The Fun Part Of Summer Art Shows

This is our last year to do out door summer Art Shows. Both my partner and I are tired of putting up a display tent. It was 100+ on Friday night when we set up. The heat didn't bring this change for us, we discussed it earlier in the year and decided to only do spring and autumn shows. Inside, with no wind storms, rain, or heat.

This weekend at Algonac Michigan on the St. Clair River, we had rain on Saturday about 5 PM. I went to get the van, and was just driving back when it started to rain, then it went to a full summer storm, a driving rain with wind blowing into our tent. You know it is a bad storm when the photos are blown off the peg boards. Couples shopping helped us. Also to hold us down at the height of the storm.

The next morning driving to Algonac we discovered that there were more and more trees down along Highway 29. Trees down, lines down, a mess on the highway and yards along the way. We didn't get much further, the road was closed. We had to go around the long way, get away from the water, go inland and come around.

I could imagine what we would find when we finally made it to the Art Show. Would our tent be smashed against the railing along the river, in the river or would it be in the post office parking lot across the way.

Fortunately for the many artists, Algonac had been spared, The park along the river was fine.

Everything went well. Unfortunately, it rained again at 4 PM. So the show was over!

I won't miss summer Art Shows. I will miss talking to people who visit our mobile shop.



Cathy 9 / 4 / 2011

It Is That Time Of Year Again - Art Shows 101

Sign Of The Times:

Here in Michigan we have had are first scamming of Artists. A promoter I have never heard of listed a show for April in Bay City. He gave the names of two known promoters as references. When the artists showed up they found that they had been scammed, there wasn't a show, and the promoter was long gone. Artists need to turn their canceled check into the State Police Fraud Div.


Art Shows 101:


Spring is here and it is time to start thinking about Fine Art and Art and Craft shows. I do both, even though Photography is really a Fine Art. One of the biggest expenses after your art supplies is show fees. I always suggest to beginners is do smaller shows to start, shows that will run from $50 to $85 dollars.

Selling your artwork face to face isn't for everyone. Try it out first. The public can be down right rude when going through your artwork. Every summer I think I have heard it all, only to be surprised at what people can say to you.

For outdoor shows, you need a good waterproof tent, and a way to weigh it down. There are huge weights you can buy, I prefer to use large plastic kitty litter containers with 20 pounds of sand at each corner with tie-downs for street shows. On grass I use dog stakes and tie-downs. Many quality tents come with only a top. I recommend zippered sides. I do not recommend inexpensive tents you can get from Sam's Club or Costco. It took a lot of love and time to create your art work, keep it safe. Here in Michigan it has gotten windier, if a tent fills with air it can elevate and roll.

Carry enough change and bills for the show. If you run out of change the best place to break a $20 is with a food vendor. Have someone come sit with you for at least part of the show. So you can take a break. Two people watching your booth is better than one. Make friends with your neighbors.

The show promoters aim is to get you in their show. Do your own research on a show before you commit. I go around to different shows before I sign a contract for the next year. Keep a record of your sales, sales tax, supplies, show fees, and gas, it makes it easier when you do your taxes in April. Here in Michigan we need to know how many miles we traveled.

Any promoter who is still looking for artists a month from the show date hasn't filled it and there may be a good reason why they can't. From past experience, I never sign up for shows where someone hands me a contract at a show.

Good Luck everyone at your shows and online!


Cathy 4/ 12 / 10