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Starting a new Journey

Posted by Terri Drake on January 7, 2010 at 11:38pm

Hard to believe that I will starting University on Monday! Seems like only yesterday that I was walking into an auditorium filled with people to not only receive my Associates Degree, but to watch as my son received his. No greater Mother's Day gift could I have asked for nor received. This time I am going for my Bachelor's. A few of the classes will be taken at the local Community College, while the rest will be online. The only time I will have to be "on campus" is to attend graduation, if I so desire.Work on my studio renovations are coming along nicely and, hopefully, by the time summer arrives, I'll be installing furniture, organizing and letting the creative juices out of their cage! Yesssssss!!!!!! I am trying to figure out a way that I can put up a web site that covers what I do, and presents it in its best light. Any ideas?Tomorrow I go to file my Business taxes for the very first time. This could prove to be very entertaining in that I have everything but the kitchen sink in my briefcase. I just KNOW I'm going to forget something. I never knew all the hoops one had to jump through just to try to promote the arts as a business or promote YOUR art as a business. I have lots of projects to do and people to contact regarding possible job relationships, but first I need a website in order to do some of the things that are wanted.I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chaunaka, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!! May the year of 2010 find each and every one of you enjoying all the very best that life has to offer.Namaste - Terri at the Drake's Nest where a Giant River Otter has been playing in my pond.

Call for Entries: Kansas City, Missouri

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 6, 2010 at 10:20pm

April 30, May 1 & 2 Kansas City, Missouri 190 Artists Deadline: January 11 SHOW HOURS April 30, Friday 5p.m.-9 p.m. May 1, Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 2, Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Brookside Art Annual, presented by Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, celebrates its 25th year in 2010. Located in an eclectic neighborhood in the center of Kansas City, just minutes from downtown, the Plaza and the southern suburbs. This is the first art show of the year for the region and draws over 70,000 people. The focus of the show is on ART! This community loves art shows and it consistently ranks in the top 25 shows according to the Art Fair Source Book. AFSB says, "This is a very pleasant, national caliber event attracting an affluent, enthusiastic and knowledgeable clientele."

The Brookside Art Annual is produced by the Brookside Business Association, a non-profit organization of merchants working to promote and improve the community in the heart of Kansas City. Dominated by quaint neighborhoods, the Brookside neighborhood becomes the center of the Midwest art community each May. The Brookside Art Annual is known for its festive atmosphere, hospitality, convenience, and has become a must-attend event for artists and art seekers alike. Artist Amenities: * An Art Show, not a Festival! * Awards * 24 Hour Security * Booth Sitters * Artist's Lounge * Saturday Night: Dinner with wine delivered to your booth * Sunday Continental Breakfast * Artist set-up starts on Thursday afternoon * Parking next to show!!! * Advertised to entire metropolitan area; i.e., radio, e blasts, television coverage, newspapers and direct mail * Volunteers that want to make your happy!

* Electricity included in booth fee Apply now: www.zapplication.org For more information: www.Brooksidekc.org, or contact Donna Potts at dpotts223@gmail.com or 913-362-9668 **************************** Looking for more art fairs for 2010? Visit ArtFairCalendar.com's call for entries page

Thoughts for the New Year from Deborah Colter

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 6, 2010 at 6:37pm

My thanks to artist Deborah Colter for giving me permission to share her art and thoughts for the New Year: The Rooms of Our Lives We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential. -Ellen Goodman

"Without a Doubt" 36" x 48" work on canvas As we come to the end of another year it seems only natural to reflect, to walk through the rooms of our lives looking things over. I always like to look back, to acknowledge events of the waning year and make mental notes of it all. In our house there has never been a desire for the crazy partying that seems to accompany this night. Instead, a nice dinner, a bottle of wine or champagne, my husband’s favorite home made clam dip and a fire. I have to admit, I have not seen the midnight hour on New Year’s Eve in quite sometime and that is really fine with me. 2009 has had its ups and downs- this decade has sure had its ups and downs! Making resolutions never worked well for me, it always felt very superficial and forced. I much prefer “not looking for flaws, but for potential”. I don’t expect to wake up in 2010 a different person than I am in 2009 - I can only continue to do the best I can “to rise above the little things”, and trust the journey… As I count my own blessings I want to thank you all for being a part of my world. May the new year bring us all Peace, Prosperity and Paintings! “One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.” - John Burroughs

#1 art fair in the country: Belleville, IL's, Art on the Square

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 6, 2010 at 5:00pm

It's official! Greg Lawler's Art Fair Sourcebook has once again chosen the small town show across the river from St. Louis as the #1 show i the nation. Greg does a terrific job of gathering data from artists all year long and, in my opinion, has the most accurate rankings out there. So, congratulations to director, Patty Gregory, her hardworking committee and the 600 volunteers who make this a fabulous place for artists! "Art Fair SourceBook ranks art shows around the nation based on artist-submitted sales figures. The Belleville show is at the top with $7,103 in sales per artist at last year's show, after booth fees and other costs taken off the top...The runner-up art shows for 2009 are the St. Louis Art Fair at No. 2 and the Long's Park Art and Craft Festival in Lancaster, Pa., at No. 3," says the local online news, BND.com. Last fall Patty did a presentation at the NAIA show director's conference on how she created the event. Lots of hard work, excellent community connections, leveraging all her friends to bring in sponsors and volunteers, transforms the show into an artist's dream. Learn more about the fair at BND.com. Don't neglect reading the comments below the article also, always an interesting cross-section of supporters and curmudgeons. What's your take on this? Been to Belleville? What are your top shows?

international art fairs

Posted by Cindy Fallsen on January 5, 2010 at 8:00pm

What do you guys know about European art fairs? We are thinking about a trip in the spring. We have priced out hotels, airfare, lodging, International Health Insurance (we hear that it is a good idea, even if you have Health Insurance). What other details would you guys consider before making a trip? Are there any regulations for bringing purchases back into the country? Any tips or advice welcome.

Late December letter to fellow artists in Wisconsin regarding 2010 spring shows

Posted by David Hipwell on January 2, 2010 at 10:00pm

Barb: Happy New Year....Lots of things to say regarding the 2010 season.I did enter Plymouth, also Homestead, Illinois and Naperville, Illinois....you told me about Plymouth, Wisconsin in early June and am hoping for a $300 to $400 gross being that it is a second year show...Thanks for the heads up on that show, Barb...I read good things about the Naperville show run by the Women's Club on the artfairinsiders.com website that Bill Lang gave me. Homestead, I found in the Illinois directory. Only $120 entry fee, and 100 booths and good demographics according to wikipedia and to my friend, Terese who runs the Suitable for Framing gallery on Green Ave in Allouez. The only bad thing is that they have moved the show to a different venue in Flossmoor. Terese says that doesnt matter.I plan to do the Iola Wisconsin Winter Festival on Feb 6.....only $25 and a short drive.....if they have half of the 1000 to 1500 people attending.....I should be able to sell at least 5 or 6 prints.....lol....but you never know.I have entered the Whitnall Park H.S. in the Milwaukee area on Mar 13.....hard to say how I will do.....a spring show....which are less productive than summer and fall shows, moneywise.I am trying to find out if Diane Van Dreel, promoter, is having one day spring shows at East Towne Mall....she has not called me back ....so I assume she has no details yet. Know anything about this, Linda?I also may do a March show at Pine Tree Mall in Marinette, Wisconsin.... they have arts and craft shows....talked to Mare Hare, mall manager, and I am on the Mailing list. She told me they have an April show too...but I will be driving to New Orleans with Suzy in the middle of that month on vacation.....the cost for this two day show is low....only $55 last year.....but I do admit that attendance is low....still it is cheap and it is a spring show....so low attendance is understandable.I plan on doing Bayport High School in Howard, Wisconsin near Green Bayon March 3 (I found out later that the actual date is March 27 and will not go becasue it conflicts with the Oshkosh, "Wisconsin Althusa show).....I talked to the husband of the lady who is responsible...I expect an application in the next couple of weeks or will call again.March 27 and 28 I am doing the Oshkosh Althusa fine art show.....at a nice venue.....Hilton Garden Inn......they bring in lots of flowers and have free snacks and sandwiches for artists....I made $500 plus the last two years on a $90 entry fee....people vote on your art.... it does draw people....and that makes it OK!Finally at the end of April.....April 24 and 25.....I hope to do the 43 rd -annual arts and craft show the Unitarian Church in Deerfield, Illinois. They charge quite a bit....but my friends Jenny and Paul say they have done well there.....Ok that is my plan til the end of April, back to the easel.If you want more details, email meSee you soon, my friendsDave

Early December Letter to my fellow artists in Wisconsin regarding 2010 shows.

Posted by David Hipwell on January 2, 2010 at 9:54pm

My dear friends:I did the Whitnall Park school show in Hales Corner, Wisconsin on Dec 5, 2009 and it was sucessful.....sort of like Southwest High School show near Green Bay, Wisconsin in attendance, money, etc.....my "confidential" number was $516. Call Terri at 414 281 4438.It is run by the Whitnall Park Rotary and is on the web.I also have discovered that there is show at Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School near Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Dec 6, 2010.....I dont know how good it is......heresay says it is good....phone is 262 542 71012010 Plan next year is to try and do these two shows and drop East Towne Mall in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Whitnall Park also has spring show on March 13,1010 which I may do.I did not get juried into Arti gras in Green Bay, Wisconsin......at sometimes they have a jurist from UWGB.....these professor types tend to be more interested in the technical merits of art instead of the emotional end of it...very elitist also.....I have saved some more artsy slides for entering Artstreet in Green Bay, Wisconsin this summer. I refused to spend a bunch of bucks getting a great set of slides for Arti Gras. Barb did you get in?Instead, I plan on doing a the Iola Wisconsin Winter Carnival Craft show ....only $25 and close.....it is Feb 6,2010....Call Traci at 715 445 5505. Hurry if intested, Deadline is Dec15, 2009.Finally .....researching the Wine Festival (wine tasting) Craft show in Jefferson, Wisconsin on March 6, 2010.....Got 10 current vendors and am call them to find out if it is worth it. If interesed, call Edna at 715 723 3304.There is more stuff.....but want to check on it before telling you about it all.....Merry Christmas.....it was really a great season in 2009.Dave

2010 Starts Out With a Bang

Posted by geri a. wegner on January 2, 2010 at 5:56pm

Suffering from art festival withdrawal, I was able to feed my habit by going to the Las Olas Art Festival, a Howard Alan show in Ft. Lauderdale.We got there a little later than usual (10:20!!!!!) and I was amazed at the size of the crowd. It was in the low 60's but the sun was out and the sky couldn't have been bluer. When it is too cold for the beach, apparently everyone decides to go to art festivals.HA shows are a mixed bag of quality. This one was a case of a rising tide lifting all boats. Even the "not so good" looked better. There were a lot of artists that I have never seen before, a lot of favorites that I have and quite a few that are at all of HA's shows. This was a top 5 HA show.Price points were all over the place, including in some booths where everyone could walk happily away with a something.I did see people carrying bags so I wasn't the only one buying. I hope this is a harbinger of things to come in Florida for 2010.(we brought our new dog to the show, ironic since all I did was complain about dogs at shows last year, and she had a great time. It helps to bring a spouse to handle the dog so your looking and buying is not impeded by your four-legged friend. )

Hopes for 2010

Posted by Terri Drake on December 31, 2009 at 3:33pm

In 2009, I opened the Drake's Nest Studio, LLC in Ossineke, MI., a fiber art/photography studio. It is strictly by appointment and is a way for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc., to "Make a Memory with" their child's art. I'm hoping that 2010 will find me doing more work in these areas and that my studio's renovations will be complete by that time.2010 will find me starting the year heading back to school for my Bachelor's Degree. 2009 found me working the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival as a photographer as well as having my pictures of the 2009 Alpena Rodeo Kicker held at the Northern Lights Arena being put on their web site. I had pictures from the Lighthouse Festival published in the Alpena News as well as the Lighthouse Digest Magazine. Both of these events were a very humbling experience for me, as well as a wonderful learning experience. I am thankful for the people I met and the new friends I made.I hope 2010 will find me making my niche in the art world as a fiber artist and photographer. To all the wonderful artisans out there, Happy New Year and may 2010 find each and everyone of you enjoying all the very best life has to offer and doing that which brings you peace, love and happiness.Namaste - Terri at the Drake's Nest in snowy Ossineke, MI

Video of How Art Can Save the Mall!

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 30, 2009 at 11:06am

Earlier in the month we had some stories on this site about using empty stores to sell art for the holidays (and beyond, I hope). My friend, Donna Beaubien, opened one of these venues in Rochester, MI, at the Village Shopping Center, a "life style" mall. Here is a video of the gallery. I thought you'd enjoy seeing what a good job she did. View it on YouTube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77vFjsLWjZM

Call for Entries: Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 30, 2009 at 10:49am

July 8-11, 2010 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts State College, Pennsylvania 44th Annual Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition 300 Exhibitors Deadline: January 29, 2010 Applications available online: www.zapplication.org Why should you apply to this festival? Here is what its director, Rick Bryant, has to say: --It is always ranked in the Top Ten in the Sunshine Artist magazine rankings --We bring roughly 125,000 people to State College over five days in July (the first day of our Festival is Children's Day, and our artists set up at the end of the day, so that they are there four days) --Show is in its 44th year and is on Penn State campus and the streets of the Borough of State College. Actually, we were founded by the State College chamber of commerce and Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture as a "town/gown" event -- Penn State alumni return for "Arts Festival Alumni Weekend," a time to renew old college ties, attend special programs, and, of course, the arts festival --We hand out over $17,000 in prizes --We also receive lots of support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-not only the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, but also the Pennsylvania Tourism Office --Our festival features the outdoor show, an indoor gallery exhibition, a celebration of Italian Street Painting, performing arts on three indoor stages and four outdoor stages --The Festival will be the cover story in the summer of 2010 issue of Pursuits magazine, the official magazine of the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, with a circulation of 400,000 Where is State College, PA? Visit this link. Our take on it:

If you are sincere about your career at the art fairs, this is an event that you should seriously consider for your participation. The best reason is that your work will be seen by a clientele who comes from across the country for this annual reunion at their alma mater. The exposure to a new audience could lead not only to success here but it will broaden your art fair experience. Lots of Easterners attend, a great cultural mix. For more information about the Central Pennsylvania Festival of Arts visit their website and apply now! **************** Find more art fairs for your 2010 art fair season: www.ArtFairCalendar.com/callforentries

Love and Laughs for the Holiday Season!

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 28, 2009 at 11:30am

Your Holiday Present - a bunch of laughs!

Take a look at this video, a bunch of funny clips all rolled into one. Then would you please tell me why I am sitting here laughing out loud? Is there something wrong with me? www.UTube.com/funnyclips

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Columbus Festival -- And the Winner Is...

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 23, 2009 at 10:17am

Maureen Riley!! -- Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Leah Alters!! -- Columbus Arts Festival After a lengthy vetting/application process at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (see this blog post with more details) the former Director of the Detroit Festival of the Arts, Maureen Riley, will be named to the position of Executive Director at the prestigious art fair, effective January 1, 2010. Maureen, a Detroit area resident will be moving to Ann Arbor soon, told me, "I’m extremely excited about joining the team that puts on this prestigious art fair and I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the Ann Arbor community." We are all sending you the best wishes, Mo, in this new position. I am confident you are the one for the job. Congratulations to the Street Fair Board on a good choice. Leah Alters, executive director of Wausau Area Events and Main Street Wausau, will leave her position Jan. 1 for a new job in Ohio, replacing long time director Katie (Lucas) Laux who left to pursue new opportunities with a Columbus non-profit. The Columbus Arts Festival hosts about 230 nationally acclaimed artists and features gourmet food, live concerts and hands-on art activities, according to its Web site. The festival will run from June 4 to June 6 in 2010. A veteran of the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis where she was artist coordinator, in recent years has worked on the Wausau Balloon Rally & Glow, and helped develop other events in Wausau. Read more details here. Welcome to Columbus, Leah! We wish you a great first year at the festival. Other changes: The fabulous Erin Woody, who managed and developed events for the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI, (including the Great Lakes Art Fair) is starting a new position in St. Louis, MO, the first of the year where she will be Field Marketing Manager for Red Bull. Congratulations, Erin. We will miss you in Michigan but know this is an opportunity you cannot turn down. Best wishes. Which, in turn, means that Erin's position is open in Novi. Interested? Contact Anne Sloney at the Rock Financial Showplace for more information, asloney@rockfinancialshowplace.com, 248-348-5600 x 210. In Omaha, NE, the very capable and popular Carly Barth is stepping down from her position as art director of the Summer Arts Festival to spend time with her son. The art fair community welcomes Elizabeth Balasz into Carly's position.

Call for Entries: 13 Amdur Productions Events in Chicago

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 23, 2009 at 7:00am

Listed below are thirteen Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions. Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 27 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Festival appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, IL.

Taking her cue from this success Amy has gone on to create new events in affluent areas of the metro area. Her hard work coupled with a strong marketing outreach have allowed many Chicago area artists the possibility of commuting to their art fairs. The rest of us have, of course, joined the Chicagoans and headed to Chicago to meet this good marketplace. Take a look at these thirteen events to fill your art fair schedule and your pocketbook! Amy and her staff Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the events, then, "think Chicago!" CALL FOR ENTRIES: CHICAGO'S AMDUR PRODUCTIONS May 29 & 30 Barrington - New Festival! Barrington Art Festival 10 am to 5 pm 140 artists Barrington, known for its wealth, mansions and horse farms is the setting for our newest festival which is situated 36 miles northwest of Chicago. Barrington has a population of about 40,000 and an average household income of $125,000, with ¼ of the population earning $200,000+. This art fair kicks off the Chicago art festival season. Amy says: Wealthy, art-loving area & great local support! Nice downtown layout. Memorial Day Weekend (still have your Monday off). Average temperature 70. June 4-6 Chicago Eastside Millennium Art Festival downtown at Michigan Ave., on Lake Street Fri. noon-5, Sat. & Sun. 10-5 150 artists The Eastside Millennium Art Festival is a downtown Chicago show located at Michigan Avenue on Lake Street, just north of the world famous Millennium Park and Chicago's Art Institute. 175,000 people pass through this office and residential area daily. Chicagoans and tourists patronize and love this show. The show opens Friday. $25 City permit is required. 2nd year of this event, previously known as New East Side Artworks. Amy says: Located just north of Millennium Park in a very busy area. Chicagoans and tourists love this show. Average temperature 71. June 12 & 13 Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Art Festival Village Green 10 am-5 pm 150 artists The Lincolnshire Art Festival is situated around a tranquil fountain in an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago with plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area. Booths are on grass and pavement. Visitors are from the north and western suburbs. Artists' parking is free and close. The festival features all types of fine art and fine craft. 13th annual event in same location. Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well. Average temperature 71. June 19 & 20 Wheaton Cantigny Art Festival Father's Day weekend 10 am - 5 pm 130 artists The Cantigny Art Festival is held Father's Day Weekend at Cantigny Park, one of the most beautiful settings in the greater Chicago area. The festival offers extra spacious booths and is a lovely, safe, friendly location. Booths are on grass and pavement under a light canopy of honey locust trees. The striking Visitor's Center provides comfort and convenience to all. 9th annual event in same location. Amy says: Beautiful setting, very low stress. Middle price points do best. Artists' breakfast included. Average temperature 72. June 26-27 Arlington Heights Promenade of Art 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Arlington Heights is in an affluent community of 77,000 people. The festival is held on the downtown streets amid new and upscale residential buildings, the Metropolis Arts Centre, quaint stores and popular restaurants. An artist reports that she had a $150,000 commission come out of this show. This fair is easy, safe and fun! 8th annual event in same location. Amy says: A great show for experienced as well as new artists. Nice easy compact festival layout. Traditional themes do well. Average temperature 73. July 10 & 11 Glencoe Glencoe Festival of the Masters In cooperation with the Village of Glencoe and the Chamber of Commerce 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists The Glencoe Festival of the Masters takes place in the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced community of Glencoe near Lake Michigan in Chicago's famous North Shore area. Held in the downtown among boutiques and cafés, parking is close and free. The crowd is wealthy, educated and loves art. Fine art and fine craft are featured. 3rd annual event in same location. Amy says: H eld in a wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million. All art does well here. Average temperature 75. July 17 & 18 Buffalo Grove Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Festival Buffalo Grove Town Center 10 am to 5 pm 160 artists The Festival is northwest of Chicago and is home to some of the most successful and reputable business organizations in the Midwest. Buffalo Grove boasts a population of 44,000 people and is home to a large Jewish community. Plenty of close parking and great sales. A huge community volunteer corps provides booth-sitting and artists' assistance with a smile. Village permit required. 9th annual event. Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright art doing well, crowd loves jewelry and wearables. Average temperature 76. July 24 & 25 Skokie North Shore Festival of Art Old Orchard - New & better location! 10 am to 5 pm 140 artists The North Shore Festival of Art is located at Westfield Old Orchard in the Village of Skokie. This festival has a long and rich history. It is our third year producing this festival for the discriminating art lover of Chicago's North Shore including a large Jewish community. A great layout, high visibility location and day before set-up make this show a pleasure to do. 3rd annual event. Amy says: In a highly visible location at this popular outdoor mall. Judaic art, paintings, jewelry and photography did well last year. July 30, 31 & August 1 Chicago Gold Coast Art Fair A Chicago tradition for over 50 years Along LaSalle St., at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior Friday noon to 5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5 350 artists The three day Gold Coast Art Fair returns to one of the biggest and most vibrant cities in the United States, Chicago. Considered to be the "grand daddy" of art festivals this event draws artists and visitors from around the world. Thousands of people attend this show daily. Many artists' report record sales here. Most event streets are closed to traffic. City permit required. 53rd annual event. Amy says: Big show, best for experienced artists. All art, all prices. Most streets closed to vehicles. Average temperature 76. August 7 & 8 Glenview Art at the Glen The Glen Town Center Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm 195 artists The Art at the Glen is held in Glenview, Illinois, north of Chicago in a beautiful, dynamic area designed for strolling, browsing, shopping and dining. Festival streets are filled from open until close with thousands of art buyers. Festival sales rank among the top of the season for many artists at this high quality show. 7th annual event in same location. Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds. All art, all prices do well. Average temperature 75. August 28 & 29 Highland Park Port Clinton Art Festival Along Central Avenue 10 am to 6 pm 260 artists The Port Clinton Art Festival is a high-selling show located in downtown Highland Park, an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago. Those who attend are art savvy and have high disposable income. Only originals are allowed to be displayed in artist's booths. Artist's amenities include artist breakfast and booth sitters. City permit required. 27th annual event in same location. Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists. Average temperature 72. September 11 and 12 - JUST ADDED! Downers Grove 34th Annual Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival 10 am to 5 pm 130 artists The Downtown Downer's Grove Art Festival is held on the lovely main street of this suburban community. Downer's Grove has a population of 50,000, a median age of 39, a downtown filled with restaurants, stores, coffee houses, luxury apartments, and a state of the art parking facility for about 800 cars. An annual cherished community tradition for the past 34 years, the festival now comes under the direction of Amdur Productions. Historically a one day show, the festival will now span a two day weekend with optional set up for artists on Friday night. 34th annual event in same location. Amy says: This festival has a great following. We predict big crowds and great sales. Average temperature 68. September 25-26 - New Earlier Date! Highwood Highwood Last Call Art Fair On closed streets in the downtown 10 am to 5 pm 130 artists The Highwood Last Call Art Fair features great art at great prices. The show gives the public the chance to buy end of the season original art, left over inventory, slightly damaged, bruised and odd pieces at discounted prices. Artists decide how much to discount their work and can use festival stickers to mark work at 10% to 50% off. 2nd annual event in same location. Amy says: End of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome. Average temperature 63. What to do Next! Learn more and apply at www.amdurproductions.com If you have any questions on the jury process, our festivals, or related topics, please contact the office at 847-926-4300 or email info@amdurproductions.com. Lennette, Steve, Alana and Amy are ready to take your calls Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm central time.

Updates on Arts, Beats & Eats

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 23, 2009 at 6:30am

Last week I traveled to Royal Oak, MI, to meet with Jon Witz, producer of Arts, Beats & Eats, and the operations people for the event. I do believe we have here the "second coming".

In 1998 Witz produced the first Arts, Beats & Eats with the support of the Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, perhaps the most important politician in Michigan. Patterson found Witz great partners like Chrysler and K Mart and Jon was off and running with his characteristic moxie, vision, energy and ability to put people together to make things happen. The first event was a Wow! My husband and I got pulled in from the very beginning. I was on the advisory board. We have participated in a fair number of first time events over the years, including: 1st Arti Gras, 1st Fine Art in Birmingham, 1st Greektown, 1st Laumeier, 1st Cherry Creek! All of these started slowly but with decent sales. But in 1998 in Pontiac at a first time show we sold into the five figures! Cherry Creek didn't even do that for us. The people came in the tens of thousands, they loved the event, they bought art, enjoyed the music, the galleries

and the atypical art fair food from the area's finest restaurants. Witz put together a coalition of media sponsors including radio, television and all the local print media to inundate the area with news about the event. Yes, you've heard a lot about this event. As hard times in Michigan have mounted the event has not kept its perfect audience. But, I am here to tell you today that Arts, Beats & Eats is back! The City of Royal Oak is welcoming it with open arms! Everyone there is working together to make the event an exciting and successful time for all. Royal Oak is a section of metro Detroit seemingly untouched by the economic problems found elsewhere. When I was there last week I saw street after street of very nice single family neighborhoods, with cool shopping streets full of one of a kind goods and restaurants that cater to all kinds of eating. It is a jewel of a place! It is like the neighborhoods around the Plaza in Kansas City and Cherry Creek in Denver or Uptown in Minneapolis. So...while you are thinking about your 2010 schedule, put this one back on your list for Labor Day weekend, September 3-6. Arts, Beats & Eats is back with a vengeance! It will be cool, it will be in the right neighborhood, it will be full of excited Detroiters ready for a celebration -- and you remember that Michigan audience that loves art fairs? They'll be there too.

Managing Stress at the Holidays

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 23, 2009 at 6:00am

So here it is 4:45 am, days before Christmas. I thought I was taking this week off to take care of and enjoy the

holidays, but instead I am lying in bed thinking about all the things yet to do. You probably know what I am talking about. Luckily I have this article from Charlene Davis, from the Artisans Monthly, with tips on managing. "Statistics overwhelmingly indicate that stress is the root cause of many health-related issues including heart disease, cancer, obesity, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes. And with increasing demands on both your personal and professional life, learning how to effectively manage stress is more important than ever - especially with the holidays right around the corner!" I am even quoted in the story, with my favorite tips. Now, I just have to find the time to read it! Most of my shopping is done but the gifts still need to be wrapped and sent to the lovely ones in Tennessee, Kentucky and California. Is it really true, better late than never? Get a cup of tea, sit down, a little seasonal music and read: Managing Stress at the Holidays. There, my little gift to you. Next?

Time to Quit Your Day Job? Etsy may be the answer

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 22, 2009 at 6:15pm

Thanks to Duke Klassen at the NAIA Forum for sharing this good story from the New York Times -- That Hobby Looks Like a Lot of Work QUIT your day job? Sara Jorde for The New York Times: To some craft enthusiasts that is just the name of a popular blog on Etsy, the fast-growing Web site that serves as a marketplace for crafts and vintage goods. But to Yokoo Gibran, it was an epiphany. Ms. Gibran, who is in her 30s, had been selling her hand-knit scarves and accessories on the site for less than a year when she decided last November to quit her day job at a copy center in Atlanta. Thirteen months later, she would seem to be living the Etsy dream: running a one-woman knitwear operation, Yokoo, from her home and earning more than $140,000 a year, more than many law associates. Jealous? How could you not be? Her hobby is her job. But consider this before you quit your day job: at the pace she’s working, she might as well be a law associate. “I have to wake up around 8, get coffee or tea, and knit for hours and hours and hours and hours,” said Ms. Gibran, who leveraged the exposure she got on the site to forge a deal with Urban Outfitters. “I’m ... This is a very interesting article and really worth reading for insight into our business -- after all, we all have already quit our day jobs some time ago! Read it and let me know what you think about it!

Teenager wins $5000 prize for photo!

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 22, 2009 at 5:58pm

There is a little chat in the discussion area of Art Fair Insiders today about the results of the jurying for the Main Street

Fort Worth festival. A nonplussed artist was pretty amazed that there was such a large turnover in accepted exhibitors. Me, I'm not so surprised. Texas has become the new "art fair heaven" with money flowing pretty decently at the art fairs and as a result floods of applicants to the good Texas shows. That aside, a friend sent me this article from the Houston, Texas, school district of Cypress-Fairbanks, Students win Culture Shapers Visual Arts awards. Her granddaughter, Lauren age 17, won $5000 in a contest for student artists with the photograph pictured here. A group of Houston-area businessmen and women put up $70,000 for art awards! Now do you believe we should all be in Texas? Congratulations to you Lauren, and also to your grandmother, Della Smith, here in Michigan.

Heavy Rains Threaten 2010 Festival

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 21, 2009 at 10:00am

Shreveport, LA -- October's Red River Revel As artists we are very aware of the impact weather has on our incomes. A while back a friend's new boy friend was heard to mention that he had recently learned that The Weather Channel was as important as CBS and NBC as a source of news. No surprise to any of us! But have you thought of how the weather impacts the organizations putting on the event? This fall the 34th Annual Red River Revel was held in the midst of 20 inches of rain for the month of October, "the wettest on record. Water flooded dozens of homes and forced evacuations throughout northwest Louisiana," reports TheTownTalk.com. What this means to the festival is that revenues were down considerably and they are being challenged to make this up to keep the 2010 festival on schedule. “As one of the nation’s longest running outdoor arts festivals, we are proud to say that when it comes to festivals, THE REVEL REIGNS! This year, The REVEL meant RAIN,” a Dec. 4 letter from the Revel governing board states. “The financial losses this year are nothing less than staggering.” I have spent time with the festival's organizer, Kip Holloway, at NAIA Director's conferences and know him to be totally devoted to his city and its premier festival. Read the rest of the story here.

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.