Fine Craft as a Business: The Art Fair Experience

This class offers essential strategies for succeeding in the competitive world of fine art and craft fairs. In the morning, beginners will learn about booth design, fair applications, and booth etiquette, while the afternoon will focus on advanced topics for experienced participants, including choosing the right shows, inventory planning, pricing, branding, marketing, and salesmanship. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session provides practical tools to grow your art fair business.

Presenters:

Paula Lewis, Master Artisan-Enameling, has served the PGC for 20 years in multiple volunteer roles. Her most recent role was vice president of standards where she was responsible for seating Fine Craft Fair selection juries and floor juries. She has considerable knowledge of a broad range of craft media. Paula will discuss important Concepts in Booth Design for Beginners, how to maximize your chance of being accepted into fine art/craft fairs, and booth etiquette (being a good neighbor and interacting with customers, etc.).

Mea Rhee, Master Artisan-Ceramics, has a degree in Graphic Design, and, since 2002, has had her own pottery studio – Good Elephant Pottery. She has been featured in Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Home and Design Magazine, and on Home and Garden Television (HGTV). All levels are welcome to her session, but discussion will be geared more to those with some art fair experience. Mea will discuss how to choose the right shows, inventory planning, pricing, branding, marketing, and salesmanship.