2018

2018

Best Art Fairs Report ARTFAIRCALENDAR.COM

America’s Best Art Fairs

About the America's Best Art Fairs Awards

The Best Art Fairs Awards is the only national online survey of

the nation’s juried fairs, designed to reward those festivals that

create opportunities connecting artists and communities to

celebrate the arts.

The survey process began in October 2018, offered to over

55,000 subscribers of the ArtFairCalendar.com email lists and spread by social media. It

focused on questions relating to art fairs specifically seeking the favorite shows of patrons

and art collectors regionally and nationally. Over 1,000 unique responses were tabulated to

calculate the winners. The voting went beyond the traditional "art fair insiders" like artists

and show staff to focus on voting by art fair patrons, fine art collectors and the public that

attends art shows and festivals nationwide.

The survey took the respondents an average of 11 minutes to complete. All questions did not

have to be answered. Required questions were #1, #2 and #3. A few shows disappeared

from the list but we were pleased to see some new ones including: Beaux Arts in Coral

Gables, FL, Plymouth, MI’s Art in the Park and Royal Oak, MI’s Arts, Beats and Eats.

Please note: One of the top ten fairs was not even on the list of choices. The Sunriver Art

Fair in Sunriver, OR, got to this list by asking their fans to “write in” their festival. It’s all

about getting out the vote!

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Survey Questions

Question 1: Please select up to five of your favorite fine art fairs and craft shows.

Question 2: Which art fair is the best in the country?

Question 3: Please rank the following options from 1 through 6 as to their importance for you in determining what is a "best art fair."

Question 4: What is the best Northeast art fair? Why? (Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.)

Question 5: What is the best Midwestern show? Why? (Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.)

Question 6: What is the best Southern show? Why? (Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.)

Question 7: What is the best Western show? Why? (Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.)

Question 8: What is the best big city fair?

Question 9: What smaller show is the most fun and is your favorite?

Question 10: Why do you attend art fairs?

Question 11: How do you find out about art fairs and craft shows?

Question 12: What is your favorite art fair website?

Question 13: Where do you buy art?

Question 14: How often do you buy art?

Question 15: Are there art festivals you used to attend but don't any more? If so, why not?

Question 16: What festivals do you no longer attend and why not?

Question 17: Over the last five years how many art fairs have you attended?

Question 18: How far have you traveled to attend an art fair?

Question 19: Have you ever planned your travels around an art fair? If so, tell us about it.

Question 20: Do you have any suggestions for art festival organizers on how to improve their events?

Question 21: Help us understand who you are.

Question 22: How did you hear about this survey?

Question 23: Please provide contact information so we can notify you when you win one of the $50 Zingerman's Deli gift baskets. You will not be added to any other lists. Promise.

Question 24: Did we miss anything?

Question 25: Would you like to receive updates on this survey?

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America’s Best Art Fairs - 2018

THE TOP TEN

Q1: Please select up to five of your favorite fine art fairs and craft shows. If your favorite show is missing write it in. Note: This question was multiple choice. Five answers was the most anyone could choose. We presented a list of around 75 events around the country from which the respondent could choose.

Q2: Which art fair is the best in the country? Why is this the best one?

Results: There were 50 write in votes for shows that were not on our list. One of these “write-ins” had enough votes to end up in the top ten. It was evident that the shows with the most votes were events that “got out the vote.” Chicago’s Old Town received more than twice as many votes as any other event.To determine the top ten we added the votes for Q1 & Q2. Included with each show are just a few of the comments we received. We have comments for every show that was part of the survey from the art community across the country.

1. Old Town Art Fair, Chicago - June 8 & 9, 2019

In the Old Town Triangle neighborhood, Chicago’s favorite art fair. "It's so quaint and welcoming. I love walking and shopping on those streets." "A local art fair that consistently brings in the highest quality and diverse art from around the country." "Located in the midst of a beautiful (old architecture) city neighborhood, good food, good music and lots to see beyond the art, enjoy the energy of a major city and the art at the same time."

2. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Winter Park, FL - March 15-17, 2019

All the artists want to be in Florida in the winter, consequently this beautiful show receives a record numbers of applicants. "Over 225 of the top artists in the country are selected, the setting for the art festival is amazing, including the best restaurants and the best musical entertainment anywhere." "The art is incredible. I travel over 1,000 miles for this show." "Excellent quality of art, perfect climate, good mix of activities for every age and budget."

3. Sunriver Art Fair, Sunriver, OregonAugust 9-11, 2019

The Sunriver Art Fair is a year in the planning involving more than 140 volunteers of the Sunriver Women’s Club, held in the Village at Sunriver. "Consistently stunning array of fine art, price points are appropriate, and it’s located in a picturesque setting within the heart of Central Oregon, located in a high desert resort with beautiful views and wonderful family activities." "Level of artist talent is high. High caliber event, well run, something for everyone!”

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4. The Ann Arbor Art Fairs, Ann Arbor, MI (all 4) - July 18-21, 2019

The nation's largest art fair covering downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus with nearly 1000 exhibitors. "The town is so welcoming and the many streets create a picturesque memory, so colorful as far as you can see." "Biggest and has something for every taste." "Good Price Ranges for all people attending. Great Selection of Art." "SO BIG - if you can't find it there give up." "Huge city-wide art fair, wonderful artists.”

5. Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, MI- July 5 & 6, 2019

Muskegon is located on Lake Michigan with miles of pristine sugar-sand beaches. The art festival is family destination on a holiday weekend. 'Cool art, yummy treats, fun downtown atmosphere." "So many offerings- there is something for everyone, with the community spirit woven through!" "Great selection of artists and its a nice town to see while you're there.”

6. Geneva Art Fair, Geneva, IL - July 27-28, 2019

Located in beautiful historic district Geneva. "High quality art exhibitors, impressive selection of art mediums and styles, awesome location in downtown with many restaurants/cafes/coffee shops in the area, steps from Metra train giving easy access to/from downtown Chicago and Naperville etc." "Artists are willing to discuss and some are working on new pieces so you can get to know them and watch their magic come to life!" "Unique Artists and great small town fun.”

7. Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key, FL - March 30-31, 2019

"Small town - great artists; beautiful location." "It is authentic old Florida, and has some of the best art I have seen." "The locals support this show." "It is small and personal with juried fine arts. It's a lovely little community and the show is fun to do." "Diverse art categories and excellent artists on a charmingly historic small island.”

8. Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Coconut Grove, FL - February 16-18, 2019

The Arts Festival is considered one of the nation’s most stellar arts festivals and is held in the charming village of Coconut Grove along Biscayne Bay’s waterfront streets. "It provides an amazing experience, quality Art, fantastic culinary area, fun and exciting children zone, delicious food, wonderful entertainment." "350+ juried artists and excellent atmosphere." "Best Arts, Food, Entertainment, Hospitality, and Weather.”

9. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - The Original, Ann Arbor, MI - July 18-21, 2019

"Hasn't lost it's focus. The Gold standard of quality art. "Nice location, excellent art, great history to the event." "The art of highly skilled artists with most, if not all, having established reputations." "A wonderful fair to find great art -- unique pieces to treasure." " Fair also encourages young upcoming artists in the New Artist Program & also includes a Kids Program.”

10. La Quinta Arts Festival, La Quinta, CA - March 7-10, 2019

"Spectacular high end art in a stunning setting; very upscale." "Beautiful setting, well-juried, excellent patronage." "Quality art, entertainment and food. Much fun to attend and shop." "Incredibly skilled artists at the top of their game. Quality & talent you would be hard pressed to find even in galleries." "Breathtaking venue and art! Very organized - most professional art event ever attended.”

BEST 50 EVENTS

52 Weeks of Art Fairs

The winning events are presented in calendar fashion to encourage art fair patrons to easily find events and plan their travels.

Click here: www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/americas-best

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Q3: Please rank the following options from 1 through 6 as to their importance for you in determining what is a "best art fair." A "1" is the most important reason. A "6" is the least important. Choices:

1. Family friendly with activities for children included 2. Location, restaurants, shopping, parking, accessibility 3. # of exhibitors 4. Affordability of art work; wide price range 5. Venue setting & ambiance 6. Quality of Art

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Q4: What is the best Northeast art fair? Why? (Northeast includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, D.C., Massachusetts) Optional: Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.

Note: This was an open ended question, a write in. There were 70 different events entered by the voters.

The winners:

2. Long’s Park, Lancaster, PA - “This show brings in top artists from across the country and offers a wider variety of fine art and craft for those attending and looking to buy. The festival location is wonderful as well!” “Wonderful quality of art and crafts, beautiful outdoor setting, terrific organization, including efficient parking, great price variety, new artists each year, but plenty of former favorites.”

3. Smithsonian Craft Show, DC - “High quality of art work, great venue.” “Inclusive & fresh while rooted in history.”

4. Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Reston, VA - “Great artists from across North America; always find many enthralling exhibitors. Great organization that runs it - Greater Reston Arts Center, a non-profit org.” “Great crowd, disposable income.”

5. Guilford Craft Expo, Guilford, CT - “Beautiful setting, great variety of art & price.” “Great quality and unique stuff.”

6. Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, State College, PA - “Variety of art.” “Good layout but many of same artists as Ann Arbor.”

Q5: What is the best Midwestern show? Why? (Midwest includes Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) Optional: Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.

Note: This was an open ended question, a write in. There were over 400 comments entered by the voters.

The winners:

1. The Ann Arbor Art Fairs (4) - “Although each component of the art fair seems to have expanded, I believe to look like a larger fair, which generally means decreasing the level of talent displayed I believe the groups putting on the fairs in Ann Arbor have done a good job of maintaining great shows.”

2. Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, Peoria, IL - “It is located on the riverfront and has great level of artwork. There are artists from all over the country and they have good entertainment and fabulous artists.”

3. St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, KY - “Love the diversity of well-made artwork on display, fun food booths.” “Ambiance, size, convenience, variety.”

4. Park Forest Art Fair, Park Forest, IL - “High quality art. Artists and community that care about the arts for over 60 years.” “It's a show that has exhibitors from all over all in one spot.”

5. Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines, IA - “Great setting, terrific blend of art options, great food and fun for all ages.”

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Q6: What is the best Southern show? Why? (Southern includes Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee) Optional: Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.

Note: This was an open ended question, a write in. There were over 150 comments entered by the voters.

The results:

1. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Winter Park, FL - “Impressive event in a beautiful, charming town. Fantastic display of art from a variety of artists in many different mediums.” “Location, quality of art, time of year.”

2. Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Coconut Grove, FL - “It provides an amazing experience with quality art, culinary, family entertainment for three days.”

3. Beaux Arts Festival of Art, Coral Gables, FL - “There’s no place better to be in January than Miami! And the artists are amazing and the show is free!”

4. Artisphere, Greenville, SC - “Great variety of quality art and wide range of prices -- something for everyone.”

5. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival - “Great music, food and venue.”

Q7: What is the best Western show? Why? (West includes Oklahoma, Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Washington, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Texas) Optional: Please only vote for this if you know these shows/this region.

Note: This was an open ended question, a write in. There were over 150 comments entered by the voters.

The results:

1. La Quinta Arts Festival, La Quinta, CA - “Quality and diverse categories of artists. Beautiful setting!”

2. Kimball Arts Festival, Park City, UT - “Perfect location, great art.” “Great variety of art & prices. The venue is fantastic!”

3. Cherry Creek Art Festival, Denver, CO - “Dependable, consistent, know what I'm going to find - good quality right fair.” “Big city atmosphere, terrific artists.”

4. Main Street, Fort Worth, TX - “Offers very high quality work in a lovely setting with many restaurants.”

5. Art In The High Desert, Bend, OR - “Perfect location, and size show.” “Awesome things, so interesting.”

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Q8: What is the best big city fair? This is optional: Please only vote for this if you are familiar with a specific show.

Note: This was an open ended question, a write in. There were over 200 comments entered by the voters.

The results:

1. Old Town Art Fair in Chicago -“Easy access, good variety of Art and pricing, Chicago is fun in June, near the lake, easy to do in a half day if necessary.” “Quality art and great location.”

2. One of a Kind Show and Sale, Chicago - “Chicago is a world class city and its a great show.” “Fun for Christmas shopping.”

3. American Craft Show, Baltimore, MD - “Huge and draws great artists from all over the east and beyond.” “Quality.”

4. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown, Houston - “Located in the heart of the 4th largest city in America. Art is displayed under Houston's iconic skyline and through out the streets of Downtown.”

5. St. Louis Art Fair, Clayton, MO - “Consistently excellent crowds, large number of artists, quality artwork, good food nearby.”

Q9: What smaller show is the most fun and is your favorite? This is optional: Please only vote for this if you are familiar with a specific show.

Note: This was an open ended question, a write in. There were over 200 comments entered by the voters.

The results:

1. Sunriver Art Fair, Sunriver, OR - “Outstanding selection of juried art located in a beautiful resort setting which provide an atmosphere of entertainment for all ages.” “Fun environment with wonderful art.”

2. Old Florida Celebration of Arts, Cedar Key, FL - “Small town ambiance with a variety of quality art.” “Charming island community.”

3. Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, MI - “An amazing mix of exhibitors, performers, street art, food and more!”

4. Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva, IL - “High quality art exhibitors, impressive selection of art mediums and styles, awesome location in beautiful historic district.”

5. Waterfront Art Fair, Charlevoix, MI - “Love the small town and love the artists.”

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Q10: Why do you attend art fairs? Rate the following items in terms of preference, from "best reason" to "least likely reason.”

The choices:

1. Gift shopping 2. I consider myself an art collector and am looking for new artists and new work. 3. I love for my home/office to be unique and not a carbon copy of everyone else’s. 4. Entertainment and browsing 5. I love to see great art and travel to different areas.

Here are some or the 48 comments:

• Relaxing and fun to be with people of similar interests • Enjoy meeting the artists • I am an artist and enjoy seeing other people’s work. • personal interaction with artists and their work • When my husband was alive we would go for all the reasons above; now I rarely go but

have tried to answer some questions that are applicable. Your site has been wonderful. I wish I was still interested in art.

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Q11: How do you find out about art fairs and craft shows? A "1" is your most important resource, a "6" is your least important resource.Results:

Q12: What is your favorite art fair website?

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Q13: Where do you buy art? A "1" is the most likely place, a "4" is the least likely.

Q14: How often do you buy art? Choose as many as apply to you.

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Some of the comments:

• My mother-in-law was an artist so our home is filled with art; however, I do buy small pieces at fairs and shows and have a large appreciation for art & artists.

• I buy from individual artists who I discover periodically throughout the year. • Try to purchase a piece of art from artists that we have come to know over the years

attending fairs.

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Q15: Are there art festivals you used to attend but don't any more? If so, why not? Please rate the following options as to their importance for you. An "1" is the most important reason you no longer attend. An "7" is the least important.

Q16: What festivals do you no longer attend and why not?

This question is open ended, a write in. There were 198 comments.

Some of the recurring themes:

Parking is too difficult; expensive; no where to park; Limited parking making it challenging to attend; Parking is a nightmare; Parking is too expensive and don't like the traffic; parking has become prohibitively expensive; Long wait for shuttles, etc.

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Too big; Too crowded, not enough shade, outrageously expensive food ; Got too big; Too large, crowded, expensive and not fun; Ridiculously crowded, & it's always terribly hot; Too difficult to maneuver; it is like being in a crowded elevator

Moved out of the state. Too far for me to travel. Don't travel anymore. So Florida shows are now out for us. Out of state, can not travel far.

Now it’s mostly junky crafts and food vendors. It's really craftsy junky now, nothing fresh or creative and it is AWFUL. If I had to buy something I couldn't. So bad!! Any that are too crafty-not enough art. Don’t pull in art buyers, they mostly sell food and tshirts Ones that get too overwhelming and “trashy” with gross food vendors too advertise-y; Too much mishmash of art/other stuff; Too big and the art is not as good as it used to be, too many crafty items. It has “fine crap”, and mainly focuses on food and entertainment, not fine art. Art fairs with too craft items ...its all made in China

Not enough artists/same artists all the time. Same thing every year. Has become commercial and concert party. Same Art nothing new. Too big, more like a flea market. It is advertised as a handmade only, but it is mostly mass produced items… Same artists and buy and sell products. Many festivals are bringing in buy/sell products that are killing art craft shows. Too many booths are no longer art.

The show quality has been diluted. Many because most are 1/2 jewelry shows. Art fairs need to be more diverse and not necessarily have the best art but a wide variety to attract many different art buyers. Unjuried.

Too exclusive, expensive. The ones where nothing is affordable. The prices of what I like are beyond the reach of my wallet.

The art fair was over come by bars and loud crowds. The exhibitors were right in the middle of a rowdy and very loud bar and music scene. It was so loud it was difficult to talk to the artists. It was more of a music and drinking fair than art anymore, so will not return. I feel it's out of the way for me and it was the same artists. It's being overrun by drunk millennials and the art quality has diminished. Outgrew it. It’s a drinking party for under 30’s. Not fun now that we’re older.

Never know when it is going on because you never hear about it. There are some I don't go to just because there are new ones to check out.

There's always wind, lightning and thunder and the shopping crowd has gotten less in buyers and more in looky loos. Too many silly or ignorant comments compared to how it used to be. Artist’s at these 2 shows have become unapproachable and not friendly at all. I always compliment and ask questions and the replies back are condescending and “snooty”. Not fun to attend anymore due to this. Ones where the artists appear unhappy/disgruntled.

Emphasis on music and beer, not the art. It has become a music fest. This was the worst year yet; I will not return or hope for improvement. What a pity! It has a TERRIBLE layout and this is MY HOMETOWN!!! Jumbled layout and backtracking causing unnecessary congestion. For being a 10 day show I don't even find time to go. Their use of "tickets" for food and drink is inane. Gross bathrooms (portal potties).

Note: Specific shows were mentioned by name.

Q17: Over the last five years how many art fairs have you attended?

Q18: How far have you traveled to attend an art fair?

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Q19: Have you ever planned your travels around an art fair? If so, tell us about it.

This is an open ended question and optional. We received 245 answers, including:

Yes, we head down to Florida to see some baseball (Detroit Tigers) spring training in Lakeland, Florida, and schedule our trip to be able to attend the Gasparilla Art Fair. If my traveling coincides with an art festival, I make a point of going Yes, New Orleans Jazz and Art Fest Yes, art fairs in cities like Columbus or Kansas City where we can visit family are “2-fers” for us. We don’t do it every year but it is often a happy time to both at once. Yes, several times around Cherry Creek,, St. Louis, Ann Arbor, etc. Laguna Beach, from Chicago I do the opposite. I refuse to go on vacation if it’s time for the Old Town Art Fair. Yes, when we travel. I check Art Fair Calendar to see if there are shows in the area & plan flights around those dates.

Q20: Do you have any suggestions for art festival organizers on how to improve their events?

This is an open ended question and optional. We received 195 answers, including:

High quality art - #1 Price is and should be irrelevant Targeted marketing and advertising; maintain high standards Jury your events to ensure high quality art! If you already jury your artists please remove country clutter and shabby chic vendors. Fewer commercial booths (or in a designated section only), focus on and market the individual artists work (they have loyal customer and mailing lists), make the event around the art (artwalks, gallery showings nearby, etc)...not a concert or party, If it takes too much time to find a parking space or there is a fee for parking too far it is not worth the hassle. Don’t fill empty spaces with bad art Listen to the artists when they tell you that an artist is not making their work. Ask your artists what is good or bad and take them seriously No BUY/SELL. Limit other activities such as beer tents, kids activities Have a nice brochure. I like to look at the images each night and go back to the booths I love the next day to buy. Make parking more convenient in larger cities. Offer specials to park and stay overnight. Better signage at the fairs to find booths at the larger fairs. The ideal is a Fair in a location where we can stay in a hotel, walk to the art fair, lots of restaurants nearby. Make it possible to move and see the art without standing in a crowded row. Have a separate area for seated eating so patrons can choose from various vendors for different types of food and then sit down, if even at a picnic table. Do not have a million things for kids who will then be running around stepping on people.

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Q21: Help us understand who you are.

Note: It always surprises us at the candidness of the answers. At least half of the people who took the survey shared this information. This is a sample of the answers:

•Age range was from 26 to “80’s” • Education level ranged from Some College to College Grad, PhD., Masters Degree, PhD+,

MSW, JP, Post Doc • Income level ranged from $50,000 to “Enough to go when we want and buy what we

want.”, “above average”, to “high enough,” “six figures”, “adequate”, “pretty well off.” •Occupation ranged from student to all professional occupations •What do you spend? “Depends on art fair”, “0-$4k”, “Varies dramatically, based on quality

and what we get excited about.” “Enough to go when we want and buy what we want.” • A rough estimate of how much a buyer spent was $365 @

Q22: How did you hear about this survey?

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Q23: Please provide contact information so we can notify you when you win one of the $50 Zingerman's Deli gift baskets. You will not be added to any other lists. Promise.

Note: 432 people filled out the information, including name, state, email address. The two winners, one from Chicago and the other from Michigan have been notified.

Q: 24: Did we miss anything?

Note: 120 people answered this including these answers:

• “No! This was fun and I look forward to art fair season! “ • “No you guys are really great at covering a lot of things going on in the art world, In fact I

tell artist all the time about you guys and l am really surprised that how many of them do not know who you are and they wind up writing down the information about you.”

• “Are you kidding?? “

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About ArtFairCalendar.com

ArtFairCalendar.com exists to promote the work of the independent

artists and craftspeople who earn their living exhibiting at fine art

festivals around the U.S.

As the #1 Google ranked website for art fairs, ArtFairCalendar.com

offers a national online calendar of juried fine art fairs, festivals and events that brings

patrons to attend the shows and promotes cultural tourism. Founded in 2004,

ArtFairCalendar.com is published by Connie Mettler, a long-term art fair industry veteran and

consultant to fine art events nationwide.

Visit http://www.ArtFairCalendar.com for national show listings and free regional email

newsletters that will help you keep up with the art fairs

in your community. Visit our other sites: http://

www.ArtFairInsiders.com a popular online forum for artists;

http://www.ArtShowReviews.com for artist reviews of art

shows nationwide, and http://www.CallsforArtists.com a resource for artist exhibition

opportunities across the US and Canada.

If you are interested in more information or details from this survey please contact us.

Constance Mettler, publisher ArtFairCalendar.com, connie@artfaircalendar.com

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