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Have you seen the "leaderboards" on this site? Look at the "Member" tab at the top of this site, pull down the menu there and select "Leaderboards". This is a new feature of this network to highlight

• the most active members
• the top content
• the top photos
• top blog posts
• top discussions

Visiting these leaderboards you can see what is happening on our network.

I cannot manipulate the leaderboard's choices, rather the system I used to build this network chooses it. To calculate the Top Members, the system looks at a combination of quantity and quality. Basically, the algorithm boils down to asking, "How much is this member contributing, and how valuable are her contributions?"

You'll also notice that the Top Content Leaderboard takes in items across multiple features — photos, videos, blog posts, and events. What is cool about this is that you can find the most interesting stuff quickly. The Boards can tell you what is hot right now.

Presently I have the boards set so that they show what is hot "this week". It can also be reset for "this day" or "this month".

What do you think? Should I reset this so you can see longer range results, or shorter range results?

If you look on the left hand side of the site under "Photos" we are featuring the Top Members for the week. I pride myself on being the #1 member here, but have had a heck of a time lately staying ahead of Linda Shields, Lynda Wallis and Michelle Wermuth. In fact, I'd love to see myself chased off it altogether with new names and faces there every day. Can you do it?

P.S. All members who names show up on the leaderboards email me and I'll send you our new insignia, the Red Dot.

How's this for a great lead? Yesterday I received a call from the Art History Channel. They are looking for 21st Century artists to feature on their new channel (launched in 2010) on Direct TV, TimeWarner and Comcast.

Artists Wanted For 21st Century Artists New TV National Cable Show.
http://www.arthistorychannel.com/21stcenturyartistscall.html

The producers plan for this show is to feature the living artists in our society, their art and their lifestyles. They'll be making studio visits and talking directly with the artists selected. The initial season of the show is being presented in May, they are looking for people for the fall lineup.

Sounds like some great publicity to me. What do you think?

July 29 & 30

Chelsea, Michigan

Deadline: April 16

The 35th Annual Sounds & Sights Festival in historic and culturally savvy Chelsea, Michigan, is seeking artists and fine craftsmen and women for its new juried Art Market.  This three-day festival,  which attracts over 10,000 guests to downtown Chelsea, runs July 28th - 30th.  The Festival Art Market committee is looking for a unique  combination of artists to display and sell their work, as well as  artists that wish to demonstrate their art or craft to festival guests  during the weekend.  The Art Market will be open Friday and Saturday, July 29th and 30th, from 10am - 6pm.  Additional highlights of the festival include live music across  several stages, a food court, a KidZone, a classic car show, a juried Sculpture Walk, in-store events at downtown retail locations and more. 

Chelsea is an upscale community east of Ann Arbor. I think you'll like the audience you find here.

For an online application or more information, visit www.chelseafestivals.com

or email artmarket@chelseafestivals.com

You may also contact the Chelsea Center for the Arts at 734.433.2787.

The Board of Directors wishes to announce the hiring of Mary Strope as the organization’s new Executive Administrator. Mary brings a tremendous amount of experience to NAIA  as past Vice President and Marketing Consultant of Wholesalecrafts.com, Executive Director of Belleville National Strawberry Festival, Manager of Craft Marketing for George Little Management.

hanging out with Mary Strope at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs

Any Michigan artist who has been at this business awhile first met Mary when she ran the Michigan Guild (as it was then called) and was its Executive Director. She left Michigan to work for George Little and then moved on to WholesaleCrafts.com. Mary knows just about every angle of this business and is a sterling person to take over this job. Welcome Mary! We are so pleased to welcome you back into the retail side of the art fair business.

Connie, I just noticed we are only a mere 182 (when I first posted this blog we were about 297 shy of the mark) members shy of 5000.  I would say that is a significant milestone when reached.

So what are we going to do for celebration?  Anybody got any great ideas?

Virtual champagne toasts don't get it.

Maybe me and Webbie will suprise you and Norm up in cozy Coldwater with some fresh tequila shots.

I am thinking Geri could bring a truckload of fresh sushi--lots of hamachi, Geri.

Munks could show up be-kilted with a few pipes, maybe bring along Mrs. Munks too.

Oh, and where the heck is that girl on her flying broom been lately?  Anybody seen her.

Maybe, just maybe, we could lure William out of his Kansas City storm cellar.

I am going to go out on a limb, I think we will reach number 5000 around May 15.

We could start a lottery on guessing the right date for numero 5000.

Oh well back to cutting a jillion mats for Ft.  Worth, but this was a great diversion.

Let's hear from the rest of you.  We don't turn 5000 every day!  Nels.

I am tunderstruck!

I went off the Wait List and was invited to participate in the Promenade of Arts in Arlington Heights, IL.

I feel like it's my first catwalk, first holy communion, first date, firsy baby and first wedding all rolled into one event! I mean.....

What to wear.....

Must I redo the booth....an oriental rug(wait I already have one!)

New signs....

More inventory.....

Wait. What I really want to know is what is the secret code. You know........that code of conduct that no one tells you  about until you pull a gaff? Come on all you INSIDERS......besides comon sense, civilty and ethics, what is expected at big shows to be considered  PERFECT!

A 

Would appreciate any info anyone might have on the above show in Richmond, VA in early December.  I understand there is some buy/sell  but have heard comments to the effect it doesn't seem to be a problem for other artists who exhibit there. 

I'm also interested in the Huffman Production shows in Villa Park, IL and Shakopee, MN in November.  Has the weather already become a big factor in the Minneapolis area in early November?

Any comments, opinions, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

Help!

I was going to set up my booth today to reshoot my booth photo.  I got the EZ Up set up but before I could stake it down, a wind gust caught it and blew it over.  One of the legs sort of bent over and I now see the frame is warped.  I'm not sure what to do.  Since the frame is aluminum, should I try to push it (or hammer it) back into place or should I see if it will close as is?  Now I'm worried about strength as I try to use it for this art fair season too.

Any advice anyone?

What: Rust Belt Market, exhibition space

15,000 sq. ft to utilize, an expanded rentable space size from 5X7 to 6X8 while also including more spaces available for rent.  These changes will come at no extra charge for anyone selling at the market.  The fitting rooms combined with the bathrooms and storage areas comprise about 2,000sq ft—making the footprint of the main market area about 13,000 sq ft.  We have big plans for the fitting room section, but because we are not working with an unlimited start-up budget, much of those changes will have to take place throughout the course of the year.  We will be reinvesting heavily into the market and stand on the belief that doing so will directly benefit everyone involved.  Many of you received an update email a while back with a small section outlining our plans for buildout.  While we are still trying to stick with the broad theme of “rebirth from decay,” our over-the top original plans have had to change simply due to the fact that we have tripled the amount of space we are working with.  Now we are wrapping our minds around making an entire Old Navy Outlet to not look so Old-Navy-ish.  We’re getting creative and hope to impress; however, much of the feel and aesthetics will truly come together when each shopkeeper sets up his/her/their section of the market.  I’m sure those who’ve submitted an application have been dreaming up amazing displays and I want to encourage everyone to kick the box of conventional thinking to the curb.

Who: Tiffany & Chris Best, entrepreneurial organizers looking to take advantage of an excellent, unused, retail location at the intersection of 9 Mile and Woodward in Ferndale

When:  TUESDAY, APRIL 5th

MEET -N- GREET.  Show up whenever you can between the hours of 9am and 5pm.  Either Chris and I or both of us will be there to say hello and share our vision with you.  My daughter will also be there playing (it will be her first time in the space) and she will be a market regular. ;)  At some pt during the day, Chris will have to leave so we can pick up our promo packs from VGKids to hand out at The Rust Belt to Artist Belt Conference.  Hot off the press!  ..But I will be on location at 9/Woodward.

It will be very nice to put some faces to names/businesses.  Please keep in mind that today (technically, Monday) was our first day of interior altercations because we have been so focused on the sign for the marquee, scheduling and many, many other details.  Therefore, do not expect anything major, but we do have a space mocked up for example and will have pictures of ideas for the general atmosphere.  I hope and think it will inspire and excite everyone!
 
Also, If you have not submitted any photo files of your work, plz do so!  If you have submitted a link to any website, there is no need to send any files.

Lastly, if you are an artist, designer, vintage collector or foodie FROM FERNDALE and have signed up to sell at The Rust Belt, please send me a SHORT email with your name, business name, and contact info.  A Ferndale publication would like to feature some local artists who will be selling at the market.  I do not have the time to sort through who is from Ferndale and who is not.  Also, I do not want to be perceived as "playing favorites."  This way, I will know who is interested and pass along the info.  I will post an announcement of facebook sometime tomorrow.  Deadline to submit info:  Thursday, April 7th.
--
Tiffany Best
www.rustbeltmarket.com
www.facebook.com/therustbeltmarket
@rustbeltmarket

Welcome to our newest advertiser, ACT, the Artists Crafters & Tradesman insurance program. Perennially recurring questions about insurance are found often on this site. You might find this information helpful:

    
     Almost seventy percent of artists and crafters strongly believe  in  a longstanding myth.   As uncomfortable as the conversation is, and no matter how distasteful it may be, homeowner’s insurance is greatly misunderstood when it applies to artists and crafters.

     Let’s attempt to simplify the discussion.  In standard homeowner’s policies “Business Pursuits” are specifically EXCLUDED.  Courts around the country generally define business pursuits as “continual activities carried out for financial gain.”  In some states this can include almost any activity resulting in some form of revenue or exchange of money, even if the money comes from a tip jar.  The pursuits don’t need to be full-time or even your primary source of income, either.  “Business Pursuits” can simply be your hobby where you occasionally sell a product for money or trade.

     Many artists and crafters also believe that the material goods used in their businesses are covered under their homeowner’s policy, too.  Unfortunately, the same exclusions apply.  A potter’s wheel or woodworker’s lathe could be excluded if they were damaged in a home fire or stolen if these items were ever used during a “business pursuit,” even if they are permanently located in your home’s shop or garage.  This exclusion can also extend to inventory, shelving, containers, or even the bubble wrap used in your “business pursuit.”  If you have visitors to your home to conduct business or sell your wares, and someone slips and falls on your premises, the possibility of your homeowner’s coverage excluding the incident is very high.

     The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), vigorously advises that artists and crafters purchase insurance for their various activities.   Too many artist and crafters discover the absence of proper protection at the worst time – after the disaster.  Some insurance companies recognize the need to extend coverage to their clients who have small home-based businesses.  This coverage can extend to liability or property, usually with costs that range anywhere from $250 to $1,500 depending on your activities and location.  If you take your business away from the premises, additional extensions and premiums may apply. 

     Even with the additional premiums, the most widely used endorsement for business pursuits still has limitations.  The business must be owned by the named insured on the homeowner’s policy, and resident family members, and must not exceed certain revenue benchmarks.  Additionally, this extension will not cover anyone engaged in manufacturing, selling, or distribution of food or personal care products.  Basically, the homeowner’s policy is written for homeowners, not necessarily small businesses.

     Business Owner’s Policies (BOP’s) provide fantastic coverage, but cost, at a minimum of $500 per year, often exceeding $1,000 due to the broad coverages automatically included.  However, they do not necessarily include “Products Liability,” for artists or crafters engaged in manufacturing.  There are a handful of specialized products geared towards the artist and crafter that are both affordable and offer the basic coverages needed.  For those who manufacture a product, they can extend protection benefits to this exposure as well.  One or two specialized programs even offer their coverages for shorter periods of time if you are only doing a single show, or perhaps a summer season, saving you even more of your hard-earned dollars.

     In summary, there is no reason to rely on your homeowner’s policy when it probably doesn’t provide the coverage you need when other programs are available at similar, or less expensive premiums.  Do a little homework and cover your assets properly.

Article by Daryl Stafford

Well, this is a well attended art show and I did not see anything near or around me that was buy/sell. There were over 230 artists, a bit overwhelming for the patrons, but a nice weekend and fantastic weather.

I had picked my spot, same as last year and was happy to get it, then found out we had to cart in. I do these shows by myself and I do clay art/ceramic. It is heavy and then then weights as well as the tent...whew.  I accepted the fact that it would be tough, but the set up day was marvelous. Came early, stayed 4 hours to set up and felt good about that, we had all day. Great. I saw one of the reasons we could not drive up to the booths like last year and that was that one entrance was totally blocked. It left one way in and one way out. Okay, I accept it. Then I get there and start the mule trip, ten trips, because of the weight and here is the "poster" boy of the show with his truck and trailer in the park and he is setting up right by his booth. Made bad feelings for everyone that was carting past. Did not bode well..Rules are made for everyone, not some.

The weekend could not have been better, lots of buyers, small purchases, but they added up quickly and that is great. The art I got a chance to see was really fine art and Jeff Eckert won best of show for his wonderful pencil drawings, he is amazing.

Doing shows by myself is a problem when it comes to bathroom breaks and this year they did not offer, I had to beg. Twice I had friends watch my booth, then a neighbor.

Breakdown...

Well, before it was over I chewed out at least 3 volunteers including one of the Co-Chairman. It seemed that the volunteers, many were drunk, were blocking the only sidewalk in and out for the back. After the 3rd time that I had to ask them to move I started getting rude. They would park there and walk away from the cart, on LOAD OUT! My cart would have tipped over if I moved off the sidewalk.  I watched one female volunteer in particular help a guy friend move his stuff with the golf carts, then I saw the co-chairman (female) do the same after she and I had words. The last thing I said was, "there would be no show without the artists, they need to be respected" She did not like that comment, I wonder if I will be allowed in ever again. No one offered to help me as far as the volunteers go, but a food vendor worker helped me at the end, she insisted on the last load to carry something I was having difficulty with while pulling my cart with the tent. I applaud her kindness. Another artist told me he saw a volunteer on a golf cart, hit an artist with his golf cart. I realize volunteering is a hard job, I have done it, but I do not drink on duty. Sorry...do not like it.

There were many artists that did not sell and I felt bad for them,

the catagories were full, 30 ceramics, 40 jewelers, photography  full..it was full of artists hoping to make some money on a beautiful weekend. Maybe too many..

I am sore and bruised, but did have great sales. Maybe after I recover, I will think about doing it again. (If they let me in)

October 1 & 2
St. Louis, Missouri
Historic Shaw Art Fair

presented by the
   

       Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association

           Saturday   9am-5pm; Sunday   10am-6pm
135 Artists
  Deadline: April 15 

The Historic Shaw Art Fair is highly rated by artists for warm hospitality, a beautiful setting, hard-working volunteers and good sales.  It is held in one of St. Louis' finest historic neighborhoods, the Shaw Neighborhood.  Stately homes along a tree-lined parkway provide a gracious setting  for artists and visitors.  The Art Fair will take place on the same weekend as the Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden, which is within walking distance of the Art Fair.

The Art Fair is promoted to the entire metropolitan area via digital billboards, newspaper, television and radio advertising.  Web sites, posters, and stories and interviews in the St. Louis media.

Last year, 135 artists exhibited at the Art Fair, which was attended by approximately 10,000 visitors.

Location: The Historic Shaw Art Fair is located southwest of downtown St. Louis in the Shaw Neighborhood, between Kingshighway Boulevard and Grand Ave. All artists' displays will be arranged on the grassy parkway of the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Flora Place.

Application: http://shawartfair.org 

More info:

     Larry Weinles, 314-406-9112, shawartfair@aol.com 

I read and reread all of the posts on Linda Shields' blog "If Jewelry is SUCH a COMPETITIVE arena...Why Don't Art Fairs Subdivide the Catagory?" with great interest.  It was quite thought provoking and encouraged me to do some soul searching and self-evaluating.

I began my life as a jewelry designer as a stringer and I'm proud of it!  My art or craft, if you prefer, has evolved and grown over the last few years.  I now include wire work - shaping, wrapping, hammering, crocheting, etc. I can make my own clasps, earwires, jump rings; but often choose not too. And I am looking forward to the time when I get out the torch and work with metal and/or glass.

I definitely related to Munks' musical references;  Phil Collins "I don't care anymore" and The Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get what you want"

I don't care if metalsmiths look down at me.  and I'm most likely not going to get into the BIG shows.  So for now, I will "love the one I'm with". 

Anyone who hasn't been successful in South Florida can not blame the weather.  This has been one of the most beautiful winters in years.  Sure we are in a drought but we're talking art festivals here and not farmers' crops or the sad state of our lawn.

Key Biscayne used to be a locally run show that is now run by Howard Alan.  He has improved the show, bringing in  better artists and more from out of town.  There are always artists there that I haven't seen anywhere else during the winter shows.  It is a smaller show, all the commercial booths are in one area away from the artists and it is in a straight line so you know where you have been and where you are going.  I didn't see a lot of bags and I did see a lot of lonely artists.  Some artists were surprised that what they perceived as a wealthy area had so few buyers.  I found one wonderful jeweler who made amazing pieces and bought a beautiful necklace from her.  Overall, I was a little disappointed in the show.  I felt no energy and I was there both days.  

Today was Islamorada's Island fest.  There is an art festival there as part of the festivities that included a car show, taste of Islamorada and lots of activities for the kids.  This is a show that you do because you deserve a weekend in Islamorada at the end of the Florida art festival season.  I cannot adequately explain or photograph what the water looks like from the festival area.  It is absolutely breathtaking.  There are boats anchored out in this little bay, people are splashing in the water, there are activities going on for the kids (I still regret not entering the hula hoop contest on the beach) and there is music but none of it is intrusive.  The art is on a wide road that leads me to believe that load in and out are fairly easy.  The quality this year was an improvement over last year but it is still very inconsistent.   There is a definite shortage of fine craft.  Regardless, if you want an excuse to go to the keys, want to spend some time in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and maybe make some money, this could be the festival for you.  (and don't forget the smoked fish dip contest, it is must eat)

Of course one of the most fun things about any festival is getting to meet fellow AFI'ers.  Today I got to see the beautiful work of Dawn Vertrees and meet  the wonderful artist who creates these pieces.  She is wonderful and so passionate about her work.  She explained the lost wax method of jewelry design and I finally understand it.  Overall, I think she had the best work at the festival.

So this is the end of my Florida festivals.  We head up north in a couple of weeks.  Atleast half of the car will be filled with my finds from this season.  I can't wait to add these to the collections already there.  

I remember it well.  It was Ocala, either 2007 or 2008.  It had rained all Friday, all Saturday, and sporadically on Sunday.  At about 4:00 on Sunday the sky turned black, the thunder started to rumble in the distance and it looked like it was going to get really nasty.  People started to break down and about 4:30 an army of vans started coming on the field.  The rules said you MUST wait for the go-ahead to bring your van on the field, no earlier than 5:30.  There was this poor volunteer attempting to stand in front of the vans coming on the field, waving her clipboard, and yelling “You’re not authorized to come on the field yet”.  And they just went around her.  I, being a good little do bee, waited until 5:30 to go and get my van and by that time I couldn’t get my van on the field, because everyone else was already there.  Guess who was the last person out of Ocala that year, breaking down alone in the dark?

Then there are two shows that come to mind immediately that have a setup time of 1:00PM on Friday.  Still being a good do bee, I show up at 1:00.  Half the show is already set up.  I can’t get a parking place anywhere near my spot and end up circling the block for 45 minutes to get a parking place at all.  The following year I show up at 11:00AM and setup is wonderfully easy.

What about those rules that usually work fine when enforced and put anyone who follows them at a disadvantage when not enforced?  What about those rules that must have been written by someone who has never done an art show?  When you have no one behind you do you spread out the back, not only with your stuff, but with your display area?  Do you put your print bin way out in front of your booth until someone tells you to move it?  Or do you put your print bin out in front in self defense because your neighbor has done it and everyone is making a wide circle around their display missing your booth entirely?

Where do you draw the line?

...and how do I feel?  A metaphorical picture says a thousand words:

Before Expo:

After Expo:

Same brush.  A #7 red sable filbert.  We both worked out tails off.  For those of you who have been wondering what in tarnation happened to me, I promise there will be full reports coming.  Once I park my watongus in the sand of Pensacola's Gulf beaches next week and have two margaritas in hand, I will have the full Expo digest.  But, in short, it has been the most productive three months of my young career as a full-time artist, I've met fellow artists who have become good friends, and I will be bawling my eyes out when I leave.  

I just got called off the wait list for the Columbus show.  I've never done it before and I'm wondering if anyone out there can give any advice.  What's a good spot to choose?  Is it worth the drive from IL?  I will really be squeezing this one in so I want to make an informed discussion so I don't regret it?  I know of course everyone's experiences are different, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!