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I overheard on a staff radio that there was trouble at the gate a patron did not want to "pay" the donation fee! It was then crossed off and made a admission fee, so what was it???and who was the beneficiary of the "donation" or "admission" monies?
Many sad, tired faces. Chris did ok there, really worked his mailing and won $100 ribbon. I barely made show fee.
Had a silk embroidery next to me, question, has anyone seen them actually demonstrate? A lot of organizing of thread but never saw any work done...I also read a lot on line about this ancient art form, with variations from country to country in the far east. It is a traditional female craft, I been at 2 shows this summer both had male exhibitors. I would rather have a mediocre artist next to me really doing the work than some craft you can buy on line...The public is already jaded on what they see, I am wary of many traditional and ethic crafts that are in juried art fairs.
Thanks. Pete
So we decided to apply to "Art in the Village" in Asheville, NC, because Andie Macdowell-actress and model...Loreal anyone????? Ground Hog Day anyone???(she's the beautiful, thin one!) said we would do well there- she bought a piece from us last summer in New York and thought Asheville would love us...and they did...and we love her! Show is held in Biltmore Village- Director John Kram knows how to pull the people in...never have seen a show so crowded at 9am...set up, a bit insane...no setup before 6:30 a.m.- ugh!!! people are there by 9a.m- it all works out, somehow. Saturday was packed to the gills- Sunday doesn't get started until the church bell rings- no selling allowed before. Alot of out- of- towners in town - as this is a destination city. We sold three large pieces and a few smaller ones. As for Andie, her house is on the market, has not sold yet- and she just e-mailed me this morning that she wants a large piece once she gets settled in her new home...wherever that may be ! We'll wait...and can't wait to be back in Asheville next summer!
Evergreen show had a good mix, but fewer exhibitors than last year. Sales good on Sunday, Saturday was very hot for Colorado. Average to poor sales.
Greeley. Kind of state fair kind of show with a good number of non professional "stuff". But, on Sat people were buying art at a good clip only to be cut off at the knees by Sunday's low to no sales. Very frustrating and if not a work-cation it would not have been worthwhile to have traveled that distance. Fortunately we were staying in our pop-up camper and preparing our own meals when we could.
Next show: Fall into Art in Edina, Mn. Sept11-12. This is a underrated show, so don't come and don't tell anyone else about it.
We hear a good deal about the national shows and I have written a few reviews this year, but there are a good many smaller local shows in our communities that have long successful histories. I would like to focus on a few from the Cleveland area. These are the mom-and-pop shows that have dedicated volunteers, who want nothing more than to bring good art to their communities. They have volunteered their time year after year for decades. I think of Jo-Ann Rettig-Rau, the chair of Medina's Arts in the Park. Jo-Ann, who at nearly 70 years young, has been chairing the Medina show for decades. Or Karen Cooper, chair of the Lakewood Arts Festival will step down from Chair this year after 20 years of service to her community. These local art festival organizers and hundreds like them are the unsung heroes in our business.
For the last four years I have spent the middle of July to August in the Cleveland, OH area, participating in a series of local shows. Some are one day shows that are scheduled back to back: Willoughbv ArtFest on Saturday and Medina Art in the Park on Sunday; Lakewood Art Fesitval on Saturday and Chardon Art Festival on Sunday while others like the Akron Art Expo are weekend affairs. To the artists who travel on this caravan, it's a marathon.
The Cleveland Shows are not usually high grossing shows for me, but with little expenses, it's all about the net and these shows are solid. At the Lakewood Show last year I grossed 3K... a 1 day event, not bad! I even saw a big smile on Nels face after he finished the Lakewood show last year. Usually the gross is in the 2K range for the one day shows and less for Akron. That said, several of the Cleveland Shows were down for me this year by 30-50%, the exceptions being Boston Mills and Chagrin Falls... these were up (reviews written earlier). Of course someone always does well at every show. I spoke to a photographer this year after the Medina show and she was very happy... grossing nearly 5K in one day. Booth fees at these shows are modest, $100 to $200 and jury fees are $10 to $25 so it is easy to recoup expenses.
What is consistently remarkable about these shows is how well supported they are by their communities. Pictured above is the Medina show this year. It is packed with patrons for most of the day and the same is true for Lakewood and Willoughby. (Akron is probably the weakest link in the series.) These are local folks, some are wealthy, but most are from the struggling middle class. They have to think hard about any purchase. I can not help but feel honored when they select any of my works.
Quality of the art? Well it's all over the place, something for everyone from amazing art to not-so-amazing. You kind of go into these shows knowing this. When you do a series of local shows with the same artist, you can't help but build friendships with many. They too do national shows and travel quite a bit, but elect to do some art shows in their community to support the local efforts there. I have been fortunate to develop such good friendships with some these amazing artists.
Well it's back on the road again in a few weeks. I hope to be seeing some of you. Cheers!
P.S. Linnea Lahlum (a.k.a. workaholic or is that chocoholic) sorry I didn't get a chance to stop by your booth at Lakewood.
We were up in Dayton, OH, for the one day Art on the Commons Sunday, Aug. 8. Show was from 11-5. Expected attendance 30,000 with 110 booths. It is fine arts and fine crafts, although I'd say far more fine art, and quality was good. It was held in a nice arts pavilion.
Summary:
Amenities - Booth fee was low at $160. They sent out a lot of information beforehand and when you checked in there was more info. Hospitality was the normal stuff. I had a great spot, off the pavement in the shade of a tree. People were packing in my tent to cool off. I'd love to have the space again!
Crowd - I'm big on the numbers...that's how I decide if a shows going to be worth it for me. Don't ask me why, my thinking is probably off. There definitely was not the expected 30K. My husband and I came up with maybe a little over 10K. The weather was great, but where were the people? Up until 4 pm, it was steady, but again, just not enough buyers.
Advertising - I saw no signs for the event outside of the entrance. I looked at one of the area entertainment guides and there was only a small blurb for it. I'm sure that most of their advertising was to the local arts patrons, but besides that I wasn't impressed.
Sales - I'm a photographer. Prices range from $2 notecards to $300 canvas, with a mix of prices in that range. My sales were horrible for the show. With my expenses (hotel, etc), we did not make expenses. I was next to a local clay artist and I didn't ask him about sales, but I know they were low for him. He was next to me a few weeks ago in Fort Wayne and his sales were low there too and I could tell he was in the same boat for this show. I talked to another painter and their sales were very low. I did see people leaving with items and some with even some big items but the numbers were so low for attendance, it wasn't a good mix of sales.
I'd like to hear if anyone else was there and how things went. Maybe I'm just having a hard time selling. My understanding is this show is a top 200 show. I think I'd be open to going back, but I'd love to know if the numbers they give for attendance are true or if this was just a bad year.
I, of course, have voiced my opinion. You can read about this and weigh in on it at:
http://www.freep.com/article/20100810/NEWS03/100810013/1322/Gun-advocates-take-aim-at-Arts-Beats-&-Eats
I urge you to take a stand.
The weather was a little bit of a problem on Sunday morning and the show had a slow start. But by noon, the sun was out, the buyers showed up and everything was good.
Question #29 Should I give away free samples and what are some samples I could give away?
First of all, I want to say this idea, of giving away free samples, will not work for everyone and every medium. There are craft artists who find it far more effective to capture names and email address for mailing newsletters and announcements. And I agree with this too. What I have learned though is people now are more conditioned to expect to get something for free, on sale, etc. when at a show and then shop. Some – not all – do remember the freebies people give away though...
Freebies can come in many forms. Here are a few suggestions:
1 Coupons – print out your own on either business card paper or note card paper mentioning that if the customers present this at a future show they will get XX% off their purchase at that show.
2 Magnets – check out online printing companies that offer magnet business cards and ask customers if they want a free magnet!
3 Pens – everyone can always use a pen, simply have your business name and website printed on them and you are set!
4 Trading cards – many photographers do this already, offering customers trading cards of simple or popular photographs unique to their own work with business information on it.
5 Candy/mints – People rarely refuse a free piece of candy – a tootise roll, a mint, nostalgic candy, etc. - and remember the gesture especially if you are the “lifesaver” who saved them from a coughing attack.
6 Recipes – If you sell dip containers or stoneware bakeware offer a free recipe with a photo of your work or of yourself making the pottery on the recipe card!
7 Stickers – I often see kids at shows, yet not enough stuff to entertain the kids. Make your own stickers – there are some VERY affordable sticker makers which you can create your own, marketing your work. Not only does it entertain kids, it gives parents time to shop.
8 Bookmarks – They are easy to make and can include anything from your logo, photographs of your work, and so on.
9 Make your own key chains – Use your scraps to make key chains – scrap pieces of leather, fabric, ribbon, cord with a bead or two, and have your name and website attached to it.
10. Jewelry cleaning kits. Those who make and sell jewelry can make up a simple jewelry cleaning kit and let buyers know they get one free with any purchase. Or offer a card stating “Free Lifetime Guarantee” and how to go about contacting you if a chain or clasp breaks and so on.
When I do shows I will either give away candy (especially around Halloween and Christmas) and other times coupons or a flower – if I have a lot in my garden. Everyone doesn't take the bait, but I often get repeat customers who do remember me, and while at that show recounts how nice I was to their friend and browse and shop. Sometimes their friend buys something! Needless to say $5.00 of mini candies or a couple of printed business cards with a coupon is very cheap and can be very effective when it comes to marketing – every little bit helps in getting the word out about your business.
If you are inspired to try giving away freebies, share your results here and comment away. Also, if you are strongly against this, feel free to share your opinions on that too and why you feel that way. All are welcome to comment and share your personal story about this post and past posts too. Have a great week – see you next time with more questions and answers to popular art fair issues. Michelle Sholund www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com.
It is always great when a news source delves into the topics, because likely as not they come away mighty impressed with the individuals creating the art. Not only do the news stories give some accurate background to the careers of artists, great to hear, but in the "comments" behind the stories you get a good look at what the general reader of the publication thinks about artists and art fairs.
Here's a thorough report from the Kimball Art Fair, taking place this weekend in Park City, Utah:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50070905-75/park-festival-arts-glass.html.csp?page=1
Historic Old Town -
Key West, Florida
Application Deadline - September 1, 2010
100 artist booths
The Key West Art Center, a non-profit community art center, sponsors the show that highlights 100 artist exhibitors. Locals and tourists alike flock to the Old Towne to see what's new each year and to see old favorites.
Cruise boats dock just blocks from the show and passengers are dropped onto the street a block from where the canopies line the beautiful tree lined streets. Running parallel one block from famous Duval Street and its famous bars and restaurants, is an added bonus.
In its 26th year now the show has grown and changed from the local funky street bazaar to a wonderfully eclectic mix of skilled and fine craft. Like Key West itself, this show has a wonderful mix of styles and traditions and the locals and tourists alike find their favorites. January's warm tropical breezes bring tourists of all kinds to our tiny island city and many of them plan their trip around the Key West Craft Show.
The 100 juried artists set up on Whitehead and Caroline
This show is run by artists for artists, and strives to bring all the right things together for everyone to have a great show. Advertising is done throughout the Keys and South Florida with support from the Florida Keys Tourist Development Grant and the Key West Art Center.
Please feel free to call for more information. We are Key West...... we are happy to answer all your questions and hope you come visit!
Lois Songer - Director
KWArtCtr@earthlink.net
305-294-1243
Am looking for any artist feedback on the mesa arizona show coming up this December. We got into Tempe and were looking to tie another show into it since our drive is 24 hrs. We have done Tucson in the past and are not doing it this year and then I saw this Mesa show on Zapp. D'line is next Friday, so any input by then would be greatly appreciated!
To my understanding, the show had been on the weekend after the 4th for a long time. Then the powers that be decided to have a festival "weekend", combining their music and art shows, in different parts of downtown. This required a change of date. They have changed the date several times since. The last time I did the show, 2 years ago, I took a picture of the sole customer on the street in the middle of a pretty Sunday afternoon. Disheartened, I put the show in the scrap column.
Then an artist friend convinced me to apply again and stay with them. It was the idea of a weekend with friends that convinced me and I'm glad it did. The show was much better than I expected. And we had a great time with our friends.
There is a good representation of 2D art, but the show leans heavily to fine craft. There is also a "renegade" show on a side street that has some good work along with B/S jewelry, tie dye and serapes. Oh, and dips.
The committee provides coffee and donuts on Friday and Saturday mornings (we're not sure why Sunday was dry) and a nice picnic on Friday night with grill type foods and salads, wine and beer. Live music. It's pleasant. No booth sitters or roving committee people checking up on things, but they were easy to find at the committee booth all weekend if you needed them.
My bottom line was affected a bit by my own faulty perception on what would sell. Almost all of my framed collage sold, my most expensive journals sold while the smaller ones languished. I expected the opposite.
They still share the weekend with a Jazz festival and some other events which I think is a mistake in a relatively small market. Why not spread things out for the folks?
It wasn't a blockbuster show for me, but I was encouraged enough to try again next year. My sales were not as great as that first year, but I was almost double what I did the last time I was there.
It's a Zapp show with a DL sometime in March.
I saw lots of people carrying bags with art in them. A good omen, eh?
Artful Vision's purchase with a purpose gallery is organized as a juried online art fair. It includes visual, decorative and functional art, as well as music and creative writing…but it’s so much more. It’s a unique way for artists to make a difference in communities across the U.S. by donating 20% of every sale to a community or national non-profit.
The people who support worthy causes, also buy gifts. Now when shoppers choose unique art and fine craft as gifts they also choose to support a participating non-profit. It’s a win-win for everyone, thanks to Maxine Gardner’s own “artful vision”.
Artful Vision - where art and community equal change for the greater good.
For more information visit: www.artfulvision.com
What if you knew you could make a difference just by changing WHERE you shopped? Artful Vision, organized as a juried online art fair, includes visual, decorative and functional art, as well as music and creative writing…but it’s much more than that. It’s a unique way to make a difference in communities across the U.S. because participating artists donate 20% of every sale to a community or national non-profit. 20% from every purchase by many individuals can be life changing!
Artists from the United States produce beautiful, useful items and help to fuel the financial needs of non-profits across the country. Shoppers can choose from practical and unique hand-wrought gifts and the non-profit group they wish to support. It’s a win-win for everyone, thanks to Maxine Gardner’s own artful vision.
“Artful Vision means purchasing with purpose,” said Maxine, modestly, “where art and community equal change for the greater good.”
For more information visit: www.artfulvision.com
Hi Connie
I came across your site accidentally, and found Sonny Dalton's name there.
We used to live in the DC area, and met Sonny at the Sugarloaf festival back in 2000. We found his work fascinating, and picked up a small locomotive (couldn't afford much at the time!) When we moved back to India a couple of years later, I called Sonny and ordered one of his pieces - the Harley Hog - because, as I told him, his work said "America" to me more than anything I wanted to take back with me. He mailed it to me without requiring or receiving an advance payment!
I was saddened to read on your site that he was hospitalized last year. (I'm almost afraid to ask... but could you let me know how he's doing? I'd just like to know. Both those pieces are on prominent display in my living room, and I'd just like to know...
Thanks
Suman Bolar
The FTB Blog
Today I received this further communication from her:
I am pleased and relieved to know that he is okay. Some people, they just make an impression that stays with you, even if they have only crossed paths with you briefly :)
I'd also like to share a little story of my own:
My dad was an automotive engineer, and our house was always full of metal bits and pieces that drove my mom crazy. He was very possessive of his big blue metal toolbox. It weighed (weighs) a ton! When he died five years ago (he was 64) my mom sold the house and moved to an apartment. The toolbox went underground. My 15 yr old found it recently while he was helping his grandmother with spring cleaning (yes, I know it's not spring, but this is India!). It was full of junk. Nothing of any use to 15 yr old. Spark plugs, auto parts, crank shafts, pistons, inlet valves, circular saw blades... you name it. My 11 year old asked if he could "mess around" with "grandpa's stuff", and I said, sure. A couple days later, he very shyly came and showed me a spaceship he had made, and said he was inspired by "the junk train" we own (Sonny's locomotive). He'd put together bits and pieces using soldering wire to hold them together. I intend to encourage him to pursue his interest for as long as he likes.
Like I said, some people make an impression...
We get many compliments for the two pieces we own, but to my mind, this is by far the nicest thing that has come of them - inspiring a kid to explore his own creativity.
and another one:
Subject: Sonny Dalton
"Thanks Connie-I tracked him down and actually spoke to him and Roxie both last nite, and then he called me today to tell me a joke. he is such a sweet heart. I was thrilled to hear he still has some of his musicians- i need to add a third to my collection- i need a key board player."
The show is well juried, well managed and I saw (for the first time this year) a good number of pieces walking down the street headed for a new home on the walls.The show has become a "destination" event where folks will plan their Summer trip to the mountains, and fill the streets both days.This is monsoon season in the hills, and you can plan to drop the sides more than a few times during the weekend. Saturday, the rain hit at three pm, this pretty much killed the day but they came back in droves on Sunday.
This year over 800 artists applied for about 185 spots, and there were no empty spaces.I can see this one becoming better and better over the next few years as the word gets out about the overall coolness of Crested Butte, the sales and quality of this well managed show.
Incidentals:
Now, we are there to sell, but it doesn't hurt to have a bit of fun.Took the camera down the street to the music corner.This chick rocked as good as she looked.The food court was all down home.Real bar b que smoke filled the air,local vendors peddeling fresh lamb and other goodies, there was plenty of veggie faire for the non carnivoires.There are no fast food places here, the support your local folks vibe permeates the entire weekend. We were set up with the local coffee house right behind (the entire weekend spent well caffeinated).There are dive bars,a real nice steakhouse, and all sorts of eclectic eateries and shops that give hope to the dream of the independent business person.Crested is pretty much off the grid, and the locals know how good they have it.Be ready to entertain some of the local characters, but aside from the Hells Angels passing thru on the Sturgis pilgrimige (50 was a distinct presence as well) it was a weekend you leave with a smile on your face, and a few bucks in your pocket.It's one I plan to keep on the schedule.
