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Artists,

This year, for the 6^th Annual Coconut Point Art Festival that will be held on February 11^th & 12^th, 2012, we would like to give you the opportunity to be rewarded for coming out to participate with us! At this year's event, Howard Alan Events will draw 40 of its participating artists at random to receive $100 each in gas card prize money!

Don't Delay! Only artists who apply at least 3 months prior to the show and put down a $50 minimum deposit will be eligible.

We look forward to sharing the success of the 6^th Annual Coconut Point Art Festival with you and rewarding you for your continued support!

Applications are now available on Zapplication.org or our website, www.ArtFestival.com. 

400 Cypress Dr., Suite 1

Tequesta, FL 33469

(p): 561-746-6615

(f): 561-746-6528

www.ArtFestival.com

***CONTEST EXCLUSIONS***: To be eligible to receive gas card winnings artists must have applied for the show at least 3 months prior to the show date with a minimum $50 deposit down as well as be present at the show on February 11^th & 12^th, 2012.

It's the night before Framer Dude and I leave for our trip north to Michigan and New England, and I'm staring at the last few essential items sitting on my living room table that I never pack until we're locking the door on the way out: laptop, show book, wallet, sunglasses.  I'm still wondering if I am forgetting anything essential. Tent? Check. Inventory? Check.  Mailing list? PDAnet? Check, check.

I'm still waitlisted at Krasl.  I'm thinking this is a total crapshoot going all the way to Michigan for basically one show, Muskegon, but that's the life I chose.  I spent five months honing a schedule so we weren't driving back and forth up the East Coast, but still were good show choices.  I went out on a limb on Craigslist and got lodging at total strangers' homes for the RV.  I'll let you know how that turns out.  This is very different from the 3 month Expo show, where we set up a home base for 3 months.  I've got 12 shows in 12 weeks, and I'm responsible for Framer Dude's well being, in a sense, because this is my dream, and he's been integral in my pursuit of it.  So I hope I've planned well enough, and it's not so grueling that he flies back to Florida in the middle of it, because I don't even know the ins and outs of  the RV like he does.  I believe what I need to do, at this very moment, is crack that beer in the fridge, watch the last Bones I recorded on DVR (since we won't have a real TV for the next 3 months) and consult my magic 8-ball.

Magic 8 ball, will I make money?

Ask again later.

Magic 8 ball, am I crazy?

Possibly.

Magic 8 ball, should I go back to a 9-to-5 job?

HELL NO!!!

As artists, my wife and I are always on the lookout to use a good idea for our art business.  So when we decided that we wanted an aisle sign (a very, very good idea), we started checking the search engines for a bracket that would attach to our tent.  It had to be removable; light weight; and strong.  After several days, we realized there were no ready made sign brackets suitable for art show tents.
 
Until now.
 
Being in the exotic wood box and exotic wood jewelry business, we were familiar with wood.  After a few  designs, we finally came up with a perfect way to hang a sign at ninety degrees from a pole.  Whether it’s a round pole or a square pole, our bracket “hangs tight”   And… it comes down in seconds when you need to put up the overnight sidewalls.
 
Exhibitors might not realize how many times customers “never saw them” while walking down the aisle.   And for the customers who say “I’ll be back.”, an aisle sign is indispensable.  It leads them back to your tent in a very simple, easy-to-see way.  We sell our bracket with a limited one-year warranty made in our shop in Brooksville, Florida.  Come take a look at www.ShowBrackets.com  Thanks! 

Michael and Diane Johnson

Welcome to our newest advertiser -- www.ShowBrackets.com! See their ad at www.ArtFairCalendar.com and www.CallsforArtists.com.

Just wanted to share this, its from my last showin my home town.

This show was great I got lots of good feed back, a was also interviewed by the local Rosarito channel 69, I was so nervous and have yet to see the video, but just the action that they like what I do and  wanted to interview me <3..... AWESOME!!  
 

 Erika Glaubitz

Took a leap of Faith, and have been applying to shows. I was accepted in to the ARTaffair show in Belleville, Mi. Curious if anyone else will be there?

~Crystal

October 1 & 2
Rhinebeck, New York
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
150 exhibitors
Deadline:  July 15

For nearly 35 years hundreds of creative artisans have traveled across America to participate in the renowned Crafts at Rhinebeck, the finest showcase for American crafts on the East Coast.

This is the fall Crafts at Rhinebeck, held on the fairgrounds outside of picturesque Rhinebeck, NY. The fall show has more of the flavor of a family festival. While many of the same artists participate as in the June show, with a petting zoo, hay rides, and plenty of pumpkins, the fall show is produced with the family in mind. Both shows are juried and attract some of the finest artists from around the world.

Here is your second chance to be part of a fine craft show at this legendary location. Fall brings "leaf peepers" to the region and day trippers heading out from nearby New York City, insuring you a sophisticated audience for your work.

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

                         *********************

Looking for more art fairs for your 2011 art fair season?
                   Click here:  www.callsforartists.com

I have only good things to say about this show, easy set up, beautiful sunny weekend, great neighbors, perfect organization, good parking spot, great sales, happy patrons enjoying art, lots of buyers, couple custom orders paid in full and positive energy.

I had great sales both days probably Saturday better than Sunday but lots if people asking questions, asking for custom pieces, giving me their info and asking me to contact them, I had to let a guy go because I was busy ringing up a sale but he left me his card and wrote his e mail address on my client list. I sell original paintings, no reproductions and that kept me busy all day. 

Amy was on top of everything, supervising that everything was great, visiting booths several times a day, asking if everything was all right. Her employees very friendly and helpful, they even helped me to set my booth on Friday night because I had a late start setting up. There was two sep up times, and the first flight didn't move on time so it slowed down the second flight causing a little traffic but nothing bad, it was manageable.

I walked the show really quick Sunday morning. I really loved most of the work. Great amazing talented artists :)

I didn't have time to check it out with more detail, but we didn't have time, everybody was busy :)

Hope everybody had a great show, at least all my neighbors did, and everybody left with a big smile and great vibes. 

Got to go to paint! Very low in inventory, yay!!

PS Great laughs with Geri, such a fun lady with great points of view. She already has her review from the patron side. Damn, she's fast!

This used to be in the top 3 of my personal favorite festivals.  In the last couple of years, it hasn't had the same consistent level of  top-notch artists as in the past.  The artists they do have, for the most part are very good but there aren't that many WOWs anymore.  I did see the same buy/sell guys as last year and there may have been a couple of others.

An interesting thing that they did was have an area that had several booths where the proceeds from the sales went to various charitable organizations.  At first I thought they were buy/sell but they weren't.  With so many organizations needing help, this was a good way to do it.  The items were not so costly as to interfere with the other artist's businesses. 

Patti and Bob Stern can tell you about all the artist stuff and hopefully they had fantastic sales.  

I won't cross this off the list but I hope it starts to trend the other way, these last few years have been disappointing.

You will hear a lot about this festival because there were quite a few afi-ers there and   I got to meet several of them.

This show was laid out on two streets that intersected.  Three out of the 4 blocks  had very good artists and the last one did not have the same overall quality as the others.  One of the artists I spoke with was not completely happy about the quality of the show and I think that is why.  There was a lot of jewelry and a lot of 2d art.  There was a minimal amount of glass and pottery so I was a little disappointed.  

The AFI-ers that I met and/or spoke with  are all amazingly talented.  Their work is wonderful.  I didn't get to talk to everyone because some had booths that were full of buyers (hopefully) when we walked by and I didn't get a chance to do a second circuit of the show.  Hopefully Carla Banks and Anita Peters got a chance to meet as they both live in the same town.  I will soon be wearing a pair of custom made earrings from Diana Ferguson who is going to be combining her wonderful style with my love of blue and green.  (and my cousin can't wait for her fuschia and purple ones.  The same cousin who scooped up a gorgeous pair of earrings from Anita)

I am still trying to understand how a candlemaker got into this festival and there were a couple of other booths with work that wasn't what I would  consider Amdur standards but the art festival world is changing.  Regardless, you still walk away from one of Amy's shows relatively satisfied.

For the last 3 years, I have been averaging 30+ art festivals a year between Florida, Illinois and Wisconsin.  Before that I was averaging about 20 a year.  I do a lot of buying.  I  am fortunate to have a summer home in Illinois and a Winter home in Florida.  I must have art in my homes or they are not homes.  

The two homes are filled pretty close to capacity.  At the same time, the art festivals are starting to look alike or fall down in quality.  To keep the good ones fresher looking in my tiny brain, I have decided to cut out the festivals that I don't think need my attendance.  

Fountain Square Art Festival used to be run by Amy Amdur.  It was a really nice festival.  Evanston is like a mini-Chicago.  This show had price points all over the place but the quality was generally good.  Don't remember exactly when Amy stopped running the show but in the last 4 years, it has gone down in overall quality.  You used to be able to find fun little things at reasonable prices to go along with the good quality artists at higher price points.   Well the fun little things are now gone and so are most of the good artists.  Some of my favorite jewelers were there but that is about it. (and I see them at other shows)

My cousin, who is my partner in "crime"  agrees.  This weekend already has Highland Park Fine Crafts and Amy Amdur's Arlington Heights show so rather than running ourselves ragged, we have decided that Evanston can be scratched off our list. 

Well, I'm packed and ready to head down toward the Windy City way and my first Promenade of Art in Arlington Heights, Illinois. I'm excited, I can tell you.

Altthough this past Tuesday, Mukwonago had such high winds, hail and lighting that it shattered the boys plexiglass basketball hoop(good thing it fell to the right. Dan's antique refurbished 1963 Fury was to the left! Whew.) And it split our largest tree right down the middle......that was the one my oldest tried to saw down when he was a toddler! I thought it had nine lives....guess only two. Willow, my sober Maltese, and I were under the heavy computer desk in the basement. Too many tornadoes that are not in Kansas to suit me!

Anyway, if Connie asks, that's were I will be.

And I'll keep you posted.

Course, I'm no Nels....so don't expect a raconteur.

I'll do my best.

Anyone else going?

Hi Everyone.. This is my first blog... Its nice seeing many of my artist friends here...

Would anyone be interested in renting their pro Panels for the Beaver Creek and Frisco show... in august..I need to fly instead of driving and Pro Panels dont fly too easily....lol..

Safe travels to everyone...=).

I just want to say to Connie and all who particpate on this site that while I have disappeared for a month or two I am in love with this site all over again.  The content is great!  I love seeing booth shots and detailed reviews of art fairs.  The month of May was hectic - shows each weekend and no time to really catch up doing stock.  All the fairs were in Maryland and have to say Maryland is a good state to be in as my sales are better than last years totals.  

The "story" I have to share pertains to my dad.  I was lucky that I didn't have any fairs for June as my dad, who has been in poor health for 9 years took a turn for the worse - the month I didn't have fairs.  That month being June.  He passed away two weeks ago and just have to say that despite it being a hard thing to go through I am relieved he isn't suffering and didn't happen when in the middle of doing an art fair.  I was doing a great show - Wine in the Woods in Columbia, MD when I had the awful thought - what if I get "the call" in the middle of the fair".  I didn't but the thought scared me to death....  My dad was an avid photographer and taught me a lot about taking photographs, framing and appreciate art in general.  He, in return, was one of my biggest fans.  On that note, has anyone here had to deal with running a business on top of dealing with the death of a loved one?  Right now I am playing catch up as I do not have any fairs in July or August (but not ruling out August entirely) meanwhile helping my mom deal with, well paperwork and such.  I am guessing I should go by the old addage - Just do it - get the work done so it is out of the way and move on to more creative fun work.  So, does anyone have any stories or advice for me with regard to this topic?  My next show, the Maryland Seafood Festival,  is in early Sept. and going to be my biggest show ever which I think, providing the weather will be good, could be a great pay day for me.  My focus is taking the time now to get my ducks in a row so I can do a good job at that show.  Just an FYI in case people are wondering.   I hope all are having good shows and continue to have good shows.  I plan on checking in more often now.  :-)  - Michelle

P.S.  I now have a lot of his work, would it be a good idea to do a "private show" exhibiting his work?  Has anyone done anything like that before - like an open house, or showing at a library or something along that line?  I have only sold my items at art fairs, so this also is new territory 

Labor Day Weekend, September 2 - 4

St. Louis, Missouri

35th Annual Fall Art Fair at Queeny Park

sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Art Association

Queeny Park in West St. Louis County

120 artists

Deadline: July 5  

11 Important Facts:

• Our 35th Annual Fall Art fair
• Limited to approximately 120 artists
• This is 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. Rest easy knowing your booth is safely locked up at night.
• Excellent marketing campaign, including newspaper, magazine, television and radio advertising, internet and e-mail promotion
• Promotional postcards, business cards and coupons are 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

For more than thirty five years the Greater St. Louis Art Association (http://www.gslaa.or) has been providing opportunities for the public to see and purchase original works of fine art and fine craft directly from the artists who create them.

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 120 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 peak attendance.  During Sunday afternoon, an interactive children's art education program encourages families with youngsters to meet and talk with artists and learn about their work.

For detailed information and to apply go to:

http://www.gslaa.org/GSL_festivals.htm 

You may also contact:

Vic Barr, GSLAA President, 314 997-1181 vicbarr@sbcglobal.net 

After all my booth fees I didn't have funds to create a professional website. I asked the web wizards if there was a good free site. Thank you Jim for recommending weebly.com. Looks pretty decent, don't you think??

Excuse my sentences or miss spellings, I have to ask my husband to help me to correct it. English is not my 1st language,just learned it 10 years ago, but you can check it out in the meantime at : www.carlabank.com

hope this helps more artist that need a site, it was so easy to make.