See You At The Fair

If you find yourself in Tampa this weekend be sure head downtown for the Gasparilla Arts Festival - always a good time to had.

This article in the Trib. says that the show is a bit smaller this year (233 artists, down from 300) since they are holding it only in the riverfront park. But 1000 artists applied, so hopefully the quality will be good.

Speaking of cutbacks, my art budget fits that bill. But I am happy to see that many of my faves, including those I bought from last year, are returning.

closeup of The Who by Kreg Yingst, now on my walls

I can't wait to see what Kreg Yingst (booth 141) is showing this year. I love his framing almost as much as his art!

Galenski House by Laurie Coppedge 

Also looking forward to seeing what is new in the world of of Laurie Coppedge (booth 227). If you'd like to see her other prints I brought home last year, click here. ( And if you missed this blog's 2010 week-of-artfair-posts and are curious, click here & here for a few more of my fave finds)

Well, I need to get a few things done before I can play today. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend !

More Art Fair Faves

From The Swimmers Series by Laurie Coppedge
(sorry,I don't remember the title)

Monday's post was about a wonderful show, The Gasparilla Festival of The Arts & a few pieces I enjoyed (to visit that post, click here).

Tuesday I shared the art that came home with me & promised more fave finds today.

Tonight while looking through cards & notes from the show, I'm feeling a wee bit overwhelmed. And behind schedule. So here's the new plan: Today I'll share some faves & links. Other pieces will be showcased every few days. (I am also pursuing interviews with a handful of these fantastic artists & will keep you posted) So On With The Show - click on photos to visit the artists' websites.

close up of Wild Thing by Nancy Cervenka

Nancy Cervenka is Florida artist whose work I am always happy to see. Her sculptures have a wonderful organic-meets-sci-fi feel. The unusual material she uses to create these pieces adds a touch of whimsy as well as pattern & color. All of her sculptures are made out of film. Yes, film. These pieces have a unique presence - they boldly carve their space and yet a magnifying glass will show you a universe of details. I strongly urge you to visit her website - both the artist statement & the sculptures are fascinating.

A Difficult Kiss by Grant Silverstein

I purchased The Difficult Kiss from the artist Grant Silverstein several festivals ago. While one of the smallest pieces on my walls (measuring 1" x 2" before framing), it has a strong presence. Inevitably visitors lean in for a closer look & smile at the whimsy. The Difficult Kiss continues to be one of my favorites & I was thrilled to find myself in Mr. Silverstein's booth again this year. When I mentioned owning T.D.K. he pointed out his latest variation, Another Difficult Kiss. Click the image below for a larger view on his website.

Another Difficult Kiss by Grant Silverstein

You'll see the lovers now surrounded by all sorts of characters & elements. This imaginative piece measures 16" x 20". I so enjoy the delicate linework and the details in Mr. Silversteins art. With his flexible figures, dreamy landscapes, and reoccurring mythological references this artist weaves a story that leaves me wanting to read the whole book.

(By the way, on Mr. Silverstein's website you will find The Ambitious Mouse - a tragedy an unpublished book with an unusual tale & elaborate illustrations)

Winemaking by Lorri Honeycutt

Big World Photo's booth always has a huge crowd. Everyone wants to get a closer look at the little people. Lorri Honeycutt's fun photography is almost guaranteed to bring a smile to even the grumpiest person's face.

Kitchen Crime by Lorri Honeycutt

These photographs are amusing on their own, yet the entertaining titles make viewers' smiles stretch even wider. And there were many viewers. This booth always attracts a jolly crowd. Which is really impressive considering the large number of grumbly browsers you overhear while passing through a crowded art fair.

Well, that is enough rambling from me tonight. I hope you enjoy these pieces and please be sure to click the pics to visit the artists' websites. Most have pieces for sale & their show schedules posted.

I'll be back tomorrow with a list of the Art Fair Dos & Don'ts based on ideas that many of you have shared with me this week. Thanks to all browsers, buyers & vendors who offered up their suggestions or pet peeves. This call is still open: if you have any thoughts on shows you've attended feel free to add a comment (or send an email to the address in my profile).

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Final note: Would you like to win a Mini Travel Art Kit? Wind & Honey Creations is sponsoring a random drawing. 1 lucky winner on 3/25 will take home this little art kit. How do you enter? Click here for details.

Monday's Muse - Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

Gasparilla Poster by Larry Paulsen and Sherry Camp Paulsen

Hey there! How was your weekend?

I had the good fortune to spend a gorgeous Sunday at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. This is my favorite local show. Okay, there were some "sofa art"-type pieces. Fortunately they were sprinkled around. Mostly there was a fun variety of styles, mediums, and price ranges. Pretty much something for everyone.

Chinese Agate Fox Sphere by Pam Fox

This show gives away almost $75,ooo.oo in prizes, so a good number of artists apply. This really contributes to the diversity. There is also an emerging artists section, which I think is brilliant. It adds some new blood to the mix and gives a chance to someone who might not otherwise be unable to afford the show. Emerging artists are provided with a tent & $250 stipend. Plus fees are waved. They can not compete for most of the prizes, but they can try for a $1,ooo award. For more details on the emerging artist program, click here.

Acrylic paintings on wood by Suzi Scarborough

The fair was packed with folks enjoying the beautiful weather, redesigned riverfront and of course the art. I had a fantastic time searching out old favorites & finding new ones. Ended up buying 4 pieces and talked to some fascinating people. This week I will share my favorites (with lots of images & links). Click on any of the art in this post to visit the artists' websites.

The thought escapes me by Kina Crow

I'd also like to share some Art Fair Do's & Don'ts later this week.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've ever attended an art show - as a buyer, browser or seller. Please leave a comment or drop me an email (address in my profile). I'll post all contributions on Saturday. Today I'll kick start us with (what should be) a couple of "gimmies":

Business Card by Ted Head

Sellers, please display your business cards.

Yes, many folks that take 1 will not contact you in the future. But some might.

Or they may pass it on to a friend.

Or they may want to write your booth number on the back so they can find you 2 hours (& maybe 2 beers) later. While your amazing work may stick in that potential customer's mind, your booth location may not.

And if you shared the card in your pocket when I asked, Thank You.

Handpainted Linocut from Circus Series by Kreg Yingst

Excuse me, Miss Chatterbox, please don't bogart the artist.

Yes, the artwork is amazing and you may have made a mystical connection. And I am sure that you are fascinating. But please remember the artist is here to make money; he is trying to focus on everything going on in his booth.

On the other hand, please do acknowledge the artist if you want to.

Many people do like feedback on their work. And some even like to chat if their booth is empty.

Underwater photo by my 6 yr old.
No, this was not in the show. Just messing with you.

Maybe you (or your 6 yr old or your blind dog) could have made it ... But you didn't and the artist did.

And now he needs to sell it! So please move out of the way; there is a potential customer behind you.

Also, didn't your mother ever tell you that If you have nothing nice to say, please say nothing at all? Or at least save it for when you've left the booth.

Balance by Holly Hambrick

Just Be Nice - This one goes out to everybody.

Yes, this should be obvious. And yes we are all human. Maybe you are hungry, thirsty, hot, hungover, tired, broke, jealous, recently rejected or just want to go home. (1) I am sure you are not the only one. (2) This day isn't about only you so please don't spoil it for others. (3) Lighten up. Leave if you can and if you can't... just be patient - I promise it will be over soon.

I have a few more thoughts on this topic and would love to hear yours. Please send me your art fair do's & dont's and I will happily post them all on Saturday.

Disclaimer: I have never had a booth at an art show. I love to attend them. And to be honest, I enjoy the people-watching almost as much as the art. I do work trade & consumer shows for the day job and see similar faux pas there as well.

These are simply 1 humble gal's observations. Please add your own - educate me.