All Posts - Blog - Art Fair Insiders

Artrageous Ranked #1 Art Fair

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 11, 2008 at 4:42pm

Okay, I think it's time I ran a contest to see what is the #1 art fair in the country. I recently received this notice: "Artrageous ranked No. 1 festival by AmericanStyle magazine." What is Artrageous? Where is it held? Why haven't I heard of it? Who is American Style profiling? What does this mean about the ratings systems? Do you care? Congratulations to Artrageous, obviously many people care about your event and you must be doing some very good things. Read more about it at: http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20081207/WDH0101/812070657/1981

15 Life Lessons Learned at the Nation's Art Fairs

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 10, 2008 at 10:04pm

This post was so interesting to me and such a good example of the indefatigable spirit prevalent among art fair artists that I needed to repost it here so everyone could be inspired. Here is Barbara Sistak Baur's post of her first year at art fairs. "I purchased my very first display panels last spring from Connie. She is so gracious and she

asked me to “report in” on my first year in the art fair business. So, here it goes – “The Unforgettable Life-Lessons I Learned During My First Art Fair Season”. Ahem – 1. How when I saw the truck fully loaded with panels, chairs, the tent, tubs of equipment and a few paintings thrown in on top of it all, is when I truly grasped the concept of “overhead.” 2. How you shouldn’t make the 500-artist show your first show. By yourself. Far away from

home. ( I didn’t mean to, but I was “blown out” of my first, first show.) 3. What is feels like to be trapped under a blown-over tent and debris during a micro-burst. (Or, when someone tells you to take the artwork off the walls because a storm is coming, leave immediately.) 4. How easy is it to get a “free” charge card merchant account (and then find out how much it really costs you). 5. How heavy those weights really are. (And, I still don’t have enough of them.) 6. That 6 feet 7 inches is truly out of reach. (Even on my toes, no matter how hard I stretch.) 7. How little sleep you can get and still put up a display and talk to customers. (Note to self: don’t try that again.) 8. What a hard, 16-hour day really feels like. (It ain’t like the office!) 9. How April, May, June and ½ of July were a nightmare. (But how during the second half of July, August and Sept, I felt like a pro.) 10. The shock I felt when other artists started asking ME for advice (They must have mistaken my “finally, I know how to put this thing up in less than 3 hours” look for “seasoned.”) 11. How gratified I felt when the local museum purchased a painting. (It was the only sale that day but what a good one!)

12. How my fear of talking to people who came into my booth morphed into a steady sales prattle. (I don’t know how many customers I scared away!) 13. How (inwardly) irked I am when people comment to me, “how relaxing you must find painting.” (Yeah, right.) 14. How it feels to be not “just” an artist, but, rather, an art business entrepreneur. 15. Most unforgettable are the people that helped along the way. A very special thank you to Kathy Eaton, who been an inspiration to me and a tremendous friend and wealth of knowledge. She has gone so far out of her way to point me in the right direction, subtly let me know when I am being an idiot and has given me great advice and insights. And, of course, my husband, who -- I can’t believe it -- actually fixes mangled display panels, builds shelves for the art truck and encourages me to keep going. I hope to see and meet many of you next summer! " Barbara Sistak Baur, guest blogger

Florida Craftsmen Present CraftArt 2008

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 10, 2008 at 9:00pm

I really thought I knew about all the Florida shows worth mentioning but this event, CraftArt 2008, in downtown St. Petersburg, held on November 22 and 23, was brought to my attention by a comment Matthew Hatala made on the topic " Did Anybody Make Any Money This Weekend?" Collette Fortin of Neptune Hot Glass making the sale I visited the event's website: http: //www.floridacraftsmen.net/main.html and found a classy website and some really nice events. Then I looked at their exhibitor list and saw lots of people I know. This looks like a very cool event. Can anyone tell me more about it? They give out $16,000 in awards and the very good news is that glassblowers Berry Davis and Collette Fortin of Celina, OH, won the Best of Show prize of $5000! Congratulations, Berry and Collette. If you aren't two of the hardest working people in this business, I don't know who is. They don't have a website but I did find a place where you can purchase some of their paperweights: ObjectsofEnvy.com

Call for Entries: Brookside Art Annual, Kansas City, MO

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 9, 2008 at 9:15pm

May 1, 2 & 3 24th Annual Brookside Art Fair Kansas City, MO 190 Artists Deadline: January 12 Located in an eclectic neighborhood in the center of Kansas City, you'll love Brookside. It is just minutes from downtown, the Plaza and the southern suburbs. The Brookside Art Annual is known for its festive atmosphere, hospitality, convenience, and has become a must-attend event for artists and art seekers alike. You need to know: * this is the first art show of the year, consequently * it draws over 70,000 people from the entire region. * the focus of the show is on ART! (not food, children's activities & entertainment) * consistently ranks in the top 25 shows according to the Art Fair Sourcebook Art Fair Calendar.com "This is a very pleasant, national caliber event attracting an affluent, enthusiastic and knowledgeable clientele." - Art Fair Sourcebook The Brookside Art Annual, produced by the Brookside Business Association, is a non-profit organization of merchants working to promote and improve the community in the heart of Kansas City. Dominated by quaint neighborhoods, the Brookside neighborhood becomes the center of the Midwest art community each May. The Brookside Art Annual is known for its festive atmosphere, hospitality, convenience, and has become a must-attend event for artists and art seekers alike. Apply with only your very best work! Because of the date this event has few rivals and as a result the quality is excellent. For an application: www.zapplication.com

15 Unforgettable Life-Lessons Learned in the Art Fair Business

Posted by Barbara Sistak Baur on December 6, 2008 at 8:52pm

I purchased my very first display panels last spring from Connie. She is so gracious and she asked me to “report in” on my first year in the art fair business. So, here it goes – “The Unforgettable Life-Lessons I Learned During My First Art Fair Season”. Ahem –1. How when I saw the truck fully loaded with panels, chairs, the tent, tubs of equipment and a few paintings thrown in on top of it all, is when I truly grasped the concept of “overhead.”2. How you shouldn’t make the 500-artist show your first show. By yourself. Far away from home. ( I didn’t mean to, but I was “blown out” of my first, first show.)3. What is feels like to be trapped under a blown-over tent and debris during a micro-burst. (Or, when someone tells you to take the artwork off the walls because a storm is coming, leave immediately.)4. How easy is it to get a “free” charge card merchant account (and then find out how much it really costs you).5. How heavy those weights really are. (And, I still don’t have enough of them.)6. That 6 feet 7 inches is truly out of reach. (Even on my toes, no matter how hard I stretch.)7. How little sleep you can get and still put up a display and talk to customers. (Note to self: don’t try that again.)8. What a hard, 16-hour day really feels like. (It ain’t like the office!)9. How April, May, June and ½ of July were a nightmare. (But how during the second half of July, August and Sept, I felt like a pro.)10. The shock I felt when other artists started asking ME for advice (They must have mistaken my “finally, I know how to put this thing up in less than 3 hours” look for “seasoned.”)11. How gratified I felt when the local museum purchased a painting. (It was the only sale that day but what a good one!)12. How my fear of talking to people who came into my booth morphed into a steady sales prattle. (I don’t know how many customers I scared away!)13. How (inwardly) irked I am when people comment to me, “how relaxing you must find painting.” (Yeah, right.)14. How it feels to be not “just” an artist, but, rather, an art business entrepreneur.15. Most unforgettable are the people that helped along the way. A very special thank you to Kathy Eaton, who been an inspiration to me and a tremendous friend and wealth of knowledge. She has gone so far out of her way to point me in the right direction, subtly let me know when I am being an idiot and has given me great advice and insights. And, of course, my husband, who -- I can’t believe it -- actually fixes mangled display panels, builds shelves for the art truck and encourages me to keep going.I hope to see and meet many of you next summer!

Will You Be in Florida This Weekend?

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 4, 2008 at 10:52am

16th annual American Craft Show comes to Sarasota 520-20081203-174250-pic-850236825.mi_embedded.prod_affiliate.69.jpg

" It’s the perfect time of year for the 16th annual American Craft Show, which will bring some of the best artistry in the nation to Sarasota this weekend — from one-of-a-kind toys and home accessories to colorful clothes and distinctive jewelry. The three-day event is a holiday shopper’s paradise. What makes this juried show even more appealing is that it only visits six cities in the United States each year, with Sarasota being the last stop on the circuit, " says writer January Holmes at the Bradenton (FL) Herald. Really, this is a terrific opportunity to see one-of-a-kind goods in all price ranges by America's top craftspeople that will make terrific gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime. Read the rest of this story: 16th Annual American Craft Show

A participant in the Powers Crossroads Event in Georgia?

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 3, 2008 at 4:36pm

Interesting news about this popular event has recently emerged: "Each year for three days in September -- Labor Day weekend -- the busiest place in Coweta County is the Powers Crossroads grounds off Highway 34 West near the Heard County line. Those three days the Powers' Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival takes place on the nearly 100-acre site owned by five local organizations -- Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, Newnan-Coweta Art Association, Coweta 4-H, Newnan-Coweta Jaycees and the Pilot Club of Newnan. For most of the other 362 days a year, the Powers' site is idle. A new push by Coweta Festivals Inc., the non-profit organization which stages the festival in conjunction with the five local organizations, is aimed at decreasing the idle days at Powers. There are plans for community activities, tours, demonstrations as well as offering the Powers grounds for private individual and corporate functions. " Read about their plans at: Times-Herald, Powers Crossroads Property Need Not Lie Idle

Wanted: Crafts People from Tampa/Clearwater for PR

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 3, 2008 at 4:00pm

My network has just brought me an inquiry from a writer who wants to talk with an artist/craftsperson who lives and/or exhibits in the Tampa/Clearwater areas of Florida. This is what she is looking for: "I need info on the craft scene in the above location. Are you a designer? fabric artist? a woodworker? Folk artist? Do you participate in art/craft shows in this region?" Respond to this post and I'll forward you the information.

Call for Entries: Beckman's Handcrafted, at the Chicago Market

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 1, 2008 at 3:36pm

January 17-20 The Merchandise Mart Chicago A leader in handmade resources for more than 35 years, Beckman's Handcrafted is a unique and affordable opportunity for artists to establish their brand, build their studio business, and grow as both an artist and as an "artrepreneur". The Beckman's Handcrafted show invites artists of a wide variety of talent - functional, fiber, 2D, 3D, Fine Accessories, Bath & Body, Contemporary and Classic accents making it the largest fine craft wholesale show in the Midwest! The show offers an all inclusive "one price to exhibit" package, where artists will see retailers and galleries from Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus to trendy local boutiques such as Pistachio's and Zella Brown. In addition, artists brand new to Chicago will receive $750 in FREE marketing to help jump start their sales prior to the show! Don't miss out!! Be a part of our Artist Demonstrations, Wine Tastings, The Club Room and Celebrity Events and Educational Seminars, and what show wouldn't be complete without a Fashion Show!

Ready for more? Applications and lots of information can be found at: beckmans.com/application.html Applications can be faxed to 312-527-7665, attn: Lindsay Pearson, Show Director. For more info: www.beckmans.com *Note space is limited and first come, first serve.

Call for Entries: One of a Kind Show - NYC

Posted by Connie Mettler on December 1, 2008 at 3:27pm

One of a Kind Wholesale Show™ NYC January 24-27, 2009 Jury Deadline: December 1st The One of a Kind Wholesale Show NYC provides an exclusive opportunity for high quality artists and artisans to bring their works to independent retailers that differentiate themselves by offering one-of-a-kind product! One of a Kind artists, artisans and designers who sell wholesale - we invite you to apply!

The perfect opportunity for artists who sell wholesale just got even better! In support of the art community, we have lowered our price to $1500 per standard 100 square foot booth. Apply now to take advantage of this incredible opportunity! Be a part of the show and: * Leverage The New York Gift Week which draws 45,000 top buyers of gift and home décor * Exhibit within 7W New York, New York's premier high-design and style center for the nation's buyers of elegant home décor, textile, tabletop, decorative accessories and giftware * Access an elite audience of designers and buyers from galleries, museum shops, high-end specialty stores and boutiques * Immerse yourself in the New York City marketplace - the world's center for culture, fashion and trends * Participate in an exciting new wholesale show concept under the One of a Kind Show brand All applications will be juried by a selection committee. Please apply by December 1, 2008, by going to: www.oneofakindwholesaleshow.com or www.zapplication.org For more information, please contact Molly Iarocci at miarocci@mmart.com or (312) 527-3063. Save the date for our summer show, August 15-18, 2009 Read more about preparing your work for jurying, visit the Art Fair Calendar blog and search for "Getting Ready for the Art Fair Jury." While you are there, also read "Notes From A Juror at Cherry Creek."

"One thing the financial crisis shows is that the United States is in trouble because Americans have stopped making stuff"-CSM

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 30, 2008 at 7:48pm

My thanks to Michael Solomon who forwarded me this thoughtful article from the Christian Science Monitor: "It used to be that we made a lot of stuff: televisions, clothes, washing machines, radios, typewriters, shoes, telephones, and furniture. And we also used to make the stuff out of which stuff was made: steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber, glass, and electrical components. Today that's largely made overseas. They send us their stuff and we send them our money. It also used to be that Americans liked to make stuff. Think of all the things Thomas Edison invented. Or consider Henry Ford, who made the car affordable, perfected the assembly line, and paid workers a decent wage. Countless others, such as my grandfather, worked as toolmakers and machinists because they liked to work with their hands. Today we rely on people around the world to do that innovation for us." What's up with this? Aren't you making "stuff?" Yes, I know YOU are, but one of the reasons art fairs are so popular with the public is because they all have stopped doing things with their hands. How many times has someone stood in your booth and envied you your creativity and wished to be standing in your shoes? Lots. How are you feeling about creativity? In what other country would you have this opportunity to stand in the streets on weekends and have people tell you how wonderful your work is? "Today's schools must help teach our young people the value of manual labor and help us take advantage of the greatest place to be for innovation. A Japanese neighbor visiting a US factory told me once that he envied Americans because they did not accept cultural limitations in improving the way something is made. He said that you could never go against the grain like that in Japan." Need some food for thought? (I know you had enough food over the last week) Read the rest of the article at the Christian Science Monitor.

America Needs You, Really! Creative People as Civic Leaders

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 30, 2008 at 7:28pm

etching by Tom Huck A couple of years I attended an ArtServe conference in Lansing, MI, where I heard Tom Tressor, the "Creativity Champion", exhort us to Art the Vote. Tom's mission is standing up for creativity, and encouraging creative people to seek public office. We've just been through this tremendous political activity. I know many of you were inspired by it and aren't quite ready to go back to things as they were. Are you ready to run for public office? You know someone who is? When asked what qualities people wanted to see in a leader, the responses included: - Vision - Accountability - Real leadership - Interest and knowledge of the arts - Inspiration - Problem solver - Someone who can create and share new resources - Creativity and resourcefulness - Compassion - Intelligence This post is a "heads-up" to explore this concept. Intriguing, isn't it? Visit Tom's website and see what a difference you can make, America Needs You, Really! www.tresser.com

The "Really Bad Art Show" - Rewarding the Winner

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 30, 2008 at 5:37pm

The Avon, CT, Farmington Valley Arts Center needed a new idea to draw patrons to the art center for a fundraiser. "The idea for the Bad Art Show came when the two dozen artists and the board of directors that make up the arts center wanted a new approach to attracting visitors to their studios. Every year, the arts center hosts a series of events during the holiday season, and members were determined to do something extra creative this year," reports the Hartford Courant. This sounds like fun, exposing the undistinguishable, the plain ugly, velvet paintings, paint by number and the pottery your loved one gave you before they realized they really weren't such a great potter after all. I do believe the prize winner was "The Nose Picker." "During the event, visitors get to vote on their favorites (actually, their least favorites). Then, taking visitors' votes into consideration, the four artists who organized the event will vote on which one is best (worst). The donor of the work that shows the least artistic merit will receive a $100 gift certificate to the arts center. Those who attend the art show will have until 5 p.m. to buy the bad art, selling at $5 each. Proceeds are to benefit an arts scholarship fund." Doesn't this sound like a good idea for your group? It reminds me of an art exchange hosted by Laurie Fowler and Bill Thelen in Northville, MI, at Christmas several years ago. We all brought a piece of strange art. The best painter in the group received a paint by numbers kit. Yep, there is plenty of bad art out there. Read the rest of the story at: For Perusal And Purchase, Some Really Bad Art

Your Challenge Today, If You Should Choose to Accept it...

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

Yes, it is Sunday morning on a long holiday weekend. There were very few art fairs this weekend. Those of you who are online should be ready for this challenge from an old friend of mine who is looking for your most outrageous art fair/craft show story and who wants me to:

1. "spice this _ _ _ _ _ _ up a bit

2. stimulate the prurient to expose to the voyeurs the full story (in other words, what really goes on behind the booths)

3. forbid anyone who paints beach scenes or clowns from becoming members (guess he wants me to jury for membership on this site)

4. offer tickets to my festival and the opportunity to burn one with an old freak (or maybe some equally outrageous prize, I'm working on this, Jack)

5. dump the goofy that seem to want serious cone parking (wasn't that you who stole the cones at the last event?)"

Lots of very fun people create art and have a great time meeting and playing with one another at events across the country. I have many stories of traveling with my rather outrageous partner, and the people he attracted and enjoyed.

Who wants to go first?

Any body else hiding in the woods?

Posted by Beth Crowder on November 29, 2008 at 1:06pm

I like that there is a new site for us! I'm terrible with the computer, but this was really easy.I know that no one has a crystal ball, but I don't know if I should book shows , hoping the economy will have improved , or just hide out , "til the coast is clear. After all show fees etc, are the most expensive things in my budget.Of course I'm applying for the tried and true ones, but "filler "shows instead of staying home?Any encouraging news out there?Beth here

Call for Entries: Amdur Productions in Chicago

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 27, 2008 at 10:47am

This is a special edition of our Call for Entries. Listed below are twelve Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions. Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 26 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Fair appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, IL. Taking her cue from this success she has gone on to create new events in affluent areas of the metro area. Her hard work coupled with a strong marketing outreach have enabled many Chicago area artists the ability to commute to their art fairs. The rest of us have, of course, joined the group and headed to Chicago to meet this good marketplace. Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the twelve events. Then, "think Chicago!" Info About The 2009 Applications Recognizing today's economic realities Amdur Productions offers: 1. No raise in fees for 2009 2. Reductions in fees for two events 3. Introduction of two new "bare bones" events to appeal to the bargain hunter in all of us, artists and patrons 4. Full disclosure on their website of site description and amenities 5. Optional fee payment plans to spread payments over time. 6. An Art Festival Boot Camp to sharpen your skills at art fair participation Call for Entries: Chicago's Amdur Productions 12 Art Fairs to Fill Your Season and Your Pocketbook May 30 & 31 Arlington Heights Promenade of Art To benefit Northwest Community Hospital 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Amy says: A great show for experienced as well as new artists. Nice easy compact festival layout. Traditional themes do well.

June 5-7 - New! Chicago Eastside Millennium Art Festival downtown at Michigan Ave., on Lake & Stetson Sts. Fri. noon-5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5 150 artists Amy says: Originally founded as the New Eastside Artworks, this fair is reborn in the middle of this busy area just north of Millennium Park. June 20 & 21 Wheaton Cantigny Fine Art Festival Father's Day weekend 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Show fee reduced from 2008 Amy says: Beautiful setting, very low stress. Middle price points do best. June 27 & 28 Glencoe Glencoe Festival of the Masters In cooperation with the Village of Glencoe and the Chamber of Commerce 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Amy says: Held in a wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million. July 11 & 12 Lincolnshire 12th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival Village Green 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well. July 18 & 19 Buffalo Grove Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Fair Buffalo Grove Town Center 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright art doing well, crowd loves jewelry and wearables. July 25 & 26 Skokie North Shore Festival of Art Westfield Old Orchard 10 am to 5 pm 150 artists Amy says: In a highly visible location at this popular outdoor mall. Judaic art did well last year. July 31, August 1 & 2 Chicago Gold Coast River North Art Fair A Chicago tradition for over 50 years Along LaSalle Street, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior Fri. noon to 5; Sat. & Sun. 10-5 395 artists Amy says: Big show, best for experienced artists. All art, all prices. August 8 & 9 Glencoe Art at the Glen The Glen Town Center 10 am to 5 pm 195 artists Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds, All art, all prices do well. August 29 & 30 Highland Park Port Clinton Art Fair Along Central Avenue 10 am to 6 pm 260 artists Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists. September 26 & 27 - new date + new concept Joliet Starving Artists Festival downtown 10 am to 5 pm 130 Artists Reduced show fees for 2008 Amy says: All art priced under $100 - a great end of season marketplace to clear your inventory. Artists and/or their representatives welcome. October 17 & 18 Highwood Last Call Art Fair On closed streets in the downtown 10 am to 4 pm 125 artists Amy says: Absolute end of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome. Apply: www.juriedartservices.com Learn more about these fairs: www.amdurproductions.com

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to the Rescue of 3 Rivers Festival

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 27, 2008 at 10:07am

The very popular Three Rivers Festival in Pittsburgh that runs through three weekends in June has been struggling to keep its bills paid in recent years. The festival supports many entertainment venues plus three different art fairs, a different group of artists each weekend and is held in the glittering Golden Triangle in the downtown. Because of economic uncertainties the future of the event was in question. Now the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has stepped in to take charge. "The 2009 festival probably will be smaller," President and CEO J. Kevin McMahon said, citing economic troubles and the limited time the trust has to plan the event. "There likely will be less money than the $1.6 million budgeted for the 2008 festival," McMahon said, but he's confident the trust can raise enough money to produce the festival. Read the whole story at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

West Coast Artist? Want Strategic Info on Jurying? Free Advice

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 25, 2008 at 3:13pm

Laguna Beach, CA - Festival of Arts Offers Free Photography and Jurying Seminar on December 2 Having troubles getting your digital images together? Need advice about jurying into art fairs? Have no fear the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts is holding a 2 and a half hour seminar on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. Read the rest of the details at: Market Watch of the Wall Street Journal http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Festival-Arts-Offers-Free-Photography/story.aspx?guid=%7B22FBDBAE-7887-4B25-B5E2-82DEB4FEDCB4%7D on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.

Chicago gallery owner and art enthusiast, "Billy" Hork, dead at 62

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 25, 2008 at 10:26am

This man, William Hork, was well known throughout the Chicago art community for his love of art and his love of connecting with other art aficionados and his love of selling art--a triple threat. "He defied stereotypes and 'didn't want to just sell you a piece of art. He wanted you to know all about it," said his office manager, Janet Seitzer. Read his story at the Chicago Tribune. The art world has lost a great booster.

Milepost #1 - 100 Members by 12/31/08 - Surpassed!!

Posted by Connie Mettler on November 24, 2008 at 9:26pm

Welcome to Cali Hobgood-Lemme from Chicagoland who joined ArtFairInsiders.com today and became member #100 of this new social marketing network for artists. A welcome also to Ann Light, Jay McDougall, LizAnne Jensen and Michele LeVett who are #'s 101, 102, 103 7 104!! My many thanks, really, to all 104 of you who are helping to build this site into a strategic resource for art fair artists as we enter into the Brave New World of really scary economic times. Alarming as it is, I know you are all resourceful people who will find a way to make this work for yourselves. This website can be one of the tools to make your way into 2009 and beyond. Please use it to ask questions of one another, share your expertise, start discussions, and dispense wisdom. Invite your friends to participate, that is the quickest way to stay in touch with trends and the news in the business. When I saw Cali's name pop up on the list today I was amazed to see that she has been in the business for 16 years. I remember seeing her when she was beginning. Then I saw her exhibit at the Ann Arbor Street Fair this summer and her expertise was readily apparent. Can we make it to 200 by 12/31/08? Please help. This site will only be as good as you can help make it. I am opening a new discussion tonight and look forward to your participation in the discussion section of the site. It is a question I am often asked and is a good one for the old-timers to help the newcomers with: I’m an artist in tarpon springs, FL and I’m just starting to market my work. I have original pieces but also prints (in various sizes) and greeting cards. I’ve gone to a lot of local gift shops and ask them how they acquire their merchandise while all of them have said vendors. Are there any ideas/resources on how I can sell my work? I’d like to eventually do art shows but need some income on the smaller merch first. Katie S.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.