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Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Turns 50! "Be there or be Square!"

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 15, 2009 at 1:00pm

In case you missed it, July 15-18 are the dates of this year's Ann Arbor Art Fairs. I'll be attending on Thursday, making 34 years of perfect attendance for me. How about you? Meet me at 10:30 at State and North University. The press loves this event, I'd guess the most popular event in Michigan all year. Here are some recent articles to help you get there, understand the hype, and get to the root of this old rock star who just keeps on rocking: From the Detroit Free Press: Ann Arbor Art Fairs have come a long way since 1960, a historical look Inclusive article with interviews with three of the art fair directors, Shary Brown, Kathy Krick and Maggie Ladd. Good background on what people are thinking, from the Ann Arbor News: Ann Arbor Art Fairs organizers, participants try to keep sunny outlook despite economy From MLive.com: Main Street Area Association director: Downtown businesses strategize to take advantage of Ann Arbor Art Fairs, excellent article from the business section - how can a business make money off the art fairs? I believe Ann Arbor wins the award on this one. From the Chicago Tribune: 4-days of summer art fairs kick off in Ann Arbor, details about the event

From the Absolute Michigan website: 50th Annual Ann Arbor Street Fair, July 15-18, 2009, great links for information For all you oldies out there, you'll like this story from the Detroit Free Press: Potter J.T. Abernathy exhibited at the first Ann Arbor art fair; they're both going strong. "At 86, he remains the dean of Ann Arbor potters, putting in seven hours a day in the studio and relentlessly exploring new ideas, materials and techniques. "The same things still intrigue me that have always intrigued me," he says. "Ceramics is such a fascinating medium. I'm never bored with it. It has unlimited possibilities." A great overview with tips on negotiating the fairs at MLive.com: You've been warned: It's Ann Arbor Art Fairs time Painter Dale Rayburn meets the admiring public at the Street Art Fair

It's a quiet night here in Lake W...Art Fair Land

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 14, 2009 at 11:05pm

A little quiet here on the homefront today as artists are deep in their nests readying their nerves for the Ann Arbor Marathon that starts Wednesday morning. Those not in Michigan are recovering from last weekend's big events in Plymouth, Chicago, State College, Madison, St. Joe, Cleveland Heights, Wyandotte -- the big Midwest art fair weekend. Here's the news from them: Madison, WI - Big storms came in Friday night that wrecked booths, taking out some entirely. Travis Lindenbaum reported on the NAIA forum: Booths were down in every part of the show, and not just easy-downs. It seemed very random and wide-spread. Several artists were on-site at 3 AM, minimizing damage as best they could for the people who were not there. To add insult to injury the storm dropped hail on the East side of town, where many artists were staying, causing extensive damage to vans. Matthew Hatala reported that at 2:24 in the morning hail "broke car mirror's and i have a crack in my winshield. took out about 10 booths Ann london, Steve O, Micky Cunningham, and others." Here's a story from a blogger about Madison: Art Fair Weekend And here's a report from the Madison TV station, including a video of the event. Any have any sales reports? anybody?? Speaking of storms, the Denver Black Arts Festival was held also this weekend and it sounds like it had a whopper of a storm, much damage. Read this sorry story and see the video. Krasl Art Fair in St. Joseph, MI - Here's a good wrap-up in the South Bend Tribune. I was so sorry to have to miss this one this year. It is always beautiful weather and it is a great spot for a show on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College, PA - There is always something interesting going on at this event. The organizers know how to please a crowd and bring them back again - Street painters allow festivalgoers to get look at creative process Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/116/story/1393191.html?storylink=omni_popular#ixzz0LIEbVsih&C Wickford, RI's, big festival - nice report with discussions about the economy in the East. Plymouth, MI - here is a local news story about this big event (400 exhibitors): Plymouth's Art in the Park My thanks to those of you who made reports on last weekend's events. But what about the rest of you? We need to know from you. I know a lot of you were busy preparing for the next show, but by the end of this month I need to see a lot of reports! Nels, where are you? What about the rest of you? Please give us your slant. Tell us the best thing that happened. I know, tell us the dumbest thing someone said to you. Let's make this a contest. The best story wins a copy of "Internet Riches" by Scott Fox. Deadline July 24. Comment below.

ART IN THE PARK Review- Plymouth MI July 10-13 2009

Posted by Linda Anderson on July 13, 2009 at 12:06am

I greatly enjoyed the 30th anniversary of Art In the Park. The weather cooperated for the 3 day show except for a downpour Saturday morning from 8 to 10. The show opened at noon and closed at 8pm on Friday, but I had patrons in my booth by 9am and did not close up until 9 as the crowds kept coming. Ditto for Saturday - closing time was 7pm but patrons lingered. My neighbor reported he did not close up until close to 10 as his booth remained busy. Thankfully on Sunday, the lovely people of Plymouth did not linger and everyone could start take down at 5. The Sunday Plymouth paper announced "Record Crowds Predicted" and I believe they were correct as the streets were filled all 3 days as was my booth.I found set up and tear down very well planned and drive up to booth was great. There was no “check in” – You received your booth assignment, and unloading instructions in the mail. Once you were set up, a volunteer brought you the booth tag. I found it nice that the food vendor area had their own street as their large trucks did not venture into most art areas.I talked with several artists and their list of complaints included:Entry fee too high (I agree)No booth sittersNo one giving out water (I will add that the local high school band had a couple of water booths and several times walked around offering to sell water – this was their major fund raiser and perhaps the reason organizers did not offer the water)Music in the center core too loudCrafters and commercial businesses were interwoven with artists. Evidentially this used to be fine art only, but there was a varied cross section of booths.From what I observed, the layout for approximately 400 booths was as good as possible. The core of the event was at a downtown intersection and booths spread out on adjoining streets. I was 3rd from the end of one of those streets. Typically I may have groaned about paying my dues as a first timer at this event, but patrons actually entered from all points of the perimeter. Greyhound type busses ran continually from various park & ride locations and dropped patrons off at one of the less desirable ends. I’m not sure if it was the design of the show or the very experienced event patrons, but I’m fairly sure any patron that attended came down to my end. It was nice to have an active booth, even though not all were buyers. They may be one day.Kellogg Park takes up an entire block and one corner is at the event’s core. The entire park was dedicated to a variety of creative, hands on, kid’s art activities including a kid vendor area where kids sold their art. Throughout the weekend I was thrilled with the higher than average amount of teens & preteens that visited my booth, initiated great art savvy conversations and even purchased some of my photography. I did not make the connection until late Sunday when I realized this lovely community is quite active in its efforts to get kids involved and comfortable with art at a young age. How great is this?Two school lots served for artist parking and ours was approximately 5 blocks away. Overnight parking for those sleeping in motor homes or vans was allowed. The organizers had arranged for discount rates at several hotels. Several of the nearby restaurants dropped off menus and offered booth delivery. Security was provided by city police – not rent a cops. A great majority of the people I spoke with (now remember, I do like to talk) had been severely affected by the problems within the automotive industry and my heart goes out to them. Having said that, I had quite a profitable show. No framed items sold, but I nearly sold out of my 8x10’s and 16x20’s. I also have (9) 18x24 & larger orders to complete when I arrive home Tuesday. I’m thinking I’ll get better gas mileage with (4) empty crates in my trailer!I do so enjoy Michigan & its lovely people. I think I’ll take the long way home to Wisconsin via the U.P. rather than deal with the high van/trailer tolls in Chicago. Yes – it’s probably a wash with the extra gas, but I get to enjoy Michigan for just a tad longer.Bottom line – Entry is high and it is not an all fine art only event. For me, it was an enjoyable show and I will return. I’ll have my typical videos on YouTube later.

Good Try, Firefly!

Posted by Jenzen on July 11, 2009 at 7:43pm

My husband, sculptor Jim Goshorn, had one of those "I think I'll try that." moments with this first time show in Dickson Tennessee. The show was held the last weekend in June and they did a lot of things right. As is always true of first year shows, there were some mistakes. But overall Jim and I think the show was a good one. Despite over 100 degrees heat index and low, low attendance we made some sales. Firefly must have done a pretty good mailing to get such a concentrated art buyer crowd. Load in and load out was easy. Those of us in the shade were hunky-dory, those in the sun were offered help to move Friday evening.Pluses included the Renaissance Center - a fabulous art center; Snacks and water all day long, Dinner Friday night and breakfast on Sunday. A REALLY nice acceptance package and some good publicity.On the downside, parking for the patrons was a mess -- we were told Patrons would have access to the paved parking lot next year.Pretty good score for this event... hope they keep improving...At any rate, we made more at this small venue than we did in East Hampton the following weekend!

What happened here? Downtown Naples art festivals will be locally run

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 11, 2009 at 3:20pm

Yes, it seems like it is way too soon to be thinking about the Florida art fair season, yet you know if it is July the winter applications are not far behind. What a surprise it was to read that the Downtown Naples Association has broken with Howard Alan Events and is joining with the Naples Art Association to put on events in downtown Naples beginning in 2010. "After 21 years with an out-of-town company, the Downtown Naples Association has joined forces with the Naples Art Association, to produce Fifth Avenue South art festivals. “With the Naples Art Association administering shows, it will get bigger,” said DNA chairwoman Cathy Christopher. “Being local, they have a huge impetus and great incentive to reach out into the community and make these shows sensational.” Shows have averaged 30,000 visitors who spend $1.2 million in restaurants and shops, she said. But as proponents called this a perfect marriage, the DNA’s separation from long-time partner Howard Alan Events could be called a bad breakup." Read the rest of the article here from the Naples News. The article says Howard Alan has secured another venue north of the area. What do you think? Is this a good thing for the artist who has been participating in the HA Events? Are you more likely to apply under the sponsorship of the DNA? Do you think this is a good move for the DNA? Is this good or bad? Comment below.

Featured artist: Madeline Kaczmarczyk - Ceramics

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 11, 2009 at 3:04pm

Do you ever watch Antiques Roadshow on PBS and marvel at the prices that the pottery brings? Pay attention. Today I am bringing you an opportunity to have that kind of pottery in your own collection. I bought my first art fair art from Madeline in l976 and have been watching her journey as a ceramicist ever since. She is one of Michigan's most popular artists, exhibiting her pottery at top fairs and galleries, teaching classes and workshops and consulting. Her work has appeared in American Crafts Magazine, the New York Times, Ceramics Monthly and is coveted for private and public collections. "Mardi Gras Teapot" clay and seed beads- 14"x8"x4" She says, I was the little girl who always made potholders on a plastic loom on the backyard picnic table. I am the daughter of Irene who baked the fabulous cakes with four tiers of frosted roses, fiber optic lights and fountains. I am the granddaughter of Francis who crocheted tablecloths for the bosses at Ford Motors so her husband could keep his job during the Depression. This month you'll find Madeline in Cleveland Heights, OH, at the Cain Park Arts Festival and in Ann Arbor, MI, at the South University Art Fair. Learn more about her and her work as an artist: ArtFairCalendar.com/featuredartist

They're talking about us -- again!

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 11, 2009 at 2:58pm

My many thanks to all of you who have added my link to your websites, blog posts, etc. This helps

me get great SEO and carry on my mission of bringing patrons to the art fairs to see and buy the works of your hands. If you haven't done it yet, please add my link to your site. Here is where to get my links for your site. Linking helps everyone's google rankings and brings more "eyes" to our "pages." Here's my latest publicity coup. Many thanks to Liane Pruchnik of Chicago who did a great write up of my site ArtFairCalendar.com in the Examiner.com: Summer Art Fairs: Read this article and you won't miss one, no matter where you live! Here is what she says: "Across Chicago and the suburbs there are amazing Art Fairs open to the public that draw artisans from all over the United States. Food, drink and entertainment can make the outing an all day event. The only problem comes with finding out where the Art Fairs are and when they are taking place! There is a wonderful site that can help you plan your outings - ArtFairCalendar.com." Read the rest of Liane's article here. Thank you, Liane. I hope to see you at one of the art fairs some day soon.

Art Fair of the Month: Ann Arbor Art Fairs - July 15-18

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 11, 2009 at 2:45pm

Ann Arbor, Michigan Wed. - Friday, 10 am to 9 pm Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm - never on Sunday What else can you expect? This annual extravaganza is the most exciting art fair for the year. The entire center of the city is taken over by four recognized art fairs, plus just about every other square foot of space is taken up by "squatter" shows and artists. Seems like just about everyone who owns real estate in Ann Arbor makes sure they have a slice of the revenue. What does this mean for you? You can hit the sales and the merchants and find great bargains, and/or you can be wowed by some of the nation's best contemporary artists and find one-of-a-kind treasures to cherish for a lifetime. Do not be intimidated by the logistics! Everyone works together to make it easy for you to attend. You can park near the fairs or park at Briarwood Mall (I-94 and State St.) and take a shuttle. For more information: www.ArtFairCalendar.com/Michiganartfairs Bet you'll like this story from last year about the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, photos, links and all the info, ArtFairInsider.com *********** Find many more art fairs around the country: www.ArtFairCalendar.com

Cherry Creek - Denver, CO

Posted by Renee Engebretson on July 10, 2009 at 11:38pm

Good fortune has allowed us to do Cherry Creek for 13 years - not consecutively. After not being there last year we had hoped that things would be good. It was the first time EVER, anywhere, that we sold only one piece over $100.00. Sales were not anywhere near what they should be for a show of this caliber. Interest however, was amazing. I don't remember both of us talking this much- but it was like pulling teeth. We also gave out MANY business cards. Have had two call backs for larger pieces so it may work out yet. People seem to be very cautious and need some time to think about their purchases.Friday night had torrential rains that didn't help anything. We had close to 10 inches of rain flowing through our booth. I swear there were whitecaps in the middle of the street and surfing was a distinct possibility. Denver had about 1.15 inches of rain in less than half an hour. We stood across the street from our booth in a yoga clothing store with all the skinny people. I wanted to run out to the booth but Jim held me back. I decided to distract myself by looking at the sweet yoga frocks, knowing full well I was safe. Nothing would fit anyway.............

Des Moines Art Festival.

Posted by Renee Engebretson on July 10, 2009 at 11:16pm

We did the Des Moines art fair last month, this is only the second time for us. The last time we did it was six years ago. Our sales figures were pretty much the same which is okay with us. Of course when it comes to sales, mediocre is the new good. The show is great about communication, advertising, volunteers, load in and out. They had water coolers behind the booths so you could fill your glass and not accumulate all those plastic bottles. Snacks all weekend (though not much in the healthy department). The weather was hot and humid and sometimes threatening but nothing big happened. The hours are lonnnnngggg so we skipped the breakfast. Wifi at site though some had to move around to find it. Several reports of theft from booths but I think they were resolved.It's all in all a great show and they really try to accommodate the artists in any way possible and if the economy ticks up a bit it will be great!!

6x6 Art Opens Doors....CALL FOR ART

Posted by Jennifer Hodge on July 8, 2009 at 4:58pm

We are asking artists to donate their time and talent to create a piece of art that will be sold at the Gala on October 23, 2009.Details:1. Gather a 6”x6” canvas, piece of paper or other light-weight medium.2. Paint, assemble, or create your work. The only requirement is size—6 inches square.3. Return your finished work along with the completed bottom portion of this form by September 30, 2009 to NCCC, 238 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Please be sure to print your full name on the back of the work. Artists will be recognized in the Gala program and on the North Country Children’s Clinic website.4. Works will be sold on October 23, 2009, Gala at SUNY Jefferson Community College. They will be priced at $20 each.All proceeds from the sales will help to “open the doors” to a better quality of life for North Country children.To learn more about either organization visit www.childrens-clinic.org or www.ncaccess.org or call (315) 782-9450.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Detach and return this portion taped to your work- - - - - - - - - - - - - -Artist contact information:Canvas Information: ___________________________________________________________________Artist’s Name ___________________________________________________________________Title ___________________________________________________________________Street Address ___________________________________________________________________City/ST/Zip Medium ___________________________________________________________________Phone Email ___________________________________________________________________I give permission to NCCC and NCAC to reproduce my art for the purpose of promoting the 6x6 Art Opens Doors project with credit to the artist available upon request. ___________________________________________________________________Signature…

Anyone willing to rent a tent at Ann Arbor?

Posted by Kelly Allen on July 8, 2009 at 8:54am

Trying something new....flying to shows. Worked great until this leg of the trip. Have a slight problem getting my tent to Ann Arbor. Anyone willing to rent me a tent for the State Street show. Maybe a nice LiteDome, ShowOff or CraftHut. Just throwing it out there in hopes something will pop up. Thanks!Kelly Allenemail: Statements@aol.com

Cherry Creek Artfestival

Posted by Katherine McNeill on July 7, 2009 at 10:49am

I have tried to get into the Cherry Creek Art Festival for over 13 years. I have walked through the festival and I can not believe I have never been accepted. I instead have gone have done the art shows in the past in Brekenridge and for the last several years Fresco. I am continued asked why am I not in the Cherry Creek Art Festival. My work is in 8 different galleries throughout the United States, and I have a European following. I am amazed at the response to my paintings, especially since I started using a pallett knife. I have had many articles written about me, last one American Art Collector June issue.

Call to Artists!

Posted by Helen Day Art Center on July 7, 2009 at 10:32am

The Relentless Eye: Global Cell Phone Photography 2009Cell phone cameras are the relentless eye of the global simulacra. Simple and everywhere, cell phone cameras have transformed how photography is practiced. Helen Day Art Center announces the first of its kind international call to cell phone artists. We seek entries that reveal the creative mind through this ubiquitous medium for a ten-week exhibition opening September 25th, 2009. Entries will be juried by the acclaimed photographer, Eirik Johnson (www.eirikjohnson.com). For detailed information and submission guidelines visit us online at www.helenday.comDeadline for submissions is August 31, 2009.

Wanted New Artists to Replenish Old Stock

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 6, 2009 at 1:48pm

(I'm away from my office visiting family in California, but still keeping my ear turned to the latest news in the art fair business.) Whenever I hear people decry the lack of young artists entering the art fair business, I look around, and see plenty of new artists, the problem is that they are not "young." Maybe this is an older person's business. This article from the Denver Post, quotes director of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Terry Adams on the CCAF's Emerging Artist program, "This is our way of introducing them to this business," Adams said. "There are more artists leaving at the upper end of the age group than are coming in at the lower end, so this is our way of replenishing this generation." Pretty cool...just like many of today's artists, people leaving established careers (for a number of reasons) and entering the arena in their '50's and '60's. Read the article here: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12759316 Were you at Cherry Creek? Tell us about your experiences here.

Want Propanels in SW FL

Posted by Barbara Groenteman on July 2, 2009 at 10:24am

Looking for 10x10 propanel setup prefer charcoal or darker

Des Moines Art Festival - Stolen Art & More

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 1, 2009 at 7:39pm

So far we don't have any reports from any artists who participated in the Des Moines Art Festival, but here are several stories I have found from the Des Moines Register, sponsor of the event: Last year there was a police chase with a gun wielding man, this year: 30 art works stolen at art festival found in alley Here is another story about the art stolen, and the capture of the culprit. http://wcco.com/wireapnewsia/Art.reported.stolen.2.1064654.html In this story they talk about security issues surrounding the event. Arts Festival sales get mixed reviews from '09 vendors Besides the festival downtown, at the same time the "Other Art Festival is held at the fairgrounds, with some excellent artists exhibiting there. Read "Crowd applauds quality of ArtFest Midwest artists in Des Moines"

In the News Again

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 1, 2009 at 7:19pm

Thanks to all of you my websites and business are getting some pretty good press. Take a look at this excellent coverage from artdaily.org! http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=31685

You can be a reality TV star! Bravo looks for artists

Posted by Connie Mettler on July 1, 2009 at 7:15pm

It's your turn.

"Have you ever wondered how to go from being a “struggling, emerging or even semi-established artist to selling a complete show for $198 million?” Bravo says they might be able to help you with their new artist-based reality competition to win a “gallery show, a cash prize and a sponsored national tour,” whatever that means." This is a for-real deal being produced by Bravo and Sarah Jessica Parker's production company. Do check it out. They are looking for thirteen artists: "We want contemporary artists. Your medium could be one of many (or several of many) – painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, mixed-media – we want voices that believe in their art and want the world to know," says Bravo. Casting calls going on very soon in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and New York. Read all about it here: http://www.bravofan.com/bravo-now-casting-for-untitled-art-project/ and here: http://www.bravotv.com/casting and here: http://animalnewyork.com/2009/06/bravo-casting-for-sarah-jessica-parkers-art-reality-show/

My New Blog

Posted by Maureen A. Girard on July 1, 2009 at 10:30am

Please visit my new blog. WWW.maureenagirard.blogspot.com.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.