mel jacobson on sat 22 dec 07
i am getting a very strong hunch that the death
of art fairs is just around the corner.
they have become `events`, not art selling to the
serious. the big profit comes from selling beer and
brats...and the promoters are using the artist..(as usual)
to bring in customers. i have seen more and more
`manufactered art`...made from purchased parts.
or as i call it...`assembled art`. and, without question
i feel that discriminating art buyers will not haunt
art fairs much longer. soon, the crafters will take it
over for good.
i saw a good deal of that at the last acc show here in
saint paul. it is subtle, but it is there for sure. as some
have said...lots of jewelry and assembled clothes.
thousands of people...enjoying the `event`. very few buying.
i constantly inform folks that many who promote art
fairs, sales....are not taking the interest of the artist
to heart. they are in it to make money for self. folks
that make art, and are looking for some simple name recognition
will jump through any hoop to get there. that is very dangerous.
folks take advantage of needy people...really fast. we see it
at the `renassiance fairs`. lots of people....and the burden
on costumes, booths, all go back to the artist. if the weather
is bad...you are screwed for another season. same for art fairs...
if the weather turns ugly...they just tell you to go home.
for sure, you do not get your fees back, or the ruined tent replaced.
as one of my pals told me a week ago...he got pushed into a
church sponsored `art fair`...dragged the work, set it up,
had to bring his own tables etc...and of course they mentioned
`nice displays`. he said...`i could make more money going to
neighbors houses and looking for loose change in their couches.`
he sold one mug...and he is a damn fine potter.
as many of you know, i quit art fairs years ago. i really saw
the writing on the wall. promote lake and hennepin in minneapolis.
thousands of visitors to the neighborhood...and soon the promoters
of lake and hennepin
saw an opportunity to start collecting huge fees from the artists.
hell, the artists would pay anything to get into the `uptown art fair`.
let the artists pay expenses, and they get an eight foot strip
of side walk. no benefits. just all the risk.
a few serious artists cleaned up with sales...but many went home
empty. but, it was still a crap shoot.
i have for years, tried to take the high road. sell to serious buyers
from my home...use the net, try and get some serious exhibition
spaces for my work. i know, from my mental health position, it has
been the right thing for me. and, without question, i hate packing
pots, setting up shows on a street corner and hoping. then take
it all down, go home, come back tomorrow and do it again.
and when people call with the bleeding hearts...`oh mel, come to
our church bazaar, or neighborhood art fair...give to the needy,
aren't you compassionate?` i say NO THANK YOU. and i make
sure they know i am a professional. as i tell them...why don't you
ask your doctor or dentist to come to your fair and give free advice.
or do surgery on a table while 300 people stare at you.
quality, professional artists/potters that are making their entire
lively hood with sales...do what is necessary to make that living.
they know what the bottom line is...they know when they
are making money or loosing money...i do not give advice to them.
we have heard from many...we respect their position. most are trying
to make better, more profitable pots...it is very hard work, but it
is the life they have chosen, and in many cases...the quality of
life is pretty good.
what i constantly tell young artists/potters...`get your sites up
higher. art is not sold on street corners...it is sold in galleries
and by direct sales to collectors. promote yourself as a quality
professional, well trained and competent. present yourself, well
dressed, clean and neat, and speak like an adult.`
buyers do not want you listen to you...say...`like man, like i
make, like art, man, you wanna buy some?`
as tony has said many times...people want a piece of you. it is
the art sale, but it is more. they want to brag a bit, tell folks
that they buy from tony clennell...they want to show it off.
they want to show that piece of art/pottery to their friends.
it also makes them feel a bit more sophisticated. i push that
idea...`hand made, one of kind...only for you.` people want
that nice card/enclosure card...with some information on it.
i have been a teacher and production potter for over fifty years.
i still make pots in the hundreds...i try and sell them all. they
just go out the door. i do books and records. i am very concerned
about costs and bottom line issues. i have the best equipment
that i can have. it has been paid for years ago. i invested in
my own life...i built my studio so that i would have a place of my own
to work in forever/ just a few feet from my house. that decision was
the right one. every dime that
i earned has gone back into my art life. i did not have to take my
family money to support my art habit. i made a small business of
my pottery, self supporting with profit. and, without question it has
helped my tax position.
i just keep saying...be proud of skill, be proud to be a crafts person.
never let the art crowd intimidate you. we know how to make stuff.
it is never `concept`. it is real. and, it sells.
mel
from: mel/minnetonka.mn.usa
website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
Clayart page link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
steve graber on sat 22 dec 07
very well said mel.
i stopped doing art shows, "craft fairs" a number of years ago. my regular day job in the way and all. but i used to do well at a few shows in the early 90's, and hit one up recently with some freinds to share booth fees. we all had some decent inventory hanging around to sell.
cost of the booth: about $175
total sales between all three of us: under $100. (chuck as well taught for 35 years. the other two of us somewhat respectable. ron sold zero$).
five years ago 4 of us shared a booth and had collective sales of $1500. same show, different year, and WAY fewer booths set up.
cities, churches, community groups like to use artists as a way to sponsor their events. defray costs, and give people a reason to GO to their event. but when there are some 400 booths as the one we were just in (october2007) people are so overwhelmed that they just walk and look.
~ aside from this year's economy tanking like it is.
i want to start a pottery only show some day. i figure keep it simple. POTTERY only. in time true customers will know to come to this one event for pottery. not a general event for whatever seems to be available. if anything the potters might enjoy the company...
see ya
Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
Claremont, California USA
The Steve Tool - for awesum texture on pots!
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com
----- Original Message ----
From: mel jacobson
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007 5:56:37 AM
Subject: acc shows/art fairs
i am getting a very strong hunch that the death
of art fairs is just around the corner.
they have become `events`, not art selling to the
serious. the big profit comes from selling beer and
brats...and the promoters are using the artist..(as usual)
to bring in customers. i have seen more and more
`manufactered art`...made from purchased parts.
or as i call it...`assembled art`. and, without question
i feel that discriminating art buyers will not haunt
art fairs much longer. soon, the crafters will take it
over for good.
i saw a good deal of that at the last acc show here in
saint paul. it is subtle, but it is there for sure. as some
have said...lots of jewelry and assembled clothes.
thousands of people...enjoying the `event`. very few buying.
i constantly inform folks that many who promote art
fairs, sales....are not taking the interest of the artist
to heart. they are in it to make money for self. folks
that make art, and are looking for some simple name recognition
will jump through any hoop to get there. that is very dangerous.
folks take advantage of needy people...really fast. we see it
at the `renassiance fairs`. lots of people....and the burden
on costumes, booths, all go back to the artist. if the weather
is bad...you are screwed for another season. same for art fairs...
if the weather turns ugly...they just tell you to go home.
for sure, you do not get your fees back, or the ruined tent replaced.
as one of my pals told me a week ago...he got pushed into a
church sponsored `art fair`...dragged the work, set it up,
had to bring his own tables etc...and of course they mentioned
`nice displays`. he said...`i could make more money going to
neighbors houses and looking for loose change in their couches.`
he sold one mug...and he is a damn fine potter.
as many of you know, i quit art fairs years ago. i really saw
the writing on the wall. promote lake and hennepin in minneapolis.
thousands of visitors to the neighborhood...and soon the promoters
of lake and hennepin
saw an opportunity to start collecting huge fees from the artists.
hell, the artists would pay anything to get into the `uptown art fair`.
let the artists pay expenses, and they get an eight foot strip
of side walk. no benefits. just all the risk.
a few serious artists cleaned up with sales...but many went home
empty. but, it was still a crap shoot.
i have for years, tried to take the high road. sell to serious buyers
from my home...use the net, try and get some serious exhibition
spaces for my work. i know, from my mental health position, it has
been the right thing for me. and, without question, i hate packing
pots, setting up shows on a street corner and hoping. then take
it all down, go home, come back tomorrow and do it again.
and when people call with the bleeding hearts...`oh mel, come to
our church bazaar, or neighborhood art fair...give to the needy,
aren't you compassionate?` i say NO THANK YOU. and i make
sure they know i am a professional. as i tell them...why don't you
ask your doctor or dentist to come to your fair and give free advice.
or do surgery on a table while 300 people stare at you.
quality, professional artists/potters that are making their entire
lively hood with sales...do what is necessary to make that living.
they know what the bottom line is...they know when they
are making money or loosing money...i do not give advice to them.
we have heard from many...we respect their position. most are trying
to make better, more profitable pots...it is very hard work, but it
is the life they have chosen, and in many cases...the quality of
life is pretty good.
what i constantly tell young artists/potters...`get your sites up
higher. art is not sold on street corners...it is sold in galleries
and by direct sales to collectors. promote yourself as a quality
professional, well trained and competent. present yourself, well
dressed, clean and neat, and speak like an adult.`
buyers do not want you listen to you...say...`like man, like i
make, like art, man, you wanna buy some?`
as tony has said many times...people want a piece of you. it is
the art sale, but it is more. they want to brag a bit, tell folks
that they buy from tony clennell...they want to show it off.
they want to show that piece of art/pottery to their friends.
it also makes them feel a bit more sophisticated. i push that
idea...`hand made, one of kind...only for you.` people want
that nice card/enclosure card...with some information on it.
i have been a teacher and production potter for over fifty years.
i still make pots in the hundreds...i try and sell them all. they
just go out the door. i do books and records. i am very concerned
about costs and bottom line issues. i have the best equipment
that i can have. it has been paid for years ago. i invested in
my own life...i built my studio so that i would have a place of my own
to work in forever/ just a few feet from my house. that decision was
the right one. every dime that
i earned has gone back into my art life. i did not have to take my
family money to support my art habit. i made a small business of
my pottery, self supporting with profit. and, without question it has
helped my tax position.
i just keep saying...be proud of skill, be proud to be a crafts person.
never let the art crowd intimidate you. we know how to make stuff.
it is never `concept`. it is real. and, it sells.
mel
from: mel/minnetonka.mn.usa
website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
Clayart page link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, or change your
subscription settings here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
KATHI LESUEUR on sat 22 dec 07
On Dec 22, 2007, at 8:56 AM, mel jacobson wrote:
> i am getting a very strong hunch that the death
> of art fairs is just around the corner.
>
> they have become `events`, not art selling to the
> serious. the big profit comes from selling beer and
> brats...and the promoters are using the artist..(as usual)
> to bring in customers. i have seen more and more
> `manufactered art`...made from purchased parts.
> or as i call it...`assembled art`. and, without question
> i feel that discriminating art buyers will not haunt
> art fairs much longer. soon, the crafters will take it
> over for good.
>
>
I would agree with Mel that art fairs in their present format are a
step away from death. I say this for two reasons. The first is Mel's
reason. The second relates to it. If you look at who is exhibiting at
any art fair you'll see lots of grey hair, deeply lined faces--old
farts. No kids, no thirty-somethings. It's just too expensive for a
young artists to get started. When I started thirty years ago art
fair fees were $25-$50. Ann Arbor my first year was $65 and the most
expensive show I did was an indoor Ann Arbor show for $100. Everyone
thought that was outrageous. What was a good fair then? People said
"ten times your booth fee". I thought that was a joke. I always made
far more than ten times my booth fee. I think there are lots of "top
tier" shows that don't give most artists ten times their fee now.
But, I think art fairs will survive in a different format. In the
fall I do a show put on by a group of artists at a farm owned by one
of them. More and more artists are getting together to put on little
shows of their own work. I think this is a good way to go. Most of
the large fairs started out this way. But, they fell into the taxes
trap. As in, "Lets become a non-profit and then we will be tax
exempt and can do some workshops". There is no more direct way to
loose your event to others than to become a 501c3 non-profit. It
requires an independent board who is supposed to make decisions based
on the good of the organization and definitely not for the benefit of
the members. In no time at all, the artists who started the event
will find themselves "juried out" by those now in charge. Besides,
there's no taxes on your event, only on your sales. Becoming a non-
profit won't exempt you from paying taxes.
Get together with others and form a co-op if you want a formal group.
Limit the membership to the number you can accommodate in your event.
Keep in mind your event is meant first to sell, not to educate. With
the 501c3's it's the reverse. In theory, the first priority is to
educate then to provide a selling venue. Keep the participants in
your event local. Let the buyers come to you instead of you coming to
the buyer.
Keep it simple. People want to see the art. They don't need an
elaborate display. They don't need a convention center-like venue.
Don't make it into a bunch of little galleries. If they want a
gallery setting they'll go to a gallery. Don't put it in any public
place, park, school, street. If you are successful (even if you're
not) someone will come in and tell the governing authority they can
do it better and pay them more money than you are. Rent a building at
your nearby county fair grounds. As long as you pay them (especially
if it's a time of year that the buildings are always empty) you'll be
able to keep your event. Don't charge an admission. The theory that
it keeps the not serious buyer away is foolish. Everyone is a
potential buyer. Don't try to grow it into the largest thing around.
Keep it small. Intimate. Food--necessary but simple. One food vendor
is all you need. You're selling art here not food. People want a
snack not dinner. Run it yourselves. DON'T EVER HIRE SOMEONE TO DO IT
FOR YOU. It's the first step to giving away your event. Charge a fee
to yourselves not a commission. People who are successful at selling
shouldn't subsidize those who aren't. Have a list of the jobs that
need to be done to put the event on. Everyone has a job to do. And,
rotate the jobs for each event so that everyone learns how to do
everything, no one gets stuck every time with the lousy jobs, and
nothing hinges on one person.
The future of art fairs is in the hands of the young. Handle it right
and you'll make a success of it. Handle it wrong and the whole art
fair history will just repeat itself.
Kathi
Jeanette Harris on sat 22 dec 07
Folks, read Kathy's complete email. She's absolutely right!
I have a manuscript in my computer right now that is a blueprint for
exactly what it takes and how you can go about running your own show.
It takes HARD WORK and Everyone being responsible for their piece of
it. You must first have a dedicated group who will be willing to do a
lot of jobs to get a show off the ground and you must plan, plan,
plan.
I've been involved with shows - not just art shows, but organizing
antique shows and quilt shows as well - for many years starting with
an art show I organized while in college.
Artists taking control of the marketing and sale of their work is the
only way to go. Be it webpages, associations, publishing, private
sales, galleries, or running your own shows.
Unless you, as an artist makes money, it isn't worth your effort or
time. It's a business and you should treat it as one.
>But, I think art fairs will survive in a different format. In the
>fall I do a show put on by a group of artists at a farm owned by one
>of them. More and more artists are getting together to put on little
>shows of their own work.
>
>Get together with others and form a co-op if you want a formal group.
>Limit the membership to the number you can accommodate in your event.
>Keep in mind your event is meant first to sell, not to educate. With
>the 501c3's it's the reverse. In theory, the first priority is to
>educate then to provide a selling venue. Keep the participants in
>your event local. Let the buyers come to you instead of you coming to
>the buyer.
>
>-snip--
>Run it yourselves. DON'T EVER HIRE SOMEONE TO DO IT
>FOR YOU. It's the first step to giving away your event. Charge a fee
>to yourselves not a commission. People who are successful at selling
>shouldn't subsidize those who aren't. Have a list of the jobs that
>need to be done to put the event on. Everyone has a job to do. And,
>rotate the jobs for each event so that everyone learns how to do
>everything, no one gets stuck every time with the lousy jobs, and
>nothing hinges on one person.
>
>The future of art fairs is in the hands of the young. Handle it right
>and you'll make a success of it. Handle it wrong and the whole art
>fair history will just repeat itself.
>
>Kathi
>
--
http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
Jeanette Harris
Washingzona
Lynn Goodman Porcelain Pottery on sat 22 dec 07
"... But, I think art fairs will survive in a different format. In the
fall I do a show put on by a group of artists at a farm owned by one
of them. More and more artists are getting together to put on little
shows of their own work. I think this is a good way to go."
I totally agree with Kathi. My best show of the year, for many years,
is my studio sale. Our customers love it-- they get to see a working
studio and talk to the artists in a casual, friendly atmosphere. We
do a big mailing, put out flyers, do a big e-mailing, generally
contact anyone who has ever bought from us or indicated any interest
whatsoever. Our ONLY cost is the mailing (we'll generally make a
postcard to send out), and the food/drink served at the event (we
bake and otherwise prepare the food served). If we were smart/ better
organized, we could do some PR to drum up business, but I've never
done a studio sale that well organized. (I do know of some that do,
however; right here in NYC, the Tribeca Potters do it up right.)
At a slow studio event, I sell lots of seconds. At a good studio
event, I sell firsts as well. Either way, I make money and get rid of
lots of stuff hanging around the place. Everybody's happy!
Lynn
Lynn Goodman
Fine Porcelain Pottery
Cell 347-526-9805
www.lynngoodmanporcelain.com
Susan Cline on sat 22 dec 07
Replying to Steve -- our guild in Cincinnati does a pottery-only show
each May. Yes, we have to rent space (in fact, the space next to the
original Rookwood Pottery!). We have 40+ booths, only pottery, and only
guild (Clay Alliance http://www.clayalliance.org/) members who have
volunteered enough hours during the year to "earn" a space. And yes,
there is also a booth fee of $110. The show is volunteer-run, also by
members or their family members. Other volunteer opportunities include
our annual Empty Bowls event, putting on small workshops, writing an
article for our newsletter. The hours add up.
This show is generally very well attended -- by people who like POTTERY
and are not looking for silver jewelry or turned wooden bowls. Most of
us do quite well, and we are a group comprised mostly of amateurs and
students, and a wonderful group of professionals who are teaching the
rest of us. The Clay Alliance doesn't make a profit, but then we don't
lose money either.
One of our members stages a summer show in her front yard -- invites
5-6 good potters/friends to join her -- and it is a "must-see" for many
people. Small and very accessible.
Yes, things are changing, although Cincinnati still has a fun, BIG and
well-attended SummerFair in June. But others are fading.
Sue Cline
Cincinnati OH
On Dec 22, 2007, at 1:09 PM, steve graber wrote:
> very well said mel.
>
> i stopped doing art shows, "craft fairs" a number of years ago. my
> regular day job in the way and all. but i used to do well at a few
> shows in the early 90's, and hit one up recently with some freinds to
> share booth fees. we all had some decent inventory hanging around to
> sell.
>
> cost of the booth: about $175
>
> total sales between all three of us: under $100. (chuck as well
> taught for 35 years. the other two of us somewhat respectable. ron
> sold zero$).
>
> five years ago 4 of us shared a booth and had collective sales of
> $1500. same show, different year, and WAY fewer booths set up.
>
> cities, churches, community groups like to use artists as a way to
> sponsor their events. defray costs, and give people a reason to GO to
> their event. but when there are some 400 booths as the one we were
> just in (october2007) people are so overwhelmed that they just walk
> and look.
>
> ~ aside from this year's economy tanking like it is.
>
> i want to start a pottery only show some day. i figure keep it
> simple. POTTERY only. in time true customers will know to come to
> this one event for pottery. not a general event for whatever seems to
> be available. if anything the potters might enjoy the company...
>
> see ya
>
> Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
> Claremont, California USA
> The Steve Tool - for awesum texture on pots!
> www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: mel jacobson
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007 5:56:37 AM
> Subject: acc shows/art fairs
>
> i am getting a very strong hunch that the death
> of art fairs is just around the corner.
>
> they have become `events`, not art selling to the
> serious. the big profit comes from selling beer and
> brats...and the promoters are using the artist..(as usual)
> to bring in customers. i have seen more and more
> `manufactered art`...made from purchased parts.
> or as i call it...`assembled art`. and, without question
> i feel that discriminating art buyers will not haunt
> art fairs much longer. soon, the crafters will take it
> over for good.
>
> i saw a good deal of that at the last acc show here in
> saint paul. it is subtle, but it is there for sure. as some
> have said...lots of jewelry and assembled clothes.
>
> thousands of people...enjoying the `event`. very few buying.
>
> i constantly inform folks that many who promote art
> fairs, sales....are not taking the interest of the artist
> to heart. they are in it to make money for self. folks
> that make art, and are looking for some simple name recognition
> will jump through any hoop to get there. that is very dangerous.
> folks take advantage of needy people...really fast. we see it
> at the `renassiance fairs`. lots of people....and the burden
> on costumes, booths, all go back to the artist. if the weather
> is bad...you are screwed for another season. same for art fairs...
> if the weather turns ugly...they just tell you to go home.
> for sure, you do not get your fees back, or the ruined tent replaced.
>
> as one of my pals told me a week ago...he got pushed into a
> church sponsored `art fair`...dragged the work, set it up,
> had to bring his own tables etc...and of course they mentioned
> `nice displays`. he said...`i could make more money going to
> neighbors houses and looking for loose change in their couches.`
> he sold one mug...and he is a damn fine potter.
>
> as many of you know, i quit art fairs years ago. i really saw
> the writing on the wall. promote lake and hennepin in minneapolis.
> thousands of visitors to the neighborhood...and soon the promoters
> of lake and hennepin
> saw an opportunity to start collecting huge fees from the artists.
> hell, the artists would pay anything to get into the `uptown art fair`.
> let the artists pay expenses, and they get an eight foot strip
> of side walk. no benefits. just all the risk.
> a few serious artists cleaned up with sales...but many went home
> empty. but, it was still a crap shoot.
>
> i have for years, tried to take the high road. sell to serious buyers
> from my home...use the net, try and get some serious exhibition
> spaces for my work. i know, from my mental health position, it has
> been the right thing for me. and, without question, i hate packing
> pots, setting up shows on a street corner and hoping. then take
> it all down, go home, come back tomorrow and do it again.
>
> and when people call with the bleeding hearts...`oh mel, come to
> our church bazaar, or neighborhood art fair...give to the needy,
> aren't you compassionate?` i say NO THANK YOU. and i make
> sure they know i am a professional. as i tell them...why don't you
> ask your doctor or dentist to come to your fair and give free advice.
> or do surgery on a table while 300 people stare at you.
>
> quality, professional artists/potters that are making their entire
> lively hood with sales...do what is necessary to make that living.
> they know what the bottom line is...they know when they
> are making money or loosing money...i do not give advice to them.
> we have heard from many...we respect their position. most are trying
> to make better, more profitable pots...it is very hard work, but it
> is the life they have chosen, and in many cases...the quality of
> life is pretty good.
>
> what i constantly tell young artists/potters...`get your sites up
> higher. art is not sold on street corners...it is sold in galleries
> and by direct sales to collectors. promote yourself as a quality
> professional, well trained and competent. present yourself, well
> dressed, clean and neat, and speak like an adult.`
> buyers do not want you listen to you...say...`like man, like i
> make, like art, man, you wanna buy some?`
>
> as tony has said many times...people want a piece of you. it is
> the art sale, but it is more. they want to brag a bit, tell folks
> that they buy from tony clennell...they want to show it off.
> they want to show that piece of art/pottery to their friends.
> it also makes them feel a bit more sophisticated. i push that
> idea...`hand made, one of kind...only for you.` people want
> that nice card/enclosure card...with some information on it.
>
> i have been a teacher and production potter for over fifty years.
> i still make pots in the hundreds...i try and sell them all. they
> just go out the door. i do books and records. i am very concerned
> about costs and bottom line issues. i have the best equipment
> that i can have. it has been paid for years ago. i invested in
> my own life...i built my studio so that i would have a place of my own
> to work in forever/ just a few feet from my house. that decision was
> the right one. every dime that
> i earned has gone back into my art life. i did not have to take my
> family money to support my art habit. i made a small business of
> my pottery, self supporting with profit. and, without question it has
> helped my tax position.
>
> i just keep saying...be proud of skill, be proud to be a crafts person.
> never let the art crowd intimidate you. we know how to make stuff.
> it is never `concept`. it is real. and, it sells.
> mel
>
>
>
> from: mel/minnetonka.mn.usa
> website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
>
> Clayart page link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, or change
> your
> subscription settings here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _____________
> Looking for last minute shopping deals?
> Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
> http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, or change
> your
> subscription settings here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
>
Hank Murrow on sat 22 dec 07
On Dec 22, 2007, at 10:09 AM, steve graber wrote:
> very well said mel.
>
> i stopped doing art shows, "craft fairs" a number of years ago. my
> regular day job in the way and all. but i used to do well at a few
> shows in the early 90's, and hit one up recently with some freinds
> to share booth fees. we all had some decent inventory hanging
> around to sell.
>
> cost of the booth: about $175
>
> total sales between all three of us: under $100. (chuck as well
> taught for 35 years. the other two of us somewhat respectable.
> ron sold zero$).
>
> five years ago 4 of us shared a booth and had collective sales of
> $1500. same show, different year, and WAY fewer booths set up.
>
> cities, churches, community groups like to use artists as a way to
> sponsor their events. defray costs, and give people a reason to GO
> to their event. but when there are some 400 booths as the one we
> were just in (october2007) people are so overwhelmed that they just
> walk and look.
>
> ~ aside from this year's economy tanking like it is.
>
> i want to start a pottery only show some day. i figure keep it
> simple. POTTERY only. in time true customers will know to come to
> this one event for pottery. not a general event for whatever seems
> to be available. if anything the potters might enjoy the company...
Dear Steve;
Go for it. The oregon Potters' Association did that around 25 years
ago in May, and now have sales approaching 3/4 million dollars over
three days. Google OPA and Showcase.
A spinoff group of the OPA centered around Eugene decided to do this
in October, and after six years the take is nearing $100K.
Good Luck,
Hank
www.murrow.biz/hank
steve graber on sat 22 dec 07
kathi:
"More and more artists are getting together to put on little shows of their own work"
exactly! there's nothing so special about putting on a show that a few can't gather together and do on their own. you need space. you'll should find a space if you look for it. ~ unless you live in a big city?
even setting up in a house or apartment (wow! but i've seen this done) can happen.
years back i did a number of backyard pot parties, and i figured what i normal spent on booth fees i'd spend on free food & drinks. i couldn't actually buy THAT much food!
but customers coming to these more private shows stayed MUCH longer. some bought multipul times (after a hot dog or two a certain pot caught their eye). plus near 100% of who ever showed up was a buying customer.
and i got to know my customers. ~ it turned out i now supplied a set of dishes to the program manager to the mission to pluto. another who's son is one of the few to climb mount everest. still another has been in movies with jackie chan...
i would never have learned much of that at a regular show.
see ya
Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
Claremont, California USA
The Steve Tool - for awesum texture on pots!
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com
----- Original Message ----
From: KATHI LESUEUR
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007 10:59:52 AM
Subject: Re: acc shows/art fairs
On Dec 22, 2007, at 8:56 AM, mel jacobson wrote:
> i am getting a very strong hunch that the death
> of art fairs is just around the corner.
>
> they have become `events`, not art selling to the
> serious. the big profit comes from selling beer and
> brats...and the promoters are using the artist..(as usual)
> to bring in customers. i have seen more and more
> `manufactered art`...made from purchased parts.
> or as i call it...`assembled art`. and, without question
> i feel that discriminating art buyers will not haunt
> art fairs much longer. soon, the crafters will take it
> over for good.
>
>
I would agree with Mel that art fairs in their present format are a
step away from death. I say this for two reasons. The first is Mel's
reason. The second relates to it. If you look at who is exhibiting at
any art fair you'll see lots of grey hair, deeply lined faces--old
farts. No kids, no thirty-somethings. It's just too expensive for a
young artists to get started. When I started thirty years ago art
fair fees were $25-$50. Ann Arbor my first year was $65 and the most
expensive show I did was an indoor Ann Arbor show for $100. Everyone
thought that was outrageous. What was a good fair then? People said
"ten times your booth fee". I thought that was a joke. I always made
far more than ten times my booth fee. I think there are lots of "top
tier" shows that don't give most artists ten times their fee now.
But, I think art fairs will survive in a different format. In the
fall I do a show put on by a group of artists at a farm owned by one
of them. More and more artists are getting together to put on little
shows of their own work. I think this is a good way to go. Most of
the large fairs started out this way. But, they fell into the taxes
trap. As in, "Lets become a non-profit and then we will be tax
exempt and can do some workshops". There is no more direct way to
loose your event to others than to become a 501c3 non-profit. It
requires an independent board who is supposed to make decisions based
on the good of the organization and definitely not for the benefit of
the members. In no time at all, the artists who started the event
will find themselves "juried out" by those now in charge. Besides,
there's no taxes on your event, only on your sales. Becoming a non-
profit won't exempt you from paying taxes.
Get together with others and form a co-op if you want a formal group.
Limit the membership to the number you can accommodate in your event.
Keep in mind your event is meant first to sell, not to educate. With
the 501c3's it's the reverse. In theory, the first priority is to
educate then to provide a selling venue. Keep the participants in
your event local. Let the buyers come to you instead of you coming to
the buyer.
Keep it simple. People want to see the art. They don't need an
elaborate display. They don't need a convention center-like venue.
Don't make it into a bunch of little galleries. If they want a
gallery setting they'll go to a gallery. Don't put it in any public
place, park, school, street. If you are successful (even if you're
not) someone will come in and tell the governing authority they can
do it better and pay them more money than you are. Rent a building at
your nearby county fair grounds. As long as you pay them (especially
if it's a time of year that the buildings are always empty) you'll be
able to keep your event. Don't charge an admission. The theory that
it keeps the not serious buyer away is foolish. Everyone is a
potential buyer. Don't try to grow it into the largest thing around.
Keep it small. Intimate. Food--necessary but simple. One food vendor
is all you need. You're selling art here not food. People want a
snack not dinner. Run it yourselves. DON'T EVER HIRE SOMEONE TO DO IT
FOR YOU. It's the first step to giving away your event. Charge a fee
to yourselves not a commission. People who are successful at selling
shouldn't subsidize those who aren't. Have a list of the jobs that
need to be done to put the event on. Everyone has a job to do. And,
rotate the jobs for each event so that everyone learns how to do
everything, no one gets stuck every time with the lousy jobs, and
nothing hinges on one person.
The future of art fairs is in the hands of the young. Handle it right
and you'll make a success of it. Handle it wrong and the whole art
fair history will just repeat itself.
Kathi
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, or change your
subscription settings here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Jeanette Harris on sun 23 dec 07
>I do a December show called the Potter's Market in Michigan. All
>clay, 120 potters. Three days, $400,000 in sales. Everyone works
>fifteen hours of the show. Everything done by the potters. The only
>advertising is the postcard for the show. It's handed out by
>participants throughout the year. Then, at the show, every customer
>is asked to address their postcard for next year.
That's a great idea, Kathy.
We ran some shows with a local potter's group and asked people to
bring their postcard in and put it in a box to enter a raffle.
The raffle was worth a certain dollar amount that could be spent
toward buying a piece from any of the exhibitors. The cost of the
raffle was programmed into the original budget and the organization
reimbursed the potter who sold the piece for the difference of the
raffle voucher.
Nobody had to cough up a piece to donate.
After the show we took the names and addresses from the cards and
that was the beginning of a customer's mailing list for the next show.
Ikea: You don't have to be rich; just smart.
--
http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
Jeanette Harris
Washingzona
Tom at Hutchtel.net on sun 23 dec 07
Steve, There are a number of these around the country and some do very,
very well. Two off the top of my head are
The Texas Clay Festival Greuen, TX http://www.texasclayfestival.com/ Mr.
Hendley could tell us more,
The Pottery Festival and Games, Cambridge, WI
http://www.cambridgepotteryfestival.org/
Go for it!
Tom Wirt
From: "steve graber"
>
> i want to start a pottery only show some day. i figure keep it simple.
> POTTERY only. in time true customers will know to come to this one event
> for pottery. not a general event for whatever seems to be available. if
> anything the potters might enjoy the company...
>
> see ya
>
> Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
KATHI LESUEUR on sun 23 dec 07
On Dec 23, 2007, at 4:44 PM, Tom at Hutchtel.net wrote:
> Steve, There are a number of these around the country and some do
> very,
> very well. Two off the top of my head are
> The Texas Clay Festival Greuen, TX http://
> www.texasclayfestival.com/ Mr.
> Hendley could tell us more,
> The Pottery Festival and Games, Cambridge, WI
> http://www.cambridgepotteryfestival.org/
>
> Go for it!
>
> Tom Wirt
>
> From: "steve graber"
>>
>> i want to start a pottery only show some day. i figure keep it
>> simple.
>> POTTERY only. in time true customers will know to come to this
>> one event
>> for pottery. not a general event for whatever seems to be
>> available. if
>> anything the potters might enjoy the company...
>>
>> see ya
>>
>> Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
>
> _
I do a December show called the Potter's Market in Michigan. All
clay, 120 potters. Three days, $400,000 in sales. Everyone works
fifteen hours of the show. Everything done by the potters. The only
advertising is the postcard for the show. It's handed out by
participants throughout the year. Then, at the show, every customer
is asked to address their postcard for next year. It's a commission
show, which I'm normally against. But the revenue goes to help fund
the ceramics program at the community college. Most exhibitors
started potting at the college and then moved on to their own
studios, others like myself, were invited to participate, still
others are still students learning how to sell their work. You'd be
amazed at how well organized it is. Runs like clockwork. Egos are
left at the door. There is anything and everything in this show from
wonderful raku to sculpture. Lots of really wonderful pots, lots of
lousy pots. Everyone has a different opinion of which is which.
Kathi
| |
|
