I've had some questions from artists about how we are working art shows. Here are the answers to some questions related specifically to the kind of show we did out at BlueSky on June 27, and also about some of our plans for more shows. Please submit any additional questions to this blog or
info@southernillinoisspecialties.com. Of course, I'm only speaking for myself and not on behalf of BlueSky or anyone else. Questions about anyone else's specific policies and practices would need to be directed to them.
1. What is the commission, and who gets it, Blue Sky, Southernillinoispecialties.com, or both? Are you putting on shows for Blue Sky, acting as their contractor?For setting up the show and publicizing it we take 35% commission. We are putting on the shows as the 'sponsor', we are all acting independently and there are no contracts in place. Myself (SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com, which is a project of my company Innucopia, LLC), and Art Lovers Trading Company share the commission. The venue so far is giving us the space for free and benefits from the additional traffic. You benefit by getting your work out in front of locals and tourists in a nice setting and hopefully selling some of your work. That's how it's working for the moment. It's all about working together and all of us being able to focus on our areas of expertise, and getting adequtely and fairly compensated for our contributions.
2. Will this be a one day show only? I usually keep a show up for 3-4 weeks.The Last Friday shows at Blue Sky are 3 hours, part of the Sunset Friday events. These are great for up-and-coming artists or any artists who want to have a nice and easy show at the winery, invite collectors and friends for a relaxing evening, possibly show some new work, etc. We are working on finding venues related to the wine trails that can host longer shows. If you have any ideas please let me know.
3. Who is responsible for putting on the reception, me, you, Blue Sky, or some combination of the 3?I'm trying to set up shows that do not interfere too much with the venues, because they often don't have the infrastructure or personnel to handle it, besides possibly publicizing it a bit. For the most part you and I will be responsible for the actual setup and takedown of the show, wherever it may be, and having the structures needed to display your art, and that will not need to damage their walls (unless they already have something in place). So far I have some easels and a folding wall with a cream-colored canvas background with three panels, each panel approximately 7' tall by 36'' wide.
4. How is publicity handled, and who handles it?I'm primarily handling the publicity, mostly online, making sure press releases get out to local and regional media, and working with the venue and whatever other available resources (websites, mailing lists, online calendars and event listings, etc.) to get the word out. If you want a printed flyer, I can design one and get it printed and distributed, for a small extra charge, or you can get it printed and distribute it yourself (I won't charge for the design). We would like for the artists to be able to provide a list of invitees (i.e. your buyers, collectors, friends, family, etc.) that we would include in the show's email announcement that also goes out to the Art Lover's mailing list and the list we build through the shows.
5. Who is responsible for providing reception entertainment- or will the entertainment be a part of Blue Sky's regular entertainment lineup? It's great if you have entertainment to go along with your work, we would prefer to do it that way if you have something in mind. It's basically a way for everyone to work together and promote themselves individually and as a part of the art show. Everyone (you, musician, venue, myself, Art Lovers) invites everyone they can. Once we find a venue that can sustain a longer show, we could have an opening and/or closing reception where your band could play.
Contact us if you'd like to get lined up for a show in southern Illinois!
In the meantime, get out and about in Carbondale for the Downtown Art and Wine Fair tonight:
