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Metro Detroit's First Indie Craft Show of the Year

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 16, 2009 at 3:49pm

This sounds like fun. Additionally I am including it here for all of you who aren't ready to jump into the art fair business. These cool indie events have much lower overhead and you can learn a lot by doing. You've got to love an art fair in a pool hall! Saturday, April 4, 2009 Time: 12:00pm - 7:00pm Location: @ The Loving Touch: 22634 Woodward Ave, Ferndale Introducing Spring Fling …A Craft Thing, Metro Detroit’s FIRST alternative craft show of the year! From 12 noon to 7 p.m., twenty craftspeople/artists will set up shop at Ferndale’s newest pool hall, The Loving Touch. Owned by the proprietors of the WAB and The Emory, and producers of the D.I.Y. Street Fair, the Loving Touch is not your average pool hall; with an atrium, greenery and beautiful wood décor, it was an easy choice to hold this new event. Music will be provided during the entire show by DJs Daniel (Daniel Johnson), Ryan Allen (Friendly Foes and Thunderbirds are Now!), and JRC (of the popular blog EatThisCity.com).

Arbitrary Art Grant: Deadline May 15

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 16, 2009 at 3:36pm

Vital 5 Productions and Artists for a Work Free America The spring and summer of 2009 will reveal twelve $500.00 Arbitrary Art Grants in a variety of mediums, such as music, dance, writing, fashion design, architecture, photography, painting and many more. These twelve grants will culminate at this year’s Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle in a Vital 5 Produced exhibit entitled DADA ECONOMICS. To kick off this series of seemingly absurd grants, we are going to give $500.00 to one person who builds a sculpture inside of a steel grocery cart, created only from the store's inventory. Build it, photograph it, and email a picture to: info@vital5productions.com before May 15th, 2009. On May 30th, a winner will be selected, called and given $500.00 cash. There is no application or judge, and I promise the winner will be selected in a completely random manner. This grant is open to people of all ages, of all skill levels, in all countries. All you need is a grocery store and a camera. If you don't have a digital camera or an email address, take a real picture and mail it to: Vital 5 Productions, POB 23385, Seattle, WA 98102. Only one entry will be allowed per person, and all entries will be displayed in the DADA ECONOMICS exhibit this September. This information was found at Alyson Stanfield's "Art Biz Blog.'

Call for Entries: Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 13, 2009 at 12:30am

July 30 - August 2 Nappanee, IN 350 exhibitors Deadline: April 1 The 47th annual Amish Acres Festival is seeking talented artists and craftsmen to exhibit and sell their wares around the pond at Amish Acres. Amish Acres is an 80 acre farmstead, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the heart of Indiana's Amish country, Nappanee, IN. It is an historic attraction demonstrating three generations of the legacy of the family who lived here and a destination for travelers interested in learning about the Amish a way of life, a life nearly forgotten in today's fast paced world. Helpful information: * This event pulls from a wide region and includes an effective advertising and marketing plan that encircles Nappanee from Chicago to Detroit to Toledo and Indianapolis - expect visitors from a large geographic area who call this their favorite show * The readers of Sunshine Artist have selected Amish Acres as one of the 200 Best for the 10th year running, further ranking it the 7th Best Classic & Contemporary Craft Show in the Country * The American Bus Association chose Amish Acres Festival as one of its Top 100 Events in North America in 2008 for an unprecedented third time (2005, 2006 & 2008) * New this year: a partnership with a national pharmacy chain in our and surrounding 5 state region for Art Festival promotion

Note from Jenni Wysong, organizer of the event: I have proactively created an Exhibitor Stimulus Package with 10% reduced fees and increased artist benefits to effect each exhibitor right in their pocketbook. I want to show them we are supporting them for our shared future health. See page 4 of the application for the details. Expect authentic Hoosier hospitality that includes: * free accessible parking * electricity * no jury fee * exhibitor discounts on hotels, theatre tickets, food and drink * $10,000 in cash awards * 60,000+ is the expected attendance based on previous years A casual family oriented atmosphere abounds as Amish Acres remains a family run business. The Festival was started in l961 and is still owned by the same family, on to its second generation of management now. There are many activities on this historic farm but the Art and Crafts Festival is a singular event and eagerly awaited by past exhibitors and patrons. Visit the website to learn more about Amish Acres and to download an application: www.amishacres.com

Where do all the artists go? A report on Nancy Camden

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 13, 2009 at 12:11am

If you've been doing art fairs for awhile you really don't notice when you haven't seen someone for awhile. You meet so many people at the shows. So I always appreciate it when one of you gives me information about friends who have left the fold and go on to other things. Thanks to Barbara Sucherman for sending this link about former fiber artist and doll maker, author and journalist, Nancy Camden, who I last saw at her home in Jackson, MI, about two years ago just before she moved to Milwaukee. She said at the time she had done her last art fair. This is a link to a piece Nancy did for NPR on a local dog park. Hello Nancy!! TheDogParkMarch4,2009.mp3

Wilde Wednesday

Posted by Cassandra Graham on March 11, 2009 at 9:09am

Usual 7: a.m. radiation thing.......1 week down, 6 to go...sigh.It was 76 yesterday (unusual) and today it's supposed to drop 40 degrees in the next couple of hours (usual). I was gone most of the day and now I feel so guilty that I couldn't leave the kitties out on the screened in porch. The redtail hawks are back and busy adding to the old nest out back.Today I plan on going to see The Reader, working on the sign design for my son's new restaurant in Sierra Vista, AZ, cracking a bottle of pinot noir and doing some beading/tv watching in bed with the kitties.

Call for Entries: Artsfest in Solomons, Maryland

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 9, 2009 at 9:07pm

September 19 & 20 Artsfest '09 Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center Solomons, Maryland in Association with the Smithsonian Institution 120-150 artists Deadline: March 31 Annmarie Garden is a thirty acre public sculpture park and arts center located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay. The Garden also features a shady walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned works of outdoor sculpture, much of it spectacular works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Established in 1993, Artsfest is an annual juried arts festival organized recognized as one of the top outdoor arts festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region. Artsfest brings together some of the country's most accomplished artists for a weekend of art, music, food, wine and micro brews at beautiful Annmarie Garden. Bands and entertainment acts perform continuously throughout the Garden. Artsfest welcomes a broad array of art media and styles in an effort to provide a diverse selection to Artsfest visitors. Artists working in fine art, fine craft, and folk art categories are encouraged to apply. Artsfest offers three VERY different exhibition options: *inside the Arts Building *around the Tent Circle *and along the lovely Wooded Path What else? *Cash Awards will be presented in several categories, Artsfest '09including the Best of Show and Best Display awards.

* Hussein Saidi receiving a well deserved Best of Show *Arts Organizations can also participate in Artsfest! Are you looking to increase exposure for your arts organization, then consider applying for a booth at Artsfest. Reach thousands of visitors interested in the arts. All organizations must provide an activity or demonstrate. *Artsfest has gone paper-less! All of the festival communication is now being done via the Internet and through email. *Emerging Artist Program! Emerging artists are invited to submit their applications for consideration. This program is intended to provide emerging artists with professional show experience. For complete information, including call for entries, please visit the website at www.annmariegarden.org. Or contact Melissa Daman, Artsfest Coordinator at gardenevents@chesapeake.net Thank you! Artsfest is one of the most important fund-raising activities for Annmarie Garden. We cannot express enough our extreme gratitude to all artists. We know there are so many details to worry about when undertaking a festival, and we are grateful that you are willing to share your talents and participate in this event. We hope it is a mutually beneficial experience. Artists, if you apply to this event, please tell them ArtFairCalendar.com sent you! Thanks.

And the Winner is....! Our First Contest

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 9, 2009 at 8:49pm

Your art lesson for the day: Take a break today from whatever is bothering you, log on to this website and learn a new craft in only a minute, turning an ugly t-shirt into something fashionable. Here's the link: OneMinuteU.com I look forward to seeing your creation at the next art show. OR Even better, take a photo of it and upload it to me at here. The best one will receive a copy of my e-book "Secrets to Success at Art Fairs." Here's what you do: 1. visit the site 2. get a t-shirt 3. make a new t-shirt 4. take a photo 5. upload the photo here Ingenuity and creativity count Extra points given for Best Use of an Art Fair t-shirt Deadline: March 17 Show us your t-shirt!

Red Bull: Art of the Can - Call for submissions

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 7, 2009 at 10:17pm

You've seen those young people with the Red Bull cans strapped to their backs at events in recent years - now you have your chance to have some fun with the cool Red Bull images. Red Bull Art of Can is a national juried exhibition featuring artwork in a variety of media that have one thing in common—they are all inspired by Red Bull or crafted from the iconic blue and silver cans. The juried exhibition is open to anyone with a flair for creativity and the talent to transform an original concept into a compelling piece of art that can be shared with a public audience. Registration is free and open to artists nationwide through May 15, 2009. Sculptures, paintings, digital/graphic designs and various forms of mixed media will all be considered. Registration forms and details can be accessed at www.redbullartofcan.com.

Call for Entries: Ohio Mart, Akron, OH

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 7, 2009 at 4:00pm

October 1-4 Akron, OH 120 Exhibitors Presented by the Hywet Hall & Gardens, a Historic House Museum and Country Estate An outdoor event held under large tents Deadline: March 10 Searching for a new venue that is accessible to a great number of shoppers hungry for creative, one of a kind, hand crafted items? Read below for a possible solution. Ohio Mart is held on the grounds of the country estate of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, OH, and is in its 43rd year of being the premier Arts and Crafts festival in the state of Ohio. The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens location is in the heart of over 15,000 shoppers that come from Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh. This is a destination event. Patrons come to find wonderful art work and spend the day on the lovely grounds--a perfect setting for bringing you the patrons who appreciate fine goods. This is a juried event, accepting only handmade original art and held on a date when there are few other venues available.

Benefits include: *Assistance the day of set-up and the evening of take-down *Booth sitters for breaks, morning coffee *Free accessible parking for vehicle *Booth space tented Where is the Stan Hywet Hall? Visit this link. For more information and to download an application visit: www.stanhywethallandgardens.org

Four Old-School Reasons Why You Can Thrive in this Recession

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 6, 2009 at 7:16pm

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.

be cautious about international web orders

Posted by Jan Richardson on March 5, 2009 at 11:20pm

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.

Call for Entries: Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 5, 2009 at 6:31pm

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.org

They Came, They Saw, They Shopped, They Bought!

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 2, 2009 at 3:37pm

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.

New in this week's Virtual Craft Show

Posted by Cafe Handmade - Virtual Craft Show on March 2, 2009 at 1:22pm

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 you

Call for Entries: Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show - update

Posted by Connie Mettler on March 2, 2009 at 9:41am

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

quit whinning

Posted by vicki munn/lance munn on February 28, 2009 at 7:41pm

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.

Should the Painting Match the Sofa?

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 27, 2009 at 8:32pm

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 Home

Why are Some Artists More Successful than Others?

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 27, 2009 at 8:00pm

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.

Call for Entries: Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 26, 2009 at 4:26pm

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.org

Matting and Framing Help? Excellent Online Resource

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 26, 2009 at 4:10pm

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!

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.