All Posts (7625)
Sort by
About 100 exhibitors, 13 clay related.
Good quality professional show, evidenced by no trash left behind during tear down.
Attendance was the biggest or least problem. Sue used many advertising venues and banners and road signs. Oh well. The wished for numbers never materialized and most were disappointed with slow sales. The artists I spoke with made their expenses and little more.
She had discounted motel rooms at the Drury Inn just next door and that was great.
I thanked her and her spouse, Dennis, for their efforts and I plan on supporting them again next year, jury process allowing.
Mark Oehler
Show is prodiced by Craft Producers the second weekend in October for three days with setup on Thursday. Held at Top Nothc field which is just a large field about two miles west of 'Stowe. Nasty weather Thursday with heavy rain with small hail off and on. Large indoor heated tent for approximately 100+ artists. Remainder outside. Weather was cold Friday and Saturday but nicer on Sunday. Heavy rain all night Friday just after show closed. Field dried out and mulch was put down in wet areas so all areas were acceptable. Sales reasonable on Friday. Saturday cars were lined up as far as you could see. People from all over the country there to see the colors which were fantastic. We had customers from Tennessee and Texas ans well as the whole New England area and beyond. They bought like no tomorrow on Saturday. Sunday slow to start but got busy early afternoon. Hours 10 to 5 each of three days. Show turned out to be our second best after Port Clinton. Did not have time to talk with many exhibitors but those that I did had really great sales also. We were outside near the entrance/exit so could judge approximate sales by people leaving with packages and there were many. Wide variety of quality of artists but as a whole reasonably good. Some questionable possible buy/sell but not many. Good mix of various media. Not overloaded on any category anthough a good number of good photographers. Have seen some of the artists from our Chicago shows.
One nice thing was portable trailer toilets. Heated and/or air conditioned depending on weather. Also running water and flush tiolets. Not bad. Ont tent with vendors selling Vermont products. Good variety of food vendors and reasonable priced. Even had a portable ATM machine on site.
Well worth the 900 mile drive do do the show. Local lodging in Stowe quite expensive. We chose to stay in Burlington and drive back and forth. Approximately 45 minutes each way. Worth he drive time. Great variety of restraunts in Stowe. Some quite expensive others reasonable. Great Mexican place with reasonable prices.
Show to move to a new location closer to town in two years. Will be a better layout and hopefull even etter crowds.
Althought geared as a Festival dedicated to raising funds to help preserve and restore our nation's lighthouses, it is also a great art, craft, photographer's and author's dream. There is something for everyone from stain glass to collector's wines, from crocheted works to wood arts, from traditional photography to photography on pottery, glass, and handmade jewelry that was just exquisite.
Being a photographer and fiber artist, I had lots of pictures, watercolor paintings and handwoven baskets for sale. Although I didn't make a ton of cash, I don't think I did too poorly for my first venue as a vendor. I'm taking into account that I was also working the show as their Official Photographer (I also sold CD's containing pictures of the entire 4-day show, plus events) so I was doing double duty, not to mention taking photos at all the dinners. Let's just say that some of those dinners were simply outrageous with fundraising gimmicks, like shaving one gentleman's head while he was dressed in a squaredancing dress (for that the GLLF raised over $1,000). The weather was just fantastic, not too hot and not too cold with plenty of sunshine. I did generate a lot of questions with my ribbon regarding Patron for the Artfair Insiders! Hopefully, more people will visit to see what it's al about and join.
Some of the vendors did great while others did not so hot, but again, it depended on presentation, how affiable the sellers were to the public and how willing they were to ask questions or just chat. Sometimes those chat sessions turned into "sell" sessions. I sold quite a bit of my photo's that way and they were ones that didn't have a lighthouse in the bunch!
Looking forward to doing it again next year and will have a lot more items geared to what I noticed sold and didn't sell. I'll also be making a return visit as their Official Photographer! So I really had a win-win situation.
Hope that if you didn't get to be there this year, you'll be there next year.
Terri at the Drake's Nest in Ossineke, MI
Site: www.drakesneststudio.com
What I don't like is the same thing many artists talk about. "I can't get into the shows I have been doing for a long time." Let's look at some reasons this may be happening. There are now more applicants than ever. Digital images can be professionally created by anyone to show a beautiful image. The problem is are some people applying on Zapp who do not do their own work?
If you are a promoter who has integrity and a mission statement that focuses on true original art, it would be interesting to hear how you decide from Zapp if the artists are authentic or buy/sell enterpreneurs. Many of us who make a living from creating art from raw materials find it appalling when we find individuals selling 'art' that we know they did not make. It's the same old story: how did they get into the show? What screening does the promoter do? Is it our job to critique the show for the promoter?
If anyone has information on this topic it would be helpful to know!
Although it's a one day show on very metropolitan streets, it's extremely well managed by a hoard of volunteers and many city police. You are told to drive in a certain direction, drop everything off, go park you vehicle, and THEN set up. Ditto in reverse for break down - and the city police WILL tow anyone trying to bring in a car/truck BEFORE completely breaking down. Sounds very totalitarian, but it really does work to make this a relatively pleasant experience - unless you can't seem to follow their rules!
And 1/2 hour before the end:
His skills with the airbrush led him to be contacted by the Postmodern architect Robert Venturi and a 25 year collaboration with his firm ensued that included several exceptional commissions. Michael continued doing his own work, which was sold through galleries and art representatives.
As times changed he became frustrated with the gallery owners who sometimes didn't want his new work. Watching his wife, Nina, taking her work to the street, he decided it was time for him to give art fairs a try, intrigued with the idea of interacting directly with potential collectors and removing the filter of the galleries.
Always inspired by a sense of the light, the increasing suburban landscape and his childhood upbringing in Levittown, several glowing dreams made him pull out his soft pastels and he began drawing from memory. He says, "the colors in my dreams were incredibly vivid, and it turned out pastel was a perfect medium due to the pure pigment used in making them."
You are going to enjoy Michael's interesting story: www.ArtFairCalendar.com/featured artist
Meet him and view his work:
October 9 & 10 - Bayou City Art Festival - Houston, TX
October 16 & 17 - Bethesda Row Arts Festival - Bethesda, MD
Meet him and view his work:
October 9 & 10 - Bayou City Art Festival - Houston, TX
October 16 & 17 - Bethesda Row Arts Festival - Bethesda, MD
The 15th Annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival is now in full swing in beautiful Alpena, Michigan. It is being held at the Thunder Bay Recreational Center October 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2010. There will be artists, photographer, music, helicopter rides, plane rides and boat rides to Middle Island. Visit the Great Lakes Lighthouse Museum and the wonderful lighthouses of the Sunrise Side of the state.
I am doing my first show PLUS I'm the Official Photographer for the Festival so not only to I mind my booth, I'll be running around taking pictures. Tonight was the welcome dinner and silent auction, which was a lot of fun and the food was delicious. I'll let you know how I do when the show is over.
Terri at the Drake's Nest in Ossineke, Michigan
Royal Oak — Organizers of the Ford Arts, Beats & Eats festival announced today the event raised a record $351,213.
More than 90 charitable and cultural organizations will benefit from the money raised at the four-day festival over Labor Day weekend, which was held in downtown Royal Oak for the first time this year after more than a decade in Pontiac.
Money came from gate admission, beverage proceeds, a charity art preview, parking fees and sponsorships, officials said.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said the festival provided a considerable boost to the region’s economy.
Oakland County officials have estimated the economic impact of the festival to be $39 million, with the average Ford Arts, Beats & Eats visitor spending $94.30.
“Not only was it a boost for Royal Oak restaurants and businesses, it will continue to pay off in the future after some attendees rediscovered how great an entertainment destination Royal Oak is,” Patterson said.
Attendance was strong at 423,000, which organizers said was up from last year.
Jon Witz, event producer, said things went smoothly.
“The new venue was amazing; it attracted many new festivalgoers, and they really enjoyed the festival,” he said. “The area was really alive, and you could feel the excitement in the air. Royal Oak and Ford Arts, Beats & Eats were meant for each other.”
The cost of the festival to the city was covered by ABE parking revenues, officials said. The city is also reimbursing its Downtown Development Authority for its $100,000 contribution through event parking revenues.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101007/ENT05/10070441/1422/ENT05/Ford-Arts--Beats--Eats-raises-record-$351-213-for-charities#ixzz11iWq8iTS
October 9 & 10
Saturday & Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday & Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm
The annual, juried, fine art event boasts:
- a stress-free outdoor gallery brimming with 300 artists working in 19 artistic media
- festive outdoor gallery are wine cafés
- the interactive Capital One Creative Zone for children
- restaurants
- a performing arts stage with on-going multicultural musical and dance entertainment presented by The Houston Arts Alliance.
Visit this link to see if your favorite artist is participating.
The festival is showcased in front of City Hall and around Hermann Square on the streets of Walker, Bagby,and McKinney, as well as Sam Houston Park.
For more information about the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown, please contact the Art Colony Association.
*****************
Find more upcoming fine art fairs: www.ArtFairCalendar.com
This was our very first show in Minnesota, in the lovely riverside (St. Croix) community of Stillwater. The show was moved from the very underwater (flooded) river bank park to a nearby downtown parking lot. About 50 artists were in attendance, although it was promoted as 75-80. This juried show was a little heavy on dichroic glass jewelers, and light on potters, but otherwise had a good mix. We sell hand dyed & decorated silk scarves and clothing, and for a change there were several other fiber artists in the show.
The show and jury fees totaled $205. There were 4 modest cash prizes awarded. Free coffee and bagels were there both mornings for the artists. Setup & take down was a breeze. There was lovely live music featured both days. Several food trucks were there selling a wide assortment of good food, ranging from Scandinavian to Chinese, desserts to main dishes. Hours were 10-5. Saturday was cold and pretty windy, with a good number of people attending. Our sales were moderate. Sunday was warmer and sunnier, and was very busy from noon on. The Fall leaves, or "color", brought out lots of people. Our sales were very brisk. The show's modest size allowed people to go around the entire show several times to pick and choose what they want to purchase.
We'll probably be back next year.
How Do Your Jury Images Stack Up and What is the Purpose of the Booth Shot?
Mock Jury - Rock Financial Showplace, Novi, Michigan - October 17 - 9 am
As a benefit to participating in the Great Lakes Art Fair, Connie Mettler, publisher of ArtFairInsiders.com and ArtFairCalendar.com, will be doing a special presentation for the artists at 9am on Sunday morning October 17 entitled “The Digital Jury Process.”
Connie will speak about the digital jury process, hold a mock jury, view digital images of the participating artists, discuss how to improve your digital images for the jury process, and do a critique of booth images along with a discussion on why booth images are important to the jury process. This presentation is free to exhibiting artists.
This is a great opportunity to see how your work looks to the jury and also to see how other artists present their work.
Connie has been active in the art fair community for over 30 years as an artist's partner, an art event organizer, an art fair consultant and publisher of the nation's most popular art fair related websites, ArtFairInsiders.com (the "Facebook" for art fair artists) and ArtFairCalendar.com - the #1 Google rated site for "art fairs". She has curated many art fair juries and been friends with the nation's top art fair artists, observing their struggles and successes.
Not participating in the Great Lakes Art Fair and would like to attend the seminar? A limited number of seats will be available for $20. Planning on joining us? Click here: http://greatlakesartfair.com/sundayseminar.html
For all the traditional craftsman, this one's for you. This past weekend was the 67th Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit held in the quaint, historic village of Waterford, Virginia which is located about forty miles from Washington D.C. The whole village is steeped in tradition and is a National Historic Landmark. For three days they turn back time and present a "teaching fair" featuring eighteenth and nineteenth century crafts. The one hundred and fifty-five exhibitors are required to dress in colonial clothing and demonstrate their craft at least 50% of the time. Throughout the weekend, committee people walk the show and give awards to the best demonstrators. There was also a civil war encampment, musical entertainment, fabulous food, a country store and many more points of interest, all reflecting the colonial theme.
Admission was $17 (per day) at the gate or $15 (per day) in advance. The price of the ticket also included a tour of a select group of homes each. Jury fee was $20 and booth fee was $725 for a space in one of their (big) tents or $500 if you use your own. The first year I did the show, two years ago, I used my tent and I was placed sort of out of the loop. This year I paid the higher fee and I was in the heart of the show. Storage was limited to my 10 x 10 space.
Setup for this show was all day and into the evening on Thursday. They provide security in the tent overnight so you can stay and set up as long as you want. They actually have a guy stay in the tent all night to watch over everything. Because of a lot of rain and muddy conditions, driving up to the booth was prohibited and everything had to be carried/dollied. Parking was close by, maybe a five minute walk.
The weather during the show was nice and sunny with temperatures in the sixties. The estimated attendance was 30,000 and the crowds were good all three days. The only slow time was waiting for foot traffic to reach my area in the morning. Since the show encompasses the whole village, it is quite spread out. Friday was my best day for sales and the serious buyers showed up. Saturday and Sunday sales proved to be one third of what my Friday sales were. Other exhibitors in my area experienced the same thing. BTW, I sculpt folk art dolls and my price range is $75 to $175 with my average price being $135. I sold seventeen dolls and my sales were down about one third from what I did two years ago. So, I covered expenses, I made some money, but I was hoping for more.
Load out was much easier because you were allowed to drive up to your booth. My husband was packed up and ready to go in an hour. Even though there are no artist amenities, this is a wonderful show and once you are juried in, you feel like part of the Waterford family. It is an expensive show to do and when you add up booth fee, motel and gas, the expenses are over $1,000 before you even begin. Looking back, I realize that I needed lower price points and if I do it again, I will address that issue. Let me add that I was not able to be at the show this year due to a medical emergency. The Waterford Foundation was kind enough to allow my husband to fill in for me. I think he did a great job.
This was my first year at St. James and I only applied to 4th Street on the recommendation of a friend. I was pleased with everything - I won't repeat what other exhibitors said but disagree that Friday is a slow sales day. When I saw the crowds I was wondering "don't people work, don't the kids go to school?" and was told that the show is so popular that most of the schools are closed that Friday as are some businesses and it's a "take-the-day-off" event. I believe the real buyers come Friday (I had a very good day), and other "buyers" and I mean those who plan to add to their collections look things over on Friday and come back Saturday for another look and buy. I think this is truefor most of the few shows I do. I had more "be-backs" who came back than at any other show.
Sunday, I expected those who had missed Saturday because of the rain and because I had a "ribbon" (third place, best of show) to display. Wouldn't people be interested in seeing someone's work who won a prize? NO. Also were expecting two couples, I put in the "sure to be back" category.
I sold nothing n-o-t-h-i-n-g. Most people seemed more interested in where I was from (Morristown, NJ) than my work. Seems everyone once lived there, had family there, went to school, blah...blah and expected me to be fascinated by their "stories." It was disappointing, BORDERING ON AGGRAVATING. All the "Look at that booth, let's go in" was because they wanted to talk about NJ, most didn't glance at my work and a few said "oh, you won a ribbon, cool!"
But, that said, this was my best show in years even with no sales on Sunday. I actually sold more in the rain than earlier in the day. It's a long trip for us but we drive to Centennial in Nashville the weekend before so it's worth it for two shows.
One last remark - although, as an exhibitor, I didn't have time to meander around St. James Court as much as I would have liked to, I found the work to be mixed just as I did on fourth and third street. Some of it wonderful, some I see in every show I do. Actually, fourth street had some exciting artists - the second pace winner whose booth was next to me sold like crazy and he deserved it, very original, beautiful work. I didn't talk $$$ but I would guess he hit well over $10,000 (just a guess). Some of my favorite artists were on third street, one I purchased a piece of jewelry from (with my prize money) and the other I did a trade and I will love her work forever!
So, go figure....I was told I made a big mistake not applying to the "inner court" and I don't see any reason to be there other than perhaps it sounds more prestigious but prestige doesn't translate into sales.
Network from the privacy of your own studio
Does your working life include a little too much time alone?
Bring some new energy into your studio through social networking.
Maybe not every artist is an introvert, but at least half of us are.
The only problem with introversion is how easy it is to become disconnected from the flow of ideas going on out in the world. Trends can pass us right by.
The good news is that you don't even have to step outside your studio. Technology is a wonderful thing, so take advantage of it.
There are groups and communities geared toward artists all over the web. Join one (or several) and you'll discover a new way to keep in touch with trends, ideas, and opportunities.
As long as you don't have a webcam, you can stay up on all the latest news and make new friends without even brushing your hair.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
smARTist® Move of the week:
Find one online community this week that seems like it might be a good fit. Take the plunge by posting in a forum.
Until next time, wishing you continued creative flow,
Ariane
PS You know that social media has almost replaced traditional websites as the 'go to' place online.
If you want to get started, but haven't been sure what to do, check out this trio of smARTist® Telesummit presentations on How to Get Started On Your Social Media Strategies!
http://www.smartistclass.com/social-media/
Join the conversation --> http://www.smARTistCareerBlog.com/
Artists — Get Recognized, Exhibited, and PAID what you deserve!
Check out the smARTist® Telesummit — The best art career conference online or off!
Check out the smARTist® Telesummit — The best art career conference online or off!
Sorry. I don't have any pictures from the weekend. It was beautiful here in Dallas. Saturday temps were high in the low 80's, 50's at night and Sunday was 70's with lows in the 40's. Perfect weather.
240 artists. Set up in a lovely park with one middle lane for cars/vehicles at set-up and tear-down. Lanes for the booths are marked by famous artists, "Da Vinci, O'Keeffe, Wyeth etc." along the grassy park. You have a 15x15 space (plenty of room for extra in the back and between booths).
Set up was Thursday night for area artists. I was there by 5:40 and out by 7:00 (once it got dark). Had a great spot near the beginning of the lane. Came back early Friday morning to set up the art and was gone by 10:30 a.m. Very smooth set up and everyone acted civil.
A lovely artist dinner was given Friday night (good food: chicken, salad, rolls, potatoes) along with music and lots of wonderful company. Lots of artists talking with the City Council of Richardson.
O.k. Saturday was a busy, busy day for me. I got my first sale around 9:45 and didn't stop until after closing. I'm told Cottonwood can be like that with one day really, really great and the next day kinda slow. I was just happy to get sales and had one commission that day. Made around $1200 for the day (not including commission). May not be great for some of you but for me that was wonderful.
Sunday came and it was a slow day for me. My booth mate (a photographer) was also having a slow day but a textile lady across from me was selling left and right. One guy down my lane had a "0" show but the guy next to him (both painters) had the best show of 2010. I picked up three more commissions on Sunday so I was happy.
As far as the shoppers there were a lot of dog walkers, browsers but some very knowledgable buyers. Most of the "Be Backs" were actually back.
You couldn't have asked for nicer people to host the show. Richardson goes all out for the artists and the hospitality shows. One fellow had his tire blow right in front of me as we were pulling in to set up. Within minutes Seri Ayers (director) had 4 men out there helping this artist put on a new tire. He was really grateful. Many times during the show members of the staff were asking me if I needed a break and Seri came around to personally ask if I had a good show.
Not everyone was happy but I'm not sure we can blame the show for the hesitant buyers or the economy. We are seeing some of that even here in Texas. My dinner mates were from Atlanta and mentioned they had heard the Texas economy was soaring. I told them it's been very cautious (or that's how it's been for me anyway).
Tear down is a bit of a pill but if your patient and wait your turn like a good boy and girl you can be out of there by 8:00 p.m. (show's over at 6:00). Many artists leave to go eat dinner and let some of the others get out so they can have more room. Also, if your doing shows alone you can have plenty of help at tear down as the Boy Scouts come around to ask if you need any help and boy, do they earn their badges!
I will try for Cottonwood again. I didn't have any extra expenses as I live nearby and liked the way I was treated. It was a 2K show for me. Some around me did even better and like I said some had a "0" show. Seems like a big range at Cottonwood.
Sorry Nels. No Tequila Report. I don't drink but hope we can still be friends.
