i live in north New Jersey by New york city and it will be about 2500 miles to drive there ,my style is abstract colorful art... the show will be for 2 mounths and half starting January 20th...
thanks and long live art.
All Posts (7587)
Sort by
i live in north New Jersey by New york city and it will be about 2500 miles to drive there ,my style is abstract colorful art... the show will be for 2 mounths and half starting January 20th...
thanks and long live art.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Renaissance at Colony Park
presented by the Ridgeland Tourism Commission
100 artists
Deadline: October 31
Dear Artists,
Your fellow artists Dale Rayburn (www.dalerayburn.com), Mamie Joe (www.mamiejoe.com) and I, H.C. Porter (www.hcporter.com), invite you to be among the outstanding 100 artists who participate in the third annual Renaissance Fine Arts Festival.
In our short history, this contemporary fine art show has been host to some of the best independent fine artists and contemporary craftsmen on the road today. Hopefully, you have heard great things about our stunning venue, our hospitality and even our record - breaking heat! That's why this awesome show has made the decision to move up seven weeks to the cooler month of April! Now you can show and sell your work in Mississippi as part of your southern route with some of the Texas spring shows and/or Atlanta and New Orleans shows.
The Renaissance Fine Arts Festival is presented by the Ridgeland Tourism Commission, a tax-exempt, state-chartered agency. All festival proceeds are used to produce and promote the show.
We look forward to having you and your artwork in Mississippi!
H.C. Porter
POINTS OF INTEREST:
- Artists retain all proceeds from their sales
- $7500 awarded by our judge
- number of participants limited to 100
- All proceeds are used to produce and promote the festival
- Complimentary continental breakfast on Saturday
- Artist awards breakfast on Sunday morning at the Biaggii's Ristorante Italiano
- Box lunch delivered to your booth on Saturday & Sunday
- Bottled water delivered to your booth periodically
- Your name, medium, city and state will be listed in our festival program
- Complimentary festival t-shirt
- Van and RV parking close to the festival
- Reduced room mates at our on-site host hotel, the new Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland
- 24 hour security
- booth sitters
$7500 will be awarded by our judge. Best of show - $1500,
and first place in each media category will receive $500. All award winners will be automatically juried into the 2012 Renaissance Fine Arts Festival. ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION:
Our advertising and promotion effort publicizes the festival throughout the state of Mississippi and the Southeast region. The festival will also be marketed through direct mail, Internet outlets and paid advertisments in tourist publications.
More details are available at our web site: www.renaissanceartsfest.com
Apply today: www.zapplication.org
------------------------
Looking for more art fairs for your 2011 art fair season?
www.CallsforArtists.com
Apply today: www.zapplication.org
------------------------
Looking for more art fairs for your 2011 art fair season?
www.CallsforArtists.com
ArtServe Michigan is seeking to hire a new full-time Creative Industries Associate position. Reporting to the Director of Creative Industries, the Creative Industries Associate provides administrative and program-related support for our initiatives directed at practicing professional artists and creative entrepreneurs in Michigan. Specifically, this position will support two major grant-funded initiatives: the Creative Many Initiative and The Kresge Artist Fellowship Professional Practice Opportunities.
The Creative Many Initiative is a statewide program offering professional practice seminars and individual consultations, peer-driven networking and dialogue events, and research and analysis activities to support the creative sector.
The Kresge Foundation offers $25,000 through its Artist Fellowship program to individual artists in literary, performing and visual arts in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. In addition, awardees are offered year-long professional practice opportunities through ArtServe Michigan, including the Creative Capital core weekend workshop and additional meetings with invited local, national and international speakers offering insight into diverse aspects of practice.
The Creative Industries Associate position is a full-time position designed to work closely with other members of the ArtServe staff, independent contractors, and key stakeholders and volunteers to successfully develop and deliver these activities under the supervision of the Director of Creative Industries (DCI) and in line with the mission and aims of ArtServe Michigan. The salary for this full-time employee position is up to $35,000 commensurate with experience.This position is based at our Wixom offices.
Application Process
Interested applicants should download the full position description before submitting a cover letter, demonstrating their interest, suitability, and experience related to this position, a current resume and contact information for two (2) references.
Full Position Description : Creative Industries Associate Description
More Information : https://www.artservemichigan.org/?q=node/45
Email: hr@artservemichigan.org
Human Resources
ArtServe Michigan
1 Clover Court
Wixom, Michigan 48393
Application deadline: Friday, October 29, 2010
Start date: November 2010 or until filled
So, this past weekend Oct 16th and 17th was the Bethesda row art show in Bethesda Maryland.
Unfortunately it is one of those shows with a Saturday morning set up starting at 5 a.m. That being said, set up was very well organized with easy unload and plenty of time to be set up before the show. Every street has a street captain and they kept things moving and traffic to a minimum. Free parking garages located near by made this even better. I will say that as it got later in the morning there was a back log of artists but everyone seemed to be able to set up and open on time (10:30 a.m.) with the show officially opening at 11 a.m. Show director Katie Beckett and her team did a great job.
Weather for the weekend was great. A little wind on Saturday with mostly sunny skies temperatures in the 60's. Sunday warm and pleasant with themperatures in the 70's
The jury committee did a great job with a lot of great art and artists. The quality of work was outstanding.... much along the lines of the Reston show earlier this year.
The crowds were great with people filling the streets from open until the close of the show. This also seems to be an area that appreciates art and understands that their is a price attached to one of a kind orginal art. Many wanted to know the process and what was behind the art. The people in this area were friendly and were not afraid to spend. I saw a lot of art being carried to cars including my own.
Though I didn't talk to a lot of artists (I was busy!) , neighbors seemed to be pleased with results. A great silk artist who produces wearable art across from me seemed to do well and was busy. A wood artist also across from me who makes spoons,salad tongs, forks (useable art) was busy both days for a large part of the day. And a painter beside us who sells large pieces of original work sold a couple of nice pieces. He said he usually doesn't gauge the success of a show based on what he sells at the show but more on commissions after the show. However, he was quite happy selling the pieces he sold. He has been doing this show for several years.
Nothing fancy about this show like an artisits' dinner. Awards were handed out Sunday morning, donuts were offered to the artisits off the back of a cart traveling through the show Sunday morning. Bottom line however, is that none of that really matters as long as the show is run well with high quality work and people attending willing to spend their money on art they appreciate........all of which occurred at this show.
Tear down Sunday night was again very organized with street captains keeping things moving and organized. Katie the show director also visited booths during the show to see how things were going and soliciting any comments from the artists.
Though I am relatively new with only about 20 shows in the last two years the Bethesda Row show was one of the best run, best attended and organized show I have done. I look forward to getting the opportunity to show again there next year.
The title of the article is "80% of US Residents Make Handmade Jewelry"... Please note that the articles are made up but sound convincingly true. I can't help but wonder though, with so much jewelry at shows - how many of US residents really do make handmade jewelry. Any thoughts? - Michelle
Sales were pretty good. Friday, ladies day, was as good as the other days for me. As a jewelry metalsmith, I know that there is always going to be a lot of competition so I was pleased. My neighbor, a potter who does work that is more like porcelain, mentioned that she is always surprised at this show. She usually sells a lot of small items like mugs and small vases but here she sells a lot of her higher end work. She was delighted.
Load in is very easy as we are able to drive right to our spot if we come at our assigned time and the complimentary electrical hookup is there waiting for you. Load out was also a snap, however, since they asked us to wait 45 minutes after the show closed to drive in, some artists chose to dolly out. We found that by the time we had everything torn down it was time to drive in.
Connie's complimentary jury images critique on Sunday morning is anticipated and appreciated by me. It is so helpful to see everyone's slides and listen to the comments about what is good and what is not so great. I paid another promoter $50/60(?) to critique my images in March or April and she isn't going to give her response until Feb. How helpful is that since I will have already had to apply to most of my 2011 shows by then.
The staff at Rock Financial and Connie Mettler are all very helpful. Artist amenities are great and while you have to purchase all food and drink there the prices are not outrageous and they have a wonder soup and salad bar in addition to the usual junk food.
All in all it's a wonderful show to do and hopefully it will just keep getting better.
sherry
As with most shows the last year or so, sales were not what I might have wished for but definitely good. My media is sort of "over-the-top" beaded jewelry (75.00-1800. price range) and I sold at least half of my inventory....an average sale was around 110. for this show.
Only real complaint was no restrooms at the far end of the building. Hey, I'm an "old lady" and had to plan way ahead for the long trek to the other end of the show....LOL.
During set-up, the items I had requested where there when I arrived and a minor electrical glitch was taken care of right away Also appreciated the 'snack & beverage' cart that came around for the artists all during the show. The food offered by the concessionaires was good ( I especially like the hot soups). I enjoyed the artists party after closing on Saturday....very good buffet and the bar was most appreciated...lol. Moving out went without a hitch and I was back on the road to home 1 hour & 5 minutes after closing.
In looking back over the weekend, I'm thinking this would do just as well as a 2-day show or a set-up Friday and Friday evening Ladies Special but that's just my opinion.
Thank you to all those involved in putting the show on and I've already signed up for Spring!
Cassandra Graham
Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Kalamazoo, Michigan
9:30 - 4:00
Approximately 110 booths
Deadline: November 1 (received by)
You've heard how fun it is. This is your chance to find out for yourself! This is the show to sell your seconds, overstock, duds or things you're just tired of looking at in your booth, even your art supplies or art you've traded for!
It's only 5 ½ hours long with morning set-up. So make it easy on yourself, rent some tables and forget the normal time consuming display.
It's run by Bonnie Blandford (jewelry) and Michael Kifer (clay) who both make their living doing art fairs so hopefully we know how to make it more fun! Besides, who doesn't need money in February?
The scoop:
- $10 application fee
- Booth fees are $110
- Very few rules (no buy/sell)
- Share a booth if you'd like
- Mark things down and move them out!
P.S. Yes, I attend this show every year and bring my friends-- fabulous shopping and fun for everyone! Show director--Bonnie Blandford, yes, fun!
This show should be better. Some people mentioned that they didn’t hear any radio advertising but there were huge banners across the main highway and good signs pointing to the event. If you got close to the show you couldn’t miss it. It is a nice location with perfect entertainment that encouraged people to listen but still walk around. The weather was a little warm but very close to perfect. The area is not super rich but good solid middle class. The quality of artists was very high. Yet I spoke to a lot of artists who sold either nothing or very little. I’ve done this show for three years and it has always been an “almost good” show. They have had trouble nailing down a date for this show. The first year they picked an empty weekend only to have Maitland move to the same weekend. So they moved it and ended up against the Mount Dora Craft show. They moved the date again this year and I don’t think anything major was going but the crowds just weren’t quite there. There was a fairly steady stream of people though and I did do better than the previous two years.
The treatment of the artists is great. Breakfast and lunch both days. I didn’t go to the artists’ dinner but I heard it was quite nice. Setup and breakdown are fairly simple for most spaces. Some spaces you can park right behind or close to your booth. The booth spaces are good sized and you can get a fake corner for $25 extra. They have patron dollars which made a difference in my bottom line.
It is obvious that the promoters have put some effort into planning this show and making it artist friendly. I don’t expect to be in Florida next year at this time but if I am I will give this show another try.
One positive after a horrendous series of events is being forced to get back to the passionate basics of creativity that compelled me to leave a secure science career to become a freelance editorial and architectural photographer in Boston. That lasted about three expensive rent payments before I moved back home to Pennsylvania where I grew that auspicious start through several business models to a ten person ad agency over 25 years. Then I outlived forty-two clients by 9/11 before taking what I thought was the best of three opportunities in 2003 and relocated my family to Texas.
Oops.
We enjoyed the Tex Mex food, if my belt size was any indicator, and the Ft. Worth Zoo, Science Museum, art galleries and downtown art fair. The career-wise and lifestyle bar fell somewhere below sea level after a hit and run in a Lowe's parking lot, and the $4,400 online identity theft of my personal account that was traced by Bank One back to a vendor cheated by my employer; the FBI agent laughed since $25,000 was their minimum to investigate and the Ft. Worth(less) police were too busy waiting in line at the donut shop to bother despite my not being able to buy a bottle of water for my kids' survival with everything locked up. Giving credit where it's due, the security guard at the bank stayed well back during my loud discussion with the branch manager who allowed a 9 month old debit slip for $183 to be the basis for a $4,400 online withdrawal; the bank manager did, reluctantly, give me the information about who and how, and the Ft. Worth police did stay away after my irate suggestion that I take care of the issue myself. It was resolved by me by the following day with no injuries, and before their donuts were digested.
Combined with an occasional vacation visit to galleries or fairs in the Northeast/New England, that experience moved from the back of my life-damaged mind to the front to the point where I have actually started the very early stages of (again) becoming an artist. The current value of my $30,000+ of film equipment and ad agency printers, now nothing more than costly outdated paper weights, along with forced early retirement, prevents me from investing in the most basic start-up materials (printer/tent) for my new goal of creating exhibition photography and digital art for art fairs. So, I'm keeping busy by going through 30 years of highly edited photography files and scanning images I think may be suitable as fine art. That, and feeding apples to the deer that visit daily; and cat food to the raccoons on the deck and trash to the skunk, all of which visit daily in our Pocono Mountain yard.
Unlike the armadillo that tore up my shoelaces in Columbus, TX, while minding my own business, more or less, the four bears I met in our yard since crawling back home to Pennsylvania didn't attack. Things are looking up.
This 'craft' event had about sixty five 'vendors'. At least five or six were commercial or political. Another ten were obvious buy/sell, with another ten very suspect. I was there with three other club members, two who sold their work. We didn't pay anything for our booth as a civic organization, but were provided power for our equipment and were allowed to sell. One other club member and I had several items on display Sunday (I wasn't there on Sat.), but the mediocre crowd wasn't buying much of anything from anybody. Although I talked to five nearby people that I could tell made what they were selling, none sold much of anything. None of them claimed to have made much more than booth fee. My club was looking for new members (and I think we found a few), paid no money, so we were very 'profitable'. Why was anyone else even there? Why did they think they'd sell anything there?
From my experience, my wife and I know this event would not be a profitable one for us, even with a booming economy. Although not far from what is a reasonably urban environment (not metropolitan), this one is much more blue-collar. An Internet search of the median income statistics of this area shows it. Although we do have low priced items, our average price points were way above what an average person there would want to spend. We'd just never consider this as a potential venue as our 'product' just wouldn't fit what they'd buy - they'd rather get it at a *-Mart cheaper.
What was obvious today was that the area has been really affected by the economy. Those that came had little to no discretionary money, and although many picked up some of my pieces, they put them back down when they saw the price tags. They weren't poor, homeless or in rags; they just couldn't spend anything on even functional art. Instead, they spent it on their kids or grand kids - face painting, balloons, pony rides, food. I believe a few of the vendors were newbies, but at least twenty had been around the proverbial block. I'm left wondering still why they were there, other than the old 'keep trying, only harder!' thing, but then I wonder about a lot of things some times.
40 Questions Blog Series - #34 How can you spot re-sell at Art Fairs?
Simple question - how can you spot re-sell at art fairs, right? There aresome simple answers however you'll need to make sure that handmadeart is not being mistaken as re-sell too. For an art fair to be atrue art fair, it should have handcrafted art work made by theartists who is selling at the show. If someone isn't following thoserules – especially if it is outlined in the application – thenrecognizing those who aren't following the rules and bringing that tothe promoters attention is something artists can do to help promotersrecognize such culprits. Here's a few ways you can recognize re-sellat a show...
Question #34 How can you spot re-sell at Art Fairs?
Like all artists applying to a show, especially high end juried art fairs,you send in photos (or use Zapplicaiton) and go through a juryprocess. A jury is as good as it's jury members and they can be madeup of all kinds of people and could be jurying for different thingstoo. Even the best of juries can make mistakes especially if theperson who is selling re-sell does everything in their power to tryand fool juries. If a re-seller wants to be in a show they willcheat and lie on their application as well as send in false photos oftheir work to make it look like they are the ones making the work.It is only if you are familiar with that work or look closely andnotice that you don't see the persons head, just their hands workingon a pottery wheel or whittling wood, then this should raise a redflag.
Spotting re-sell, at a show can be easy. One of the easiest things you canspot are tags/stickers stating a product is made in China or someforeign country. Be careful though, while you might see a stickerit could very well be price stickers that someone is switching out.Another sign are obvious knock offs – such as paintings that yourecognize as copies of famous art work. While some can be “inspiredby famous paintings” if they are priced at $20-40 most likely theyare copies. On the topic of prices, seeing a lot of items pricedpainfully low are most likely re-sellers such as cheap jewelry pricedat $10 or those that have kookie “info-mercial” sales. Simplyasking the exhibitors questions about their work like what propertiesmoonstone has (if the person sells moonstone jewelry) and not gettinga straight answer is also another possible sign the person is are-seller. This happened when I asked questions to a “jewelrymaker” and the person just said “my wife makes it and she issick, couldn't be here so I am taking her place” is definitelysomething that raises concern, but can't easily accuse him/her ofre-sell either.
There are some signals that might seem like re-sell but are not. I hear alot of people assume that if you see a many multiples of one itemand all are without blemish, it is a sign that is mass manufacturedover seas. While this can be a sign, I have known some artists, suchas potters and folk art painters , who are able to make identicalpieces – each and everyone by hand – and get them prefect becausethey do it so often days, months and years on end.
All in all it is important that if you do suspect someone selling re-sell,that you do have some sort of proof – a sticker saying mad in Chinafor instance – to show those in charge to hopefully help weed outre-sell. There is a time and place for that type of market, but at atrue art fair, it is unethical. I wish you all a great sales andgreat weather at your upcoming art fairs. I am finally back into theswing of doing art fairs as I have one this weekend. I hope to sharethat experience and others in future blogs. If you have a questionyou would like me to answer for the last remaining 5 blog posts,feel free to use the comment button and ask away! Best Wishes,Michelle Sholund – www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com
March 25 - 27, 2011
300 Artists
Deadline: October 29
Juried at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston by an invited panel of artists, collectors and industry professionals.
- Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park is the nation's premier spring outdoor fine art event, held in Houston's prestigious Memorial Park.
- Ranked in AmericanStyle Magazine's "TOP 10 Festivals" for the past two years
- "Best Gallery in Houston" in March of 2009 by readers of Click2Houston.com
- "Best Festival in Houston" in the 2008 Houston Press' "Best of Houston" magazine
- Consistently ranked in Sunshine Artists Top 50.
- Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park has a demonstrated history in strong sales for artists.
- National studies show Houstonians consistently have twice the discretionary income that workers in similar industries have around the country.
- With a median household income of over $50,000 and an income growth since 2000 of 13.1% as reported in Kiplingers.com, Houston has been ranked the Number 1 city in the U.S. in which to live, work and play in July of 2008.
- Best of Show: Ribbon and $1500 - jury exempt status for two years
- Second Place: Ribbon and $750 - jury exempt status for two years
- Third Place: Ribbon and $500 - jury exempt status for two years
- Best Booth: Jury exempt status for two years
Applications are currently being accepted via ZAPP:
Learn more: www.bayoucityartfestival.com
"My booth was close to the gate, and I saw more art work being carried out of the show than I have seen anywhere in the last 3 years.. There was a sense of real buying energy...." -Michael Wommack, Artist, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2010, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
"If the art buyers in Houston are any indication, the recession is rapidly moving to the rear view mirror. I sensed a feeling of optimism and an energy that has been lacking at some shows across the country the last two years." -Larry Stephenson, Artist, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2010, Andover, Kansas
I am a painter and felt a little out of place here. I have only originals and I noticed all other painters had lots of prints and sold mostly prints (with some original sales). Also, most work was beach oriented, mine not so much. That said, I did sell enough to cover all expenses for the trip and make a little. I received three patron/purchase awards which helped. The patron/sponsors seemed to be more interested in original work. Otherwise, I sold mostly small canvases. If I do this show again, I will take prints, cards and other small items. I talked with some wonderful people that walked through my booth.
On either side of me were a high end jeweler and a metal worker who made fish and masks. Both had good shows and both won awards. I have a friend in the craft section that does pottery and she had a good show. All three of them have unique, good work. Most of the artists I talked to said they had an ok show, but sales were very slow. It was a mix of returning artists and new ones like me. One of the organizers told me the artists were telling her the same thing - sales were slow. This area took a big hit over the summer with the oil spill, so I don't know how to compare this to other years. My take is that crafts, low end art items and jewelry are the best sellers. It has a little bit of a carnival atmosphere.
I did not have the killer show of all time in Houston. A quick shower, dressing up and going out on Saturday night was not what I wanted to do either, but Mitch persuaded me after hearing one of my dearest friends in Dallas rave about the place for almost an hour before the show (they actually fly down just for dinner sometimes -- no kidding!).
That's all I've got from Houston. After offering impecable service and treating the senses of others all day at space #somethingerother, go have it reciprocated -- you will not mind the check when it arrives just after the silver strawberry tree...
Cheers!
Cynthia
I was a little apprehensive about this one after Maitland just up the road turned out so poorly. I was also apprehensive about my location right by the entertainment because the last time I was close to that spot I sold nothing at all while the entertainment was going on. I was pleasantly surprised with one of my best central Florida shows so far. The entertainment seems to have been toned down since the last time I was close to it. For the most part I could speak to and hear the people in my booth.
Setup was fairly easy although as I have found in the past, if you show up for setup when they tell you to (1PM) you will find a lot of people already setting up and have a hard time finding a spot to park. I showed up at 11:30AM and found people already setting up but a few times around the block got me a parking place near my booth. Locations in the back of the park can be driven to which makes a very easy setup. I did have to parallel park on the street.
Breakdown was well done and supervised with the main street closed until 7:30. For some reason I ran out of steam and took a lot longer than I usually do for breakdown. At 7:30 I had to repark my van so the street could be opened. A couple of artists helped me finish up and probably saved me from being there until 9. I know them but I don’t know their names and I hope they know how much I appreciated the help.
Sales were pretty steady throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday. Neither day was better than the other. The crowd was smaller than in past years but still pretty heavy.
Amenities were scarce. I got one tiny bottle of water on Saturday and two tiny ones on Sunday. If you were counting on the show to provide your water, you were awfully thirsty. Bathrooms were a bit of a hike but I’ve seen worse and they were at least clean. Breakfast was the usual doughnuts etc. and they were rationing them on Sunday. Weather was very nice. A little warm during the afternoon but not oppressive.
Over 1700 artists displayed their work in over 300 locations. Anyone could vote to choose the prizewinners. You had to go to Grand Rapids to register, then you could vote at your leisure on your computer or at various balloting places around the city.
So why am I telling you about this again? The winners were announced last week and it has just sunk in on me that the big prize winner, Chris LaPorte, winner of $250,000 is someone I have met! Where? at an art fair!! Don't you just love it? The public speaks and who do they choose? Someone who draws portraits and caricatures at art fairs. Granted this was not caricature, but rather a huge graphite drawing 8 ft. x 4.4 ft., a pretty amazing drawing.
Read about Chris' life as an artist and learn about the drawing at ArtPrize.org. Here is 90 seconds with Chis LaPorte, a video: http://blog.artprize.org/2010/10/05/90-seconds-with-chris-laporte/
Read a little more here: Democracy comes to the art world
Yes, I am telling you about this because Chris has lived your life, but also because maybe, just maybe, you'll start thinking really big about where you are going with your art next...I can't wait to see it.
