MY NEW FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

JUST A SHORT POST TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, I FINALLY DID IT......I NOW HAVE A FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK!

For some reason FACEBOOK has never been quite clear to me, as to how it works.  Well, after spending a better part of this evening working on it, I think I finally figured it out! (well at least most of it)

I've added a "BECOME A FAN" gadget in the upper left column of this blog, so if anyone would honor me with being a fan, that would be great!

I will be using my FAN PAGE to keep people updated on my latest designs, "specials and sales" in my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy, and also on current and upcoming "giveaways".

I'd be happy to hear your suggestions and comments as to what info you'd like to see on my page.

A GREAT ART SHOW....GOOD SALES...GREAT WEATHER....WHAT ELSE COULD YOU WANT!

Site of the 2008 Waukesha Art Fest in Cutler Park

Waukesha, Wisconsin

This past Saturday, September 6th, I was an exhibitor in the Waukesha Art Fest, which has been held in Cutler Park for the past 19 years. I must admit I wasn't very enthusiastic about doing this show after being in a show three weeks ago, which barely covered my entry fees, etc. In fact, out of the 5 shows I have already done this season....only one went beyond my expectations as far as sales were concerned.

The Waukesha Art Fest proved to me that one should never atry to predict what show will be good, and which one will be bad!! The sales at this show turned out to be the very best in all ways...GREAT SALES, WONDERFUL WEATHER, LOTS OF FUN PEOPLE! It was a very "magical" day!

While I always try to have enough of my "fairy face" pins at shows, to have "affordable art" for people to purchase in these slow economic times, I actually had the pleasure of selling more of my other larger pieces of work. So, any of you artists or crafters out there who haven't had the good sales, at some shows, that you had hoped for....don't give up....the next show could be the very best one yet!

I've been doing the same art shows as this fine artist, Charlotte Fung Miller, for several years now. Her work is very detailed and exquisite!

Proceeds from the Silient Auction held by the Art Fest go towards art scholarships for Waukesha High School Students and Carroll University students majoring in the visual arts. I always enjoy donating a piece of my work to "silient auctions" as the proceeds are always given to worthy causes.

I'm now looking forward to my last art show of the season which will be held in Madison, Wisconsin at the Monona Terrace Convention Center on November 15 & 16th.

ART/CRAFT SHOWS IN A SLOW ECONOMY

Some of my mermaids enjoying the breeze at an art show this past weekend!

This past weekend I did my 5th art show of the season at the STONEWOOD VILLAGE ART FAIR in Brookfield, Wisconsin. I have been doing this lovely show for 4 years now, and this weekend really brought home just how much the slow economy is affecting sales for artists and crafters!

It is a very well run show, and takes place in a delightful New England style setting of shops and restaurants, winding paths, and a central plaza. It is a juried art show, and each year the quality of the artwork being exhibited gets better and better. The show offers jewelry, garden art, glass, photography, painting, ceramics, fiber and a lot more.

It seems that the slow economy is not only affecting the sales of exhibiting artists, but also the number of people attending the show. Saturday started out a bit "drizzly" weather wise, but by noon it turned out to be a gorgeous sunny, not too hot day! I was amazed at the very low number of people attending the show. Sunday we had another gorgeous day for the weather, and while there was a bit bigger crowd, there definitely weren't that many people carrying packages....unless, of course, they had a tiny purchase tucked into a purse or pocket!

I talked to many of the artists at the show and they all were saying the same thing.....sales were "way down", not only at this show, but at others they had already done this season. It seems this is a trend that has been going on for about two years now. Will it get better.....?? We as artists and crafters certainly hope it does. My creating is a passion with me, as I know it is with many other artists, so I'm not about to "throw in the towel", and stop creating....anytime soon!! I've had one fantastic show out of the five I've done so far....so everyone just needs to keep on doing what they love!

Several suggestions for taking some of the cost and risk out of doing shows in these slow times are:

Limit the number of shows you do.

Do shows in your immediate or close surrounding areas. Saves on gas and overnight lodging expenses.

Do shows that have been good for sales for you in the past.

If possible, pick one day shows instead of two.

Stay positive and cheerful at all times!

It would be fun and interesting to hear from artists in other states and areas, to hear how the "slow economy" is affecting your art/craft shows sales and experiences, if any!

Be sure to leave a comment!