by Heather Skelly

StreetFairAmerica.com HoopyCake.com
This virtual gallery provides a place for artists to show and sell their work to interested buyers. According to Tom Weinberg, co-owner and co-founder, the site features the work of over 1,378 vendors exhibiting over 5,370 items. Sorbonne-educated Monika Sziladi started HoopyCake after working in a Chelsea gallery in New York City and studying Web site design. The site offers full-service Web site design, production and promotion to people in art-related fields.

When Launched: 2000
How Funded: The development of the site was funded by the founders, Mark Kawakami, Tom Weinberg and Marc Eisenman, and two additional investors. According to Weinberg, additional income comes from advertising and 20 percent commission on sales.
Mission Statement: StreetFairAmerica’s mission is to provide a marketplace for crafts and decorative arts.
How Promoted: through banner advertising, search engine placement, word of mouth and newsletters
Size of Staff: 3
How to Participate: Artists register free on the site by providing their name, address, phone number and e-mail address. They can provide a short bio, photo of themselves, personal statement and a list of any awards won. Then they enter product information with a description, price, shipping charges, and a digital photo of the product. There is no charge to register or list products. StreetFairAmerica accepts credit cards and retains 20 percent of product sales. Vendors are reimbursed for shipping and handling costs.
Contact: Mark Kawakami, mark@streetfairamerica.com; Tom Weinberg, tom@streetfairamerica.com.

When Launched: 1999
How Funded: through services provided by the company
Mission Statement: “Hoopycake offers Web site development services to clients working in art-related fields who wish to develop a Web presence with [the assistance of] a company that understands their needs, meets their demands, and speaks their language,” says Monika Sziladi. “The company has worked … with a wide range of clients, helping them connect and communicate to a much broader public.”
How Promoted: through direct marketing, word of mouth and search engines
Size of Staff: 4
Services Offered: “We offer full-service Web site design,
production and
promotion,” says Sziladi. “Estimates are based on the size and complexity of each individual project. Initial consultations are free of charge.”
Contact: Monika Sziladi, (718) 729-0544; sziladi@hoopycake.com.
Web Sitings provides information on online craft and business sites. Inclusion in this column does not constitute an endorsement.

OCTOBER 2001: TABLE OF CONTENTS