla was suffering too.  Claudia did better, but probably not as well as she usually does.  I met Amy Ikenn and she said she lost money there the year before.  I bet if I'd taken a moment or two I could have done some research instead of blindly applying for the damn thing.  Storms were a big part of the problem on Saturday, plus the wine tasting area was at one end of the event... if the tasting stations had been scattered around, we would have had more traffic.  All in all, it was a complete bust.  I sold cards and a couple 8x10 pieces.  Packing ALL of my larger frames back up was terribly depressing.  Fortunately, Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day, despite my miserable sales.  Plus my husband and sons showed up to help me tear down!  A two hour tear down was complete in less than an hour.  God bless three extra sets of hands.

I'm in Lake Forest, IL on Labor Day weekend and oh how I hope it gets better.  I've had more bad shows in a row than I've ever had this summer.  Trying to stay positive, but GEEZ.  To make matters even worse, yesterday I got a rather snooty rejection email from a wonderful Christmas show that I did last year.  I know many of you are struggling too.  We'll just have to get through this rough patch and try to learn from it. 

I get tempted sometimes by the cheaper, smaller shows close to my home. While I might be driving less, the setup and tear down is still just as time consuming.  In this economy, we really need to focus on shows that have been consistently successful for our fellow artists who recommend them.  If I'm still an artist next year, I'll be smarter.

  This is my first blog entry. I just experienced the worst show of my career and had to write about it. This is an example for any show promoter of what not to do.

  The art association sent us a packet including:

1.  where to park to unload (one exhibitor got a ticket)

2.  we will provide vendor services & sitting (no one came to the show except to check us in on the first day)

3.  the assn. was supposed to have a booth (none was there)

4.  we would be posted on their website (never done - almost tho' we didn't exist)

5.  banner for show (taken down at 1pm on 3rd day & we were open until 7pm)

    In addition:

    Only 14 artisans were registered, 2 didn't even show (they were the smart ones).

    6 exhibitors left the 2nd nite due to extremely poor traffic & sales (no advertising we ever heard of)

    I asked for some shade as I have problems in the sun (I got the sunniest, hottest spot in the park)

    The sprinkler system came on the morning of the 3rd day. Fortunately, the watercolor artist with a dbl.

       booth had left the nite before or her work would have been ruined. I was not in a sprinkler spot but the

       jeweler next to me was. The skirts of his display were soaked as well as some of the jewelry.

    The exhibitors that were left (6) decided to stick it out until the last bell. The show ran from Wed. thru Fri. We had even less people on Friday, if that were possible. Only people that came by during the 3 days were taking a "Walk to the Sea" route. Some never even glanced at our tents.

     They are running another show at same spot in September. I hope potential exhibitors see this and think twice about participating. I am a member of the assn., tho' do not live in the area, and I was embarassed by what happened.

Fitchburg is a growing city just outside of Madison, WI. One of the major employers in that area, Promega, sponsors the art show, since it started 3 years ago. It is located outside in a beautiful area. This show has been on my "back-up" list. (If you don't have an other show to do this weekend, then I will go to Fitchburg.) I did the show last year, with minimal results. I returned this year, with a whole new result. It is now my second best show of 2011. I did 4.5 times in sales this year vs. last year.

The weather started out dicey in the morning with 2 good downpours, before the show even opened. This caused everyone to run late. But the attendees seem to understand that we were not ready at 10:00. They started buying quickly. With large packages going out of the how before 11:00.

The organizers have done a good job to grow this show and bring out the attendees. They might be at the point of considering going to 2 days. (Right now it is Saturday only) They also run golf carts before, during and after the show. This is an added plus to artists and buyers alike. I needed to run back to my car for more stock. They had a cart at my booth and whisked me away with no problem. I had a buyer with a large purchase and they took the buyer and her framed art right to her car. Perfect. They are doing a lot of things right!

Here's the link if you are interested in getting info for next year: http://www.agoraartfair.com/ 

This is more about marketing.

What do you when you do a show for first time and new to the area. Are hoping for the promoter to bring your clients? What should we expect from the promoters? You are only doing show base on reports and do not know what to expect from the area.

We all talk about, what is wrong about this show. Why we are not making as much as we do. Artist looking down other artist because they have a 9-5 job plus they do the shows. The economy is blame over and over. In general we talk at lot about the bad things.

At the shows we do not show our furstation but in your way home you wonder is this is my last show. I can not keep doing this because I can not afford to paid my bills and even less put food in the table. My credit card debt is higher then ever and loosing the handle on it.

You always I will do better at the next. So hold to the hope. You know you love doing art and be part of the shows. You believe in yourself.

What do you do when you are down? What you when your saving are almost gone? What is the best way to keep yourself going? What you do when the bills are coming and you do not have enough? Who gets paid first?

The reason I ask is very simple. I doing okay. I am breaking even or better. I do have a job and do 12 to 15 shows a year. A lot work and not much showing for it. Artist tell  me,  this is my last one. I can not do this anymore. Chapter 11 or 13 or 7 sounds good to me. All his negative feelings coming my way. What do you do or tell people. Are you one those that turn your back and move on.

I do not want ear any party comments last time I check the Bush or Obama paid my bills and yes I am vote for both. Get the picture.

I didn't see any comments regarding the art festivals in "the heart of Arizona", Payson, Strawberry, Pine, where our shows really do have "heart". I would love some feedback. The artisans of Strawberry and Pine started the Arts & Crafts Festivals 31 years ago as a way for local artists to give back to the rural community. The members of the Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Guild of today, some the founding members, carry on the tradition of helping the community and providing a venue for creative, talented artists to show and sell their work. These shows have become an integral part of the area and really do contribute to the spirit and fabric of the community. I haven't had a chance to attend the festivals in Prescott, Fountain Hills, and Tempe in some time and was disappointed to see the less-than-favorable reviews, but I believe this is exactly what sets the Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Guild festivals apart from the rest. Although our show is small - just 80 booths - we seek out original, creative, talented artisans and crafters who have quality, hand-crafted items.  The Jury Committee, comprised of local very talented artists and crafters, carefully review all applications and select the most unique, quality items with emphasis on things that are new and different. The Spacing Committee, also local artists who belong to the Guild, tries to ensure that the selected artists and crafters have a location that will get maximum traffic and not place artists of the same medium together. This is key to the success of our show, and to having a successful outcome for the participating artists. Although we cannot control things such as the weather and the state of the economy, we do our best to ensure that both the event-goers and the artists will have an enjoyable and rewarding festival experience and want to come back. Our area is unsurpassed in it's breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks. Few places can make you feel that you've stepped back in time and discovered buried treasure, as visitors to the Rim area often proclaim. Once you go "you know". So before you cross Arizona off of your 2012 schedule, I ask you to please check out this often overlooked yet most amazing part of Arizona, the heart. For more information about our arts and crafts festivals, please visit our website at http://pinestrawberryartscrafts.com, or visit us at Art Fair Insiders or on our Facebook page. Best wishes to everyone at AFI for a memorable and successful 2012 festival season. 

No, it's not a typo, Ridgway is not spelled with an 'e'. One of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Ridgway is a junction in the road on the way to or from some better known towns such as; Telluride, Ouray and Montrose. Ridgway was the site of the original "True Grit" and the local True Grit Restaurant celebrates its part in movie history. Nestled in some of the finest scenery you can imagine, known as the "Swiss Alps of the west". This little show was in the town park (where the hanging scene was filmed) with half being in shaded grove and the other half in sunny open areas. The show is sponsored by the Weehawken Arts Center which provides arts programs in Ouray County. My wife has a thing about doing shows with private promoters who are too cheap to provide even a bottle of water and it never fails to amaze me that the groups with seemingly the least to offer provide the most (within their means). This was certainly the case in this show. The director came by frequently to ask how things were going, they provided (if needed) booth sitters, bottles of water were handed out regularly, coffee/tea and treats were available during the day and, although it wasn't fancy, they had some munchies available at the awards ceremony on Sat. evening. I know that ribbons and fancy awards are not inexpensive to provide but there were awards in every category ( I received 1st Place in Photography!) as-well-as best display, and best of show. Saturday was slow getting out of the post but "crowds" materialized in the middle of the day and slowly ebbed by the end of the day. Sunday, though overcast and a little drizzly, was a little faster near the opening but quickly faded by the end of an earlier day (4 pm closing time). Show patrons were effusive with compliments about the art but less so with spending. Items in the $7-18 range moved a little more briskly and an occasional large item was seen with legs. The mixture of fine arts and crafts is a hard sell and not usually my demographic. Given the beautiful setting and the generous treatment of the artists it was a shame that sales were not equally impressive. Why did I do the show in the first place? Well, I was hoping to maybe find a little local gem that would be easy to get to (half a day from Denver) and not be as expensive as some of the larger shows that I've done recently. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The Telluride Festival of the Arts (TFA) was this same weekend and is produced by the same people that do the Cherry Creek show. The show is located in the mountain village, not the town of Telluride and I would be interested to hear what the attendee numbers were there. I had been wait listed for that show and don't know if I would have been better off or not. Although it was happening on the same weekend I don't think it had anything to do with the sales at the Ridgway show being so off. 

I've taken to making a lot of lemonade in the last year and one highlight of being at this show, or maybe I shouldn't give out the secret?, is the Orvis Hot Springs and Spa about a mile south of Ridgway. The natural hot springs were a welcome respite from an otherwise dismal sales weekend, we met lots of friendly people in the 100+ degree pools and soaked our war weary bodies in the healing waters at days end (and beginning too!)... Or maybe did I just do the show as an excuse to do the hot springs?

I recently came across the Art Fair Insiders site, as i am a gallery owner in Miami, Florida that is currently looking for some fresh, new work for a program we are working on at the Miami Airport. We are displaying art for sale in some of the various Premium VIP lounges. If you are an artist that might be interested, please email me with your email/phone/etc contact information, so that we can email you back with the basic rundown/information/program and specifics to get involved. We would love to locate some great new artwork.

kind regards,

Seth

info@sethjason.com

Saturday night a freak storm came up at the Indiana State Fair and destroyed the main stage and killed four people, sending many more to the hospital. 

So here we go again. Just as these storms have wreaked havoc on much smaller tents at art fairs it even happens at the big events. The Indiana State Fair is one of the biggest ones in the country and a large crowd had gathered to hear the band, Sugarland.

Monday morning the regular staff meeting in preparation for Labor Day weekend's Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak was even more intense preparing for even more disaster precautions. I'm sure everyone of you who participates in outdoor events understand the fragility of their situation when severe weather approaches. Please reevaluate your tents and weights and keep in mind possible disaster when you are setting up.

Here is the story from CMT News:
Indiana Concert Tragedy Underscores the Complex Art of Staging Outdoor Shows. 

This is one of the good ones. I wrote about it once before, amazed that in the midst of  tremendous, frightening thunderstorm, a volunteer unzipped a bit of our canopy to look in and ask if we were OK. That speaks volumes about respect in my book.

Anyway..the show is held on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution in Mayville, NY about an hour south of Buffalo.  There are 2 shows, July and August. You can apply for one or both and I was fortunate enough to get both this year.

This is an amazing place, devoted to matters of art. music, current events and spirituality. The people who Summer here are, for the most part, financially fortunate.  But that is not the only reason sales are good. It is also because they get it. The comments I got about my collage had to do with texture and composition. I only once heard that the blue would not match the couch. Journals were purchased for children as an incentive to write. Miniature books were snatched up as gifts for book club members and writers. You get a little spoiled here!

Set up can be a bear because it is set up along a narrow cobblestone path. But there is a strict timetable and a "drop and go" rule. If everyone would just obey the rules, all would be well, but there is always a yahoo in a truck that could haul the contents of a small house that cannot comprehend the concept leaving room for traffic. And then proceeds to assemble his rig while said huge truck idles in everyone's way. There is a spot in Hell...but there was little of that.

The Director, Christina Rausa, walks the show with energy and a good nature, but she can be snarky and irreverent when appropriate, defusing tensions with humor. I would do any show she ran. Her volunteers in bright red cobbler aprons peek in to offer booth sitting and lunch delivery. There is one low key judging for an award of distinction. Show staff comes around with a little written notification of the lucky winner, encouraging us to go offer congratulations. I believe there is money involved but I don't pay much attention to that because it will never be me! :)

Sales were good, I'm sure they will be my best for this year, but still much less than my best show there. It can be very expensive to stay near the grounds during the season and because of the location it is a travel show for most. We have commuted in the past, but with gas the way it is, we just cough up the motel fees.

Your gate pass for the show also gets you admission to some of the events and we stayed Friday night for the Clint Black concert. What can I say? Some decisions are better than others.

This is strictly a craft venue. Beautiful wood, glass, pottery, etchings, jewelry, clothing.  If I remember correctly, some spots are designated for members of the alliance which reduces the number of available spots. Jurying is done off site. It is an online process and the jurors can be in far off places. There is not an overabundance of any one category which is really welcome. You get a really interesting mix.

It is a good show if you can commute it and if you have a craft that is a bit unusual to help you in the jury process. Just spending a weekend on the grounds of the Institution can be enough for me some years. I feel the tension of the year oozing through the soles of my feet and into the lush lawns the moment we cross the gate.

One more Summer show. Where did the season go?

http://www.craftsalliance.com/

Here is a review from the Southwest part of the country.   I have taken time to reflect on this show which was the Prescott Arts and Crafts Festival put on by Mt. Artist Guild.   First of all they treated the artist fine.   Bringing by water and snacks both Sat. and Sun.   If you were alone they did come around and sit in your booth while the artist went to the bathroom   (portopotties).    Setup and teardown were easy.   Prescott usually gets rain on this particular weekend.  Well the rain never materialized.

The Show.  There were a lot of empty spaces in this show.  I had a feeling they had a hard time filling it.
Unfortunately Prescott shows are getting a reputation for not being all that good.   There was a show three weeks early and it was very empty of artists.    Prescott has a show almost every other weekend beginning in May thru Labor Day.  The locals are tired of seeing the same art every two weeks.   Getting back to my experience.   It was slow,  Sat a little better than Sunday, but not by much.   I usually judge a show by bags in buyers hands  saw very few.   Only saw three big paintings go out near my booth.    My work is not that expensive but did not sell much.    I have a $10.00 snake that I make, had a hard time selling those.    As far as, would i go back,  not if I can help it, and I only live 2 miles from  show.   Met someone from Santa Fe who sold nothing.  I am sure there were a few of those.   The arts and craft shows in prescott are not filling up, there are a lot of empty spaces at a lot of the shows.    I am sure a lot of it is due to the economy.  The good thing is i got to sleep in my own bed and i did not spend money on gas getting there. 

So here I was, the only show I did this year.Bad back and worse attitude have put me to the injured reserve list, but I had to do Crested. Just had to. The is something completely special about a place without a Starbucks or Home Depot.The show was two beautiful days of sunshine and smiling Texans. Most of us seemed to do "OK" for sales, but all of us came away with feeling we had just spent a weekend in a very special place, with some fine and special folks.

Last year I wrote a blog on the show, and the show peeps asked me if they could atttach it to the show promotions (sure) and if accepted would I do it again this year.( No problemo). So I got in (Thanks Jobu) and asked for a guide to help interview. Diana said she had the perfect person to help.

It took me until Sunday to figure out that Leah Williams (guide and interviewer extraordinaire) was the Mayor of Crested Butte.She introduced me to some local folks, and I in turn introduced her to some artists that I knew, or had asked to be part of this adventure. First up was Glo Cunningham. She runs the local museum, and like Radar O'Reilly, is there to help you before you ask. I had the distinct impression, whatever question I asked would be answered honestly, and might contain a strong opinon or two. And I could like it or not. A small town  

needs someone like this, to defend it yet keep it honest.Glo knows how things really work, how all of us need to work together, and one day may need each others help. Might be why this seems to actually work here, that necessity of community that ain't quite so everywhere anymore. Think she and I might get along right fine.

Leah then introduced me to Spencer Hestwood, owner of the Ginger cafe. I blurted "You're just a kid! I have children older than you!" Leah commented he had just cut his hair (Pony tail not too practical in the hot kitchen be my guess). Spencer sat down, and what came out was wise beyond his years. Most of us know the local merchants in the town we set up in would just as soon turn a firehose on us .He understands the real dynamics of business, that his best plate (our best work) defines us every time, and becomes our success or failure. I asked him why Crested.Got that smile, a bit of twinkle in his eye well beyond his 30ish years. He kinda raised his hands, looked around. I understood. To hear the guy actually get it is one thing. To know he understands just how fortunate he is to be here, and what he needs to do to stay here is, well kinda refreshing. Now, just a quick plug. My back was toast, and I was on an overdose of OTC pain relievers.Saturday night we stoppped in.Had a blue ginger margarita.Nice. One more for effect. Nicer. One last to congradulate myself on my wisdom to try something new. Next am. woke up and expected to have to summon a crane to lift me off the bed. I got up, no pain. Ah, the tequila. Wifeypoo said no dumbass. The ginger has anti inflamatory benefits. OK then. I was back for more Sunday night.

From here, I wanted to talk to a few artist particiapants.Some I knew, and a few "volunteered" to be interviewed. I enjoyed this, the performance we learned is so essential for what we are here for, the sale.  

Susan Quin Byrd and her husband Charles Taube were side by side in life and booth placement.Quite the co incidence. Susan, a photograher, was quite expressive in describing the work she did (the Western theme does resonate with both the locals and the tourists. Gotta have on the walls what they wanna see!). She was quite effusive in her praise of the show itself, and had become interested hearing of both the quality of the artists invited, as well as those Texans in the hills (Quick editorial note; I am a natural Texan, and aside from the Bushes, will defend the state and its wonderful people to the end. And I love how they spend money on art!).Think she and Crested gone along damn fine.

Charles, quite the interesting guy. As Leah spoke to him, I found myself looking from his work, to his bio. Have to say I found his story inspiring to say the least.

His work, some of the most elegant wood sculpture I have seen. Almost a still life ballet in wood.  Happy to be here, looked to be doing quite well, and so lucky to be set up next to his wife. So no pic of Charles, had edit a bit. :)

Leah was kind enough to show her town, and the people behind the scenes off a bit, and as we did, several things became apparant. The energy was real, the lack of any tension was a welcome relief to a stressed out Windy City refugee. No one talking on cells or texting (except the artists). Parents let their children run around like, well like children. The store owners lent their curbs, their shade, electricity and thier patience to us, something I have witnessed three years running. So (now fully aware I was in the company of royalty) I asked Leah why she ran for office. She gave a slight smile, looked up to the horizon for a second."I just love this place, and I will do whatever I can to keep it just the way it is". The same sentiment I found in every person I met that worked the show, worked a business, or served me a margarita. In my show persona, I am known by some as "that old car guy". Known by others as....., well. No need to go there. My work is not about old cars, old planes or rust in general. It's about a time when certain things mattered, when honor was of value, when what a man made with his hands was a work of art. Meant to be cherished, not thrown away. A time when people understood community, understood enough to know it wasn't to be taken for granted.Had to be worked on and at, knew when to help another. Crested kinda gets all that I think, a small slice of what used to be America protected by the mountains. And by the people that are willing to work to keep it that way, kind enough to share it with those of us that take over for a Summer weekend. But I wanted to introduce her to someone I know a bit, and to me someone that epitomizes the spirt of the American artist, working off the grid a bit every day of the year. I met Christine Hauber a few years back, initially over the various artists participation sites, and finally

at some show somewhere. To me, art is so many things to so many people it defies any real definition other than whatever selective interpretation the user may require. The term "artist" to me is someone that is willing to adapt their life to their work. The art not just what is on the walls, but in their willingness to do what it takes for the maintain the freedom of the lifestyle, to put their work before the possessions that weigh most of us down. Leah asked where Christine lived. "I live wherever the work or the shows take me". Leah, I think, fully understood. She has to, that spirit pervades the walls of these old buildings that so gracefully invite us to wonder of how things used to be here. I think she enjoyed meeting one of the real souls of the traveling tent shows that take things over for the Summer weekend. Met a whole bunch of decent folks here, Bea and her husband Matthew Hatala. Again the co incedence of a married couple being assigned boths next to each other. And yes, the idiot scrambling to put his dog back in his carrier at the Ginger Cafe was me.

For the majority of artists that make the show, it's a mad dash to get to the destination, a furious effort to set the tent, hang the work. Days on your feet, smiling, hoping the questions turn into cash. Catch a quick meal, a decent sleep, and when the show is over, pack it up to do it again. Crested is different from most places, the event has become a destination . One that people plan their vacations around. The art is upper end, the people come to buy, and the hosts. Well, they are the real winners in all this.They get to stay. For the artists, if not  this time, maybe next time for sure. Stay a few extra days and really get to know the place. It was an honor to see it from another perspective. Oh, and one last shot. The gratuitous chick singer pic. Yep. I'm. I'm coming back here.

Remember when everyone was saying how great the weather was in Florida this past winter?  The weather in the Chicago-Milwaukee area has been the worst this summer.  If it isn't the heat and the humidity, it is rain (sometimes combined with heat and humidity which pretty much equals steam)

Morning Glory is a very nice art festival in downtown Milwaukee surrounding the Marcus Center.  Don't know about any of the artist details like load-in and load out and food, parties or awards (I know they do have awards).  The art festival is on two plazas across a 4 lane street from each other.  Traffic is light enough that crossing is very easy so there isn't necessarily a good and bad side of the show.  

What I do know is that of the ones I saw, the artists were very good.  There were a lot of artists I had never seen before and some  that I have seen but not that often.  The layout is a little confusing on the side of the street where the Marcus Center is but it isn't such a large area that you can't walk over to a booth to see it.  The booths in the back are a little hidden but you can find them.  

I had to pick up a bracelet so we went across the street first to see the jeweler that had it.  After we left her booth, we noticed the big black clouds to the north and west and we decided we would come back after the cloud passed.  (we wanted to be near the center so we could go inside if it got really bad outside.)  As we were walking around, the artists were all quickly getting their booths ready for what may come.  There wasn't a sense of panic but there was a definite sense of urgency.  MG has had its share of bad weather over the years so this was understandable.  It started to really rain but I am happy to say that not a lot of wind accompanied the storms while we were there.  

We left at one after only  seeing one side of the show.  It started to rain a second time and we had other places to be.  I am sure attendance was held down by the weather but I have to say that a lot of people stuck around to wait out the storms.  Being able to wait in an air-conditioned building with really nice bathrooms made it easier.  The gift shop, which is actually an art gallery, was another way to pass the time and several people were buying pieces there.  

Based on what we did see, the quality was impressive, there wasn't any buy/sell and we will definitely return next year, hoping for much better weather.