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This is the kind of show that makes me proud to be a Texan. A wonderful volunteer organization (The Southlake Women's Club) rolls out the red carpet for the artists. Great hospitality, including lunch during set-up, continental breakfast, and snacks delivered to you booth. Also: great crowds of sophisticated patrons delivered to your booth. Most artists I spoke to reported strong sales.Thanks so much to each of you for the fine show reviews that you've been sharing. It has been a while since I have posted a show review, but now that the season has started, here goes...
This year I will start the season with back-to-back Art on the Squares: first in Williamsburg, VA and then to Belleville, IL. Here's my first installment: Art on the Square, Williamsburg, VA:
I've started my show season with this show for the last 5 seasons (I'm 2D Photography). This is a one day show where you need to set up and take down on the same day (so it's a race). I actually like one day shows and this one gets all the kinks out from a few months of hibernation.
There was a threat of weather this year. Predictions were all over the place from a major thunder storm coming at the end of the day and even a prediction of a destructive hail storm. Needless to say, several artists chose to bail on the show and there were several empty spaces. I elected to stayed (I just couldn't see the weather fuss on my iPhone that everyone was talking about). The weather was cloudy in the morning but by afternoon it cleared to a beautiful day and cool breezes (just perfect).
Art on the Square has about 175 artists. The community really supports this show in numbers and in purchases. I've always found the buying energy strong in Williamsburg for non-traditional (I know that's probably surprising). Each year for the last 5, sales have top the previous year. This year was another strong show for me. You should also note that the application deadline for Art on the Square in Williamsburg is mid-November. Too bad, Nels, this show happens at the end of April before you migrate north. ;)
Itasca, Illinois
Usher Park
100 artists
Deadline: April 30
The second annual juried Fine Arts and Wine Festival will take place in historic downtown Itasca in scenic Usher Park near the gateway to its newly created River Walk. September is Illinois Wine Month and Itasca is taking advantage of it. There will be music in the gazebo and the winding walkways of the park will combine wine tasting, fine art and a gallery of painted iron benches.
What to expect:
· $5000 in prize money
· Free parking, electricity and a hospitality area
· Volunteers for setup, takedown and boothsitting
· 10 x 10 booths offset so you may use up to 2' on eitherside of your booth for outside display; 3'
maximum of storage space behind tent.
What else? Benches on Parade
Some years ago Chicago's Cows on Parade (340 life-size cow statues on the city streets) set off a craze over the entire country. Streets in dozens of cities are now adorned with life-size or larger-than-life figures of people, animals or things.
Here is Itasca's plan:
Twenty-five, 6 ft iron benches with wooden slats, will be offered to the accepted artists interested in decorating one. The benches will be auctioned off on the weekend of the festival with 50% of auction price going to the painter of each bench, the other 50% to support the arts in Itasca.
Fine art, fine wine and live music make a great combination.
For more information visit: www.itasca.com/artfestival
or e-mail artfair@itasca.com or call 630/773-0835.
Apply today: www.zapplication.org
Looking for more art fairs for your 2010 season? Visit www.artfairinsiders.com/callforartists
The Cherokee Triangle Art fair is held every year the week befor the Kentucky Derby.
The location is a charming neighborhood off of Bardstown Road in Louisville, KY.
The committee does a good job of organizing the show. They are usually friendly & helpful.
For several years now the Derby Festival added a mini marathon the Sat. morning of the show.Needless to say it causes many headaches for artists & fairgoers.
Folks usually come out & it can be a decent little show, the first of the season for many artists.
This year with severe storms forcast for Sat. afternoon the show closed 2 hours early. Winds of 80 mph were forecast. They never materialized, but it did rain very hard. Sun. started out sunny then got cold & rainy. The buyers were few & far between. Many of us had our worst Cherokee show ever this year.
Usually the buyers still come to the show even in the rain, not so much this year.
Some suggestions:
1. CHANGE THE DATE! Why do we have to keep fighting the race traffic & parking problems?
2. Jury the show a bit better. While there are many fine artists in the show the quality has been going down for awhile now.
3. More advertising. This show can't rest on past reputation or become just a neighborhood show. The good artists will stop coming altogether.
The history: about 15 years ago Sugarloaf Mountain Craft Shows came to Novi, MI, in the heart of affluent Oakland County to host an art show. As you may remember these were the good times when everything in Michigan was golden. The culture of the Sugarloaf shows worked very well for some exhibitors in Michigan but in general the Michigan art show patron was used to a more fine art approach. As hard times hit the state the event lost its audience and the number of its exhibitors declined and the profits for Sugarloaf so they held their last event here in the fall of 2008.
At that point the owner of the Rock Financial Showplace (a vast new classy expo center), Blair Bowman decided to take the event "in house" and to produce the art fair as an event the center would own to keep it as part of their exhibition schedule. Experts at putting on events at this popular center they hired me to be their "art fair consultant" to help them turn the event into a true destination event that would host the top artists of the region and lure Michigan art fair lovers to the facility for a twice yearly event, held on good dates at the beginning and end of the outdoor art fair season, April and October.
Launching a new event in the midst of the great recession in the hardest hit state has been a challenge. Nonetheless excellent local artists have stepped forward to support the event, plus loyal Sugarloaf artists who wanted to continue to connect with their constituencies. Blair has put the full force of his staff and financial wherewithal into the support of the event and on April 23-25 the event had its third show.
Art fair patrons lining up for champagne in the gallery
I don't have all the details on the advertising, but here is what I know about this year's promotion:
- the new event manager, Kristina Jones, has an extensive background in advertising, direct mail and social marketing. She utilized this to produce mailing pieces that were distributed to the
"right" zip codes in the area. She also worked the Facebook, twitter, and "Mommy Blogger" community to find a new young audience.
- Blair and his family personally delivered over 4000 four color postcards to the mailboxes in the neighborhoods of "most wanted" customers.
- Friday opened with a "Ladies Night Out", sponsored by upscale restaurant Andiamo's
- thousands of free tickets were distributed throughout the community
- TV news crews were there every day and they talked with the artists
- there was an classic car auto auction in the adjacent hall and admission to that event included admission to the art fair, bringing a fresh new group to the art fair
Results:
- By Saturday noon the attendance had exceeded all three days of the fall show's figures
- The Andiamo's promotion included half off admission and a complimentary drink, coupons for Andiamo's restaurant - when the show opened at 3 pm on Friday the entire hallway was filled with people eager to enter the show
- Guests entered into the grand gallery - an exhibition of artists best pieces, there was live music and wait staff with champagne glasses to greet the Friday guests, 3000 glasses when they ran out
- customers who showed up at 10 am, the traditional opening time for the show, were greeted with free tickets and invited to come back at 3 pm -- a very nice touch for the show's most loyal customers
What else:
- every day there was a fashion show, on an elevate stage, where friends of Blair (his mother, his girl friend, his sister-in-law and other recruits) strutted the wearables of the exhibitors, every seat was full
- really nice entertainment in the center of the event AND the sound level was perfect! There are two ploys -- bring them in and then keep them there as long as possible, food and entertainment supplement the shopping
- to my surprise I saw young people pushing shopping carts around the show with water, pop and snacks for the artists (and here I thought I'd taught them everything and I'd forgotten about this idea - kudos, Kristina)
Artist reception was on Saturday night and our award winners were:
<1st place - Valerie Hector, jewelry
2nd place - Veronika Braslavsky, fiber
3rd place - Glenna Adkins, painting
Honorable Mention:
Darlin Nothnagel, ceramics
Chuck Wimmer, graphics
Jim Durow, wood
2nd place - Veronika Braslavsky, fiber
3rd place - Glenna Adkins, painting
Honorable Mention:
Darlin Nothnagel, ceramics
Chuck Wimmer, graphics
Jim Durow, wood
Does this mean everyone made lots of money? Well, you know better than that. There were lots of packages exiting the show and some very happy artists and some not as happy. Blair Bowman and the staff are putting all their energy (and their families too) into making this a successful event. We are very encouraged by the upswing in attendance and the obvious enthusiasm for the first time visitors and the pleasure of the regular attendees at the increased quality of the event.
The booth fee is fair for an indoor event, $400, which includes electricity and a 12 x 15 space.
Artists in the region need a reliable event in April and October. If you intend to be in this business for awhile we hope you will return in the fall or apply to be with us. We need to have good art fairs if we are going to continue to earn our living. If good artists do not apply the event will not succeed to keep you in business. This obviously well-intentioned staff "gets" what art fairs and artists are about. They listen and do not stint on the energy to make the Great Lakes Art Fair what they want it to be: a distinctive destination event.
Many thanks to all of you who were part of the show. I met many of you and that
P.S. On Sunday morning I held a seminar where we talked about Zapplication and looked at one another's zapp slides and discussed the importance of booth slides. I'll be repeating this in the fall and Blair has a room set aside where we'll be able to see them as the jury sees them instead of on the large screen we used. Was this seminar helpful to you?
P.P.S. Do you know any of these artists in these photos? I believe some of them were having a very good time in aisle 400.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Colorado, there are a fewthings that you should know. First, there are many things that folksin other states take for granted that are completely optional here,such as road maintenance, road markings, and snow plowing. This isdemonstrated by the fact that we had to 4-wheel it all the way offthe mountain through about 4 inches of snow on the road, we encountereda small rock slide on a state highway near our home, and the entiretrip up Hwy. 93 I couldn't tell what lane I was in thanks to a lightrain fall.
Second, the joke here is that if you don't like the weather here, justwait 5 minutes 'cause it will change. Unfortunately this resulted inme wearing snow boots in 65 degree weather all the way through teardown.
Third, Denverites make a lot of jokes about the Free Republic of Boulder. Depending on your point of view, this may be true.
So, after obsessing about the weather and a winter storm at my home 30 miles away from Boulder in the foothills, we found zero precipitation when we arrived at 5:15 AM. Because the regular festival manager wasn't there (home sick) and and a large number of vendor cancellations due to possible inclement weather (nearly half), there was a small amount of confusion at the outset. Once booth assignments were adjusted for the no-shows, folks went to work pretty quickly. Set-up began around 6:00, and the art/craft exhibitors had to be unloaded by 6:30 when the farmers arrived and took over 13th Street. Parking was a few blocks away in the RTD parking garage. My husband shuttled both of our vehicles over there while I began set up. Once unloaded, we had until 8:00 when the market opened to finish up. As for load in & set up, it was pretty easy. We could park at the curb and carry our things across the sidewalk and up a small hill. We were set up towards the Canyon Blvd. end of 13th Street facing the backs of the farmers' booths, which were set up down either side of 13th St. We were required to have either stakes of weights for our booths, but with the hill I was placed on it became clear that if we weighted the front the booth would collapse down the hill (even with shims), and we could only get one stake to hold thanks to about 6 inches of bark mulch underneath us. Fortunately there was nothing behind us so we took most of our weights out back and tied down to them. The down side of this was that we couldn't zip up the back wall of the canopy.
The first thing that I noticed after set-up was that my booth and display were way more complex than the others. EZ Ups? You bet. Plus there were backyard mosquito huts and shade awnings. Second, I was the only photographer. Third, I was the only non-crafter. Fourth, my price points were way too high.
I was in between an silver spoon wind chime booth and a scrapbook style greeting card booth. Once the crowd picked up around 11:00, I got plenty of traffic, lots of positive feedback and a few leads, but absolutely zero sales. The wind chime folks sold a couple of pieces, the soap lady down the way was really working on making her booth fee (not sure she made it), and the card ladies on my other side just made the booth fee off of $2.50 to $5.00 items. And this was after the sun came out and gave us a glorious warm and dry afternoon until the market closed at 2:00.
Tear down and load out was similar to load in: we had to wait for the farmers to clear the street and then shuttle our cars in from the parking garage.
All in all this was a good learning experience for me. I know that I need some lower priced items now. I also know that this was way too much work for my set up and will probably eschew the one day festivals from now on. The interaction with the good people of Boulder was fascinating. It truly does take all kinds. And my thanks go out to the lovely people at the Dushanbe Tea House who opened up their restrooms to the vendors and public with a smile, even though we were traipsing right through the middle of their restaurant.
So to sum up: if you are a local crafter with low to mid priced tactile items and a simple booth set up, you may do very well at this festival. Folks are not in the fine art or big purchase mode when visiting the market, even if you do take credit cards. And don't be afraid to show up if there's an iffy weather forecast - I went home in snow boots with a sunburn.
Another in the long list of Howard Allen events. Well advertised. Hige crowds. Lots of dogs of all sizes. Beachy atmosphere and casual feel but few people parting with their money. In my section, beachy sayings on wood sold well as did the inepensive jewelry. Did see some floral arrangements and garden art going by but very few bags were evident. No one really raved about their sales. Weather was warm with a nice breeze both days. Threat of rain vanished as the day went on Sunday. Sunday was cloudier than Saturday but in the low 80's none the less. Well managed show but I need a more upscale buyer than attended the show.
September 24-26
Kansas City, Missouri
On the beautiful and
historic Country Club Plaza
240 artists
Deadline: 5/1/10
Ranked in the Top Ten of Fine Art Events by the Art Fair Sourcebook
beautiful evenings on the Plaza in Kansas City
The Plaza Art Fair marks the beginning of autumn for all Kansas Citians, and attracts art enthusiasts from all over the nation. This annual celebration is located on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., recognized as the oldest shopping center in the country and a beloved destination in Kansas City.
The Plaza Art Fair exhibits have grown in quality and creativity over seven decades to become a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft event. The three-day celebration of the arts allows visitors to experience the personalities and diverse talents of world-class artists firsthand.
Beyond the colorful collections of art, this extraordinary event offers even more. With delicious food, magnificent music and interactive art experiences for all ages, there is something new around every corner.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
• 300,000 art enthusiasts attend
• $10,000 in cash awards
• Individual Artist Electricity
• Artist Breakfast, booth sitters, hospitality area
• Free Parking
Join us as the Plaza Art Fair tradition continues...
Applications available at: www.zapplication.org
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Director: Kara Lowe
Phone - 816.753.0100; Fax - 816.960.6215
For more info: www.countryclubplaza.com
E-mail: info@countryclubplaza.com
It is always a thrill to exhibit at the Plaza, the air of exclusivity that this fine shopping center exudes brings out the young and affluent to see and be seen AND collect art!
Far too often we take things personally and often too literally whencustomers ask us craft artists questions which seem ridiculous. Fora customer to ask a question it is a big deal and rarely do they meanwhat they say. Here are some common questions customers ask andwhat they really mean when they ask these questions so you can knowwhat to say next to land that sale.
Question 16 – What do customers mean when they say...?
“I can get the same thing at Wal-Mart”. In our minds voice we'resaying, “No you can't”. What a customer is really trying to sayis THEY think it is nothing special or your work is over priced. Thechallenge to the artist now is what incentive is there for thecustomer to buy your work? The action/come back you need to take is“Well, since you are here and not at Wal-Mart, allow me to show yousome features that shows my work is authentic and not mass producedin China...” If you aren't sure if they are hung up on price orhow original your work is, allow them to touch the piece while givingthem an interesting fact about your work and then show them a piecethat is similar yet not as expensive. Sometimes letting people knowyou can customize a piece just for them or that you have a lifetimeguarantee can help seal the deal.
“Did you make this?” Of course I did is not the best answerbecause what the customer is really saying is “wow, I am impressed– it is hard to imagine one person making such an exquisite pieceof art”. Now, think of it as a hook, line and sinker because theygave you a signal that he/she is interested in learning more aboutyour work. Feed the “good angel” with reasons to buy it bysaying, “Ah yes, I made this piece and all the rest in this boothin my home studio located right outside of Atlanta, GA. In fact Ijust finished that very piece you are looking at 2 weeks ago.Although I love the shade of blue , what are your thoughts about thecolors in that piece?” Coming down to their level following it upwith an open ended question shows them they are “in control” ofthe sale and you genuinely want to help them with any otherquestions. A sign of good customer service.
“I'll be back.” This phrase is one that has multiple meanings. It couldmean, “I am running low on time and have to meet someone” or “Ineed to quick see the other booths so I can leave on time”. Ifthis is the case, give them your business card and say “For theroad, in case you don't have enough time to see me today. Check outmy website, printed on the card to see where my next shows will be.”Most likely the people in a hurry will not be back, but it is stillbetter to not let them walk away empty handed to remember you nexttime they are looking for something you make. I'll be back couldthey need to hit an ATM or find their friend/spouse to get theiropinion on your work. Lastly, if a person's body language fallsunder the category of uninterested, the phrase could just simply be apolite way of excusing themselves from your booth.
“My husband/wife can make one”. I have heard this both at shows and incraft galleries. The best response to this is, “If your spouse islike mine, he/she will never get around to it? While you are here letme show you why this is worth every penny and you can walk away withit today.” At this point show them the kind of wood used or thehow the fabric won't fade (depending on the craft) and how durable itis. Once they see it is better to buy now, they will.
“Where do you get your materials?” Beware, a person who asks this couldbe fishing for ways to copy your work. My advice? Mention you getthem from multiple wholesale suppliers online or on your travels.You worked hard to find and establish a relationship with yoursuppliers, don't give that info away easily.
“I just love your work, its so pretty, good-bye” Gushers are funnypeople. They will gush over your work and how much they love it, butin the next second leave with no reason. The reason folks do this isto acknowledge they really like your work, but just don't see a needat that time, to buy. What you should do is while they gush, givethem reasons to buy. “I am so glad you like my work, you might notknow this, but ...” and state a fact about your work that you thinkwill appeal to the “good angel”. The more you show off how yourwork is functional or how the colors compliment their eyes orclothes, the more you can show them a reason to buy now.
I know there are a lot more things customers ask, but I am trying to keepthese blog posts short and “quick”. Do you have a question thatcustomers ask you and don't know how to answer them? Take advantageof the comment button and post away. More questions to come – staytuned! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com
own hands? It is always exciting to see groups of artists get together to make it happen for themselves. More and more artists are having open studio tours, starting indie events, taking part in pop-up galleries. Here's a new one in my neighborhood, in a rural area north of Fort Wayne, Indiana.Here's the story: Visit 5 area artists at their studios during a casual self-guided tour on Saturday, May 1 from 10am to 6pm.
found object jewelry by Lisa Vetter & Paul Seifert
"The idea for the tour started when artists Lisa Vetter & Kristy Jo Beber joked at an art fair last summer about having a "Trolley Tour" like event in our neck of the woods (Leo-Spencerville). With all the Amish out here, we envisioned having the Amish transport the attendees in their buggies, in place of the nice trollies & buses that Trolly Tour uses. The joke turned into a lunch meeting of brainstorming...and the Rural Studio Tour was born, sans the Amish drivers. Each studio will be open 10am-6pm on Saturday, May 1. It will be casual & self-guided...meaning people can visit as many studios & in any order as they wish & on their own time."
What is particularly interesting is that these artists (photographers, mixed media, potters, fiber) do live in a rural area and they are including stops at a buffalo ranch, a backroads greenhouse, a coffee roastery, as well as their studios. I mean, this is the sticks! Is that stopping them? I think this is going to be a very sweet event, hope it goes annual.
For even more info visit their Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/ArtStudioTour
What about you? Are you part of any grass roots art event?
Houston, Texas
presented by the Art Colony Association
300 Artists
Deadline: April 30
Fall in Houston, the weather cools and Houstonians come out to celebrate at the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown.
The Festival, set against the dramatic skyline of the nation's fourth largest city, was ranked:
• the #3 art festival in the country in AmericanStyle Magazine's
"TOP 10 Festivals"
• in February 2009, named "Best Gallery in Houston"
• in March of 2009 by readers of Click2Houston.com, named "Best
Festival in Houston"
• in the 2008 Houston Press as best festival in "Best of Houston"
magazine
• consistently ranked in Sunshine Artists Top 50
"It's rated one of the top shows in the country and the Texas economy is far stronger than the rest of the country. I'm giddy about the sales, I'm giddy about the attention and I'm giddy about the weather because I'm from Minnesota!" - Kimber Fiebiger, First Place, Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 2008, Minneapolis, MN
"I love coming to Houston - there's no doubt. I love the city. I love to come to Houston because Houstonians interact so well with the artist. They really appreciate the artists. They love art here in Houston and I love the Bayou City Art Festival!" - Stephen Potts, Best in Show, Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 2008, Palmetto, GA
• Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 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 # 1 city in the U.S. in which to live, work and play in July 2008
2009 Award winners:
• Michael Madzo - Best in Show - Mixed Media 2D
• Chris Bruno - Second Place - Mixed Media 2D
• Melle Finelli - Third Place - Jewelry
• Best Booth - Patrick Dragon - Clay
• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Ceramics Award - Marvin Blackmore - Clay
For more info: www.bayoucityartfestival.com or contact Kelly Kindred, Festival Coordinator, at
kelly@bayoucityartfestival.com
Wanted to share a little situation that has happen to me and boy it has just blown the wind out of my blond hair doo. Skip can validate via the show in Myrtle Beach.
My crabs are being copied and repainted in a classroom for profit studio!
I found a web site that has done a fantastic job of clipping YOUR artwork. They teach it in classes and they are located in Mt. Pleasant SC. The take on the studio is that you pay them $30-$40 dollars and you get a canvas, frame and a bottle of brewski or wine for a couple of hours. Great concept a buzz and a painting.
When I went through a search saw one of my crab paintings that I had not painted. I searched it to a studio not far from me in the Charleston area. These rats are using so many paintings from online artist to teach in classes. My crab painting had been painted over 150 times. After I contacted them last night they quickly fixed the web site. But hey Mrs. blonde HTML is snazzy. I have contacted over 7 artist to let them know about these money mongers and saved the web page on my hard drive. I Also purchased the other part of their domain name, which when done will go to the top of the search for their term. Blond, a computer geek and a painter. Look out baby this could get a little scary. I have been slinging paint and snot all morning, brewing a good batch of steaming mean girl face stew. My husband said I need to go and dig a hole in the field.
What do I do?
The owner of the original red crab painting that I painted and wanted to know if I was a "Student" Painter! This has sent me to a place. Imagine all my hair standing on end only fried, with my meany girl face. This is really a bad deal here. Watch out for your images you never know where they will turn up.
They place is called Bottles n Brushes. Do the search to see if your work is not being copied in the "Gallery" area were the students hold up the finished work they have just painted. The happy owner collects around $400-$500 every night and smiles all the way to the bank.
Happy hair day! (Ok I did let go of the mean girl face, but the hair is still on end!)
Heather
(Hope this wasn't to negative just wanted to warn the artist.)
You have the option of setting up Wednesday, Thursday, or early Friday for the three day show, which begins Friday at noon. Wednesday is far easier and one avoids the crowds, so for us the extra night at the motel was worth it.
One of our favorite places to eat is "Six Feet Under" located right across the street from a great cemetery where you can have a nice stroll while reading interesting tombstones.
We did have a small problem once we were all set up. After hours of hard work we were approached by the assistant director for the show who apologetically informed us we would have to move because the small distance in front of our tent was a safety problem and would possibly create a trip and fall hazard. Fortunately they provided several helpers and the job was done in two hours. As it turned out this was a show-saver for us. The spots near our original space had poor sales.
When we showed up on the first morning of the show, however, we found a huge diesel generator five feet behind our booth. As it turned out, it was fairly quiet and we could hardly smell the biodiesel exhaust. We had virtually no complaints from people visiting our tent.
We had a stray kitten (a resident of the park) adopt our booth for a shelter. It greeted us warmly when we opened up and a helpful staff member fell in love with the critter and brought us a sack of cat food which kept him close during the show. He was starving and very thirsty, so life in the park had probably been a bit on the rough side. Unfortunately, many of the artists were sharing in his experience during the weekend.
He got so much attention that we're quite certain he boosted our sales by at least a thousand bucks (we have lots of cat pictures). There were at least eight people who kept returning to our booth to visit our furball friend in hopes of adopting him when the show closed. Our neighbor, however, had first dibs and took him home to Washington State in their new cat carrier.
Traffic was light, as expected, on Friday. Few people were bowled over by their sales. A photographer not far from us did zero on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the traffic in our area was so heavy that the crowd went into zombie mode. Many artists along our street complained that the crowd just flowed by without entering their booths. We were fortunate to have the first corner and we did get good booth traffic. We did notice that most artists in our section chose to zip up as soon as the 7 PM closing option was available, although the show was open until 9.
We were happy with our sales, which were better than last year, although not as good as our first year at this show.
Teardown was OK if you were one of the first people ready to go. Shortly after the show closed, however, the traffic got a bit thick. It took Ann an hour to get our van to our booth. Even then we had to wait for couple of artists to finish loading their vehicles before we could get close enough to our booth for packing. We did not get out of the park until about ten and since the restaurants were closed we went back to the room and shared split the last half of a seafood Subway.
In another area the street was so narrow that two fifth wheelers, which were the first vehicles allowed in, blocked traffic while their owners leisurely loaded them up. Although it was seriously against the rules, several vehicles went up on the grass to get around them. The Piedmont Park officials are very protective of their turf and if they saw this happening the show may be permanently moved to the Lenox Square Mall location where it was located two years ago due to concerns about the effect the show may have had on the grass.
If you entered the South entrance at Piedmont you had to get past "Hate Boy" on the right and "Hell Boy" on the left. These guys were street preachers who made themselves hard to ignore.
Although some people did well, many artists were disappointed with the sales, especially considering the huge crowds.
As with many other shows, this one should come back nicely when the economy returns. We will do this show any time they let us in and we look forward to the times when sales will be back to what they were four years ago.
If you were an allergy sufferer, you might have had reason to notice that the pollen level in Atlanta made the national news and set records. Normally the pollen count is about 150; last weekend it was 5000, or so we heard. Rumors to the effect that aircraft were diverted around Atlanta due to the pollen hazard could not be confirmed.
The sponsors are a delight to work with. Well organized and helpful. Load-in and load-out are tricky. If one can arrive Thursday for set-up and wait until Monday to tear-down, it becomes easy. The show provides golf carts so that one can haul stuff to a nearby parking lot for loading Sunday night. We did this and were out in our usual time + 15 minutes.
There is a grand hotel (Marriott) at the show site, with rates for the artists. A very enjoyable preview party is held there on Friday night. Show hours are 10AM to 6PM Saturday and Sunday. There are terrific restaurants within walking distance, plus a lot of shopping (every chain known to man) and two movie theaters. Arriving early has its rewards.
As for sales: the usual, some terrific and some not so terrific. The $10 gate separated the lookers from the buyers. The actress Sharon Stone made a large sculpture purchase, I am told. She looked splendid.
June 19th & 20th
Evanston, Illinois
downtown Evanston
370 Exhibitors
Deadline: May 1st
The Custer's Last Stand is now accepting arts and crafts exhibitor and food vendor applications for its 38th Annual 2010 Festival of the Arts. The fair runs June 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.
Custer's Last Stand, or as the locals call it, the Custer Fair, features 370 nationally acclaimed artists, craftspeople and antique dealers. It serves up food from thirty restaurateurs, showcases entertainment on three different stages, and supports a local business sidewalk sale.
The Custer Fair attracts over 70,000 attendees. It has been called, "The North Shore social event of the year." This year features the second annual "Green Fair" section for not for profit groups and Green businesses. The Custer Fair has been voted the best art fair twice by North Shore Magazine and it is an inaugural inductee into the Illinois
Festival Hall of Fame.
The Chicago Sun-Times says, "This 38 year-old fest of chompin', stompin', and shoppin' isn't just any old street fair."
The Custer Fair is located in the Evanston Main Street Station Shopping District.
Evanston, Illinois
downtown Evanston
370 Exhibitors
Deadline: May 1st
The Custer's Last Stand is now accepting arts and crafts exhibitor and food vendor applications for its 38th Annual 2010 Festival of the Arts. The fair runs June 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.
Custer's Last Stand, or as the locals call it, the Custer Fair, features 370 nationally acclaimed artists, craftspeople and antique dealers. It serves up food from thirty restaurateurs, showcases entertainment on three different stages, and supports a local business sidewalk sale.
The Custer Fair attracts over 70,000 attendees. It has been called, "The North Shore social event of the year." This year features the second annual "Green Fair" section for not for profit groups and Green businesses. The Custer Fair has been voted the best art fair twice by North Shore Magazine and it is an inaugural inductee into the Illinois
Festival Hall of Fame. The Chicago Sun-Times says, "This 38 year-old fest of chompin', stompin', and shoppin' isn't just any old street fair."
The Custer Fair is located in the Evanston Main Street Station Shopping District.
- For an application call: 847-328-2204
- E-mail: applications@custerfair.com
- Write to: Custer's Last Stand, P.O. Box 6013, Evanston, IL. 60204-6013
- Or apply online: www.custerfair.com
Just finished this show yesterday at the Canterbury Park Raceway in MN, just outside the Twin Cities.
It's part of the Huffman Productions group of touring shows - 8 shows in 4 cities, spring & fall events in each city. I knew it was big and thought I'd give it a go and see what happened.
To sum up - the show is very craft oriented and there was a lot of well done work within this category. I am a jewelry metal smith and it was not my market.
If you do beading or crystals or anything along these lines and can keep your prices below $40-50 you could do well. People who sold teddy bears etc. did well - they made lovely bears and were able to charge more, tapping into the collector's market.
The show was well organized and publicized though much more signage on the roads was needed (I drove past it twice - missing the entrance not knowing where the Festival was within the raceway) and when they say you need lights, you really need lots of lights!
My booth neighbors - kid's handmade wooden puzzles; antler miscellany; folk art paintings, mostly reported that sales were VERY decreased from previous years. They said that the fall events are usually much more lucrative but given the sales drop this spring I don't know if that will be true for this fall.
They also said that attendance looked to be way down, saying that in previous years the aisles were packed. Well, we had the the bowling alley effect for a lot of the time!
I recommend getting the vendor list from this year, finding someone in your field and emailing them directly for more information if you're considering this show or the Huffman series.
Good luck! :-)
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Sat. 10 am - 8 pm
Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
150 artists
Deadline: April 18
Exciting News! The 25th annual CraftFair at Hathaway Brown is moving and improving!
The CraftFair at Hathaway Brown is now the Shaker Heights Arts and Music Festival! Ohio Designer Craftsmen, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving artists for over 45 years, has joined forces with the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Arts Council to create a vibrant new outdoor community event in the heart of this affluent suburb of Cleveland. The event combines Ohio Designer Craftsmen's craft fair with the 7 year-old Shaker Summer Solstice Music Festival and is endorsed by the city.
Location:
The CraftFair at Hathaway Brown is now the Shaker Heights Arts and Music Festival! Ohio Designer Craftsmen, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving artists for over 45 years, has joined forces with the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Arts Council to create a vibrant new outdoor community event in the heart of this affluent suburb of Cleveland. The event combines Ohio Designer Craftsmen's craft fair with the 7 year-old Shaker Summer Solstice Music Festival and is endorsed by the city.
Location:
- New location between the Van Aken Shopping Center and Shaker Heights Country Club, just one mile from Hathaway Brown School
- High-visibility paved surface in a busy shopping, dining and residential area with ample, free parking, ATMs, restaurants and a gourmet grocery.
Event Features:
- Free Admission
- Live music
- Variety of food and drink vendors
- Children's activities and entertainment
- Artist demonstrations
Artist Amenities:
- Reduced rates at nearby hotel
- Sunday Breakfast Party
- Complimentary beverage
- Proximity to shops and services
- Booth sitters
- Courteous, professional staff
- Show limited to 150 artists, selling to an elite clientele, including the loyal Hathaway Brown audience, the Shaker Arts Council's music festival audience, and hundreds of area shoppers.
This year only, the booth fee is just $299!
Apply today! Go to ohiocraft.org to apply online or to download a paper application. For further information or assistance, call 614.486.7119.
FYI - this reinvention of a popular Cleveland area event should be a winner - I love this new location and the pairing with the music and the partnership with the local Arts Council. A cool new opportunity for you.
Apply today! Go to ohiocraft.org to apply online or to download a paper application. For further information or assistance, call 614.486.7119.
FYI - this reinvention of a popular Cleveland area event should be a winner - I love this new location and the pairing with the music and the partnership with the local Arts Council. A cool new opportunity for you.
Alleged Fraud of Crafters at Summer Fest Craft Show Bay Valley Resort
April 10, 2010
April 10, 2010
Bay City, Michigan - I received an e-mail yesterday from a new crafter. Here is a copy of that e-mail.
George,
I am sending you this e-mail to inform you that the Summer Fest series of crafts shows in Bay City, Saginaw, and West Branch put on by Robert Edwards are a Scam. I arrived this weekend at the Bay Valley Resort to find out that Robert Edwards is no where to be found. Two ladies from Poor Man's promotions who where used as references were here to explain the situation to the crafters as they arrived, they were in no way involved with this, they were victims like the rest of us. The Bay Valley Resort was kind enough to comp our rooms for us.
This series of crafts shows is listed on your website under the updated section and should be removed. The State Police are involved in trying to help us retrieve our booth costs.
Best Regards
Jim Taylor
L.T. Crafts & Home Decor
231-286-9788
What George found out and his reply to Jim:
"Allegedly, Robert Edwards, representing himself as Summer Fest Craft Shows was taking applications and money for a craft show at the Bay Valley Resort near Bay City, Michigan. It was promoted as being held on April 10-11.
When the crafters arrived to set up yesterday, he was nowhere to be found.
He had told crafters that he was affiliated with Poor Man's Promotions. That was totally false. Marlene Tibbits and Karen Gaul had planned on doing the show yesterday, but were not associated with him in any other way. I've known Marlene and Karen for sixteen years. They are as reputable as they come.
When Karen and Marlene found out from the hotel that Robert Edwards was a no show, they met the crafters at the door to tell them the bad news.
As it stands right now, if you sent Robert Edwards a check to do this show, make a copy of the check and contact The Michigan State Police Fraud Division.
The contact name is Liz Hunt. Her phone number is (989) 684-2234. The fraud divsion takes calls between 9am and 11am.
Also, if you know Robert Edwards and happen to know his whereabouts, The Michigan State Police want to talk to him. You can contact them at the same number above to give her any leads on where he could be.
If you have any questions about what happened yesterday, you can call Marlene Tibbits at (989) 874-4774, Karen Gaul at (810) 639-5388 or Jim Taylor at (231) 286-9788. They will try to answer any questions you may have.
This isn't the best news to give you, but it is my responsibility to spread the word as soon as possible so you are aware of it."
George Walker
George Walker Publishing
----------------
Thanks to Deb LaPratt for sending me this information.
Here is what was happening. I had the settings on this site so anyone could add a blog post and no one would review it. It would be immediately viewable to everyone. That was just fine, we're all adults here and it was fun to discover what everyone had to say.
However, earlier this week spammers started hitting the site and did blog postings about drugs, aceteminophen, darvocet, etc., every day at least five or six blog postings -- then those blog postings would go out onto the AFI Facebook page, giving them double exposure, and also in the newslettters that were going out every morning with the synopsis of the previous day's activity on AFI -- triple exposure. People were cancelling their memberships, writing me lots of emails asking me to stop it, etc. After three days I put the hold on all the blog posts so I could catch them before they went out over the network and into everyone's email boxes, etc. They come in periodically throughout the day. I was out today and came home to find fifteen waiting in the list of blog postings!! What this means is that blog postings will not be immediately added to the site. Luckily, most of the time I am here. It is the best way I can think of to stop all this infection!
I have been to the site Help desk and basically this is what all the other site organizers on this network are doing.
Here are a few sample blog post - headlines -- the whole message was much more lengthy:
You have a new blog post "Buying Pills Smok-OX. Tablets Purchase Smok-OX" to approve on Art Fair Insiders
You have a new blog post "Generic Buying Acai. Buying Without Prescription Acai" to approve on Art Fair Insiders
You have a new blog post "Buy Floxin Free Delivery. Purchase Floxin Free Delivery" to approve on Art Fair Insider
You have a new blog post "Buying Methotrexate no Prescription. Cheapest Buying Methotrexate" to approve on Art Fair Insiders
You have a new blog post "Tablets Purchase Pravachol. Buy Without a Prescription Pravachol" to approve on Art Fair Insiders
