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Krasl Art Fair located at St. Joseph,MI about forty miles above the Indiana border on Lake Michigan.  Two hours from Chicago where many of the patrons are from.  One of the best-run art fairs on the circuit.  Hard to get into.  In the past, 50 per cent were invited back via onsite jurying--next year, less will be invited back, still a tough show to get into, but well worth it for most who exhibit.

Liberal spaces, 15-feet wide with ample room behind for storage.  Most ground is sloping and uneven.  Gotta bring shims, that is a given.  Easy Friday, all day, setup.  Easy teardown, can have your van right by the spot.

Nice preview party Friday nite.  Free eats, free water, nice award ceremony, nice breakfest, nice booth-sitters, nice volunteers (Thanks, Sara for all your help for Ellen during her sickness).

Gee, did I forget anything!  That is a lot of "Nices" out of me.

OK.  So that is the meat.  Wish more of you were more forthcoming about how a show is run and laid out, it would be so more helpful for all of us "Insiders".  Noted, the blogs are getting better.  Just look at any Jim Parker blog, he leads the pack.

First off.  My wife Ellen, got very sick during setup and needed a lift to the hospital.  The staff was right on it.  Sara Shaumberger, the show director, was able to get her niece and nephew to man Ellen's booth on Saturday, many alohas, Sara.  She arranged for a volunteer to help Ellen tear down on Sunday.  It wasn't just Ellen.  They would gladly do it for any artist in need.  It is that kind of show.  Many thanks to all the fellow artists who sent their caring wishes Ellen's way.  She is doing fine and on her way to good recovery.

OK!  Now let's get down to the business of making moola.

This is a two-day show, and traditionally, Saturday is always the most crowded and busiest day for most of us.  Sunday gets a different crowd.  You don't make as many sales, because there isn't the volume, but you get quality customers that can make your show.  That is exactly what happened again this year for many artists who need that "Good Shoes Patron."

Back to Saturday.  It was hot,hot, hot. But there was a refreshing breeze blowing right off the lake thru our booths.  Out in the bare sun it was blistering.  In the shade, nature's air conditioning kept things livable.

Crowds show up early.  Be ready to sell by nine because they are buying even though show starts at ten.  Savvy crowd, knows what they like.  Repeat exhibitors always have a strong following of repeat buyers.  Most sales on Saturday were in the lowend range, under $150.  But, and this is a big but, there were many sales of expensive sculpture and paintings going by my booth.  Wood artists did good, so did many potters.  Glass people didn't fare as well.

I have done this show many times over rhe years, it has always been a corker for me and this year was no different.  For example I did on Saturday what it took me three days at Boston Mills to do.  My buddy Leo Charrette who killed them here last year was a bit disappointed, he made almost 50 per cent less.  Barry Bernstein was not a happy camper.  Most people made $2K or better on Saturday.  Not bad in these 40 per cent off times.  (Example, pre-recession, the old $5K show is now a $3K show, ergo 40 per cent).

In two days here I can do nearly 70 per cent of what I will make at the next four-day Ann Arbor Show and not have to sit thru nearly as much heat and expenses.

Sunday was decent crowds and less sales, but then many artists who fared poorly on Sat. reported better sales.  Bottom line, most people will succeed at this show. What more can you ask for?

 Oh.  There was a "Connie" sighting.  After all, she was one of this year's jurors, and she was checking us out on Saturday, and kibbitzing on Sunday. When she came by my booth , she nervously looked over her shoulder, it was as if she thought Webbie might be lurking behind trying to get her into another "Tequila-shooting Contest."  I assured her she had nothing to worry about, that boy is in serious rehab along with Munks'  cat, Bill.

Well I have this weekend off.  get to work on my putting game and then it is on to Ann Arbor--a summer ritual.

Leave you with one last thought.  Learned a new summer drink from eatting at Butches restaurant up in Holland.  It is called the "Ginger Margarita."

Pour Herradura Tequila, or any other good one, into a glass full of cracked ice.  Add some Cointreau and the juice of a whole lime.  Than add Ginger Beer to fill it to the top.  Shake well and pour into a salted rim tall glass.  Sit back and be mellow and think of all the good things you are going to do this summer.

Aloha, Nels.

From the fwiw department:

Ever wonder why we keep asking you to click on the Facebook like "Likes"?

Actually I wasn't even sure myself but now have the answer. Hint: it makes the item go "viral" and put that post on other sites, insuring that if you are doing some publicity ("I'm going to be at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts this week," e.g.,), your friends find out, their friends find out, etc.

Here's a video that explains this better:

While you're reading, please "Like" this post...

Like so many other emails that catch my attention, this one has due to those magic words, 'call for artists'...

But, what the heck is this thing. I went to the web site and it looks so... I don't know, weirdly commercial. Not like other call for artists that I've ever seen. Does anyone out there have any comments on this venture?

Cain Park is a beautiful festival in a beautiful, tranquil park setting. We did Cain Park a few years back, and decided to give it another try. It is usually the same weekend as Madison and Krasl, and some of the other biggies, but is more of a local show. It's a short drive for me (about 3 1/2 hours from the northern Detroit suburbs). It's an old-fashioned show, too, with an online application, but you still have to send in a check for the booth fee after the application is sent. If you're accepted, they'll cash the check for the booth, but they give you a couple of weeks ahead of time if you need to cancel due to other obligations. Pre-show information just includes a map to locate the show, a load-in time and some lodging information, with a cordial welcome letter. Booth information is withheld until your arrival at the park.

The venue is a jewel of a park, tucked away in a ravine in Cleveland Heights, with a beautiful amphitheater and winding pathways. After checking in, you are instructed to drive down one of several service drives down into the ravine. These paths are narrow, but most vehicles, including the 40' Dolphin motor-coach near us, made it down with only minor damage to the trees bordering the path. When it rains, these paths get slippery, too. More on the rain, later.

We had an early start, which is helpful, since we've got a 20' trailer in tow. The art show is divided into two sections, with the amphitheater in the middle. Food vendors are limited to areas above the concert stage, so they don't impinge on the art itself - a good decision. Most of the artists on the north side of the path have loads of space behind the booth, and can park their trailers right there, along with a vehicle. Bonus! It makes setup and tear-down a breeze, even with the bottlenecks on the narrow paths entering the park. Park staff is on hand to guide you in every step of the way, and they bring coffee and donuts right to your booth! If you need help setting up, they are there to help you with that, too, so if you need some assistance getting that canopy into the air, they will jump in and give you a hand. Can't say enough good things about the staff!

My spot was midway down the lower part of the path, right in the middle of the park. It was a bit sunny, with loads of room with 2 feet on either side. At 7:30AM, we were among the first to arrive. We took our time getting the tent up and saying our hellos to friends as they arrived. Chuck Wimmer, the wimmsickal drawer from Brecksville, was right across from us. Tony Eitharong, a painter from Orlando, was next door. Lots of photographers, including Jon Walton from Wisconsin, Craig Brabson, and Larry Berman, back on the show circuit after a long hiatus. RC Fulwiler and his wife Kim were just up the street from us. Randy and Jackie Kuntz were near the Lee Street entrance, where they made a killing selling his lovely blown glass flowers. Stevie Ray Baldauf and better half Anita were in a primo spot near the amphitheater, where he was able to spread out and take advantage of all that lovely grassy real estate.

Tony "No Pictures" Eitharong

The show opens at 3PM on Friday. Most everybody has ample time to get in, get set-up and get sweaty before they open the gate to the anxious patrons at 3PM. The show serves a light snack around 1PM, and by showtime, we are rarin' to go. A few people came trickling in. Friday is free, but Saturday and Sunday the show charges $5 to get in. When we did the show a few years back, they didn't have enough staff to take money at the back gate, and actually turned a few people away. Years ago, they didn't charge for the show, but times have changed. Now they've worked that out, and people can access the show from Superior Park, Lee Road, Alma, and Taylor Street. Interest is always good here, but sales are hard. I had a couple of sales, and some of our friends did well for opening night. I thought that there were quite a few browsers, maybe due to the fact that it was free on Friday.

RC and Kim Fulwiler

Saturday, the show runs from 10AM - 8PM. Three judges wandered by, and spent quality time with many of the artists. Sales were brisk, but not stellar. The morning started slowly, with cheery announcements over the park's PA system. George Kozmon, the show director, delights in urging patrons to spend money, and he is not shy about it. He has a great sense of humor. Both George and Honey Feinberg make a point to stop by and visit with every artist during the show. Cain Park is one of the most artist-centric festivals around today, and they are proud of their efforts. It shows in every detail. The people that come to the park are respectful of the artists. Most of them, anyway. There is a bit of haggling, but by and large, people are here to see art and buy art. Closing the sale is a bit harder, as Cleveland is suffering economic woes, much as the rest of the country. People are cautious, but I saw lots of work being carried away. 

The one and only, the incomparable Larry Berman

Sunday morning, the show puts on a nice brunch, with fruit and pastry, before herding everyone into the amphitheater for the awards presentation. After introductions of some of the key players, George and Honey hand out a dozen or so ribbons, with hugs and smiles all around. Ceramics artist Adam Egenolf, digital artist Chuck Wimmer and  photographer Craig Brabson were a few of the juror's choices this year. The show runs from 12 noon to 5PM. Again, it was hot and humid.  Bring a battery operated fan or two! At least it didn't rain. When it rains, it can turn this park into a muddy morass. We were here a few years back during a Saturday downpour. Some booths in the lower section were under a few inches of water, and later the grass turned to mud. The show staff is very good about managing the mess, but there is only so much that can be done. The ravine is the former watercourse of a small stream, which has been channeled underground. If it rains heavily, the storm drains can fill up, much to the dismay of the artists near them.

Having the trailer right behind the booth is awesome!

Sunday sales were a bit better than Saturday, for me. Some artists did well over the entire weekend. Some did better on Saturday. The more unique, the better at this show. In my opinion, the painters, glass artists, non-functional ceramics and unique items did better than functional ceramics, jewelry and photography. Purely empirical. I had a slightly better show than the last time I was here. There were lots of times when there were only a few people walking the paths. It was very, very hot and humid, and that might have had an impact on the number of people who came out for the show. It did seem as if there was less energy. Logistically, it's an easy show to do. The staff is super. George and Honey make you feel special. And the patrons love the show and the artists. It's well worth taking a look at this show, as an alternative to some of the bigger shows in the Midwest. 

Tony shows off his extra gallery space. Note big paintings on right leaning against my trailer, too. I charged him for that space.

Just got home yesterday, as we took a week off to get back to Florida very leisurely.  Since I don't see another report on it, here's mine. 

Location:  show takes place in the Cherry Creek shopping district of Denver, an affluent neighborhood with many boutiques, restaurants, etc.  2 streets run E-W (second and third ave), while there are 6 cross streets running N/S, with 2 of those streets being food and/or sponsors.  Layout is very nice, in that there is never any artist directly in front of you, so set up/tear down are much easier space-wise.  Number of artists approx 240, competition is fierce with approx 10% of applicants being handed that winning lottery ticket to show.  Award winners are automatics for the following year. 

Set-up is determined according to your location, and I found it to be very easy, tear-down was just as easy for me and the folks in my area (booth 103 on 2nd Ave).  There is a preview Friday night for a handful of folks, and I was not one of those, so I can't comment on it, though I heard, that they pretty much looked only at that time.  Show runs until 8PM both Sat and Sun, and closes at 6 on Monday. 

Weather was hot, for the most part.  Temps in the 90's.  Brief shower on Sat and a scare Sunday, as show people warned us of possible bad weather Sunday afternoon, which luckily, only was a few heavy gusts and a very brief rain.  From what I have heard, this is typical Denver summertime weather. 

Committee is very helpful, providing snacks and lots of water throughout the entire show.   During the awards reception there was lots of finger food, but very small plates - tough to balance 3 plates and a beer as you walk to a table.  They also arranged a very nice breakfast on Monday AM with pulled pork/hash browns and an egg with a little hot sauce.  A real nice surprise was the breakfast, since apparently it was a last minute thing.

Sales:  for me - excellent.  Such was the case for most folks I spoke with.  I did speak with some artists who, while content with sales, were not ecstatic.  They were, typically, folks who traveled a long distance to get there.  In my case, it was a 3 day drive one-way, but worth it!  People here seemed to appreciate art across a wide variety and spectrum of styles.  A modern, abstract painter two over from me, sold several pieces that I saw. 

Overall - excellent, high end show with a great committee, appreciate crowds and good sales. 

So far in my summer northeast swing, I've dodged a few meteorological bullets, and this week was no exception.  As was the case at Ocean City MD a few weeks ago, Friday's weather was brutal--about 2 inches of rain fell from Friday afternoon through midnight, but skies began clearing by the time artists arrived to begin setup.  This caused chalk-marking of the booth spaces to be delayed from Friday to early Sat. a.m., but promoter Marcy Boroff (of Renaissance Craftables) communicated this in a Friday-evening email, so there were no big surprises. 

It's tough for me to comment on all aspects of this show, so I'm hoping that others will fill in the blanks.  The reason: I applied to this long-running show  after the deadline (but immediately after several artists I had asked, raved about it).  I was initially wait-listed, with the explanation that construction on one of the streets that hosted the show was causing a scramble for additional spaces, and if they became available I'd be offered one.  Two weeks later, they were, and I was in. 

Setup, at least for the artists on the "extension", was a breeze.  Our booths were  the sidewalk, facing the buildings, not the street.  So although there was automobile traffic behind our booths all day, it also made streetside parking available, so we could unload and park right behind our booths. And as temperatures rose toward 90 degrees under clear skies, we were happy that tall shade trees and buildings cooled things off.  Folks in the main festival area, set up in the street without benefit of maple trees, were pretty much parboiled by 3 PM. 

The downside was that although the new spaces were along the same road (Kings Highway) as the main show, show goers had to cross a busy intersection to get to us, and there were no "More Art This Way!" type of signs to alert them to our existence.  So our group of 20 or so artists--who called ourselves "The Orphans"--had pretty light traffic on Saturday.

The show has unusual hours:  11-7 on Saturday, and noon to 5 on Sunday (although many artists opened as early as 10 AM on Day 2).  As the title of the show implies, this show is geared more toward crafters, and less toward fine artists, And although I saw some really nice work as I strolled about on  Sunday morning, overall the show quality was middle-of-the-road. 

On Sunday crowds picked up festival wide, and the good news is, they came prepared to buy.  Most of the folks with whom I spoke come to this show year after year.  One Sunday-night TV report cited a police estimate of 100,000 attendees, though I'll bet that one came from the Chamber of Commerce.  Nonetheless, crowds were definitely heavy; I tripled my sales from the previous day and wound up with sales well into four figures.  Marcy came by to introduce herself on Saturday and good-naturedly chided me to "get my app in on time next year."  Based on good results in the face of the layout challenges, I don't see any reason to book anywhere else.  I'd like to see what I could do on the "main drag" of this popular show. 

So, as I said: If you did the show on the main drag, your results may vary.  Let's hear some comments!

I have ATT and have never had a problem getting on line.  I have heard that square takes up to 30 days to put your money in your account. I have Chase Bank business account and for $5 a month, I have Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. I only have to use my phone to call into Visa, etc. and get my authorization number.

Carrie

I have noticed quite a few artists using the new cube attached to their I-Phone or Android and was wondering how well they are working?  I currently have ATT and will be making a change soon as I never am able to check weather online because of connectivity problems, so also tell me who your carrier is and if you have ever had a problem getting online to process cards or to check the internet.  Thanks bunches.

This past weekend, we were in Bloomington/Normal IL's Sugar Creek Arts Festival. We arrived on Saturday morning, with an easy check in process. Didn't even have to get out of the car. We worked out way down the street to our booth location. Being able to pull the car right up to the booth ... always a benefit to us. The booths are very tight together. It would be nice if we had a couple extra inches, between booth spaces.

We got set up and parked the car very easily. The street is a little tight for moving around during set up, but it works. The show is in the University area. As a result, you get a lot of students in the mix. Bloomington IL is also the home of State Farm Insurance, with over 20,000 employees.

We were told in advance that people show up early for the show ... and the did. Both days. There was a lot of excitement right away. Lots of interest. But by noon it was getting hot and the crowds seem to "cool off" in interest. It ended up being a decent show for us. Artists around us, were not as happy.  We have accepted that the economy is still not great. I think other artists expected more.

The show is well organized. The staff and volunteers work hard for the artists to make sure everything is running smoothly. They provided plenty of COLD water during the 2 days. Which was needed. I drank a ton of water. Over all, we were happy with the show.

November 19 & 20

Boca Raton, Florida

The Shops at Boca Center

10 am to 6 pm

100 Artists

Deadline: August 1

Join us for Art Fest Boca, November 19-20, as fine artists fill Boca Center, Boca Raton's premiere outdoor location with an outdoor art extravaganza. Art Fest Boca showcases some the best contemporary fine art and craft from around the country. Artists are selected on the basis of quality, originality, and craftsmanship by a panel of jurors who are experts in their fields.

Art Fest Boca is a juried fine arts show. The location of the festival is Boca Center, in the heart of Boca Raton, a picturesque luxury shopping center that captures the atmosphere and charm of this beautiful Floridian community. Art Fest Boca is located in Palm Beach county, the third highest per capita income in the United States.  

Visitors can take advantage of this Golden Opportunity to start

off the Holiday Shopping Season to shop for one of a kind gifts for your friends and loved ones. Art Fest Boca gathers renowned artists from across the country for this holiday season art extravaganza. Enjoy the weekend admiring the works of and meeting these fine artists and craftsman exhibiting their works.  Visitors have the opportunity to meet with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and experience the local artistic culture.

Apply today: www.zapplication.org 

Learn more:  www.artfestboca.com 

Ask questions: Joe Krow, info@bocafest.com, 954.234.1302

I was not planning on going to this show.  Hadn't found much in the  past few years and the quality was very uneven.  But, a jeweler  I hadn't seen in several years was going to be there and I wanted to add another of her pieces to my collection.  I hopped in the car and got there as soon as the festival opened on Saturday.

The minute I reached the artist's booths, I knew this was not the same festival as in the  past.  The quality of work was solid throughout the festival.  There is a lot of 2d and it seemed to be of good quality.  (this is not my area of expertise)  There was a lot of ceramics and pottery, unusual for a show.  There was minimal glass.  There was good quality jewelry also.  There was lovely wood work.   There were quite a few artists I had never seen before and that is always a great thing.

I don't know about load-in  or artist amenities. The show was fairly well organized along the pathways in the park.  The vendors were over by the food area and they were unobtrusive.  There was what I call 'festival appropriate' music with live entertainment.  EM Events runs a tight ship, if it wasn't in your jury photo, you weren't supposed to sell it in your booth.    There was plenty of parking nearby for both artists and patrons.  The volunteers I spoke with were helpful and enthusiastic.    There were lots of signs around the area advertising the festival.  Hot weather was a deterrent but what can you do about that?  Atleast there were no damaging winds or rain.

The artists that I spoke with said they were doing OK.    I didn't see a lot of packages but everything I bought fit into the gigantic bag that I carry and both pairs of earrings I considered on Saturday were gone on Sunday. 

Thanks EM Events for bringing this show back to life.

   We checked into the hotel on Fri., flipped on the tv for the weather and there was a tv ad on the local Fox station; I had a comp. copy of the washington post and there was ahalf page ad. Feeling good we went to the site and saw tons of signage on the way.  A first year show, fit our northern bound schedule, we have done fine in previous Paragon events, so here we were at this town center that was packed with people Fri. night. We also saw a CNN  ad for the show when we returned to the hotel. These are big $$$$ ads.

   Set-up was easy, the quality level of the art was fantastic- especially my neighbor Edward Loedding- his photo drawing flowers (I am beyond description words) were WOW.. A pleasure to be next to a 2-d exhibit that isn't littered with browse bins and $25 copies. Just as it was really great to see people SELLING ONLY ORIGINALS at Virginia Beach (more on that later).

    Our sales were real good; many were not so fortunate- as is the case at all art festivals- the folks that came were there to buy and we saw many packages and paintings walk by. Neighbors around us seemed to be doing o.k. but we stayed at our booths and had to work hard for every sale. It never seemed crowded on site although there were few parking spaces available. Maybe the vast layout just spread the population out. One point-- the event was advertised as at The Washingtonian Center (this is how the developement company has branded this town center) --the locals know this site as The Rio- Paragon will for sure advertize it as being at The Rio next year-.

    Paragon had coffee,snacks,water, Sat. lunch; and an overall great attention to details and THE ARTIST'S SUCCESS. Keep it up-some shows work and some don't, weather etc. We were real pleased with Paragon and their energy.

      BY THE WAY-WITH 5000 MEMBERS HERE WHERE ARE ALLTHE EAST COAST REVIEWS ??????

Just a quickie.

Crowds filled the walkways.  Cool breezes off the lake kept the high 80s temps livable--and people were buying--mostly lowend.  But artists were making money at this usually very reliable show.  I did today, what it took me three days at Boston Mills to do.  A fellow photog from Iowa doubled me, hope he is doing shots of Patron tonite--I know, I would--more on Monday--Walter Winchell reporting live from St. Joe.

A lot of you heard that my wife, ellen marshall, fainted while setting up and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.  Thanks for all your Alohas.  She is doing just fine and will make an appearance tomorrow at the show.  As usual, beautiful blondes always know how to make a great impact--but an ambulance, come on Ellen, maybe on a great horned steer.  Thanks for your salutations everybody.  She is going to make it.

It's been a while since I've posted anything and that is due to be extremely busy. Have participated in a few retreats with a basket guild, doing photography ops and working on some fiber art. A lot of my time was taken up with proofing and approving a book that I have written. It has been released and I guess I'll be busy with the promotion of it. It's nothing earth shattering, but does get my foot in the door in the world of writers and it has been an interesting journey.

Just a reminder that the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival is fast approaching and if you would be interested in displaying/selling your work, please contact Melanie Kirn at mjk361@comcast.net and she will provide you with all the particulars. I will have a booth there again this year with photo's and photo/needle art combo's and perhaps a few other surprises and will be the official photographer for the Festival. Hope to see some new faces there.

All the best to each and every one of you.

Terr at the Drake's Nest in Ossineke, MI

Swinging down through the Chicago Loop with the great Cher and Christina belting out about burlesque("show a little more, show a little less, let them know what's in store, welcome to burlesque!), we started out our journey to Gold Coast in high spirits.

When we reached the lake we could open the windows and feel the great breeze off Lake Michigan.

And that's what my tent has: a great view of the magnificent fountain in Grant Park and a cool breeze. Our booth is backed by huge trees that offer total relief from the noon sun. Amy handed out water jugs to everyone and there are tons of ice and water available at all times for us.

We were the first group to set up(we pulled in right by our booth. I owe that all to a fellow AFIer named Robert Campbell. He stalled unloading  and saved a loading space until my husband arrived. Thanks, great guy!)

We left at 4 pm as the next group was arriving. I must say it was an impressive sight to see all those white tents....and that was just half the number.

I feel like Christmas Eve. I just can't wait to wake up tomorrow. 

This weekend is the Haddonfield Arts and Crafts show. It has always been a great show. I was disappointed, however, after reading the Philadelphia Inquirer, that there was no advertising and not even one of the FREE listings in the paper or the weekend section. Despite being a very well established show, customers need reminders of upcoming show dates and times. Most promoters at least take advantage of the Free listings at least. This is a serious oversight as this paper is a large part of our audience base.

The Roses of Rosesquared productions always post where they have advertised. I like this practice and wish more promoters did so. It assures the participants that everyone is working hard to bring buyers to the shows. I always send out our own promotions to our mailing lists but also rely on the organizers of the show to make the general public aware of the event.

Where there is no entrance fee as most summer shows are, the motivation of the promoters to up the attendance numbers is not as concrete as shows where their is a "gate" fee for them to count on.

And that is my rant for this Friday morning. I have to go prepare for the show now. Glad the weather looks good for the weekend. Weekend road warriors unite!