JURY CRITERIA AND SHOW SPECIALIZATION
Our events are all juried by a committee of local artists in each market.
For OUR FINE ART FAIRS Jury Criteria Includes-
Creativity- What makes your art stand out from others.
Exclusivity- This one is a continuum from originals to mass-produced. When applying please be clear about the involvement you have with each step of your art. One-of-a-kind work is rated highest. Limited edition signed work is a close second. Open edition work- Art that is not signed or numbered is less desirable to collectors and therefore less likely to be included.
Additionally, we focus on artists that work alone or in small groups to hand make every item, (and attend the show). People want to meet the artist at the show. Imported work or items made by large groups may be beautiful, and may even be museum quality- That does not make it appropriate for our fairs.
Craftsmanship- Using jewelry as an example, some of our participating jewelers make all of their own beads, chains and fittings. To the extent that they do this these artists would receive higher marks. Other artists make some of their own beads, wire wrap or otherwise personalize work that also includes manufactured items (fittings, chains and so forth). These may also score fairly high. Others carefully select and string beautiful beads that they purchase. While the resulting jewelry may be stunning and beautiful, these artists would be less likely to be included.
Variety- in order to present an interesting diverse show we include a limited selection in each medium. For example, we have far more applicants in jewelry than any other medium, so are especially particular. Within each medium, we look for a range of styles and techniques.
Appropriateness- Is the art something that patrons would expect to find at a juried art fair? Items like imprinted shirts, candles, and soaps may fit all of the other criteria but still not be accepted.
Our Park Based Shows Focus On:
More traditional art.
High-income art buyers.
Kensington Art Fair is at a beautiful park at the border of Michigan's two highest-income counties. A Sunshine Artist Top 100. All price points do well. Traditional images seem to be preferred.
Palmer Park Art Fair is in Detroit's mansion district. The three highest income communities are within one mile. While we also get attendance from other neighborhoods, these high disposable income residents with large homes are the major buyers.
Stony Creek Art Fair is new in 2021 and designed to replicate the success of the Kensington Art Fair. It is near the highly successful Birmingham and Rochester art fairs produced by other organizations.
Belle Isle Art Fair is at a beautiful island park in Detroit, which is popular with city and suburbs. All price points are successful. Afro centric work sells well as does traditional art.
Our Street Fairs Have Specialized Themes-
Art of Fire is owned by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce. Formerly called the Royal Oak Clay, Glass and Metal Show, is focuses on art made with those elements. Entertainment includes demonstrations and hands-on projects. Our artists report that they get a very literate audience, one that understands the complications and challenges in the art.
Funky Ferndale Art Fair is twice as funky as the average fine art fair. That means it is still a high-quality art fair, but maybe aimed at people that may not have realized that they love art. Also in Ferndale that weekend is the DIY Street Fair run by another organization and more appropriate for those wanting to sell items like candles and inexpensive craft.
Holiday Art Fairs-
Ann Arbor Holiday Art Fair is more open to craft and casual arts, but no less focused on quality. We retain the focus on individual artists and are more open to craft items such as candles and so forth. This is a holiday gift art fair in one of America's top art fair communities.