Blog

We just had an interesting email from the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts. in Cape Coral, Florida.

Here it is

What an interesting site ArtFairInsiders.com has turned out to be! So many excellent contributions from so many people that has allowed the site to grow and have an influence in Art Fair World.

Let's recognize these people who have developed this community. It's time for some community awards. We are looking for your input on the following categories. Please make your nominations:

• Personality of the year. Who intrigues you so that you always want to read their posts and makes you turn on your computer in the morning?
  
  
• Member of the year. To whomever made the highest levels of contribution to the community, a generous spirit makes the community grow.
  
  
• Funniest member. Who is the funniest?
  
  
• Newcomer of the year. Which newcomer to your community has made the biggest impact this year? It’s time to recognise that.
  
  
• Author of the year. Who has published the best blog post or show review?
  
  
• Best comment. Has there been any one, single, comment which is clearly the best of the year. Maybe it’s very funny, very useful or just powerfully delivered.
  
  
• Special recognition. Let's give special recognition to the members who made unique contributions to the community.

We'll be posting the "Best Blogs of 2010" soon and giving out Amazon gift cards to the winners.

Please nominate and vote today! Comment below:

I have traveled before.  Honestly.  Cross country on Amtrak, back east in a little purple rental car, on a moped in Italy and Switzerland, through Canada.  I've even held two driver's licenses from different states at one time.  At times, I changed addresses more often than I changed the oil in my cars.

But this upcoming trip across the Southwest is making me pant like a neurotic lapdog.   Somehow, stuffing a backpack and hopping on bus and waking up not quite sure what city or time zone I was in was child's play compared to this (and perhaps it really was, at 18)

....shoes....

I've got the art supplies nailed down.  I have my masonite, birch panel, 5 jumbo tubes of raw umber, 5 brand spanking new sable brushes.  All the paintings are tucked cozily into their moving blankets and snugly secured on their foam padding.  

 ...shoes...

Framer Dude Husband has got all his woodworking schtuff snugged away in every possible crevice in the camper. Saws, routers, sanders, workbenches, compressors.. I  will have to check the oven before I turn it on to make sure I don't inadvertantly detonate all his stains.

...shoes...

I've got the new tech purring under my control-the Droid 2, the Vortex, the PDA.net, Hulu, all CD's on my Ipod.  I've got the route programmed, complete with rest stops, Walmarts, and Cracker Barrels along I-10, into 3 different GPS systems.  Got post offices who will accept general delivery in Scottsdale.   I will easily pare down my kitchen.  I will miss it, for sure,  but I could eat chargrilled hamburgers everyday under a starry sky.  Like Jimmy Buffett.

However, unlike the Margarita Master, I am returning like a dog to rotten bone to the obsession over  what shoes are gonna make the cut for this trip.   I open that damn closet and see them all there, mocking me in my paralysis of indecision.  They shouldn't even be on the periphery of my consciousness.  For chrissakes, I lived a month  in flipflops!  In Albany!  In December!  I'm not a clothes chick either; on the days I actually decide to get out of my flannel pants, my good ole Levis are my go-tos.

...shoes...

I think the curse is in the more we can take, the more we get, the more it creates chaos in the mind.  Life was simple in the good ole college days, when we were lucky if we remembered to take any money on a road trip and hoped there was enough loose change in the cracks of the seats to buy 2 bucks worth of gas on the Thruway down to the city.  Cell phones? Ha! GPS? Triple A road maps!  

It's great to be connected, it makes our lives a helluva lot easier, but I am proud of the fact that I developed and possess an internal GPS from those days that could outnavigate Tomtom's "Samantha" blind drunk in a snowstorm.  Not that I've ever had to do that or anything.

Not too much about art tonight, but food for thought as many of us seasoned travelers are planning our routes to different regions of this great country for the seasonal migrations: I'm nostalgic for the days when a road trip was an adventure tinged with danger.  I truly believe I am of the last generation that went on roadtrips, without having the benefit of Google Earth to show us exactly what was around the next dark bend on a spooky back road in Georgia, or how to get back.  Maybe the shoes are a sign that I need to lose some of those safety nets and just go barefoot once more as I diesel up the truck on Monday and shut stupid Samantha off.  I should be able to get out of Florida without someone telling me to turn left in 2.4 miles!  All I have to do is go west, right?  ROADTRIP!!!!

40 Question Blog Series – Question #37 What can I do this New Year (2011) to ensure a happy and prosperous craft business?

First things first, Happy New Year!!! I am so thankful and lucky to have great and talented craft artists following me and if this is the first time reading this blog – welcome and you came in just at the right time. Each January not only do I feel relief thinking finally some time off, but I really look forward to what the New Year has to offer. To answer this great question , here's my Top 6 list to help you be more prosperous during 2011.

Question #37 What can I do this New Year (2011) to ensure a happy and prosperous craft business?

1. Get organized! Now is time to go through your inventory of already made art/craft work, clean your workshop, balance the books and organize paperwork. For all the excuses made of “I'll do it when I have more time”, now is a perfect time for this especially with little or no shows coming up and inclement weather, like snow, approaches. I personally am dedicating January to clean my full workshop, trash items that I haven't used, and find a better system to organize my own paperwork. The best thing about being organized is you finally know what you have and don't have preventing re-ordering the same thing over and over, get a clear picture of what is and isn't selling, and the best part is finally being able to find everything.

2.  Cut costs! Take the time to look over what you had spent in the last year and see if there are any patterns in spending too much on something you didn't need to. In addition, make sure you are buying items at wholesale, not retail prices. Now is also a great time to look at different suppliers to cut costs. One good thing about the bad economy is it is a buyers market and many suppliers are running sales and offering free shipping to stay competitive, while others are doing something completely different such as acquiring newer colorful fabrics, affordable eco-friendly alternatives, or better paints and other art supplies. I do this right now, I use 5 different suppliers for my candle supplies and some offer something different while others offer staple supplies at better than wholesale prices. Shopping around really helps cut costs.

3.  Improve the quality of your work. There is nothing more alluring to your customers than knowing that what they are getting is a high quality piece of art/craft and the craftsmanship doesn't change, unless it is constantly getting better. Craft artists switching from cheap fabrics to higher quality quilt fabrics find buyers are less likely to go their local fabric shop and “make it themselves”. The same can go for jewelry makers – strive to learn a new and edgy technique to create and even more unique and highly desirable pieces of jewelry art. Photographers may want to buy better quality paper for their originals/prints – offering a better paper so that the print won't fade or is eco friendly makes for a great selling point.

4.  Utilize social networking! We all can vouch that “word of mouth advertising” works, but many don't realize how super fast social networking gets that word of mouth all the more faster. Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook are just a few popular social networking websites with many others to boot. Starting with Facebook (as nearly everyone, group, shop, etc. has one), use this to create a personal page (such as sharing family pics) and one for your craft/art business. Next, look up friends and family members and invite them to be a fan/friend of your business site. Some content that is worth posting are announcements about upcoming art shows, any good news about your business (like how you are going to be interviewed for a news paper article or won an award at a show), or simply letting people know what you are up to in your studio/workshop – whether it is cleaning, creating something new - posting a photo of it, or simply asking fans questions on how to improve your work. Twitter is great for the “short and sweet” posts like “Just finished up at the XYZ craft show and sold out of my brand new pots!”. Linkedin is great for business to business networking. Of course there are tons more – simply learn about as many as you can and join at least two to start advertising your business to the world!

5.  Improve on customer service skills. The most effective way to attract and keep customers is to bend over backwards to ensure they have a happy and positive experience shopping with you. This means in person as well as via your websites. Service with a smile, offer 100% satisfaction or your money back guarantees, listening to customers needs first before you hiem 'em up by hard selling to them, educating your customers about your work, and simply be compassionate and friendly all goes a long way to win people over with great customer service skills. There are a TON of books, podcasts, websites, seminars, etc. that cover the topic of delivering good customer service and all pretty much free. You may think you are already great at delivering good customer service, but there is always and I mean ALWAYS room for improvement. As art/craft salespeople, it is hard to use all kinds of sales language ( body language is just one of many) and listening to what the customers needs are isn't enough because there are no cookie cutter, A-typical customers anymore. Everyone is different now and it is essential to learn how to identify ways to turn on their buying switch and turn off their “I'm just looking” switch.

6. Think outside of the box. Vague? Perhaps. When I talk about thinking outside of the box in this context, I want to bring to light that there might be a different and better way of doing what you do if you broaden your way of looking at things. With this time of year welcoming a New Year, new ideas and passions emerge. Some people feel they can only sell at art shows and nothing else – wrong! There are so many options, like selling online (through your own website, artfire.com or etsy.com) or try getting your work in local galleries or gift shops that may provide an even better way of selling your art/craft. Find a better “assembly line style” of creating your art – you can accomplish more if you do 5 pieces (lets say) at one time verses one at a time. This can save you a HUGE amount of money, raising profits too!

I guarantee if you do just one of these tips you will be putting yourself on the right, and prosperous path to a happy and more prosperous New Year. Along the line of resolutions, one I am making for this blog, and the readers of this blog, is to add more personal experience with what I am doing currently with my own craft business with future blog posts. I feel it is more necessary to give first hand accounts of what works and doesn't work from yet another angle. I hope you all resolve to keep tuning in and share this blog with all your craft friends. Once the 40 questions blog series is over, I will continue this blog however may try to do a podcast (maybe a video podcast??) with the 40 questions covered and updating those tips in the podcast and/or making the 40 Questions Blog series available via a narrated CD. What are your thoughts? Is this something you would be interested in? Let me know! Until the Question #38, I wish you all a Happy New Year! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com . Learn more about my craft business via www.bythebaybotanicals.weebly.com !

Well, I go to lunch, after promising Geoff Coe I was gonna write about Naples, and RC sneaks in on me and spills the beans.  Good report RC, you covered the basics, now I will give you all an extra filling of meat to whet your appetites on for 2011.

Back in September I was faced with a very hard decision.  One, I could go to the annual New Years Party at my best buddy, Richard's, in downtown St. Pete right across from the Vinoy Hotel.  We all would of course get to drink about 25-30 of the very best bottles of wine that come out of Napa and Oregon (think yummy Pinots).  We would eat deicious orts and just have the time of our lives.  I have been  fortunate to do this with Richard for more than 25 years.

On the other hand, I could send my money in and try to get accepted for the New Years Show in downtown Naples, now run by the local Art association.  Course that meant going to bed at 9 pm on New Years Eve, then getting up at some atrocious hour like 3-4 am in the morn to go downtown, cue up in an adjacent field and set up my booth.  Set up a booth or drink good wine--tough choice.  This year I went with Set Up the Booth.

Eh, times are tough, just came off a miserable December where you don't make diddle yet everybody still wants their money.  Looking at the prospect that I still had booth fees to pay for Des Moines, Artigras, Mt. Dora and Artisphere and a myriad others, it was an easy choice.  Go out and make moola on the first day of the year.

The Naples Art Association took over the former Howard Alan show for the first time this year. I know Mariane Megala well, she runs the shows down there for the association.  She is very knowledgeble and gets a tough job done well every time.  The show ran down the center of 5th Avenue for six blocks like the Howard show.  Difference was, there were about 50 less exhibitors with artists set up in quads of four.  This left you back to back with your neighbor, but you had a whole open corner on your booth with room on the other side for storage and hanging as well.

 Ellen, my wife and I got to stay with our good friends Terri and Lou Causey up in Ft. Meyers.  It was a 45-minute ride down Hwy 41 to the show.  Yup, we went to bed at about 9:30 New Years Eve--that sucked.  We decided to get up at 5 am and then roll on down the road to Naples for setup.  Worked perfect for us.  Easy setup, still had time for coffee, breakfest and the New York Times.

There were about 200 exhibitors in the show.  I figured with booth fee, gas, food expenses and a few tequilas, my nut for the show would be about $800.00.  Some had higher costs, some who slept in their vans or trailers had a little less.

Naples has always been a good venture for me over the years.  They are my kind of people.  Lots of mid-westerners who I sell to in the summer, and now they are here--and they buy, how can you go wrong?

Crowds were fast and furious for times until about 1 pm both days.  Then it got quiet and slow until show end at 5 pm, then we got a little finishing flurry each day.  Lots of europeans at the show.  I sold to more Germans then I have ever seen in 35 years at the shows.  Most are well-dressed, a little on the elderly side, but they are out there.  I had a great opening day, started off with a $300 sale and never looked back.  Sunday sales for me were a little less, but when I totaled it all up--IT WAS MY BEST SHOW OF THE YEAR!

Sunday morn I walked around and talked to about 30-40 people I know to get an idea about Saturday sales.  It was very uneven.  Some did real great, others had barely made expenses.  One european photographer I know, did as much on Saturday as I did for the whole show.  One woodworker had major sales on Saturday.  My wife Ellen sold one piece for $265--that was it for her on Saturday.  Many oldtimers who had done the show during the Howard years opined that this could be a rollercoaster show going up and down from year to year.

Sunday brought great weather (which we had all weekend) and some busier crowds.  Many artists who didn't do well on Sat. made up for it on Sunday.

Here is some real meat to think about if you are going to do this show. You are selling primarily to older well-off couples who have very traditional, I would even say very conservative tastes.  They buy for the decor not as much for the spirit of art.  Know that going in.  Also being early January in Florida, there are no real deals for hotels. If you have number in a row to do in January, then I would definitely include this one.  That said, this show favors those of us who live in the south.

For me, this is great start for 2011.  I have Cape Coral, Bonita, New Smyrna Beach and Ft. Meyers all in a row.  Could be a great start for my 36th year in the biz.

Happy New Year to all!  May 2011 bring us all record sales, vehicles tha never break down, plush hotels that are dirt-cheap, etc. etc.

Can anyone tell me anything about Crafts at Rhinebeck?  I haven't seen a ranking on it anywhere and all I know is what I've read on-line.  It sounds pretty nice but I'd like to know a little more than that before proceeding.  Any and all information would be much appreciated.

In closing I'd like to throw in a word for a couple of people whose names we see regularilly.  Obviously, Connie is the heart of all this and I think she does a great job.  It seems like an awfully lot of work.  And Larry Berman who has always been willing to share his knowledge and experience and he seems to have a pretty vast amount of both.  Of course there are many others but these two stand out.  People like these make things easier for everyone - especially those who are relatively new.

July 9 & 10
Beautiful downtown St. Joseph, Michigan
Voted Michigan's Most Romantic City
216 Artists
Deadline: January 13

Photo by Leo Charette

The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff has been listed in Sunshine Artist Magazine's 200 Best Art Fairs for 2010. This year the Krasl Art Fair was ranked number 25 from the 100 Best Fine Art & Design Shows for the USA.

Here is what the participating artists had to say in Sunshine Artist's October 2010 issue:

       Simply put, artists absolutely love this show, which marked its 49th year. It is known for its
       excellent sales and unparalleled management and artist treatment.

       As expected, artists reported stellar sales at the 2010 show. They averaged $3,232, which is a

       healthy total for any show you're likely to do.

       Great organization, many good volunteers. The sponsors delivered on all promised. Large and
       interested crowds both days.

Here is what they said at ArtFairInsiders.com.....

       The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff celebrates 50 years of art at Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake 

       Michigan. Drawing crowds from Chicago, northern Indiana, Grand Rapids and local cities, this

       charming community has long supported the art fair and is looking forward to the "Friday Night
       Kick Off" and other special activities in 2011.

Quick Facts:

Booth Fees: $250/$275 - spaces 15X15 (some smaller & odd sizes)
Average Sales: $3,232 to $3,999 (source Sunshine Artist & artist   post- event survey)
Produced by: Krasl Art Center, a 505(c)3 Non-profit serving the community for over 30 years
Awards: Krasl Board of Directors' Choice Award winner receives an automatic invitation to return with
no booth fee.
Friends' of the Krasl Best of Categories: $100 cash award for each category  

Amenities for artists include:

• Artist-only off-street parking close to fair during show & reserved overnight parking for RVs and vans.
• Curb-side unloading and loading.
• Estimated 70,000 patrons from all over the Midwest.
• Artist in Residence Program-residences hosting artists in their homes
• Roomy booths with storage space behind them and many with space on both sides. 
• Friday all day set-up with beverages and homemade cookies.
• Hospitality which includes tickets to Friday Night Kick Off at Krasl Art Center featuring local gourmet food, wine tasting and live music; gourmet breakfast on Saturday morning; continental breakfast 
• Saturday & Sunday mornings and an indoor hospitality room
• Electricity at no extra charge, booth sitters and roving volunteers 
• Round table artists discussion with committee and staff.
• A committee and staff that is dedicated to making our show your favorite art fair.

Our projected Jurying will take place February 4, at Lake Michigan College and is open for artists and the public to observe.

Please contact Sara Shambarger, Director, Krasl Art Fair, at 269-983-0271 or email sshambarger@krasl.orgwith any questions.

Apply today at www.zapplication.org.

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
Krasl Art Center
707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
www.krasl.org

Artist Meredith Kuntzsch at the Krasl Art Fair

Looking for more art fairs looking for you?  www.CallsforArtists.com

I did this show for the first time in 6 or 7 years.  Back then it was run by Howard Alan.  I quit doing Howard's shows then for various reasons, not the least of which was his $15 jury fee for every show you wanted to line up.  When you do 4 shows a year with a promoter for 10 years, why do you have to pay for him (or her) to look over your work to see if you're up to snuff?

Remembering back to the Naples' New Year show my wife and I wanted to do it again now that it was to be run by a non-profit art center.  We were not disappointed.  Marianne Megela set up the show and, from what I heard, cut it by 50 spaces.  She laid it out in 4-booth quads so each artist had a corner and a few feet between his booth and his neighbor's.  Then there was a good 15 feet to the next quad.  It made for an easier set up and break-down not to mention a free flow of foot traffic.  I remembered back to old days when Howard filled every square foot of street with a booth (though to his credit, he did give us 12' spaces) you had to walk to the next corner of the block to get to the other side of the street.  I heard the merchants were happy with the new layout too.

The crowd was great both days and sales were the same for me and my neighbors.  Some, I heard, only did average, but I think most of us were pleased with the outcome.  The only thing I noticed that was different from other museum shows I do was that there was no judging and no awards were given.

My hat is off to Marianne and The von Liebig Art Center.

excited that i found this website.  ok.  i don't mean excited.  i mean EXCITED.  we are at the point of possibly shifting gears and this site is so full of information - wow oh wow.  we did sugarloaf for the first time last year and were well received.  so now we are looking to expand our horizons a bit.  Website DorLDor.com (meaning generation to generation).  Click jewelry and etched glass.  Spiritual messages - designed by moi.  Anyone have any suggests on where to go ... please let me know.  This is a niche market ... and then again, one doesn't need to be Japanese to love Japanese art.  The messages are universal - love, peace, light.   Thanks - Deborah:)

In an apparent attempt to boost artist participation at this 3rd-year show, promoter Howard Alan lowered the fine-artist booth fee to $250 and invited crafters as well.  And the weather was sunny/partly cloudy and warm, with a refreshing breeze all weekend. 

Unfortunately, those things didn't help: there were only 90 booths this year, compared with about 100 in 2010 (according to my 2010 notes).  And whereas the show was crowded with patrons in 2010 despite chilly weather, there was a drastic downturn in attendance this weekend--my neighbor and I, both centrally located in the show layout, guesstimated not over 5,000.

Wha' happened?  The Naples New Year show on 5th Ave. was only 35 minutes' drive away, and many patrons I spoke with had also visited that show (which used to be Alan's, but is now run by the Naples Art Association).  They told me that the Naples crowds were wall-to-wall.  I'm not sure about the sales.  In addition, Alan's flagship Las Olas show occurred this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale (and reportedly was packed, as well). 

Sales-wise, Bell Tower proved (for the 3rd straight year) to be a 'Sunday show': I doubled my Saturday sales total and escaped with a $750 beating (down 30% from last year). That's OK only because I live less then 10 minutes away, and the show's a great opportunity to promote my classes and workshops and do home-town networking.  My neighbor, who sells clever, beautifully painted metal wall hangings, sold four pieces at price points in the mid-hundreds and up, and was pleased.  Another neighbor, who sold silk designer clothing at moderate price points, struggled, as did a nearby fine jeweler.  Most of the 2-D artists I spoke with were unhappy or, at best, resigned.     Bottom line: I wish it were otherwise, because Ft. Myers needs and deserves a fine show other than February's "ArtFest", but based on what I saw this weekend, it looks like the Bell Tower show isn't gaining traction in the marketplace. 

It would be great if some artists who participated in Las Olas and, especially, Naples, would weigh in to give their results and perspective.

Getting ready to leave for Scottsdale, AZ for the Fine Art Expo.  Do we have everything we need to live in an RV for 3 months?  Did I commit professional suicide by quitting my job?  Or will dear hubby kill me while fighting over the last soda in the mini fridge?

These are some of the questions that plague me as I'm trying to unwind after fighting with the brushes all day.   The forced inactivity as we stick close to home preparing to leave leads to a lot of anxious hand-wringing.   Today I had the brilliant idea of hooking up the outdoor shower to conserve our graywater capacity.  Yeah, until I saw the high temp in Scottsdale today:  56.   Then, I actually crunched numbers and figured how many fill ups we'll have to do between Spring Hill, FL, and Phoenix, AZ: eight.  With diesel hovering around $3.20 a gallon, and the truck eats 25 gallons per stop, that's...$600, and I haven't even set up my booth yet.  Yikes.  I'm gonna go rock myself to sleep now, as soon as I finish the vodka.

I did six of Amy's shows last year including Art at the Glen, Port Clinton, Gold Coast, Esat side Milleniuum, Barrington, and Arlington Heights.  Her shows are very well run.  The booth fees are a little high but no worse than the good shows in the east and many shows in Florida.  Art in the Glen sales were almost double last year for us.  East Side Milleniuum is a great show for sales if the weather holds.  Next to Grant Park with all the high rise apartments and businesses.  Many businesses rotate their lunch hour so their employes can see the show.  Fridays sales were great but had rain on Saturday and Sunday which kept many patrons away.  Can't do Gold Coast this year because of change in date.  It has the potential to live up to its'  previous reputation.  The other northern suburb shows can be hit or miss depending on the weather.  Barrington was 95 degres and people still came out.  Port Clinton is Port Clinton.  If you have the right product, you will sell.  Best show I have had in years.   Also Amy has a discout lodging with Extended Stay America Hotel in Buffalo Grove/Deerfield at $49-59/night.  Full kitchenette and large size rooms.  Within 20 minutes of all the northern suburb shows (Barrington, Arl. Heights, Glenview, Glenco, Buffalo Grove, Port Clinton (Highland Park), etc.  Also many great restraunts within 15 minutes of the hotel.  Great one in Buffalo Grove called the "Buffalo Restraunt".  Family owned and I guarantee you won't go away hungry and fairly priced.  It's on Lake Cook Road toward Buffalo Grove.

Sales were up for us at  each show other that East Side Milieinuum which was due to weather.

Ed Schmidt

Wooden Toys

Thanks to the auditors from AFI who came in to help select the following noteworthy blogs that appeared on the site this year. Please make your choices - up to five and email me your list as soon as possible so we can reward the winners. Email me: info@artfaircalendar.com!

Here they are:

JANUARY
1.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/late-december-letter-to-fellow
[David Hipwell: January 2, 2010 - Personal status]

2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/kumquat-festival-2010
[Bill Sargent: January 31, 2010 - Good Information]

3.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/heres-how-im-achieving-my  
[Jackie Jacobson: January 26, 2010 - Informational]

4.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/walking-zombies-at-suncoast
[Michael Lee: January 25, 2010 - Good report]

5.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/creativeness-over-mass
[Larry Jelf: January 23, 2010 - Good commentary]

FEBRUARY
1.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/coconut-grove-2010-the-fobots - "Coconut Grove 2010 - The Fobots Perspective" Phil Crone 2/18
 
2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/our-coconut -"Our Coconut" Bill Sargent 2/17
 
3. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-stephens-art-festival -  "St. Stephen's Art Festival" Greta Anthony  2/17
 
4. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/artigras-2010-is-it-the - "Is It the Weather?" Jim Parker 2/17
 
5. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/art-fest-ft-myers-lots-of - "Art Fest Ft. Myers - lots of folks, few bags, no award $$" Bert Herrera 2/8

 
6.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/crafts-on-the-river-aka-the - Geoff Coe
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/crystal-river-manatee-festival- "Crystal River Manatee Festival" Roxie Spell  2/5
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/suncoast-arts-festival-january - Jennifer Simpson 2/4

MARCH
1.    Please Talk Among Yourselves – Connie Mettler
Blog post discussed problems occurring on the board while moderator was away and suggestions for fixing.  Generated lots of discussion on readers views of problems and their solutions to fix them.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/please-talk-amongst-yourselves

2.    Tarpon Springs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly-R. C.  Fulwiler
Good review of show.  Gave reader a  good idea of the park set up and his problems with set up, weather, and awning problems.  Addressed the promoters problem with understanding what was meant with “Give me the
same booth as last year”.  Provoked good discussion on weather problems.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/tarpon-springs-the-good-the

3.    Shoplifting-Pat Falk
Good blog post on a problem that all show artists are facing.  Generated good discussion on other artists experiences and their solutions.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/shoplifting-1

4.    Gasparilla-The Good, The Bad, The Ugly-Barry Bernstein
Very informative.  Discussed several show problems such as booth location, judging from slides and loading and unloading as well as good things such as the prize money and hotels.  Generated good discussion.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/gasparilla-reviewthe-good-the

5.    I Put Fine Art Registry Security Tags On The Back Of All My Paintings- Joseph and Sari Grove
    Very good discussion about a problem concerning all those who have work on consignment in shops or galleries.  Took us step by step.  Good discussion
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/i-put-fine-art-registry

#6 is here in case you decide to go against my wishes and pull the blog post that you did.

6.    Estro Gine Arts Show @ Miromar Outlets-Geoff Coe
Good review of show.  Discussed show problems such as lack of restrooms, confusion over weather and show closing, customer complaints about traffic and getting into show.  Also discussed good things such as promotion, staff organization and set up.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/estero-fine-arts-show-miromar

APRIL
1. A Dream Realized - Terri Drake  April 14

2.  Copy Kats Beware - Heather Jordan April 21

3. Proving you Actually Did Make It - Walt Bennett  April 15

4.  Art and Craft Show Scam MI  Ap 15

5.  Michigan Painter Jan Dorer - Gil Dorer   April 7

MAY
1.  Surprises! Blue Crab Festival, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - Heather Jordan 5/20
    Well written. What a good lesson for us all….  Attitude is everything.

2.  East Nashville Arts Fest- Martha Bennington  5/27
    Informative . . . . Love the fact that she considers it “One artist’s perspective” instead of     “This is it …these are the facts!

3.  40 Questions Craft Artist Blog Series Question #20 - Michelle Sholund  5/25
    Educational

4.  Free supplies to anyone who is interested - Christine Heisler  5/21
    This is what networking is all about.

5.  Lakefront Artist Fair, Racine, WI - Linda Anderson  5/2
    Perfect format, Great info!!

JUNE
1.  "Bad Things Happen When You're Not Where You're Supposed to Be"  - Posted by Munks on June 28, 2010 at 1:30pm
 
 What can I say, the Munks has a way with words.  This one is my favorite overall.

2.  Downtown Denver Show/ or sticking my toe back in the water - Posted by mark zurek on June 8, 2010 at 12:07pm
 
I chose this one because Mark managed to get all the important info in and made the reader enjoy it at the same time.  I especially enjoyed the people watching bit.
 
3.  Salina Kansas- Smoky Hill Riverfest Art Fair- Posted by Patricia Hecker on June 15, 2010 at 2:00pm
Ok I must confess that I only chose this one because of the comments made by the Salina Native (I suspect one of the promoters).  A very well written slap across the face.
 
4.  Artists Beware - NO art fair at Orchard Lake, MI, June 26-27 - Posted by Connie Mettler on June 21, 2010 at 11:57am
 
I really like the way you put it out there and did not try to be one bit politically correct.  Easy to get the message when it’s that forward.
 
5.  Highland Park, IL Festival of Fine Craft-Posted by geri wegner on June 28, 2010 at 2:20am

How great is it to have a shopper’s perspective. 

JULY
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/port-washington-fish-day-is-a - David Hipwell 7/29
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/discounts-and-taxes - Jackie Russo 7/29
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/jackson-hole-artist-banned-for - Connie Mettler 7/29
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/no-money-for-booth-fees-but - Richard Rothbard 7/23
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/ann-arbor-summer-art-fairs - Patricia Hecker 7/19
 
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/cherry-creek-lakefront - R. Michael Wommack 7/9

AUGUST
1.  Arts in the Gardens, Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua New York-Pat Sorbini - Nicely written show review.
 2.  Brighton Fine Arts Festival, Brighton Michigan-Nancy Grimsley
Good review of show with a couple of good pictures.  Others who have done thE show also commented.
3. Bits & Pieces on Winter Park, Howard Alan Frisco & Park City art shows, maybe. Other stuff too. –Robert Leuallen  Good review of shows and Howard Alan in particular.  Generated comments from others about their experiences.
4.  Cleveland Caravan: Willoughby, Medina, Akron, Lakewood and Chardon, OH -Leo Charette- Gave good insight on smaller shows.  Lots of comments on smaller shows.
5.  From Passion to Survival-Larry Berman
Good report on a thought provoking subject.  I don’t necessarily agree with all his comments but it did generate lots of good conversation on the subject.
6th Annual Blues Festival - Robert Louallen

SEPTEMBER
1.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/the-plaza-kansas-city-a - The Plaza Kansas City - a review, R. Michael Wommack
2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/disasters-in-atl - Disasters in ATL - Paul Flack
3. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/again-through-faith-my-life - Again Through Faith my Life continues to be blessed, Katherine McNeill 9/17
4. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-louis-art-fair - Bert Herrera  9/13
5. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/arts-beats-and-eats-review-or - Arts, Beats & Eats Review or Fun, fun, fun - Barry Bernstein  9/12
6. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/early-fobot-reportlongs-park - Early Fobot Report --Longs Park, Amy Flynn 9/3

OCTOBER
1. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/a-little-stupidity-in-memphis - A little stupidity in Memphis - Bonnie Blandford 10/27
2. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/memphis-river-arts-fest?xg_source=activity - Memphis River Arts Fest - Mary Beth Shaw 10/25
3.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/fly-on-the-wall - Fly on the Wall - David Plank 10/18
4.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/40-question-craft-artist-blog-263 - How do you spot re-sell at Art Fairs - Michelle Sholund  10/17
5. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-jamesview-from-the-inner  St. James/View from the inner court - Mark Zurek  10/4

NOVEMBER
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/lake-mary-heathrow-festival-of
Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts
Posted by Joe Clifton on November 8, 2010 at 4:27pm (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/chastain-park-art-festival
Chastain Park Art Festival (Atlanta)
Posted by Melanie Rolfes on November 8, 2010 at 12:56pm (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/estero-fl-fine-arts-show-nov
Estero (FL) Fine Arts show, Nov. 6-7, 2010
Posted by Geoff Coe on November 8, 2010 at 12:30pm (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/halifax-daytona-beach-florida
Halifax - Daytona Beach, Florida
Posted by Alison Thomas on November 8, 2010 at 6:32am (Great review)

http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/mayday-underground-crafts-amp
MayDay Underground Crafts & Art Luau
Posted by Stefani Tadio on November 7, 2010 at 10:03am (Great review)

DECEMBER
1. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/did-i-really-make-a-living DID I REAlly make a living selling art? Merri Pattinian  12/11
2.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/here-is-my-tequilaelvis-what Tequila/Elvis/Meaning of Life Report - Nels Johnson 12/21
3. http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/spreading-the-good-spirit-a Spreading the good spirit a bit - Mark Zurek  12/10
4.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/cleveland-by-hand-after-a - Cleveland By Hand after a month to reflect - Judy Goskey 12/6
5.  http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/wake-upsmell-the-censors - Jack Stoddart 12/5

Email me NOW - awards going to the top ten blogs....info@artfaircalendar.com

Then stay tuned for the rest of the awards -- coming soon!

Wishing everyone a happy new year and a successful 2011. Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Our mission:
t o encourage people to purchase original fine art, and to enhance that experience by interacting with the artists who create the pieces.
 
What began as a local art event in 1994 has become the best known art festival in the region, attracting artists from across the country and from across our southern and northern borders. Each year, the festival attracts seasoned collectors as well as first-time art buyers. The event takes place in San Diego's hip and historic Little Italy district, well known for its artistic community, outstanding restaurants and picturesque streetscapes.  Filling 16 blocks of Little Italy with fine art of all kinds, many participating artists consider it their highest-grossing event of the year. 

Your registration fee includes:

• high quality 10' by 10' tents that are also 10' high. Load-in and load-out are made simple as you can drive your vehicle directly to your tent.
• A page on the Mission Federal ArtWalk web site that will remain up until 2012
• An opportunity to be considered to be one of the event's 12 Featured Artists
• Listing in ArtWalk Magazine and Event Brochure/Map 
• Featured Artists receive prominent placement in the event's publicity campaign
• Opportunity to submit news items for our monthly eGram newsletter                                       
  

Bravo to you and your team for making artwalk a wonderful event *again*. We had a blast, and the show was a success for me - even in this dicey economy.  Kudos to you and your staff for making it so.  Belinda DelPesco