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2010 was a rough and tumble year for many of us.  Personally, I did 41 shows.  Way too many!  But, hey, "when times are tough... " you know the rest.  In my prime, I did 30 to 35 shows a year and made a decent middle-class living traveling and selling my photographs.  Lately, I do not feel middle-class.  I still travel (too much), but the selling of my photos has gone down.  I don't buy a new van every 4 years anymore.  My current one is 6 years old and though I haven't missed a show due to a break-down, I came really close last summer.  With a new transmission and $4200, I was able to make it to Ann Arbor and continue my schedule of shows. 

But that was last year....  2011 is going to be better.  I'm optomistic about my chances.  New work, strong jury slides and a logical schedule will put any artist back on his or her feet.  You start with your next application....

I see a bright, shinny new Sprinter in my future.

Best Wishes to all, and to all a bright, shinny New Year.

The Story:
The year was 1972. It was yet another time of unrest in our nation. A band of young artists had an idea that had shown great promise in the mountains of Vermont. Outfitted in their tie-dye T-shirts and jeans, they traveled from Mt. Snow and Stowe, VT, to the

Street Art Fair 1905 from vintagephotoarts.co

fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY. They were pursuing a venue with a potentially larger audience for their new creation, an arts and crafts fair. Unfortunately, a very skeptical fair manager informed them that he had no intention of turning his beautiful fairgrounds over "to a bunch of pot smoking hippies!" Because they had traveled a distance to get there, the manager told them that they could come back and make their "pitch" to the Ag. Society for a more favorable response, if they wished.

The young artists returned later minus the tye-dyes, minus the
aroma of musk and incense, and now outfitted in their Sunday
best. The Society members listened to their plea and responded affirmatively. Thus, the American Crafts Council brought their first event to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. That inaugural show was open to artists from thirteen east coast states. In June of 1984, Crafts at Rhinebeck was born and has remained the premier arts and crafts show in the Northeast to this day.

Call for Artists:

June 18 & 19
Rhinebeck, New York
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
180 exhibitors
Deadline: January 15
   
   Friday June 18:       9am-6pm  Set up
   Friday, June 18th    VIP Preview & Wine Tasting 6pm-8pm
   Saturday June 19    7am-9:30am Set-up
   June 18 & 19: Sat.  10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm  

For nearly 35 years hundreds of creative artisans have

Dave Piper and Rick & Linda Bachman ready for the buyer

traveled across America to participate in the renowned Crafts at Rhinebeck, the finest showcase for American crafts on the East Coast. The June Show is a contemporary show that features handmade jewelry,
glass, woodwork, clothing, sculpture, ceramics and fine art presented in a comfortable indoor setting on the beautifully landscaped, Dutchess County Fairgrounds.  With nearly 10,000 in attendance, the tradition of
excellence at this famous destination continues.

The show features both indoor and outdoor spaces as well as an "Art in the Garden" exhibit area.

Be part of this legend, visit our website for more information and to download the application:  www.craftsatrhinebeck.com and join us in June.

ANY QUESTIONS?
Call  845-876-4000 from 9am-5pm EST
Fax  845-876-4003
Email: vimperati@dutchessfair.com or info@dutchessfair.com

Write to us at PO Box 389, Rhinebeck NY  12572
Physical address:  6550 Springbrook Ave, Rhinebeck NY  12572

Looking for more art fairs for your 2011 season? Visit www.callsforartists.com

This is a special edition of our Call

for Entries. Listed below are fourteen Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions.

Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 28 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Festival appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, Illinois. Since then Amy has continued to produce and organize nationally recognized festivals in high-profile suburbs and popular metro areas.

With the addition of two new festivals, including a Winter Art Festival and the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, and the second year of producing the renowned Gold Coast Art Fair in its new location, Chicago's Grant Park, Amdur continues to make an indelible impact on the arts community by hosting a selection of the most desirable juried art festivals.

Amdur Staff

Amdur's hard work and unparalleled eye, coupled with a strong marketing outreach, have made Chicago a destination for artists and art buyers from the Midwest and around the world.

Take a look at these fourteen events to fill your art fair schedule and your pocketbook!

Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the events and apply today! Deadline January 5.

May 28 - 29
10:00am-5:00pm
Barrington, IL
140 Artists

Amdur Productions proudly kicks off its 28th season with the second annual Barrington Art Festival. Known for its grand mansions and horse farms, the affluent suburb of Barrington boasts a wealthy population with a deep appreciation for the arts. Located 36 miles northwest of Chicago, Barrington has a population of 40,000 and an average household income of $125,000.

Amy says: Wealthy, art-loving area & lots of local support! Nice downtown layout. Memorial Day Weekend (still have your Monday off). Average temperature 70.


Eastside Millennium Art Festival
June 3 - 5
10:00am-5:00pm
Chicago
150 Artists

Located blocks from Chicago's bustling Millennium Park, the Eastside Millennium Art Festival returns to downtown Chicago for its third year. More than 175,000 people visit the area daily whether for work or play at the neighboring Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Cultural Center or Millennium Park. Show opens Friday to a busy lunch crowd. $25 city permit is required.

Amy says: Just north of Millennium Park, this show boasts a great location in the heart of downtown. Chicagoans and tourists love and patronize this show. Average temperature 71

Promenade of Art - Arlington Heights
June 25 - 26

NEW! Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival
July 1 - 3
10:00am-5:00pm
Glencoe, IL
80 Artists

The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival returns after a much missed absence. This exclusive 80 artist festival will be held July 1, 2, and 3 over the holiday weekend. Art of a botanic theme, material or use is encouraged. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located about 1/2 hour north of Chicago and is one of the top 5 visitor attractions annually in the Chicago area. Booths on grass and pavement.

Amy says: An exceptional location which attracts a discerning audience of art lovers. This year marks the return of a beloved tradition we began a decade ago. Average temperature: 74

EARLIER DATE, LONGER DAILY HOURS!
Gold Coast Art Fair
July 9 - 10
9:00am-7:00pm Chicago
400 Artists

The 54th Annual Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Chicago's Grant Park in July!

Heralded as the "granddaddy" of art festivals, this famous event draws artist and visitors from around the world. The Gold Coast Art Fair is the third oldest and one of the best attended festivals in the country! Booths are on grass and pavement. The 2011 show will feature a new, improved layout with wider aisles and longer daily show hours over the two day weekend. Flighted day before load-in makes for a relaxed setup.

Amy says: Grant Park is an incredible venue for this festival. With the lake and Chicago skyline serving as a backdrop, this Chicago venue is amazing. The location serves as a destination for tourists and Chicagoans visiting The Art Institute, Lake Michigan, Buckingham Fountain and more. Average temperature: 75.

Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival
July 16 - 17
10:00am-5:00pm
Buffalo Grove, IL
160 Artists

The festival is held northwest of Chicago in Buffalo Grove, a community of 44,000 and home to a large Jewish community. The show offers plenty of close artist and patron parking and a history of great sales. A huge community volunteer corps provides booth-sitting and artist assistance with a smile. A $20 Village permit is required. All booths on concrete or pavement.

Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright, contemporary art does well. The crowd also loves jewelry and wearables. Average temperature: 76

North Shore Festival of Art - Old Orchard

Glencoe Festival of Art
July 30 - 31
10:00am-5:00pm
Glencoe, IL
120 Artists

The Glencoe Festival of Art takes place in the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright influenced community of Glencoe, Illinois, blocks from Lake Michigan in Chicago's famous North Shore area. Held downtown among boutiques and cafés, parking is close and free. The crowd is wealthy, educated and loves art. Fine art and fine craft are featured. All booths are on pavement. Held in cooperation with the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce.

Amy says: Held in an extremely wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million. With a highly educated crowd of discerning art lovers, all art does well here. Average temperature 75.

Art at the Glen Town Center
August 6 - 7
10:00am-5:00pm
Glenview, IL
200 Artists

Sales rank among the highest at this high quality show. Showgoers flock to this festival which is situated in a master planned community, boasting some of the finest stores in the Midwest. Festival streets are filled from opening to close with thousands of art buyers. All booths are on pavement.

Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds. All art, all prices do well. Average temperature 75.

Lincolnshire Art Festival
August 13 - 14
10:00am-5:00pm
Lincolnshire, IL
130 Artists

The Lincolnshire Art Festival is situated around a tranquil fountain in an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago with plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area. Booths are on grass and pavement. Visitors are from the north and western suburbs. Artists' parking is free and close. The festival features all types of fine art and fine craft. Taking place at a later date in the season, the Lincolnshire Art Festival proudly celebrates its 14th year as a summer institution.

Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well as experienced artists. Average temperature 71.

Port Clinton Art Festival
August 27 - 28
10:00am-6:00pm
Highland Park,
Illinois
260 Artists

The Port Clinton Art Festival is a high-selling show located in downtown Highland Park, an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago. Those who attend are art savvy and have high disposable income. Only originals are allowed to be displayed in artist's booths. City permit required.

Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists. Average temperature 72.

Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival
Sept. 10 - 11
10:00am-5:00pm
Downers Grove,
Illinois
125 Artists

A cherished community tradition for the past 35 years, the festival will be directed by Amdur Productions for the second year. Historically a one day show, the festival now spans two days with optional set up for artists on Friday night. All types of art are featured at this festival located in a charming downtown area. All booths are on pavement.

Amy says: This festival has a great following. Art in the mid-price point does particularly well. Average temperature 68.

Highwood Last Call Art Fair
September 17 - 18
10:00am - 5:00pm
Highwood, IL
120 Artists

The Highwood Last Call Art Fair features great art at great prices. The show gives the public the chance to buy end of the season original art, left over inventory, slightly damaged, bruised and odd pieces at discounted prices. Artists decide how much to discount their work and can use festival stickers to mark work at 10% to 50% off.

Amy says: End of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome. Average temperature 63.

Winter Art Festival - NEW!
December 3 - 4
Friday noon-7pm Sat. and Sun.:
10am -5pm
Highland Park, IL
50 Artists

In response to artist demand Amdur Productions launches a new Winter Art Festival, an indoor art and fine craft show in Highland Park, IL. This show will be a small boutique show featuring about 50 artists during a preholiday weekend. All types of art will be featured with special emphasis on holiday fine art and fine craft gifts.

Amy says: Artists have been asking for a Winter Art Festival for years. Jewelry, fine art and fine craft gift items are expected to do exceptionally well. Offers artists the opportunity to return to a strong art market and a chance to reconnect with clients from the summer.

Have some fun with this cool link. Visit: www.elfyourself.com, upload a photo and dance like you haven't danced in a long time!

Let's see, should it be disco, hip hop or a mambo?

Well it has been a while, so I thought I would leave this little "bon mot" under your electronic Christmas Trees.

Recently, in Tampa, I have discovered this great little diner on Florida Avenue called Nickos.  It is an old railroad car diner run by a Greek family who does everything right.  Generous portions, cheap prices and great service.  It is frequented by undercover cops, working trademan and even an occasional artist or two.  Heck, Elvis Presley ate in this diner in 1956.

How do I know?  Because it is boldly printed on all the menus.  So today, I went in for breakfeast and sat down at the second booth in from the door.  I happened to look over where all the condiments were stored, and lo and behold, there was this little metal plaque attached to the window.  It basically  said that Elvis had sat in this very seat after one of his shows in Tampa in 1956.  It made me think a lot.  About Elvis and the life we live at being artists who sell on the street.

In 1956, Elvis was just getting started, he was a new whirlwind phenom, nobody had ever seen the likes of him before.  Justin Bieber don't have anything on Elvis, hell, he couldn't hold his pancake fork, but anyway, back to Elvis--and us.

I wondered if Elvis was experiencing a real high after his performance.  I wondered if it was anything akin to how I felt back in 1999 when I almost sold everything I had at the Kansas City Plaza Art Fair (don't worry, this blog is not going to be all about me--this just served as an apt metaphor).  I wondered if he ever had to deal with daily rejection like we experience when we get our little electronic blips on the internet which tell us "thumbs up! or thumbs down!."  Back in the days when we all got those SASE letters in the mail, remember that.  Yeah, you could feel for slides in them, right away, you knew you were out.  Except a few shows could still fake you out.  The slides would be in there along with a much coveted letter that began with "Congragulations."

One of the coolest ways you knew you were in, was when you got an SASE from Harvey and Audrey.  They were the original founders and promoters for the Cain Park art fair, in Cleveland, back in the 80's and into the early 90's until their passing on.  Anyways, what made their response so cool was how they sent the SASE.  If you were accepted, Harvey would write above your name on the SASE,"Good News for" Nels Johnson, or Munks or whoever it was addressed to.  We don't get those little highs anymore, I kind of miss them.

As I sat eating my plate full of homefries with perfectly cooked onions along with the cuban toast which only costs ten-cents extra, I thought some more about Elvis.  I said to myself,"Heck, he was more famous than I will ever be, but I outlasted him.  I am still trucking along making my art, doing my 35 shows a year, still playing golf and still eating and drinking good."  There is lot to be said for that.  I figure, with luck, I got maybe 15 more years in the biz.  That equates to about 325 more possible shows, give or take a few.  I wonder how many of them could be a Cherry Creek, A Grove, A Kansas City--heck, maybe even a St. Louis or two.  You gotta have hopes and dreams, and baby, always have lots of them.  And I hope you all do to.

So this is my kuleana (that is a  Hawaiian word that means a gift of the spirit) to all of you out there.  HOPES AND DREAMS.  Never give up.  We are all special.  Nobody can fire us, not a lot of people can feel that way.  You are your own boss, nobody gets to tell you what to do.  You are the supreme creators.  You make the art, and in turn it helps make you.  It define who you are, it leads you on a path of good life.I don't think Elvis ever got to know how lucky he was.  We do, and we are on the right side of the growing grass.  Cherish these moments and thoughts.  This is the moments of our lives, embrace them with fury that knows no bounds.

Merry Christmas and a happy 2011--things will get better.

PS Haven't written a lot lately, don't know how much I will write in 2011, depends on how much "meat" is thrown out there, or the lack of.  It is good to see new names out there contributing to our lives.  I still think a little bit more info could be included in those reports, but at least people are contributing.

Today I posted a fun video on my website. See the largest street fair in Palm Springs CA. It was done the weekend before Christmas. It definitely will make you laugh. Enjoy and happy holidays to all.  http://ning.it/fIlF8R

Does any one have any info or opinions on Amy Amdur Shows. I know the Highland Park show, but wonder about some of the newer shows, like the one in Glenview at the old Navel Air Station, now a shopping center.

In 2011, Rose Squared Productions, Inc., celebrates its 30th year successfully promoting Fine Art and Craft shows in New Jersey.

Four of their six shows are outdoor events in beautiful Essex County Parks in northern New Jersey.  The parks, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York City, are lovely venues, perfect backdrops for unique, handcrafted fine art, photography, sculpture and fine crafts. The Anderson Park and Brookdale Park shows have been selected as Top 200 Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine numerous times.

The two indoor shows are held at the Westfield Armory in Westfield, NJ. Each booth is pipe and draped and the aisles are carpeted to create a sophisticated setting for the exhibitors' work.

Known as the exhibitor's promoter, Rose Squared is committed to presenting balanced shows with handcrafted work by the exhibitor only. There is a rolling jury. There are no set deadlines since each category closes as they reach a specific percentage of the show's expected total number of exhibitors. Jewelry usually fills first with approximately 20% of a show's total, which is fair to the participating jewelers and the public looking for a balanced show. Exhibitors are notified within two weeks of applying. Jewelry will begin jurying on December 15, 2010. Jurying has begun for all other categories.

All shows are heavily advertised:

• 28,000 full-color postcards mailed first class to past attendees
• Billboards, posters and advertising postcards are distributed throughout the appropriate locations
• 3000 email blasts are sent to past attendees
• Large display ads and press releases are placed in daily and weekly newspapers
• At the indoor, paid admission shows, all exhibitors receive as many complimentary tickets as they desire and for all shows,
• Exhibitors are given full-color publicity postcards to send to their mailing list and distribute at their other shows
  

Rose Squared's Six Fine Art and Craft Events:

April 9 & 10
Spring Fine Art and Crafts at the Westfield Armory
Westfield, NJ
Set-up: Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 6am-9am

Show hours: Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm

130 exhibitors
Paid admission

For artists who are not familiar with Westfield, it is an affluent town in Central New Jersey, a bedroom community of New York City. The  median family income in Westfield is $147,000.

The high end, tightly juried show will be in its second year in 2011. The Armory is located near the Garden State Parkway, Routes 22 and 28 and is approximately 35 minutes from New York City.

Each booth is pipe and draped with 8 foot white drapes. The aisles are fully carpeted. Move-in is easy with extra help and dollies available for those that need it.

More info: www.rosesquared.com/armory/westfield

May 14 & 15

25th Annual Fine Art and Crafts at Verona Park
Verona,  NJ

Set-up: Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 6:30am-9am

Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm

140 exhibitors
Free to the public

Verona Park is a beautiful Essex County Park in Verona, New Jersey. The park boasts a boat house with rental boats and canoes, a lovely lake and many flower gardens. Located on busy Bloomfield Avenue in Verona, it is an excellent location for an outdoor fine art and fine craft show.

This park is next to Montclair, West Orange, and Cedar Grove with easy access to Route 280, the Garden State Parkway, Routes 46 and 80 and is approximately 30 minutes from New York City.

In 2010, the show boasted two beautiful days with the police estimating attendance at 12,000-14,000.

Learn more: www.rosesquared.com/verona-park

June 18 & 19

23rd Annual Spring Fine Art & Crafts at Brookdale Park on the border of Bloomfield and Montclair, NJ

Set-up: Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 6:30am-9am

Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm

170 exhibitors

The park is located a half a mile from the Garden State Parkway, close to Route 280, Routes 46 and 80. A few minutes from affluent, arty downtown Montclair, the park is a lovely setting for a quality, outdoor fine art and craft show. The event is celebrating its 23rd year.

The beautiful park is very accessible to the public and exhibitors. The show is along a winding path with offering both sun and shade. Exhibitors may drive to their booths to setup, and with a backdrop in place, have their vehicle behind the booth. The show is free to the public.

Learn more:  www.rosesquared.com/brookdale

September 17 & 18

28th Annual Fine Art and Crafts at Anderson Park

Upper Montclair, NJ

Set-up: Fri. 11-6, Sat. 6:30-9

Show Hours: Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm

160 exhibitors

Rose Squared Productions, Inc. presents its oldest show: the 28th annual Fine Art & Crafts at Anderson Park in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Upper Montclair is home to many "cottages" where each home is more amazing than its neighbor.

Anderson Park is a lovely county park, one block away from the main street in Upper Montclair, an affluent, arty area in northern New Jersey. It is close to the Garden State Parkway, Routes 280, 46 and 80 and approximately 30 minutes from New York City.

Exhibitors may drive to their booths to setup and, with a backdrop in place, have their vehicle behind the booth. The show is free to the public.

Learn more: www.rosesquared.com/anderson-park

October 15-16 12th Annual Fall Fine Art and Crafts at Brookdale Park     the border of Bloomfield and Montclair, NJ Set-up: Fri. 11am-6pm, Sat. 6:30am-9am Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm 170 exhibitors In 2010, after surviving a windy Saturday, Sunday the weather gods smiled and police estimates for Sunday alone were 10,000-12,000.   The park is located a half a mile from the Garden State Parkway, close to Route 280, Routes 46 and 80. A few minutes from affluent, arty downtown Montclair. The park is a lovely setting for a quality, outdoor fine art and craft show. The event is celebrating its 12th year. The beautiful park is very accessible to the public and exhibitors. The show is along a winding path offering both sun and shade. Exhibitors may drive to their booths to setup, and with a backdrop in place, have their vehicle behind the booth. The show is free to the public. Learn more:  www.rosesquared.com/brookdale November 12 & 13 Fall Fine Art and Crafts at the Westfield Armory Westfield, NJ Set-up: Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 6am-9am Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm 130 exhibitors Paid admission   For artists who are not familiar with Westfield, it is an affluent town in Central New Jersey, a bedroom community of New York City. The  median family income in Westfield is $147,000.   The high end, tightly juried show will be in its second year in 2011. The Armory is located near the Garden State Parkway, Routes 22 and 28 and is approximately 35 minutes from New York City. Each booth is pipe and draped with 8 foot white drapes. The aisles are fully carpeted. Move-in is easy with extra help and dollies available for those that need it. Learn more:  www.rosesquared.com/westfield-armory and apply today!

Well, I traveled long and hard this year and I think I will be staying closer to home with all the traveling expenses and all.....to make a long story short, I added the expenses and what I netted.....That was alot of traveling and work to only make a few hundred dollars a show! So I decided to stay closer to home and try the smaller shows in my area plus it was taking a toll on my health. I'm getting very creative on where and how I'm displaying my work and extending my subject manner to things I haven't painted in years. It seems to be working or the economy is starting to pick up...slowly but surely.

I ask you fellow artists, what have you been doing to keep on going?

It is the end of the year. ArtFairInsiders.com has had a great year and we'd like to pass out a few awards to thank the members who have had been instrumental in its growth. We'd like to recognize those who have made the most contributions to this site in 2010. Here is what we'll do first:

1. Will you help us choose the best blog posts? To make it easier I need 12 people to comb each month's blog posts and choose the ten best from each month. Then we'll let the membership vote for the best of the month and the best of the year.
   
   Will you please volunteer to do this? I'm sure there are 12 of you who have participated or even lurked for a long time who can do this. The volunteer will only have to do one month, not the whole year.  You won't have to come out in public even if you're shy. Email me to volunteer.
2. Will you suggest some topics for the awards? E.g., the most erudite, the most outrageous, the most insightful, the best show review.... Please add those ideas below.

Let's give back to those who have inspired us this year and made us think, get angry and laugh.

This is your site. I notice even when I go away for two weeks and then come back you are still here and the site is alive, even though there was a near lynching the last time.

Let's send this year out with a good wrap up of the State of our Industry for 2010 then we'll go get 2011!

Comment below and email me now to help!

P.S. This site's traffic has moved from #899,286 in the Alexa rankings to as low as #124,385* in recent days. This is amazing! What it tells me is that there are a lot of you out there who we never hear from, but we know you are visiting. Thanks for that. I hope you've found us helpful and fun.

Here are our today's stats:
Members: 4092
RSS feed: 3214
Blog posts: 1437
Photos uploaded: 8205
Discussions: 1225
Facebook Fans: 1381

*Sites that track some of the same topics we are cover rank #785,719, #818,698, #1,265,026 and #4,168,320. Yes, in case you haven't noticed - we rock! What a great group of people we've gathered here.

A big congratulations to Carroll Swayze, newly confirmed as a board member of the NAIA. Many of you know Carroll began doing street shows at the age of 14 and never turned back. Her 40+ years experience and broad knowledge of the arts, as both an artist, instructor and show director will be a great asset to the group. She has very solid ideas and isn't afraid to stand by them. What a great day for ethics in the arts. (bells and whistle noises)

Way to go Carroll!!

Thinking about a second show in Florida this winter and since it's a long drive for me, I was wondering if anyone has done this show before and if it's worthwhile or not. It does look really good but I'm thinking about the economy and expenses and what kind of buyer. Any info would be appreciated.

The St. Luke's Craft Fair is the perfect opportunity to sell your art and fine craft for a meaningful cause. To be considered applications must be submitted by January 14, 2011. Include a detailed description of your work and current photographs. Payment, $50 per space ($60 includes a 6' table), is required with the application in order to hold your space, as spaces are allotted on a first come first serve basis.

Please email info@chinacare.org or call (203) 227-3655 for an application.
Learn more: www.ChinaCare.org

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Find more art fairs, big and small, famous and infamous for your 2011 season:  www.CallsforArtists.com

Just wanted to know if it was a success, I had to cancel at the last minute due to injury.

40 Questions Blog Series Question # 36 Are you happy with what you create and sell?

Greetings everyone! I am happy to be back blogging since the busy season selling at art fairs is complete. I am happy to finally be able to blog more and talk about a question that I thought of when I was at my last show of the year. To paint a (small) picture, I was at a convention center Christmas show where there were about 125 vendors over Black Friday weekend. While the show was packed with shoppers I was amazed at how so many exhibitors looked as if all their energy, all their passion was sucked out of them. For me I was thrilled to finally be apart of a bustling show – one of the most well attended of shows I have been to in a long time and couldn't understand why so many did not share that enthusiasm. So many of my neighboring sellers were sitting - bored, chatting on cell phones, reading the paper and IGNORING all those who near and in their booth waiting to see if someone would help them. Due to this I have to ask all of you...

Question # 36 Are you happy with what you create and sell?

All the advice I have “spewed” with this blog series cannot be effective unless you – yes, YOU , are happy with what you create. In other words are you excited to be in your workshop each day? Are you focused and eager to make sales to anyone that shows and interest in what you make and sell at shows? If you find yourself complaining more and more each day how the economy is making it impossible to make money or how there is too much re-sell at a show, or whatever the excuse is, you are heading towards disaster. Excuses and reasons for not being passionate about your work rubs off on your art/craft (quality goes down), your customers are disinterested in your lack of wanting to talk up your work and why they should buy it, and others will see this too. You might not see it now, but you will (or perhaps you are) that sour puss we all see at shows that sees the life of an artist is more work that it is worth rather than a happy lifestyle that is full of hard work yet the pay off is great.

You need to find a way to get excited about what you create. You need to rekindle the passion of sharing your story of how you became a craft artist in the first place. Much of this passion is sucked out of artist's lives due to spending countless hours each day isolated – alone in their studio, alone in the car driving and setting up at shows, alone in selling ... Just plain isolated – out of touch with the outside world. AT the same time surrounding yourself with negative people or focused on negative news. This might mean you need to go back to the basics especially if you are dabbling in so many types of art and craft that you feel overwhelmed, sales are dropping, or your creative well is running dry. Look to the internet and seek out other craft artists who are blogging away about their last successful art show or tweeting/updating their Facebook page regarding a new item they just made. Learn from this. When you start feeling the happiness being sucked out of you, that is the time you need to surround yourself with positive influences to boost that “can do” attitude. Join a guild, connect with fellow artists from shows you do together over coffee at a local coffee shop, read all the inspirational stories you can via the social network realm of artist based groups and participate, start listening to artist or art business podcasts to find advice on how to be a better art/craft business owner, etc. Speaking from experience, the more you isolate yourself, the more the thoughts of defeat creep in, pessimism will out weigh your original thoughts of YOU CAN DO IT!

The fact of the matter is you all can do it – you all can be happy at what you create, if you aren't already. If you are not happy re-evaluate what makes you happy and re-focus on that. We are living in an entrepreneurial age and despite what you hear on the news, doors of opportunities are opening. Supplies, real estate, advertising, even art show spaces have all become more affordable and that is half the battle right there! There is no better time than the present to find and do what makes you happy whether you have been in business for 20+ years or just thinking of taking that first step into being your own boss. As I am wrapping up this blog series, I aim to start recapping all of these questions that artists often ask since I started this back 2009 as well as reflect on my experience doing this blog series both with the feed back I have received and using my own advice when taking the next step in growing my own craft business. If you have anything to add, if you have used this advice and want to share your success stories please do so via the comment button with this blog. Until next week... (expect this blog to be more of a once a week blog now that my art fair season is complete) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com