How Do You Decide Where to Exhibit Your Work? compiled by Kimberly Geib

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?

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Shows I choose to attend are based on the type of craft items they are selling as well the atmosphere (environment) of where the show will be.

L. Kelley
Elegant Ornaments
Schiller Park, Illinois

I make limited-edition, one-of-a-kind silver [work] and jewelry. Based on the types of galleries I have sold to over the years, I decided I needed to do a high-end wholesale show. I wanted to reach high-end buyers, but I didn't want to invest the money in a show for one-time customers. I wanted a steady clientele and repeat customers. These factors are what made me decide to find, research and apply only to exclusive, high-end wholesale shows that are not open to the general public, with a good list of registered buyers (buyers I know I will be interested in selling to, and who I know have an avenue to sell my work to a market that can afford it).

A. Austin, Silversmith
Austin Creations
Rimrock, Arizona

I choose shows by previous first-hand experience, speaking with other crafters about shows, show reviews in various publications, whether the show is juried or not juried, and booth fee/application deadlines.

Carmel Fair Friedman
Regalia High Quality
Handcrafted Jewelry
Chattanooga, Tennessee

I am a bead weaver and creator of art-to-wear beaded jewelry and adornments. Sometimes the hardest part of that description is convincing people that I am not a bead-stringer, or an 'old hippie'! My work is one of a kind (with few exceptions!) and is generally accepted as art or, at least, fine craft.

Choosing shows is a challenge! I moved from Arizona to Oklahoma in 1997 and I am learning my way around the show circuit slowly. Every year I receive the "Arts Festivals Oklahoma Guide" and use it to narrow down the choices. Criteria I follow:

• Disciplines: Look at all the categories accepted by the promoter. I select those which list "fine art, craft" or "fine craft" at the beginning of the list.
• Eligibility: Juried shows are my first criteria (if prizes/awards are included, all the better!). Shows that say admission is "open" warrant some caution. ("Open" may mean that the artists are not restricted to those of the sponsoring organization, etc.)
• Location: Is it in a metropolitan area, or only a wide space on the map? Is it a small, upscale community? I choose towns within a 100-mile radius to start. If I'm uncertain about a show, I will walk the show and put it down as a "yes" or "no" for next year.

Small towns can surprise you! Two years ago I did a small art show in Fairview, Okla., and the general response was, "Thank you for coming to our small town so we can see the lovely things you make!" Not only did they look, they bought, because this was the town's one big art event for the year. Last year, people recognized me; one lady called her friend on the cell phone and told her to "... get over here and see what Sherrill has made this year!" I will do that show every year!

• Ask questions: Call the promoter and ask what the traffic was last year, what types of art and craft are shown, how many years the show has been active, and the location. Be specific; is it porcelain dolls or tongue-depressor reindeer?

If a show turns out to be a "wrong" venue, smile just the same! (I take beadwork projects with me so if the show is really a dog, I can get some work done and not feel like it's such a loss. Also, [it makes] people curious about what I'm doing.) And really, one never knows who will happen to be there, and networking is the best way to find new, better shows!

Sherrill Lewis
Eximiously Yours!
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Kimberly Geib is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.

MARCH 2000: TABLE OF CONTENTS