Please include the name of the importers/"artists" as they show up on the lists of the art shows they exhibit at. I've seen families of SE Asians at numerous shows, most recently at the Uptown/Minneapolis show, with booths crammed with "handmade" goods. Without the names, the shows can't police the importers and buy/sellers.
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Posted by John Hartung on August 18, 2009 at 5:01pm
My Canopy DilemmaI have a Show Off Canopy and love the frame. It's strong and easy to setup. I love the telescoping legs and frame. This and their limited number of parts make setup easy. Most of it is aluminum making it light, but it has steal corners to make it strongest in the most vulnerable area.However, my 2nd top I've had for the canopy in 7 years is again turning colors. The skylight material is turning a rusty redish color. It's surface very sticky (like sap). It's top is developing more and more leaks in the roof.My first top I owned Show Off blamed me because I had used bleach to keep it white. So this time I followed their directions. I only washed it with regular soap. If I had to pack wet, I'd dry it out the next day. Nevertheless the fabric is giving me the same problems.I look around at shows and notice many of the Show Off's with redish skylights and others complain of it feeling sappy. Anyone with a Show Off found a solution for these problems? On my first top I discovered bleach did temporarily make it whiter, but then would turn red again (even worse).I like both the Trimline's and the Light Dome's fabric better. One option I'm considering is getting a whole new canopy, but I don't like either of their frames as much as Show Off. Today I contacted both Flourish and Light Dome to see if they'd be willing to make a custom top for me. Flourish said straight out "no" and Light Dome said they would consider it but was concerned the zippers wouldn't be compatible.If I were to get a new canopy system, I'm leaning toward's Light Dome's "Finale". They seem a bit more difficult to put up and not as strong as the Show Off, however much easier to setup than the Trimline and not nearly as cumbersome and heavy.What I don't like about the Finale the most is their seems no way to zip tie your booth at night, as there is no rings near the zippers to connect to.I've contacted Show Off with my disappoint of their material. They have offered me a 20% discount on a new top and say the fabric has improved UV protection as of 2 years ago, but I'm losing faith in them and not sure they are worth another try.Am I being unrealistic how long a canopy top should last? My 2nd top did last with great care for 4 years. Doing an average of 30 shows a year that's 120 shows.Okay, so I'm open to hearing any love or hate things people have to say about their particular canopy. Any advice on care of the material is also welcome!
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In its 49th year the Brandywine Arts Festival in Wilmington, DE, is in deep doo-doo for not paying its bills. Reports say that the event organizers still owe the State of Delaware $8500 in usage fees for the use of Brandywine Park on the banks of the Brandywine River. The fur has been flying (they say). Organizers and parks administrators continue to feud. With the dates of the event coming up fast (September 12 & 13) unofficially it has been announced that the event will take place at St. Anthony in the Hills in Avondale, PA, in suburban Wilmington.
Read all about it: Brandywine Arts Festival leaving Wilmington
and here: Dispute ends Brandywine Arts Festival's Del. tradition
The long-established and popular event, drawing some 20,000 people, has been a fixture of autumn events for the region for almost half a century.
Will one of you follow up on this and let me know what is happening? Is it really moving to Avondale. Please investigate and comment below. Thanks.
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Recently, Sally Bright, from the NAIA, wrote us to tell us we had an importer on the list of exhibitors at Arts, Beats & Eats. Lisa and I (Lisa Konikow my co-director at ABE) were not pleased. We really liked the images and the exhibitor looked like a quality addition to the show lineup. But when we googled the name: misturadesigns.com and read more about the company AND the extensive list of art fairs they had participated in this year the handwriting was on the wall.
A recent email from www.thaitradepoint.com really brought this further to my attention.
I was being offered unique Asian crafts to sell to my customers. Here are some of the things I could buy (and possibly sell at an art fair):
- Ancient Beads -HANDMADE ART OF PRECIOUS AMULETIC ORNAMENT.
- Spare Robot - Amazing steel works from used spare parts.
- Wood Collection -Exotic wooden gifts for the wood passionate.
-Thai-Luna Soft Clay Flower
- Siam Sculture & Gift - Ancient Sculpture and Gift of the old Siam.
-Thai Be Proud - the masterpiece heritage of southern Thailand.
- Leaves Paper - Handmade leaves & fiber paper of Northern Thailand.
- Spaindex - Hot and Spicy Lady Clothings Exporter. (well, these may not make the jury :)
- Exotic Wallets - Authentic Genuine Leather Wallet made from great quality skin of Thai's animal.
- Wittaya Collection - Mango wood products from most skillful craftsman.
- Just-A-Crafts - The ultimate old rustic teak wook furniture.
The crafts are being sold in lots - not individually. Let's be sharp here and keep these vendors out of our art fairs. It completely undermines our reason for being.
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Here is an article full of helpful ideas of good books for artists to read, not only for summer for the long haul, an excellent list full of practical books written by Charlene Davis for the Association of Artisan Businesses. Me, I do read a lot and Charlene included my list in the article. I also recommend these to you: •
Your Money or Your Life, Joe Dominguez and Vickie Robin (great for an attitude adjustment and justification for following your bliss). •
No Thanks, I'm Just Looking, Harry J. Friedman (step by step insights to selling). •
The Art of Selling Art, Bill H. Ritchie. •
Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale, Zig Ziglar •
The Secrets of Superselling, Lynea Corson •
How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling, Frank Bettger •
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, by Bruce M. Patton •
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind, by Al Ries and Jack Trout In my present career building and marketing my two websites (ArtFairCalendar.com and this one) the most important book was
Internet Riches by Scott Fox, really and truly helpful to anyone who is thinking about building an online business. His newest book
e-Riches 2.0 takes up where Internet Riches leaves off. Read Charlene's article here:
Dive Into Summer Reading! and prepare to sell your art.
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An artist always wants to show off their talent with highest quality and detail. A special framework is always required to display a masterpiece. A perfect frame for your artwork not only enhances its beauty but can also bring mesmerizing attraction to your piece.There are various types of artist picture frames available in the market. You can find huge contrast in the frame features, like size, texture, quality, and craftsmanship, so picking the perfect frame for your special piece of art is very important, in some ways finding the frame is an art itself. A painting is not just a piece of art; it is a culmination of emotions and thoughts, leaving an immense impact on individuals.Before you buy a frame to preserve your art, you should have an idea about the type of frame that would magnify your artwork. Wooden frames always make the artist work look very elegant. You can shop for artist pictures frames as per the size of your pocket. Apart from the material, color of the frame is also a very crucial factor. This has the potential to make your art look ordinary or extraordinary. Sometimes, looking for a frame is exhausting within itself. It's difficult to find the right frame which speaks to you. Different types of emotions are attached with each painting, so you'll need to find the frame which compliments your emotions. Sometimes it's advised that you choose your artist frame before creating your masterpiece, because the exquisite reminiscence of the frame can provide inspiration for creating your art.In many cases you'll need special frames to highlight your work. Your art may be displayed at an art gallery, auction house, an art showcase, or an ART FAIR in these special cases you'll need a special frame that stands out amongst the crowd. So, to preserve any special art for art galleries, one should opt for antique frames. Your exceptional art indeed deserves a grand treatment. An artist can leave his artistic taste on the frame work also, by making his own art frames. These frames may or may not be as spectacular as ready made frames, but such frames make any fabulous piece of art fantabulous in terms of its sentimental value. The finishing touch to art picture frames is given by glazing. It can be done by glass or acrylic. Glass offers superb scratch resistance but is heavy where as acrylic is lightweight and gives the art a superior quality.An artist cannot leave his creation to be eaten by spiders. In addition to, amplification of an artist’s work, frames act as protection force also. Art is sandwiched between the mat board and mount board. This prevents your precious art from getting damaged. An artist’s art is not meant to be stored in a box. It is meant to be framed and hung, so that its beauty and charm can be manifested. For hanging frames you'll need sturdy and strong frame hardware which will support your artwork.An artist’s work is the affirmation of his ideas and imagination, which portrays their vision and passion towards their aesthetical world. So, to scatter the beauty of their philosophy, the artist artwork must catch the eye of the spectator. Once it strikes the eyes, then it would create the magic, leaving a soothing impact on the viewers’ soul. You can easily use frames to capture the attention of your audience which will draw them to your artistic masterpiece.Wholesale Frame Company is an online store where artist can purchase wholesale frames, plein air frames, artist frames, and picture frame hardware.
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Posted by Joyce Waltz on August 12, 2009 at 12:24pm
I would like advice about credit card machines. Being a novice in the art fair business, I would like to remain cost effective but not at the expense of being cheap.
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Posted by David Hipwell on August 11, 2009 at 1:04am
It was a wild weekend weather wise. It was Aug 8 and 9. Rain stopped setup til noon on Aug 8.....then hot and breezy....threatening a bit a the end of the day....then Aug9 was hot and breezy early til 2pm when the organizers wisely shut down the show because strong winds were threatening....Sales were average between rain and wind. On a good day, would do better. Few carrying bags, but I would have done half as much more if good weather. I sell paintings.Parking there needs work. Meters in the best spots near show site in park. The vendors clog them.....they need an ordinance which would make it just for customers during the show with unloading time only for vendors. And then use license numbers to move the vendors out after unloading.
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Are you wondering how the fairs are doing this year? Tales of events being cancelled, others growing, artists starving and artists thriving got you confused?
Here's a thorough look at the economics and challenges of it all by AP writer Tom Breen at the Yahoo News:
"Fun-seekers venturing out to farm fairs, art festivals and other mainstays of the American summer are finding either crowds or cancellation notices this year — and sometimes for the same reason.
Many festivals have met their demise when national sponsors pulled away and lawmakers slashed grant budgets, leaving organizers without enough money to buy tables, tents, portable toilets and other fair basics. That has many wondering whether their events will ever mount a comeback, though the ones that downsize stand a better chance than the ones that cancel entirely."
The article covers events at Watkins Glen, NY, the Ohio State Fair, the Alameda County Fair (which broke attendance records), and many other places across the country.
In Allentown, PA, when they had to slash their budget in half the organizers reported increased attendance!
Lots of food for thought here: Fairs see huge crowds when they weather recessionRead more…
September 26 & 27
Art Fair at the Meadows
Lake St. Louis, MO
Art Fair at the Meadows at Lake St. Louis
I-64/US40 and Lake Saint Louis Blvd
25 Exhibitors
Sat. 10 am to 6 pm; Sun. noon to 4 pm
Deadline: August 20
Your chance to get in on the ground floor of a new event. Here is what artist/organizer Don Crozier told me:
"The first year might be a little rough, but if we can make it to years 2 and 3 and beyond, the potential is huge. Beautiful venue, room to expand, affluent area."
The rest of the good news:
This first time event will be held in the most affluent area in St. Charles County, Missouri. Lake St. Louis sits 30 miles west of St. Louis and the nearest art fair is 20 miles away. In August 2009, Lake St. Louis was ranked no. 9 in Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live: money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/
The Art Fair at the Meadows at Lake St. Louis is presented by a partnership between the St. Charles County Arts Council, The Lake Saint Louis Artists Association, and members of The Best of Missouri Hands. Support is also given by The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis and ArtFairCalendar.com.
Do you live nearby? Have a mailing list in the area? Want to be in on the ground floor for a new event in a promising area? You know what to do then.
For an application: http://strandedglass.com/meadows.htmRead more…
Here's a little background from the local TV channel:
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - More than $2.5 million in original art is expected to be sold this weekend at the Uptown Art Fair.
With about 375,000 visitors, attendance at the event is second only to the Minnesota State Fair.
Hundreds of artists will be selling sculptures, paintings, photos' woodcarvings, glasswork, jewelry and more. Attendance is free at the event held at the corner of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue and running down a nearby pedestrian mall.
My husband, Norm Darwish, and I did Uptown many years, often breaking into the five figures in sales, selling his photography to a lovely group of people in Minneapolis and having a great time in the Uptown neighborhood. But the year the booth fees went up, we were asked for a separate fee to have the same space that we'd had for years, we were "requested" to contribute to the auction and they put a food booth that grilled brats all day long with the smoke blowing into our space we decided to say good bye to metro Minneapolis.
In subsequent years we listened closely to the show reports from our friends and were not enticed to return. Read a review by Nels Johnson on Ellen Marshall's take on this years fair.
It is the Big Art Weekend in Minneapolis though and everyone has their own story. Here are some I found:
An excellent overview at the StarTribune: The Newbie (Andy Juelich) and the Veteran (Renee & Douglas Sigwarth) that includes an excellent video of the Sigwarth's working in their art glass studio.
Artist Dolan Geiman always has a unique point of view about the events where he shows his work, visit his Daily Dolan Geiman blog to hear his tornado report from Uptown.
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I was a craft artist at the Seafood Festival this weekend. Here's some thoughts from my own personal experience as well as from neighbors and other craft friends. 1. I can't say it enough - It was HOOOTTT! 92+ degrees with 100% humidity. In order to do this fair you need a fan. Although it is set in a park right on the water, there isn't enough breeze to keep cool. Hot, Humid, and Haze with not much wind makes for a miserable experience. During pack up, just like last year there was a major thunderstorm - I survived it! And to be honest - the rain felt soooo good. Nothing got damaged. 2. Security was an issue. I am one of the lucky ones not affected by some early visitors who went on a shop lifting spree. The way I was told is the two adults (parents) would distract the artist and the kids would steal the products. Jewelry artists got hit harder, but it was 1-2 things from each booth - a total of about 10 booths I think were hit. There wasn't any security that I saw and if the stealing wasn't enough to set some off, it was the drunk people. One artist left 1 day early as a drunk, at the end of the day, fell into their display and damaged some of their merchandise. 3. Sales for me were better than last year, however I only made a few extra dollars of profit over my booth expenses, gas and food. Last year I was a few dollars short of making my booth - $100. This could be that I had a different booth location, newer booth set up, products that people were looking for - I don't know, but nice to know it was better than last year. Of course it isn't anything to jump up and down over, making a profit that makes it worth my while is key and helps me determine whether I should return or not. 4. Customers/attendance. I thought the attendance was good. Not too many great quality customers - those who aren't picky about prices of art or craft. But some there were a few - as long as husbands weren't keeping an eye on wives and their spending. I had a LOT of people taking my business cards as some even fessed they don't have the money now, but want to keep me in mind for Christmas presents. 5. Neighbor crafts people. I had an annoying neighbor who would barge into my booth - when I had customers shopping, in the middle of talking to my husband or another craft friend - and interrupt the conversation to say something that wasn't important. She cost me 3 sales. She also didn't ask for help, she assumed I would help - like, "I need one of you (looking at my husband and I) to help me take down my canopy. " I did the show by myself with my husband joining me for packing up and she (the neighbor) did the same. It was just annoying. 6. How others did. Many didn't make their space, others made out well, it was a wide range of highs and lows among other artists. 7. Final thought... I don't think I can do the show again. Two days of intense heat - and no cooling station or water fountains - plus long hours - 11 - 7 and 11-6 Sat. and Sunday - it just wasn't worth it. I gave the show two tries - hoping it would be better, but when most are there for $6 beers with a 2$ refill and the average food item costing about $8 (and that is not including drinks) it doesn't help with customer spending. Also there is no admission - good but not great - as I saw it opening the doors for a lot of lookie loos. Take my review for whatever you want - like I said some did well, others did not - I did ok. Here's a few other photos - one is of my booth and the other from the park with a view of the Chesapeake Bay...
Hello,I went to see Julie and Julia over the weekend, and for those who do not know, it is basically a story of a girl who blogs every day while cooking thru Julia Child's cookbook. Seeing as how I have a birthday soon, I thought I would copy that concept and work on this blog and/or my art everyday for a year. A true and firm commitment to something I am passionate about....after all they say, it is the fruit of life, to do something you are truly passionate about. I am a working professional in the real estate industry, but my true love is etched glass.So here I begin my journey. Some days this will be long, some days it won't be. Work keeps me consumed, but hopefully within the next year, I can turn that around to glass consuming me instead. Ahh, even the thought of that makes me happy.The name "Clearly Blasted" derives from the fact I love to go etch designs on clear glass after a hard day's work. Nothing like taking your stress out that way!!!My goal is to do art shows again this fall, and also, get work in a gallery or little shops on Marietta Square...I have my eye on a shop there already....
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FABULOUS Organization for this Show!My medium is Great Lakes Nautical & Nature Photography http:www.andersonphotoworks.comHosted by the Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council (WDCC) the 35th was held in downtown Milwaukee on the grounds of the Marcus Center for Performing Arts and adjacent (across the street) Red Arrow Park. Marvelous area with great restaurants and along the Milwaukee River. Likely the best area in Milwaukee. Details about and list of this years artists can be found at http://www.wdcc.org/exhibitions/index.cfmI applied for this event in February and was placed on the wait list - but was notified early June that I was accepted. This is an easy 30 minute drive from home so I pulled out of another show with hopes I'd do well with "locals". Entry fee was $350 - less for WDCC members (I may join this great group later this year). Passes were given for access to the adjacent parking ramp for Friday & Saturday. Sunday we found very close downtown parking (free metered parking on Sundays).WDCC runs the event with the artist in mind. Many attending are members of WDCC. Setup is "dolly in", but depending on booth location, there are several unload/load areas and we found no waiting problem pulling up and dropping off. We opted to set up the tent and hardware on Friday evening as we heard we would have rain that evening into Saturday morning. We brought our stock on Saturday morning. Not sure of numbers, but they have a huge amount of volunteers assisting both days. The program is terrific, listing artist alphabetically by name on one page and by booth number on another. A well defined map is included in the program. Terrible rain/storms plagued the weekend, but I must jump to Sunday. Heat index was over 100 and was sunny but humid and hot hot hot for most of the day. Around 1:00 volunteers stopped at each booth to mention terrible storms were on their way and said we had about two hours. They continued to inform us with updates (4) times up to the point of a 10 minute warning. The volunteer in our area was in touch with internet radar so he could be very descriptive & I gotta say - these guys were great. All notices were much appreciated! We actually began putting some things down at 2:00 tent, propanels, framed items etc, but left the matted pieces out yet prepared to put into plastic bins in seconds. We were totally packed by 4 and I must say - as I sit at my computer now, listening to the heavy rain, thunder & warnings on tv - I'm so glad to be safe at home with my dry tent and art work.Back to organizers - Each morning included a wonderful breakfast inside the spectacular air conditioned Marcus Center - breakfast included hot quiche, bagels & locks, huge yummy fruit platters, coffee, sweet rolls & a variety of muffins. After the show ended Saturday they held an equally fantastic "artist get together" with taco salad/chips, cheese platters, tons of other food & a cash bar. I saw some artists working on closing for the evening and volunteers noticed & brought food to their booth! Saturday had a lovely silent auction I was happy to participate in (hope my kayak photo did well). Artist information packet included the address. I don't know why all events don't have this as it's great for artists to enter into gps. I'm not so sure I would have liked being in the Red Arrow Park area as it is across the street from the main show - but each time I looked, they had a good crowd as well. VERY cold water (in those big orange jugs) and insulated coffee cups were available at all times to artists in a covered "porch" area of the Marcus Center Building. So very appreciated as it was hot. I went through alot of water.As we expected - Saturday morning was a series of several downpours until about noon or so. Greeting us at our drop off point was our favorite volunteer we met Friday. Soaking wet, she kept drop off flowing well and she dealt with cranky artists with great patience. We had thought we were quite smart in having our tent up & ready for us to load our stock quickly during the downpour. Oh my..... as we stepped into the tent, our feet sank up to our ankles (no exageration) in half of the area. This is why I always take 2 sets of extra clothing and shoes to every event. We were fortunately near the side of the Marcus Center and had a porchlike area to drop our stock and keep it dry. The rain was loud and hearing conversation was difficult. As we sat in the higher area of our tent we just waited out the rain - great time for that yummy breakfast. I did feel badly for the artists that waited to set up until Saturday. Eventually, the rain subsided and all were assessing the situation. We were on grass but those on concrete were also flooded.Adversity presents opportunities for organizers to be either loved or hated. Well - WDCC rose to the occasion. Immediately several Marcus Center grounds crew were out with squeegies & brooms swishing the water as much as they could. They continued this for over an hour. The norm for this show was to keep everything in your 10x10 booth. Adjustments were made and artists were allowed to expand outside of their area the best they could. We ended up not even using the inside and just put the propanels up for the framed work and set up on the other side of the sidewalk in a cut out area of the Marcus Center Building. While we were exposed to brief showers, this worked out well for us. During the showers we covered the matted artwork briefly with plastic & uncovered shortly thereafter. It reminded me of the art shows of the 60's & 70's - before everyone had tents. Organizers brought large cardboard for those in need (none that I saw had the mudhole we had - just water). Again, volunteers circled continually offering any assistance needed. I think we started setting up the product around 1:00. The judges were exceptional and I have never had this kind of interaction (I do shows most every weekend). They were personable, asked several questions you would think ALL judges should plus some questions that are typical of patrons. They spent quite a bit of time in each booth. This may be the reason that there was absolutely no sell/resell attendees. Screening is terrific. The event is called a "craft fair" but I must say - these were artists! I've always said to many "fine artists" that would never think of themselves in the same category as "crafters"...... don't judge a show by the name. All work at this show was of the highest quality and far better than some "fine art" shows.Artists were given typical name badges, altho these also had Barbara's (head organizer) name & cell number listed. I called her immediately after the rain about the mud and she was at my tent within minutes. She also personally checked in with each artist several times during the two days and was clearly visible as she walked the event frequently. Security & grounds crew was through the Marcus Center and the two organizations worked well together using headsets. Every problem or concern was immediately addressed.There were no porta potties on site. I hate porta potties! Artists and patrons were allowed access to the Marcus Center. Class act here. For those not familiar with the area - Marcus Center for Performing Arts is as great as Broadway. This weekend they had Phantom of the Opera and we had several high sales from those attending. It was personally fun to hear their excitement of the play. I must see it soon. A very nice food vendor and a beverage vendor (speciality coffees and fantastic fresh squeezed fruit drinks) provided artists and patrons with additional refreshments.Patrons for the most part attend this annually and are very art savvy! I enjoyed meeting them all.VERY glad to meet Geri Wenger - a member of artfairinsiders. Hubby was minding the booth for a bit when she first stopped and I'm so glad she returned. Thanks Geri.... I enjoyed our conversations and hope we meet again soon. Thanks also for the purchases!Needless to say with all the rain and late start/early end my sales were not what I had hoped. But I did quite well considering and hope to be accepted next year. I have NO complaints (do you believe it ?) other than the weather. Great potential here in better weather. I will post my typical YouTube videos tomorrow sometime.
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The start of a sale at any art fair begins with getting customers to notice your booth. What is the best way to attract customers to your booth? Here's just 6 tips that could work for you.1. Flowers. Nice landscaping can go a long way to sell a house. Flowers on a tables in restaurants put people at ease. So why not use flowers to your advantage. Last year I have used 2-4 planters with real planted flowers as anchors for my canopy. The idea came to me as I couldn't stand looking at cinder blocks or milk jugs while I sold at fairs. When I started using the planters - the first thing customers saw "Oh, what beautiful flowers" and came closer to take a look. Guess what happens next - they look in the booth and and enter it. So, perhaps planters aren't for you, what about a simple bud vase with your state flower, rose, wildflowers placed in areas you want to draw people's attention or fake flower garlands draped around an easel of your best 2-D art work?2. Large format photography. Ever find yourself driving and NOT take a second to see what a billboard advertisement was all about? The same idea can be extended to those who walk up and down aisles at fairs. Anything big draws the eye and for artists, this works like a charm especially for those who sell jewelry or anything small in size. For about $20, take a good photo of your best selling piece to a Ritz Camera (or other photo developer) and or get it framed or made into a banner and you are set.3. Good lighting. Remember the saying, "like moths to a flame"? Well good lighting in any show booth will draw customers in like moths to a flame. Darkness, shadows, and dim spaces is a natural deterrent - gets customers thinking about dark alleyways where danger could be around the corner. If people can't SEE what you make and sell, then isn't it only natural to pass one booth up for one that is well lit? Desk lamps, strings of Christmas lights, clip-on display lights, good display lamps, etc. all can work and some work better than others all depending on what you sell. Although some fear the money to fork over for electric, hauling lights and so on is too costly, I can tell you it will at least increase your sales 25-30% if not more - I am one of those who can vouch for this tip .4. Color. Commercial products in today's market place have great bright color branding - Yankee Candle, Victoria's Secret, Coca-cola, etc. I often see "cookie cutter" booths at every show - white canopy, white backdrops, white table coverings... While we can't help that fairs require white canopies and they are so easy to find, something as simple as colored table coverings, flower garlands hiding the legs to a booth, colored curtains/backdrops, simple colored scarves accenting jeweled toned necklaces, painted wooden shelving, and so on all are simple, inexpensive ways to add color to a booth. A splash of color in a sea of white (or black) will surely catch customers eyes as long as it is soft and not too bold.5. Banner. Banners do not have to be big, full of color, or expensive. Office supply stores who have a copy/print area or places online like Vistaprint can help help you make up any kind of banner you want all in the name of getting noticed. Two lines of writing such as your business name and website or tagline can truly make a booth stand out. It has a billboard effect, but also tells customers in a matter of 3 seconds I SELL POTTERY (photography, oil paintings, candles, jewelry...). This will help weed out lookie loos and drive serious shoppers into your booth.6. Demonstrate. Every show I have attended where someone demonstrates how their work is made - it draws a crowd. This idea appeals to the "mob" mentality where if one person stops to watch, others follow suit because they see one or more doing it too that it must be something interesting. Demonstrating is also a simple way to start selling without customers catching on. To show and tell a show patron how pottery is shaped and molded, watching a painter make a blank canvas flow with color, or how the sound of a hammer striking metal to form iron work is something people just don't see every day. Doing so also authenticates your work - they will never question "do you make this or is it handmade"? Can't demonstrate at a show - see point #2 - a large format photograph of you in action working away in your workshop also works just as well.I wanted to add this tip as I have had people asking me this question and recently posted it on my blog. I thought others here may benefit from the knowledge. If you like this post all I ask is to leave a comment on my blog - www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com . I want to encourage everyone though to share their tips. Have you tried any of these tips and they did or didn't work - I (as well as others I am sure) want to hear it. Thanks so much for reading!- Michelle, By the Bay Botanicals, www.bythebaybotanicals.comRead more…
Comment by Barbara Sucherman just now Delete Comment I am a jewelry artist and I just did Krasl Art on the Bluff and Ann Arbor's Summer Art Fair on State Steet with the Michigan Guild. Two Michigan shows, from one to the other.This is my second year at Krasl, my 30th in Ann Arbor!Krasl was delightful. The Show Director was wonderful. The setting is beautiful, overlooking Lake Michigan... artist amenities were many. There was a hospitality room at the Boulevard Hotel...accross from my booth, breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day and lovely, clean restrooms. I didn't make it to the Friday night dinner at the Art Center (set-up takes me forever sometimes) . Volunteers were plentiful, booth sitters and all. But sunset over the Lake was spectacular (I'm from Chicago, we get sunrise, but I seldom see that).I had a hole in the grass, in front of my booth which everyone stepped in and almost fell, myself included. I mention this to Sara Shambarger and within minutes 2 volunteers appeared with a shovel and bark mulch. They cut a rectangle in the grass, peeled back the sod, put in some mulch and stomped it back down. This was an amazing thing to see. Artists, remember this wherever you are ... a great tip for show staff.Anyway, customers came to this show and were interested, the "Be Backs" came back on Saturday. My sales were good on Saturday and if Sunday had been the same... I would have made a little money. Sunday's sales for me did not add up to a hill of beans. But I will try this show again...it has much promise!Ann Arbor, on the other hand... 30 years... has gone from my very best show ever for about 20 years... to about the same as I did at Krasl. It is 4 days, of grueling hours, 10 - 9 pm. And add on an hour at both ends to set up and pack up the jewelry... need I say more! And I have an assistant I pay for all of those hours... She made more than I did!I am not sure what I will do next year...maybe a new location? Maybe a Sabbatical.Barb Suchermanhttp://silverdesignjewelry.comhttp://bsucherman.blogspot.comhttp://BarbsSilverJewelry.etsy.com
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October 10 & 11 Bloomington, Illinois Saturday 9 am-5 pm; Sunday 9 am-3 pm 125 exhibitors produced by D & W Events, Inc. Deadline: August 15 This juried fine art and fine craft festival closes the "Northern" festival season without compromising quality! This is NOT a last chance show but a gateway leading into the Florida season. Located in central Illinois,
Bloomington is easily accessible for Midwest artists. Held on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus during homecoming weekend, this festival has a captive audience and buying crowd. Expect approximately 125 artists featuring all media. Great artist hospitality including booth sitters, continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday, easy load in and out and free day and overnight parking. IMPORTANT DATES: * August 15, 2009 - Application deadline * September 1, 2009 - Artist notification date * September 10, 2009 - Last day for full refund less $25.00 administrative fee. * October 9, 2009 - Early set up available beginning at 3 pm. No security on Friday night. * October 10, 2009 - Set up begins at 5 am.
For more information, please contact D & W Events, Inc., www.dwevents.org, 847-726-8669Read more…
Photographer JOHN PEER passed away of multiple health complications on July 2.
Born in Idaho and raised in Oregon, John spent his adult life on the west coast as a plumbing contractor. But the last 15 years he pursued his dream as an fine art photographer. Winning many awards for his work, his images now hang in private collections, art galleries, large hotels and corporations throughout the world.
One of his images was used just this year in June as the poster at the Chicago Old Town Art Festival. He loved traveling with his wife, Mary, and participant in the art festivals and especially he liked visiting with other artists. You can view his images in the gallery at www.johnpeer.com He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed.
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Upcoming this weekend, big doings in the Midwest. You can choose Minneapolis or Chicago.
The biggie in metro Minneapolis, the Uptown Art Fair, with about 350 artists: A Fusion of Art, Flavor and Flair. While you're there you may as well also head to Loring Park and the Powderhorn art fairs also. A great weekend to be in the Twin Cities!
One of the granddaddies of art fairs arrives in Chicago this weekend, the Gold Coast Art Fair with over 300 artists. You'll find this story interesting about the "stormchaser artist," David Mayhew, featured at this three day event.
Also this weekend in the Chicago area, in Batavia visit Art in Your Eye.
I'd love a report from someone who knows about this one, SoNo Arts Celebration, in South Norwalk, CT, 175 artists in a cool revitalized historic district: 33 years later, SoNo Arts Festival still a showcaseRead more…
Hmmm..... do I really want to share this gem of a show? Well, it is a gem to me - perhaps not for others. This is my first year of attendance - the event's 51st year. The event location was moved this year from Presque Isle Park to Mattison Lower Harbor Park. Read the reason for change here. Some past attendees and few patrons grumbled about the move, but then many people do not adjust well to change. I personally loved the location and I certainly appreciate the organizers difficult decision to make that change. Part of that reason, as you can read in the above article, was to keep transportation via bus costs down in order not to increase entrance fees for the artists. The Presque Isle Park location required complete busing in the patrons. Once a coal pile, the area adjacent to the marina was transformed by the city of Marquette into a fabulous huge park, located a block from the downtown and surrounded by Lake Superior and marina on two sides and architectually pleasing condos on the other two sides. Marquette has some of the best bike and hiking trails I've seen and one surrounds this park - we had many hikers/bicyclists in our tent. Artists had the closest parking in the marina lot but patrons parking was in a close lot or on the downtown streets.Tent layout was structured to have artists around the parameter of the park, leaving a large center area open. I could see this open area was likely due to the drainage areas in the center. One row of artists were plagued with a water filled ditch directly in front of their tents on Sunday. Organizers filled these areas with wooden pallets, but I would have been upset at having a booth there. I would hope there will be a layout change for that area in future years. In my opinion the organizers (Lake Superior Art Association) did fantastic with respect to artist and patron comfort. Load in/out was simple. Setup was available on Friday and driving on the grass to artist booth allowed ease of setup. Not necessary to drop off, park, then set up. There were several booth areas along the outer section near the lake that were great for disabled artists as they could drive their vans up to that area and keep them behind their tents. Tent area was 12 x 12 allowing all to spread out a bit. Morning coffee/muffins were available and several volunteers continually circled the area in golf carts providing assistance to artists. If an artist needed to access their car/van/trailer, a volunteer drove them in the cart for quick retreival. I was checked in on frequently by great volunteers who offered tent sitting and any help an artist needed. In the acceptance packet each artist received instructions for a customer parcel pick up service. Stressing the importance of customer convenience, any customer parked too far away could drop off their purchase at the info tent. They then would be given a ticket and later pick up their item by driving to the marina parking lot and retreive it from the info tent.From what I observed, the selection of art was equally varied. About the same amount of photographers as jewelers, pottery, fiber, paintings etc. The venue included a childrens area and had a wonderful selection of rotating music/musicians. From what I observed, there were no buy/sell or "crafter" booths. Those not juried in to this show participated in an alternate show "The Outback" that was located about a mile away. While I did not visit that area, I heard nice comments about it.We stayed at the City of Marquette's Tourist Park (camping) and I would recommend that location to anyone with a motor home, camper or conversion van. Anyone familiar with areas immediately on any of the Great Lakes - especially in Michigan's U.P. knows the weather changes frequently. This weekend was no exception as it was lower 60's and raining one minute, then sunny and 70 the next. The majority of the weekend was rain. Sunday was the worst with morning rain lasting until about 2:00. I was very happy I did not have to tear down wet as after 2:00 the sun was great, the wind strong enough to dry the tent but not too strong as to cause concern. I read the anticipated attendance was 15,000 and while Saturday crowds were high, I think the weather kept the attendance a tad lower. Hats off to patrons - they came with their jackets & umbrellas and they purchased. While some artists were grumbling "won't be here next year", I observed a higher than average number with bags in hand. I did well, but then, much of my work is Great Lakes - Lake Superior, the U.P, and the Marquette area art. My price points ranged from $20 to $400. I nearly sold out of the $20 items (came well prepared) and had high sales in the $70 to $150 range. None of my framed items sold (unusual) but had high amount of purchases of the 18x24 matted pieces. Many were multiple purchases by individuals. Economic times are tough and I think especially in this area, patrons are comfortable purchasing more and framing their own rather than limiting their purchase to one framed item.Bottom line - I'll be back. But this event may not be for everyone. My work is so suitable for this area and I think that's what we all must do.... understand where we are likely to do well.I'll post my link to You Tube here sometime on TuesdayLinda Andersonhttp://www.andersonphotoworks.comRead more…
in June as the poster at the Chicago Old Town Art Festival. He loved traveling with his wife, Mary, and participant in the art festivals and especially he liked visiting with other artists. You can view his images in the gallery at www.johnpeer.com He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed.
