I know some of you are very scared about the near future. If you continue to listen to the news it doesn't help much. I am here to tell you that you can make it through this. You are brave and resourceful, otherwise what in the heck are you doing in the art fair business? You have vision and creativity and lots of guts. Who else in this country stands on a street corner on the weekends showing the world the products of their imaginations and standing beside it for all to see? You don't think that takes guts?
You are going to love this article. Here are the four reasons:
1. You are self reliant. "Back when we moved from farms to factories (and later, to cubicles), once we got a few things like child labor and worker safety straightened out, a lot of us got into the habit of letting a company take care of us." That is not you.
2. You have a great imagination. "... in the emerging economy, the means of production are between your ears."
3. The village is your customer. "...if you make something handmade (even if it’s delivered in pixels), personal, and/or magnificently useful, your village can and will find you."
4. It’s in your DNA. "The human being is an inherently creative, flexible, resilient creature. You are an inherently creative, flexible, resilient creature. The times may well get worse before they get better. But compared with a lot of history’s darker moments, this one’s pretty comfortable."
Read the whole article, then print it out and read it again when you get discouraged: http://www.copyblogger.com/recession/
Thanks to Sonia Simone, Senior Editor of Copyblogger for this revealing article.
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recently I recieved an inquiry from a prospective collector in Australia. This person ordered 3 very expensive pieces. They were in a hurry, the command of the english language was spotty, wanted to use a credit card. I responded that the shipping costs could be prohibitive and that did not seem to phase the customer. Indeed they offered to arrange for pickup of the pieces. They said they would handle it, implying they would handle the costs but it did not feel right. They would not respond to my request for a cashiers check(reccomended by my bank).I offered some information about the work and there did not seem to be any curiosity or interest about the work which is unlike the normal customer. I discovered that this is a common scam put upon international used book sellers.I recieved another inquiry from a different australian , much the same but sent to a large number of on line merchants, only some of whom were artists.Beware international orders. insist that your arrange the shipping and have the costs covered by the customer. I found that UPS to Australia was in the range of $450 for a medium size box containing an $600- 800 sculpture. insist on a cashiers check and check with your bank before you let the merchandise go. Dangers include the customer charging back the credit card and shipping companies that bill you the shipper later. Go with your gut.
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August 15 & 16 Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania 35th Annual Outdoor Art Show Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Under the oaks of old Chautauqua 285 artists Deadline: April 1 In mid-August as many as 18,000 festival-goers will plan on enjoying a weekend of art, crafts, entertainment and gourmet food. Where is Mt. Gretna, PA?
Visit this link. Every year, during the third weekend of August, this community of some 700 homes and cottages suddenly springs to life, welcoming 285 artists chosen through juried competition and 20,000 visitors who-by their presence acknowledge the role that art plays in their homes, hearts, and lives.
And every year, as thousands of art show patrons return, many others discover Mount Gretna for the first time. For everyone who comes, it is a return to an earlier era: to a time when neighbors greeted neighbors from their front porches, when going for ice cream meant going for a stroll rather than getting into an automobile, and when life itself pulsed at a rocking chair pace. Learn more about the event at:
www.mtgretnaarts.com Contact them at:
mtgretnaart@comcast.net or 717-964-3270 Apply online at
Zapplication.orgRead more…
Don't be sounding the death knell for art fairs in Michigan just yet.
Saturday morning I arrived at the Kalamazoo Country Fairgrounds for the
Garage Sale Art Fair and to my amazement the parking lot was packed! I had to park in the last row. People were standing in line to enter and others were heading out of the building with armloads of packages. Money exchanged hands.
Inside it was a melee of people jostling others in the aisles and standing in line to buy pottery, photography, glass, paintings, etc, from one hundred + artists. What a happy sight.
My art fair shopping companion, Barb Burkhardt, and I came home with work from jeweler B.J. Jordan, pottery from Michael Kifer and Mike Taylor, a scarf from Dinah Morrison, fabulous glass from Earl James and there were two objects I wanted that others bought before I got back to buy them.
Yes, it is true, there are people in this region who do have jobs and will spend their money on art. Click your heels together and believe that! Turn off the news now and then and think good thoughts and meet me at the next art fair!
Congratulations to artists Bonnie Blandford and Michael Kifer who are responsible for putting the event together. Thanks, Bonnie! Put this art fair on your calendar for next year.
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Come check out Cafe Handmade's Weekly Virtual Craft Show. We Have over 70 great Artists to see. Visit us at www.cafehandmade.com. We have a couple thousand of people visiting us every week, and we continue to grow.If you haven't already signed up for our eNewsletter please do so on our site, you'll be automatically entered everymonth in our Reader Rewards. 1 lucky reader will win a $50 shopping Spree the first monday of every month. 1st Drawing is to be drawn on April 6th. Get extra chances in the drawing by completing the Scavenger hunt at www.cafehandmade.com.We're excited to see we are growing at a rapid pace. We appreciate all the artists, and the people who visit every week.Thank youRead more…
The call for entries for this event in downtown Royal Oak, MI, on June 13 and 14 has been extended to March 13 and 14. Mark Loeb, organizer for the event for the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce has this to say:
Hi Connie- Clay, Glass and Metal Show is still needing more metal as this is the first year accepting that medium and not getting enough applications for that medium yet. Anything you could do to help me would be appreciated. We're fine on the other media.
Jurying is next Friday, so I reset the deadline on Zapp to allow apps until Thursday night. THANKS
Mark Loeb
Integrity Shows
734 216 3958
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if you should be so lucky to have someone come in your booth with fabric/color samples or what i like best a tape measure...at least you have a serious customer. they are in your booth because they like your work and it is your job to convince them that YOU are the best ...if it's not the perfect color can you change that? if your art is one of a kind and you really repeat nothing...then it becomes your job to make them realize the value of the work and how it will make a statement that will be a joy for them to live with. it certainly should not be an insult to the artist when people want to match...be nice and positive and helpful...guess that sounds like too much like work to most of the "artists" but as a craftsman i know it can make a difference in your sales. we are not better than our customers and consider this...they have the money!vicki munntired furniture maker of 30 years...connie, i know the article was not really about this subject but this is just what i wanted to say.
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or should the painting BE the sofa?
I know some of you cringe when a customer enters your booth with color samples of fabrics and paint samples. You will love this article which explores the art vs. furniture debate and shows you how to pimp your house. Me, I'm out to recreate that chandelier....
Art Meets Interior: Highfalutin’ Ways to Pimp Your HomeRead more…
Could it be because they have business/life partners who devote themselves to the success of the artist? Yes!!
This month's issue of the Crafts Report explores the role of the "non-artist's" role in an artist's business life discussing this often unsung person's contributions to the business.
As an artist's partner myself this is not an eye-opening expose, but it is great to receive some recognition. As art director of Arts, Beats & Eats we have a revolving award, The Golden Dolly, that is awarded each year (with an award check!) to the best artist's partner. The first recipient was Richard Nash, hauling the work of Jeanne Nash around the country. Year two it went to Michael Strailey (an Art Fair Insider) who is still setting up Nancy's booth innumerable times each season. Other awardees: Carole Weber (spouse of Michale Weber), Judy Lederer (spouse of Ron Lederer), Sam Kuznets (spouse of Svetlana), etc. Many thanks to these great people.
Enjoy the article at this link: http://www.craftsreport-digital.com/craftsreport/200903/?pg=36
Read the article and then get back to this and let us hear what you think.
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June 13 & 14 Royal Oak, MI on Washington Avenue in downtown Royal Oak Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce 125 artists Deadline: March 1 A simple concept: Focusing on a core audience will bring you the best results. That's why Royal Oak continues a fifteen year tradition of celebrating artwork created with heat. What does that mean for you? A world of difference. You are not competing with prints, photos and corndogs. Everyone is coming because they have an interest in your artwork. Artists report that it is a pleasure to work with customers that already have an understanding of the medium. We encourage artists to showcase their methods by giving additional space free to accepted artists that wish to demonstrate techniques. Any loud music is buffered by our restaurants and then sponsors, assuring that no artist loses out to music and smoke. This festival features 125 clay, glass and metal artists, demonstrations and related activities. As a result we get a large focused audience. Our artists tell us that it is a pleasure having customers that really understand their work and techniques. The Royal Oak Clay & Glass Festival provides:
-Qualified Buyers -Cash Awards -Overnight Security & Free Parking -Artist Breakfast To be artist friendly while also assuring new booths every year, we have a three year jury rotation. If you have participated in the last three years you are automatically accepted when you send in your booth and application fees by deadline. The art fair is organized by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows a veteran organizer of metro Detroit events. NOTE: ONLY CLAY, GLASS AND METAL ARE ACCEPTED. WORK MAY INCORPORATE OTHER ELEMENTS BUT MUST BE PRIMARILY CLAY, GLASS OR METAL. SORRY NO POLYMERS SUCH AS PRECIOUS METAL CLAY. For more info:
www.RoyalOakChamber.com APPLY TODAY:
www.zapplication.orgRead more…
Look what web browsing finds you:
Documounts.com, "Framing solutions for today's digital & traditional artist." Finding the right partnership can really help your business take off. From what I have seen
Documounts is a useful partner for your art business. The site sells quality mats and bags for your art at prices that help you make a better profit.
This page even focuses on artists who participate in art fairs. You will find great Market Ready Kits and Pre-Cuts mats along with lots of helpful information and tutorials at
Documounts 101 (everything you ever wanted to know about matting and framing) and on
their blog (full of tips about the art business).
Bookmark this site!Read more…
Posted by Jan Kaulins on February 25, 2009 at 9:29pm
Sonny, Sonny, Sonny. You can't fool an old dog like me with your I NEED OXYGEN GET OUT OF WORK QUICK SCHEME--I know you only too well and I'm not buying it. Are you sure that your problems are from welding smoke, or could it be some other sort of more esoterically oriented smoke? Sonny, Sonny, Sonny. That's probably not an oxygen tank, but one of those that makes you sound like Donald Duck when you inhale it--you know, the stuff they blow up balloons with. Now that I think about it, I think you might be on to something. I've been doing shows almost as long as you have--you know that. We go back a long time my friend. I think I'll go blow some Welding Smoke, quit my job (doing shows) and join you on that tropical island beach hide-away that I think you've got lined up. We can both sit on the beach and swap lies and dirty jokes and make fun of all the other artists still working and pounding the pavement. Yes Sonny, I think you've got it figured out my dear friend, and perhaps I'll join you on that beach one day soon. Love ya old pal. Big hug to Roxie for me. Jan Kaulins
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2-22-09 An innovative new web site, the
Arts Acquisition Project, devoted to connecting artists with collectors seeks
pieces for its inaugural exhibition. The
Arts Acquisition Project aspires to be the premier arts web site to date, bringing a fresh approach to the online gallery business. The focus will be not only on the art, and revealing it to a wider audience, but also to introduce the general public to the artists as people, innovators in action. Commentary and review will also be an integral part of the
Arts Acquisition Project, as AAP strives not only to sell art, but to also cultivate an environment of artistic growth and conversation. One of the
Arts Acquisition Project's biggest assets will be its close relationships to regional and national artist and buyer communities. AAP will also have a commanding presence on the web, where its over-arching relevancy in the arts community will make it one of the top hits on Google whenever someone searches for 'art.' Quite simply, the
Arts Acquisition Project is going to become synonymous with purchasing art online. AAP is interested in showing all forms of visual artistic media, including but not limited to painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, and crafters. You are invited to be part of the inaugural group of artists included in this gallery. Artists should submit a brief biography and up to five pieces (as jpegs) of work, preferably of the same theme.
The Rest of the Story:Arts Acquisition Project is an innovative economic solution to an eclectic art market. Historically, artists have asked patrons to come to them, whether it be to galleries, exhibitions, or art fairs. With AAP, the art will be going to where the consumer is already shopping: the Internet. A sleek, hip, user-friendly website like AAP will entice a new type of buyer to consider purchasing original modern art. Natanya Willis, the founder of the Arts Acquisition Project, is an interior designer and arts hobbyist. Her appreciation of the visual arts and design has seamlessly brought her to the next generation of arts appreciation. Her understanding of the power of the Internet and its unlimited potential to convey interest in the arts will prove to be both provocative and engaging. Creating and delivery of a new online forum for the arts is no easy task, but the rewards of ingenuity and creativity are well worth the efforts. You are invited to be part of the inaugural group of artists included in this gallery. Artists should submit a brief biography and up to five pieces (as jpegs) of work, preferably of the same theme. For more information, or to submit, visit
www.artsacquisitionproject.com. Entries will also be considered for publication in the biannual print journal.
2-25-09 After artists contacted Ms. Willis for more information after reading the above "call", she has updated it. Here is her response:
Thank you for you interest regarding the Arts Acquisition Project. We are delighted with the responses so far. Please review our artist update regarding detailed questions that each of you requested. The AAP is in its development stage and the process is moving quickly. Again, I would like to thank each of you for your interest in this special project. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly and stay tuned, the site will be evolving everyday. Thank you, Natanya Willis Click on this link for the latest updates: Artist Update.doc Arts Acquisition ProjectRead more…
July 11 and 12 On the Capital Concourse around the Capital Building Presented by The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 400 artists Deadline: March 2 Art Fair on the Square is not only the single largest art fair in the Midwest, it is also rated among the best fine art shows in North America by artists from across the country, and by publications such as
Sunshine Artist magazine. Furthermore, Art Fair on the Square is the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art's most important annual fundraiser, providing crucial support for exhibitions and education programming. For two days, the eight blocks that surround Wisconsin's beautiful State Capitol are transformed as artists, entertainers, vendors, and some 200,000 visitors come together to celebrate the arts. There are a bunch of upgrades to the event this year including: * Free Lodging for Artists * More Media Coverage of the Event * Power for Artists * and a new Facebook group For more information:
www.mmoca.org/events/artfair Apply today:
www.zapplication.org Here's the latest news from Katie Hudson, organizer of the popular Art Fair on the Square:
I wanted to remind everyone that one week from today is the application deadline for Madison, WI, Art Fair on the Square. We understand that the current economic environment has taken its toll, and probably has many of you frustrated and a bit gun shy when it comes to picking shows for the summer. For this reason, I wanted to take a moment to outline some of what Art Fair on the Square has to offer artists that we believe will make your trip to Madison a profitable one. Free Lodging for Artists This year Madison residents will open up their homes to Art Fair on the Square artists and provide them with a place to stay free of charge. More Media Coverage of the Event Art Fair on the Square has always advertised on local television, radio and in newspapers throughout the region. This year our coverage will extend state-wide and there will be more of it. Thanks to new sponsorships and renegotiated contracts, we will have more television and radio commercials as well as larger and more diversified print advertising. Power for Artists! Thanks to the non-profit organization, Working Bikes, we will be able to offer artists batteries that will be recharged throughout the day through bicycle powered charging stations. Runners will swap out batteries for artists as needed so that anyone who wants it can have clean, continuous power. These are just a few of the programs that we have in the works for this coming summer. To learn more, please join Art Fair on the Square's Facebook page where you will find pictures, quotes, ideas and articles about Madison and our event. Of course you can also visit our web site: www.mmoca.org/events/artfair to see who participated last year and to download an application for 2009. Digital applications are available through ZAPP. I look forward to seeing you in July!Read more…
June 26-28 Washington Park in the heart of the central business district Quincy, IL 50 Artists Deadline: March 31 Where is Quincy, IL?
Visit this link. From the director, Maggie Strong:
Quincy is a lovely town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi. We have a rich arts history and are home to the first Arts Council in America. Our architecture also represents the best in the Midwest. We are in our 6th year of putting on a quality juried fine art festival and accept approximately only 50 artists in order for each of our artists to have the opportunity for good sales as we continue to grow our faire. We give out approximately $5,000 in awards, with best of show receiving $1,000. We have many repeat artists but always like to recruit new artists to apply. You can ask any of our past participating artists and they will tell you we treat artists like gold! Our community is happy to host them for the weekend! Now, isn't that intriguing? It sounds like this committee knows what is required to put on a quality event. When I replied that while they were preparing for their faire that they should visit the Belleville, IL, art fair to learn how a small community can make an art fair that excels, she replied that, yes, she had already been there and is hoping to build Quincy's to become such an event. Here's the rest:
* Our artists represent diverse styles and techniques including oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolor, unique sculpture, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics, vivid photography and so much more. * The city of Quincy is dedicated to making the faire a positive experience for both artists and guests * The faire encourages artists to demonstrate and discuss their work * Great entertainment, wonderful local food and a variety of children's activities The artists speak:
--This show has the potential to be one of the best shows of the summer in the Midwest. --Quincy knows how to treat artists. --A show of this quality so close to home is a dream come true. Download an application online at
www.ArtsFaire.org For more info:
mafdirector@gmail.com Application Fee: $10; Booth Fee: $100
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Posted by Nick Benuska on February 23, 2009 at 1:47pm
I am looking to see if the Nels Johnson with your organization is an old friend of mine from Hawaii back in the 1980's. If this is him or someone know's him please contact me.Nick Benuskankbemail@gmail.com808-561-7018
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My dear friend, the much loved sculptor, Sonny Dalton, of Mattawan, MI, may have participated in his last art fair. If you remember his smiling face at the art fairs, have admired his quirky sculptures and been impressed with his vision, you undoubtedly also have taken one or more of them home with you. Sonny was seduced by the lure of a life that enabled him to create every day. Leaving a secure job at GM behind a long time ago he has been exhibiting his work around the country since the 1970's.
Now the bad part: last Monday (February 23) Sonny visited a pulmonologist who immediately hooked him up to an oxygen tank. The decades of welding have not been good to his lungs, a fair amount of scar tissue is impairing his breathing. At this
time he is on the oxygen 24 hours a day. The jury is still out on how long this is going to be the case, but I'm sure you can understand that an oxygen tank and a welding torch do not mix well. Do you know Sonny? I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. Cards, love notes, flowers, chocolate chip cookies, good jokes, kisses and other tokens of affection and admiration are welcome at: 26610 Red Arrow Highway, Mattawan, MI, 49071. Or:
rsdalton@aol.com Do you have stories about Sonny to share? Please add them below.
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Posted by Connie Mettler on February 22, 2009 at 10:57am
Best in Show – Richard Rosen of Naples, for his clay sculpture. “His style of practical ceramics have moved into pure art in themselves,” juror Richard Tooke said. “The work he is creating now is things I’ve never seen anyone do in his medium. His work is very mature. I was looking for someone who took the 3D medium and turned it into a voice of his own, and Richard did that.” Best in 2D – Janet Rogers of Ormond Beach on Florida’s central east coast, for her watercolors. “Her work caught my eye the first time I walked through the festival,” juror Charles Marshall said. “I liked the way they looked, not structured like realism but loose, with a lot of white showing through, so the paper added to the portrait. It was very free-flowing.” Best in 3D – Angelika Kade of Naples for her marble sculpture. “Her work is rather traditional sculpture with contemporary overtones,” Tooke said. “Her work is intricate, with sculpture in stone combined with wood carving. She is a superb craftsman.” 10 awards of distinction: **Todd Cameron of Minneapolis, Minn., for glass. **John Costin of Tampa, for graphics. **Robert Hessler of Kingston, N.Y., for clay. **Patricia Karnes of Winter Park, for jewelry. **P.A. Kessler of Hilton Head, S.C., for watercolor. **Anne London of Hilliard, Ohio, for graphics. **Tim Pervinkler of Ludington, Mich., for photography. **Robbie Robins of San Francisco for sculpture. **Oswaldo Ventura of Naples for acrylic. **Jean Yao of Fort Lauderdale for fiber. Read the rest of this story at the
Naples News.com Were you in Naples this weekend? We'd love to hear from you. Please comment below.
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1. August 22 & 23 Oswego Art Fair Oswego, IL Presented by EM Events Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM & Sun. 10 AM - 4 PM 65 Artists Application deadline: March 1 Late August brings beautiful weather to this region. Couple that with this fine small event think hard about adding this event to your art fair list. Where is Oswego? It is located 50 miles southwest of Chicago, well situated at the southern end of the Fox River Valley.
The Oswego Fine Art Fair provides a cultural art experience for the Village of Oswego and the surrounding communities. Art enthusiasts and patrons are delighted by an assortment of attractions including unique pieces of art from renowned artists from across the country, children's art activities, live musical entertainment and delicious food from local vendors. Hosted by the Village of Oswego, the Oswego Fine Art Fair is located on picturesque Main Street, in Oswego's historic downtown business district which serves as an extraordinary backdrop for fine art. Celebrating its 6th year, the Oswego Fine Art Fair has something for everyone to enjoy! Booth Fee: $230 --- Prints allowed --- Make checks payable to: Village of Oswego
For an application: www.emevents.com2. September 12 & 13 West End Art Festival LaGrange, IL presented by EM Events Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM 90 Artists Application deadline: March 1 Celebrating its 14th year, the West End Art Festival is a LaGrange tradition whose purpose is to bring a quality, fine art event to the Village of LaGrange and surrounding communities and highlight the west end business district. Artists from across the country participate in LaGrange's late summer festival that attracts art admirers and patrons each year. This is an affluent community where 64% of the homes are priced from $200,000 to $500,000, located 14 miles west of Chicago.
Presented by the LaGrange Business Association and held in cooperation with the Village of LaGrange, the festival is held in the shadow of the landmark Stone Avenue Station along Burlington Avenue between Brainard and Spring Avenues. The charming and historic West End area of LaGrange provides a picture-perfect setting to showcase art. Other highlights include live music, food from local LaGrange restaurants and children's art activities for an event to be enjoyed by all ages. Booth Fee: $285 --- Prints allowed --- Make checks payable to: LaGrange Business Association More info about LaGrange:
villageofLaGrange.com To download an application:
www.emevents.com3. September 26 & 27 Lakeview East Festival of the Arts Chicago presented by EM Events Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM 130+ Artists Deadline: March 1 Beautiful fall weather brings you an event in a hip Chicago neighborhood, a great place to finish your outdoor art fair season in the Midwest. The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is Chicago's premier fine art and fine craft festival showcasing over 130 juried artists. Lakeview is located on the north side of Chicago, near Wrigley Field, north Halsted and Lincoln Park in a very diverse, culturally rich community with unique boutique stores, cafes and restaurants.
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has hosted this event for the past three years and has been rated as one of the top shows in Sunshine Artist's Magazine. More than 40,000 attendees are expected to attend this year's festival. The festival is set on Broadway Avenue just north of Belmont Avenue. This event has a strong marketing and media plan and hosts an annual artist reception. Other amenities include: -artist reserved parking -vendor fee permit waived -Saturday night Artist Party -a full breakfast served Saturday and Sunday -Booth Fee: $400 Make checks payable to: Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce --- Prints allowed Download the application at:
EMEvents.com ********** Looking for more art fairs for your 2009 season? Visit:
ArtFairCalendar.com/callforentriesRead more…
And every year, as thousands of art show patrons return, many others discover Mount Gretna for the first time. For everyone who comes, it is a return to an earlier era: to a time when neighbors greeted neighbors from their front porches, when going for ice cream meant going for a stroll rather than getting into an automobile, and when life itself pulsed at a rocking chair pace. Learn more about the event at:
www.mtgretnaarts.com Contact them at:
mtgretnaart@comcast.net or 717-964-3270 Apply online at
Zapplication.org
