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OK. I was off chasing birdies this morning, got one good one, and now I am ready to report.

Ah, Vero Beach, early March.  Think cooling breezes, falling pollen (from the oak trees), think overwhelming citrus blossoms in the air, think cool artist party at Alan and Barbara's, and most of all, think great sales.

I have done this show,off and on, for more than 20 years.  Don't get in every year.  It is an overwhelming winner, for me, most years. Always one of my best three spring shows in Florida.  This year was the same.  It ended up being my best show in 2011.

What's not to like about this show.  First off, it is the very antithesis of Gasparilla.  Instead of a hard schlep up the hill, you can park right behind your booth.  And eureka, you get to start packing out at 4 pm on Sunday, what a concept.

The show is held out on the beachside by a very classy art center, think serious money.  Booths are aligned around a circular roadway with booths on both sides. You are in a big park with lots of oak trees.  You can park behind, there is plenty of space for inventory, and even showing on one side.  Then, you got people with disposable income who show up ready to buy art.  Also there are not a lot of other shows in the area like Naples and Bonita.

Ok.  This show is not for everyone of us.  If you do cutting edge art, you are gonna die here.  
y neighbor certainly did.  I don't think he cracked $500 for the show--and he gets in all the biggies.  The crowd is mostly upper-fiftyhish, and that is putting it kindly.  They are mostly east coasters who spend their winters here.  They like mostly traditional work.  And when thery like what you do, they buy it by the thousands. 

This year, on the the average, most exhibitors made at least a paycheck, and then lots of us had a real show where me made moola.

So, Ellen and I headed out Thursday around 11 am from Tampa.  The stormy front had blew thru us and left a half inch of rain on the ground.  We figured it would be thru Vero by the time we arrived after 2pm.  I just love how a good plan can actually succeed.  We chased the storm and got to the park around 2:30, it was pretty quiet, but no rain, it was gone by.  Amen!

Easy mellow setup for everybody.  No hassles.  Again this was the direct opposite of Gasparilla last weekend.  Thank God for the ying and the yang.  Couldn't have come at a better time.

We set up, got out by 5pm and checked in at the hotel.  Did the Olive Garden that night, nothing exciting, but it was satisfying--of course anything is after three Jack Daniels Manhattens.

Dumb us.  We thought it would be just nice and toasty.  Neither of us brought a jacket or a vest.  It was very crispy Friday morning.  Very,very crispy.  My ass almost cracked in half.

Friday crowds arrived early and were searching for art.  For a lot of us it was a great day with many having sales over $2K for the day.  A wood-turner, newly acquired friend( I don't know if he was trying to bribe me, but he said he was going to bring me some authentic North carolina moonshine so I could do a "Moonshine report." But he couldn't get the alcohol) started off with a gentleman coming in and buying three of his best pieces right of the bat.  He was a happy camper.  Ellen sold a biggie early.  Bill SARGENT, did I spell it right?, sold a great original image of his, later he got an award, he was a happy camper too.  But, there there where many who bartely made expenses.  The show was crowded with people.

There is a wonderful restaurant right under the bridge aside the show called the Riverside Cafe.  Every year, I leave my booth for an hour and go over there and have a fish sandwich with a tequila and a beer.  The boothsitter will only stay for a half an hour, and I take an hour, but I don't care.  Life is too short.  I did it Friday and Saturday, I don't care if I lost a bejillion dollars in sales, it is always worth it to me.  I figure if they want it that bad, they will come back, and most do.

So Friday night, the show puts on a great free artist feed for us.  How they get the food out to people can leave a little conjecture in some of our hearts.  But it is good food, delivered with good intentions, and what the heck, if some of you have to wait a hour-and-a-half to get it,don't complain, the price is right.  It is a good feed at the art center.  They announce the awards there too.  Me and Ellen skipped it, went for great thai and Sushi at Siam Orchid.  Just me, but I would rather pay for my own dinner and get what I want.

Saturday brought more great cool, crispy weather with a very odd, mostly non-buying crowd.  People were there by the hoards.  When I went to the Cafe around 2 pm, the cars were backed up over the bridge waiting to get into Riverside Park where the show is held.  Not lots of art in anybody's hand.  I sold mostly little packaged pieces of paper all day, barely it $1400 in sales, and this is supposed to be the strong day.

Ellen and I went for sushi again--only after attending the annual party at Barbara Krupp and Alan Tegers house'.this is a party not to be missed.

They live in a gorgeous house by the ocean, a architectural masterpiece replete with beautiful gardens tended by Barbara, thinks orchids, lush botanicals, verdant palms.  Then there is the food.  Then there is the wine, then there is all the people who attend. It is an awesome party.

I tried a little trick that glass artist Andy Shea, from Minneapolis, showed me last year when we both attended.  He said, Nels, we are going to walk out of the party backwards, very slowly.  Just wave at everybody and say hello.  They all will think we are coming in."  That Andy he is one sharp watermelon.  Ellen and I tried it this year, and we were busted, everybody wanted to know where we were going.

We went to Siam Orchid for more sushi.  This place is so cheap and so good, it is not to be missed.

Sunday, dawned,crispy and clear.  I figured at best, we had three prime hours to sell.  Sunday show hours are 10am to 4pm.   I figured crowds wouldn't even show up til noon.

We did our usual Sunday number, find a Starbucks, get a New York Times, then find breakfeast and get to the show in time to get Ellen's van in "Position A"  (some day we will have to talk abou Position A, not now I don' t want to give up my advantage because of it, maybe when I retire we can talk about it).  My van was in position since Thursday.

Well, was I ever wrong.  In a good way.  Crowds were there at 9:30.  They started buying right away.  They bought all the way up to 3pm.  Finally, we were seeing people carrying large art objects in there hands.  The place was popping.

Overall, I think most artists were happy, a small number were not, but this show was a winner this year.

Twice a year the art league on Anna Maria Island holds an art festival, one in December, the other this past weekend. I've exhibited at the Winterfest show for four years and every year the sales improve, this was the first time I participated in Springfest, WOW what a difference. The island is packed with snowbirds, springbreakers and year long residents and as you can see from the above picture many of them come to the show. My sales were double of the best winterfest show I had done here. I was so busy I didn't have a chance to poll many artists about their sales, hopefully a few of our members that were there will chime in.

Set up is on Friday and the layout allows you to unload at your space, generous spaces, many corners, level grassy field, the only down side is that wind can be a major factor so bring extra weights. Breakdown is just as easy. Artists ammenities include donuts, fresh fruit and coffee both mornings, water throughout the day and boothsitters if you want them. Provided artist parking is close. The show also has decent award money. Joyce, Laura and the rest of the volunteer staff are accommidating, helpful and friendly. This festival also has some great music, and it's kept at a level that it still allows conversation in your booth.

This is a fun show to do, in a beautiful setting with relaxed, friendly people. I'll be adding it to my spring lineup and would recommend giving it a try.

http://bit.ly/gpityF

I came across a college scholarship that I would like to pass on to everyone here.  Having put 4 boys through college, I know how hard it is to fund those four years of higher education.  I also know how hard it is to find scholarship money that my kids qualified for.  So, I am passing along this scholarship hoping one of you has a talented budding artist who could possibly qualify for this money.

The scholarship is the "Third Annual Clear Choice Art Scholarship Program" sponsored by Krylon.  They are awarding 5 -  $1000 scholarships.  To qualify, the student must be a graduating senior or a freshman or sophmore in college.  You can find all the rules and information at www.krylon.com/art/.  It is due April 30, 2011.  I know that right now is the time when kids are applying for scholarships.  You might as well add one more to your son or daughter's list.  Someone has to win these 5 scholarships, your son or daughter might as well be one of the winners.  The Art Fair Calendar has so many talented artists here.  Surely, the offspring must also have a lot of talent!  Keep us posted if your student wins.

Good luck,

Jacki B

 When I look at other peoples work, it feels as if everyone has narrowed thing down and their work covers a small part of the spectrum of art.  It feels clean and focused.  

When I look at my work, I feel that it has many different styles and levels.  I have cheeper wearable things, expensive one of a kind things, and artwork.  In those categories, I feel like my work covers a wide range as well. From texture to humor.  I kind of like not doing the same thing all the time, I also like to show to people that I can do a wide range of things (I do custom work).  I also still want to explore and not feel penned into one thing only.  I'm also a younger artist, I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

I would like to know if people feel it is important to be a bit focused in your work that you display, or if a range of things is ok.  I'd love it if people could tell me if my work is scatted or if there is a focus that I don't see (website www.caz-designs.com), but I do understand that people are busy.  Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated!

-Colette A. Zilka

What a great, inciteful article on Eugenie.  I'm sorry that comments weren't allowed on the article posted.  I've met Eugenie a couple of times and have always admired and respected her work and her ability and desire to continue to find new paths.  It's been awhile as I've cut back on the shows I do, and not sure where I saw her last but it was an amazing display and without a nod to doing something commercial but what she truly wanted to do for artistic expression.  Food for thought for a lot of exhibiting artists.

Stephanie

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Richard Sullivan.  Richard, who is a veteran promoter is trying something different and it is something I really like.  He runs small shows in wealthier areas in Florida. There are 12 in all.  If you have high quality work you may want to try one of these.  The crowds aren't large, but, the people who come are knowledgeable and sophisticated.  They are the direct opposite of the large corporate sponsored "bloatware" shows that we all do and aspire to get in to.  Richard's shows are about the artist.  There is very little distractions, like loud music, corporate booths hawking their stuff and being generally obnoxious, greasy food booths, and all the other things that make money for the show but do nothing for the exhibitors.  You can actually talk to your customers.  In addition, Richard is very accommodating. He is on site the whole time and if you have a problem or don't like something, he will fix it, no questions asked.  Since the shows are relatively small, there are no bad spaces.  I did Boca Grande last weekend.  Boca Grande is an island south of Port Charlotte.  I did about the same as I did at Naples, even though there was a lot less people coming through. One painter did $20,000 and the photographer next to me did $10,000.  I got to drive right up to my booth for setup and takedown.  We had all day to set up. Richard got us a great deal on the hotel overlooking the show and if you share a room with someone, it is relatively inexpensive.  I roomed with Joe Cyberski.  We had a $300 a night room for $120, with 2 queen sized beds.

As these shows gain in reputation, the potential upside is great.  If you come down to Florida every year, you should consider doing these shows instead of the huge shows or as fill-ins.  You could be pleasantly surprised. Here's the link to the web site and a listing of shows:

September 9-11
Streets of downtown Clayton, Missouri
Presented by Cultural Festivals
181 Artists
Deadline: March 15
Friday 5pm-10pm; Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 11am-4pm
 
Cultural Festivals invites you to apply to be an exhibitor at the 18th annual St. Louis Art Fair, a fine art and fine craft festival.  Attracting over 150,000 art enthusiasts each year, our award winning fair is held in the central business district of Clayton, MO., one of St. Louis' most dynamic communities.
 
Since it's inception the St. Louis Art Fair has consistently been ranked in the Top Ten of the Art Fair Source Book's ranking of Top Fine Art Events.  Artists' average sales were $6,179 (2010 survey from Art Fair Source Book - Gross Sales Minus Show Fee & Per Diem) and cash awards totaling nearly $21,000 were handed out.

In addition to the amazing visual art exhibition the festival will feature live performances on three stages, artist demonstration areas, the Creative Castle activity area for children, and the best of St. Louis' most delectable restaurants. 

The St. Louis Art Fair offers an affluent, educated and sophisticated audience at our show.  Research shows that of our 150,000+ patrons, over half sustain incomes over $60,000 while over a quarter maintain incomes in excess of $90,000.  Research also shows that nearly half of our patrons are college educated or have received post-graduate degrees. 

The St. Louis Art Fair has even more to offer:

    •    Discounted hotel rooms for artist
    •    Complimentary snack and beverage delivery
    •    Artist V.I.P. area complete with buffet, beverages, AC,
          indoor eating area and restrooms
    •    A 10' x 10' booth space with 2' buffer all around
    •    500 watts of electric provided free, no generators
    •    24 hour security with booth sitters
    •    Free/Reserved parking

Please visit www.CulturalFestivals.com for more information  
Visit www.Zapplication.org to apply today   
If you have any questions please call (314)863-0291 or email: info@culturalfestivals.com
 
***For the second year in a row, be a part of our open jury process.  Artist and Jury reception will be held Thursday, April 7 and open jury process on Friday, April 8.  The Jury will be closed on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking for even more art fairs for your 2011 season? Visit www.CallsforArtists.com - updated daily!

A year ago Connie asked me to explain all the features of the chat function and I'm finally getting around to doing that.  I wonder how many of you even realized there was a chat feature to AFI?

First of all, the chat feature is either open on your screen or it's closed in your status bar at the bottom of the page.  It's labeled "Art Fair Insiders Chat and next to it it tells you how many people are on this web site. If you click it, the Chat dialogue box will open.  It's best feature is that it will tell you who is lurking about on the site. This is the list of members on the right side of the box. I always look to see who's here.

On the left side is the public chat function. Connie has been posting a welcome message to everyone when she gets on in the morning.  You should all try saying hello when you get on AFI.  On the left side there is a box at the bottom underneath the smiley face.  Click in that box and your cursor will appear there. Start typing. Don't be afraid, someone might actually see your greeting and feel good. See the smiley face (called an emoticon) you can augment your post with an emotional symbol.  If you click the smiley face 12 emoticons will pop up.  You can add one at any time expressing how you feel.  Go ahead add that angry one when you are mad at the world.  You will feel better. Next to the emoticons is the sound icon.  When someone types something in the chat box and then clicks the Enter key on your computer, your message will appear in the above box and everyone will hear the sound.  You can increase or decrease the sound so that you can hear when someone is sending a message to the group.  If you find this annoying you can turn the sound down to the bottom and you won't hear a thing.

If you want to have a private conversation with someone, just click there name in the list on the right. A drop down list of functions appears under that persons name.  Profile--you can access a persons profile.  Give a Gift--you can give someone a gift from here. In between Profile and Give a Gift it says Private Chat. I'm going to send Connie a silly private chat message. When you click the Private Chat function, your Chat Box gets divided into two parts. On the left is the main/public chat box that everyone can see. On the right is the private chat box with the persons name. I just sent Connie a silly private message that I only want Connie to see.  She knows I messaged her because she heard the funny little bell that lets her know I messaged her.  If she responds while I'm writing this I will here the ding and go to the chat box to see what she said. When you are done with your private session, you can end it by clicking the X on the far right of the persons name who you are having a private conversation with.

There are two other functions that I should explain. At the top of the Chat dialogue box there are 2 icons.  The first is a box with an arrow point to the upper right. You can pop the Chat box out so you can move it around the screen and keep it out of the way.  You can also maximize this to make the Chat Box full screen.  The second icon has a green dot in it and it says offline. This gives you the ability to turn off the chat feature altogether. This is good when you are being inundated with messages from people because you are extremely popular and everyone wants to chat with you.  If you go offline, you can just click it again and viola, your chat box is active again.

It's that easy Happy Chatting.

As an event producer I am asked constantly by artists if my show would be right for them.  I answer as honestly as I can, then I caution them about believing me or other event producers.  I always suggest that they consult either the Art Fair Sourcebook (which I perceive to be only for the top quality artists) and Sunshine Artist (which I believe also is a source for newer artists).  I also urge them to talk with other artists to get their opinions on the best shows.

Why do I caution people about just listening to the event producers?  Even the best of us are not certain how your individual work will do in any market at anytime. There are too many variables.  I believe it is in my best interest to get happy artists in my show- ones that are likely to have a good experience and to do well.  I don't know if this is the philosophy of other producers.

What works best for you in selecting shows?  What resources are not helpful?  Also, is there some important information that is often not shared by show producers?

Six Events: Call for Artists and Craftspeople

Do you have some free days in your art fair schedule? We all do, and I'm thinking this opportunity will be of interest to many of you who live in the Midwest and especially those who live near south central Michigan.

Dates:
Sunday - May 8th 
Sunday - June 12th 
Sunday - July 10th Sunday 
Sunday - August 14th   
Sunday - September 4th 
Sunday - October 9th
Hours: 8 am to 3:30 pm

Place:
St. Joseph County Grange Fairgrounds, Centreville, Michigan

What to expect:

• This is the 33rd season of this Antique and Collectibles Market
• Now expanding - "New" Arts & Crafts Barn   
• 10 x 10 spaces $35.00   
• Set up: Sat. 9 am to 6 pm; Sun. 6 am until open   
• Large and loyal attendance   
• We provide a massive advertising and promotion program including television, radio, newspapers, trade papers, extensive mailings, Internet and much more.

Learn more: www.zurkopromotions.com

What I can tell you:

I am a frequent visitor to this antique market. When we lived in Detroit we even made the trip. It is full of people who travel quite a distance to exhibit and shop. There is lots of parking and it has a wonderful relaxed ambiance. For me it is one of the highlights of the summer and fall.

How can you lose? A $35 booth fee, indoors under cover, no tent to set up? Close to the Indiana toll road and vacationers enjoying Michigan's summer Sundays.

What to do next:

1. Email: robertzurko@aol.com and request an application
2. Download the application here:  Zurko.pdf 
3. Call Zurko Promotions, 715-526-9769, to have your questions answered

P. S. This is the same organization that runs the popular Grayslake, IL, antique markets at the fairgrounds there.

  This is part II of my Gasparilla notes and I'm glad to say it seemed to go well.  We were happy with our sales,  the weather held up and the teardown, although a tough one, was not nearly as scary as last year's would have led us to fear.   We were nervous about the rain predictions for Sunday, but the rain was over with before the show started and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful days we had seen at any Gasparilla (see last photo).

     The crowds were very heavy (see next to last photo) but, alas, the buying wasn't quite up to the size of the crowd.  Maybe next year.   Again, we were not displeased with our sales.  

    There were some artists who were not having a good show, but a graphic artist had his best show in years.  An encaustic artist was staring into space in stunned disbelief when I asked him about his sales.  I asked him if it was going OK and he slowly nodded.  I'm guessing he will be very happy when the shock wears off.  

    Teardown.  Oh, boy.  I think the staff did as good a job as anyone could have with the cards they were dealt.  They brought in a batch of cars at a time and the vehicles that were lined up waiting their turn were in a good position for dollying.  Many artists chose to dolly, period.  We were among them.  I saw many people pushing their dollies with an expression that said they were happy to have the option to get it done instead of having to wait their turn.  

     The staff and the police were courteous, helpful, and shared with the artists the common goal of getting everyone out of there as smoothly as possible.  I heard very few complaints during teardown other than those associated with the problems of advanced age on the body.  

      Next year?  I just hope we'll get in again.  This year I was called in off the wait list and considered myself lucky.  I've been doing the show on and off for years and our pattern is getting in four years in a row and then getting rejected four years in a row.  Over and over.  

       John Corso, one of the directors, dropped by the tent and we had a nice talk.  They are very interested in artist feedback so the comments on any report on this show will be read and given careful consideration.  Let's hear from as many of this year's participants as care to comment.  Pro or con.  

OK, nobody sent me the can of spray, so we took Barry to dinner and had a delicious

conversation.  So we decided to be history-making on this site by doing the first duo blog live between two AFI icons, at least in our own minds.  So, from this point on the rules are: I get to ask Barry a question, he answers, then he asks me.  If you got nothing better to do, read on.  Who knows we all might learn something. 

Barry: So Nels, you are such a lamer, where did you learn to type? Nels types with 2 fingers.

 Nels:  Barry, when you have had three vodka martinis, and a bottle of wine at Berninis, you are lucky if you can even find the keyboard.  I flunked basic typing in high school, but I did get laid by the teacher.

Nels:  So Barry, how long have you had this curious affectation for blonde women who begin websites?

Barry: (after 4 or is it 5 martinis?). I take the fifth!!

Barry: Nels were you always this funny? Tonight has been a laugh riot.

Nels:  I could reply better if you got out of the way of my left hand, this is internet encrochment, Barry, i expected better manners out of a boy from Marquette--oh, that's right you are not really from there.  You throw a mean pastie.  Where did you come from originally.  Enjoy this, it is the only softball you are going to get from me tonite, not bad for a two-fingered hand-pecker, eh boy.

Oh Barry, thank God my  english teacher is not diagramming this sentence.

Barry: You'd throw better if you used your left hand. Take it out of your pocket. Next time I'm going to bring frozen pasties.  I'm from De-troit so watch your back, mofo.

Nels:  So Barry let's get serious, enough of the softies--what I want to know is this--when you roomed with Munks, what color undies did he wear?  Curious minds need to know.

Barry: Munks wears underwear?  It must have been a special night.  And, what was he wearing at the Uptown show?

Nels: Ok Barry, enough, here is a real toughie.  You aint doing shit in Florida shows so far, so when are you coming over to the dark side?  Will your photos be on canvas, or will you step outside the box and maybe do then pastie-encrusred?  MaryAnne might like that a lot--you might even get in ahead of Jack or Sir Jim from Naples.

Barry: Nels, every time you go into another room, I get out my trusty I-phone and capture all your images.  I hear that's the way you do it.  I think photos on canvas is the way to go. I went out and bought staples, from Staples and I'm all set. After all, the best artist is the one who sells the most and I can get at least $30 for each of those photos.  I want to be successful. Maybe I'll even win all the "best of shows."

Nels:  Have another puff Barry, that is so fishy.  To be essentially within oneself, you must wrap your imagination amongst sweet-potato hogfish.  the cream will run down the stream.

Barry: Huh? Speak English.  So Nels, now that you've exhausted all your ideas, what's next for you?  Are you going to try another medium? You know you would make a pretty good  wine taster.. On second thought, you'd probably get fired for opening all the bottles and tasting the contents. 

Nels: As long there are bathrooms to shoot before Fulwiler and Sargant I am golden.  If they catch up to me, then I am just going to do Golden Margaritas at art shows and not worry about competition.  In reality, I can never, ever, asay a bad word about Bill, he is a prince.

Nels:  It sure is hard remembering whose question leads off first. So here goes.  Is there life after art shows, or do you just cop out and die in your booth and let somebody else pile it into your van, and then wait for the paramedics to revive you?  Worked for Alan Teger at the Deco Show in the 80's.  God bless he is still around.

Barry: I have this one figured out.  I'm going to die in my studio.  After 5 or 6 days someone will ask the question: "Where's Barry?"  They'll follow the smell.

Barry: So Nels, what's your next show(I hate when they ask me this question).

Nels: I always take the easy way out, I just say I live in the moment--I don't need no stinking art shows.

Barry: "...stinking art shows. Do you know what you are referencing?

Nels:  Eh Barry, this is a Cheech and Chong moment--everybody knows what I know, even if I don't know what I know. 

Barry: Do I have to teach you everything?  The actual phrase is "Badges? We don't wear no stinking badges." The original is from "The Treasure of Sierra Madre" and Mel Brooks stole it for a line in "Blazing Saddles" one of my all time favorite movies.

Barry: What's your favorite movie?

Nels:  First off, you are one crazy misplaced mid-westerner.  Fricking "badges."  Eh, when did you move to Wisconsin?  I am a Humphry Bogart kind o guy with a little Alan Ladd thrown in with a little dose of Micky Rourke.

Nels:Since we starting to throw hardballs,Barry, here comes a toughie(oh I gotta take a leak, be right back with a goodie)

Barry: Bring it on Nelsy boy. What was the name of that movie with Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts? It's the one where they cut off Eric Roberts thumb for being a wise guy.

Nels:  Barry, have another shot of tequila--keep it on thread--let's get back to reality.  After art shows, what's left for a guy fromMarquette, Michigan?  are you going to be a show promoter? Lots of role-model s out there.  You could go in the week before an established show and do your own, seems to work for some people.  Or you could start shows and stand up in a big tower and yell commands at all the underlings, that seems to work south of Englewood.  Or you could strut around and cut them all off at their balls like some do down that way too.  Or you could be "King barry."  What model fits your style?  Curious minds need to know, we don't care if we never get into another art show.  See tags, Nels.

Barry: After art shows I thought I would hang out in Boca Grande and meet a rich widow.  If that doesn't work I could go into producing shows.  All my shows would be in the same town as a major show except I would have mine the week before. That makes sense to me.  At first I would charge a small show fee and have large prizes. As my shows became more in demand, I would triple the booth fee, cut the prize money, and charge admission.  Did I mention that I would have 2 porta-potties for 300 artists? And, let them drink tap water.

Nels:  Here is the real hardball, I have been waiting all evening to ask.  If I buy you breakfeast and feed you more tequila, can you blow into Connie's ear and get me into Arts, Beats and Eats?  I know you have certain knowledge that I would love to tap into.  

Barry: Sure, but only if I get to sleep on your couch tonight. I've had too much tequila to drive anywhere.

Nels:You are right, Connie only wants real artists.  That leaves most of us out.  You are a real moocher.

Barry: After seeing that picture of the crowds that Connie posted yesterday, I probably won't get in either.  We'll have to start that other show on the same date. We will call it  the Sir Richard Alan Upper Naples art Street  Buy-Sell Extravaganza in Ferndale.

That's all folks, we are out of tequila.  Aloha, Nels and Barry. 

To add to Nels fine images, here are a few more pictures.

The lovely Karyn Kozo and Beth Crowder (pastelist), enjoying breakfast on Sunday morning at the jury viewing in the Children's Museum.

The show, as viewed from the third floor of the children's museum.

The The good part of the show, nearest to Ashley Drive.

Here's the flashy kid's museum.

AA typical patron. Lots of dogs. Many, many dogs. Luckily none of them peed in my booth.

Steve Baldauf (painting), Anita Baldauf, Jim Parker (photography), Karyn Kozo.

Looking at the show from the riverfront terrace in front of the Tampa Art Museum. It's a beautiful venue. The booths are packed in though, and the artists at the front of the show, nearer to the street did better than those at the back of the show, near the river. 

Does anyone have advice for booth pictures that can retract into

some kind of cylinder, for easy transport and protection? Any feedback would be appreciated...

Just looking to see what other people think about Art Fair Sourcebook's decision to charge events to be listed/rated?  I am kind of torn.  

        Sunshine Artist charges for listings, and I believe them that they do not take that into account when choosing the best events. 

       Now Art Fair Sourcebook has decided to charge significantly more than other services to list shows.  If I don't pay, will I still get audit cards?  With no audit cards will the list be meaningful?

For those of you not familiar with Venice it is a throwback to good old days. There are no big box stores, no chain restaurants (except Kilwins but hey), the downtown area is comprised of mom and pop run shoppes and restaurants with sidewalk seating to appreciate the beautiful weather. There is a very heavy snowbird population that winter in Venice and they're always looking for something to do. Howard Alan has two fine art shows here every year in November and March and as you can see the people come out in droves, many looking to buy. My medium is jewelry (metalsmith) with price points from $20 to $600 with equal selling of all. All but one artists I spoke with were very pleased with their sales. Logistically the setup and breakdown could not be easier, all booths are setup singlefile back to back  on asphalt, with a 20 foot grass medium behind the booths so plenty of room for storage. You can unload and load at your space, NO DOLLYING.

If you're looking for a well run, profitable show give this one a try.