Art Festivals and Covid-19
2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. The uncertainty, the fear, the unrest, and no end in sight for it all. Unfortunately one of the many casualties of the year was art shows. While there are some still slated to happen in fall, artists are getting daily notifications of more decisions to cancel shows. One can’t help but to wonder, if the shows do happen this fall, will it be safe for both artists and patrons, and will patrons even come to the shows and want to buy.
Applying to art shows is no small task, and can be expensive. It takes a while to learn to have the types of photos that juries want to see, what to write in your application, and what shows are the best fit for you and your work. Words matter, and the jury usually has a very short amount of time to either hear or read what you write and to see your photos before they make a yes or no decision. I’ve done a lot of research, worked on my photos, had my booth image professionally taken, and talked to other artists about the application process. I spent about $500 on jury/application fees this year. But, it all paid off as I have been accepted to every show I applied for this year.
From the highs, to the lows. No sooner had the acceptance letters started arriving, the shows were being cancelled. Now the concern was whether the shows were going to refund the booth fees that have already been paid (most shows require you to pay for the booth upon acceptance of the invitation). I’m thrilled to say that each show that I was accepted to handled the cancellations as best as they were able. One refunded the jury fee, some rolled over acceptance to next year, some rescheduled, and some are offering virtual shows. We’re all in this together, artists, promoters, and patrons as well.
These are difficult times. It’s difficult to be creative when there are so many stresses around us. And with the loss of the shows, the income that we will be missing, and the lack of interactions with our customers, it’s difficult to stay motivated to create. But this situation causes a push/pull - as artists we have an internal need to create, so many of us feel somewhat lost. But, we get through it and we create. It’s what we do. It’s who we are.
The Central PA Festival of the Arts, right in my home town of State College, PA, is a wonderful show, and one that I have attended for the 25 years we have lived here. This would have been my third year participating in the show as an artist. It was surreal the first time I was setting up my booth - for so many years we had attended the show and were amazed by all of the unique and beautiful artwork. To be a part of it was a goal I never thought I would be able to obtain!
This event is something our town looks forward to every year. Not only is Art’s Fest going on that week, but there is another, equally large, festival that takes place in the next town, about 15 minutes away. Between the two shows there are well over 500 artists displaying their work, so there is most definitely something for everyone. Not only is there high quality art at the show, but there are a number of venues for music and entertainment, lots of food, and opportunities to see old friends. One of my favorite things about participating in this show is seeing just about everyone I know in town come through my booth at some point!
This year, Art’s Fest has decided to put on a virtual show. It’s different, and we will all miss the show this year, but I’m really looking forward to being a part of their online event. In some ways, this is even better since people far and near will have an opportunity to “attend” the show. Please make sure to check it out, July 9-12, 2020.
Please consider supporting artists in any way you can, whether it’s attending a virtual event, buying a piece of artwork, sharing them on social media, or simply providing feedback. Without art, our world would be such a colorless, uninteresting world to live in. We are all in this together, and together we will make it through to the other side.