Discrimination at Art Fairs

[Heidi Maiers]

Michele,
I agree - this would be discrimination in my opinion. To answer your original question, I can start your list by giving you several shows that I've participated in here in AZ that have had no such rules about commission artists. The Tubac show had no commission on top of the booth fee, but the Scottsdale shows required 5% of total sales. I had several sample pieces there that were for sale, but as expected, did not sell any of them.
The shows are:
http://www.tubacaz.com/festival.asp

http://www.888artfest.com/5thavefall/index.html

http://www.888artfest.com/scottsdale/index.html

This one I hope to participate in either this year or next:

http://www.thunderbirdartists.com/fe...festival.shtml

[Leslie Ficcaglia]

I suspect that the relevant variable here is whether or not the venue gets a cut from sales onsite. I do only one show, which is one day, indoors, with racks provided, and there is a booth fee but all proceeds from sales go to the artist. I have always been welcome there. On the other hand, some of the local galleries won't show work that's not for sale, and also don't permit business cards or other forms of direct solicitation for future commissions. So I have no place to showcase my work despite the burgeoning of galleries in my area. I suppose they're allowed to make a business decision like this, but it's irksome. In your case it's especially annoying since you were permitted to show at the fair in the past.