Art Fairs? - Page 5

Elizabeth Schott · 07-25-2003, 10:46 PM

Wow Holly, I thought I posted a response to this earlier, but I must have done something wrong.

That is the show I was speaking about. The site you gave is nice, but unfortunately doesn't list the dates for juried entries. I still haven't heard back from my sister.

I did get some good news today

Karin Wells · 07-25-2003, 11:15 PM

Yikes, we need a vendor's license in some states?

My state does not have a sales tax, but how does one collect it in states that do - and what do you do with it after it is collected?

Catherine Muhly · 07-26-2003, 01:12 PM

I got juried into the WSOAE (Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit). I have to sign a contract and send in a copy of my sales tax certificate of authority. Now I'm scrambling to get a set of business and rack cards reproduced professionally. And I'm preparing to get artwork reproduced by a giclee outfit not far from here. Then I'm going to try to paint a few more still-lifes, because I'm afraid I'll sell out before the two weekends are over (ever the optimist!)

I've never heard of having to get a vendor's licence. All the applications I've seen insist that you show proof of being authorized to collect sales tax.

I was going over last September's (2002) issue of Sunshine Artist magazine. It ranked the top 200 art and craft fairs in the country. I'm looking forward to receiving my copy of September 2003 Sunshine Artist magazine to see if this is an annual event. The info in that magazine is worth its weight in gold! It is bar none my favorite magazine!

Beth, there are no restrictions on how to display your art. My Graphic Display Systems panels can be arranged in almost any imaginable way. With each three sets of panels I got an extra foot thingie that allows for making a 'T' arrangement where you can hang art on both sides. Some display examples I've seen even provide for a little back room where you can stick your dolly and rubbermaid tubs and extra inventory.

I'm reckoning that the first time is the toughest. If you're happy with the suppliers, giclee people, printers, merchant services, etc., you won't have to shop for those a second time. And you'll replace your tent and display stuff only if you want to upgrade. So, if I get all set for this event, I'll be largely all set for future ones!

SB Wang · 07-26-2003, 02:25 PM

Dear Karin:

Since you are a superb portraitist, art fair is not best way to promote your speciality. But paint landscape at some point, will help you sell portrait. Still, art fair may not be the best choice.

Some artist do art fairs is just for the prize.
I am sure you will win some prizes at fairs.

(P. S. If you go to Tampa Bay, please don't ask Cynthia to "download" your works. Internet is faster!)

Karin Wells · 07-26-2003, 08:42 PM

Catherine: Congratulations!

Shubert: My intention is to sell still life and landscapes at art fairs as I paint those in addition to portraits. I will probably display one small portrait and have my portfolio nearby if anyone is interested - you never know.

Meanwhile, I have found that my landscapes sell very well through galleries but that 40% fee is painful to give away. At least at an art fair I can keep nearly all of the $$.

Karin Wells · 08-20-2003, 09:33 PM

I just bought display panels from Armstrong. They are just like Pro Panels but the legs are more adjustable for uneven terrain. I got a set of Stakables and a desk in Cloud Grey.

website: http://www.armstrongproducts.com/

I just sold 5 gicl

Catherine Muhly · 08-20-2003, 09:58 PM

Bravo, Karin!

My event is going to be a week from this weekend. My poor charge card is *smoking*! I had a nice batch of rack cards made to distribute at the art fair. My girlfriend sprinkled a few around her building, and today somebody called to arrange a commission! Looks like the boat's leaving the harbor. Yay! I'll let you know how the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit went for me.

I've had a bunch of giclees made both on canvas and on paper. I'm very happy with the giclee company, "Crimson Atelier", which I found via google. The unit price is reasonable if you order 15 or more at a time. Ask for Charles Lombardo. The website also makes recommendations on how to price giclees. Very useful info, that!

Don't forget to try out Sunshine Artist magazine. It lists, ranks, describes, reviews and categorizes arts and craft fairs in a manner that is **most** useful. My favorite magazine by far!

Karin Wells · 08-20-2003, 10:48 PM

Thanks for the info. on "Crimson Atalier." It is late and I'm having trouble navigating their site as the net is soooo slow tonight. I saw their retail pricing guides and my prices are much much higher than their suggestions.

I do pay more for a print on canvas but I have the option to order only 1 if I wish and not have to get a lot. I am using "Parrot Digigraphic" in Billerica, MA. (Dan Hunt).

I'm getting a gicl

Elizabeth Schott · 08-21-2003, 12:04 AM

[quote] I guess that I will have to consider these gicl

Catherine Muhly · 08-21-2003, 02:42 AM

I'm doing limited editions of 100 for each piece that I'm having reproduced. They are numbered n/100 and signed. My giclee provider suggested that I even make a little document to include with each giclee that states the edition size, the number of artist's proofs and the number of printer's proofs. I guess so's that the buyer can have a documented "provenance".

Some of my repro's are on canvas, which I'll varnish with a spray Krylon UV-resistant clear acrylic coating, and then stretch them. After that they'll be shrink-wrapped to protect them from all the pawing over they'll get. The repro's on paper will be matted and backed with foam core, then bagged in clear bags or shrink wrapped, for the pieces that aren't a standard size.