Hello Michele, and others
I feel your pain. A local “arts & crafts” show - quotations used
because that is how it is advertised - continues to simply remind
applicants that theyexpect all offerings to be original,
hand-crafted or artist-altered (as in repurposed) by the vendor. In
fact several sellers, particularly of jewelry, continue to resell
junk stuff they have bought elsewhere. These people nodto the
’rules’ and offer a few original, sterling pieces, but 99%
obviouslylooks like what can be bought at Walmart.
This situation was brought to the attention of the show organizers,
but frankly, no one wanted to be the enforcer. Frustrating. I have
suggested thatthis show separate these resellers by having a flea
market section just forthem. Then everyone understands that those
booths are reselling and that the materials are unknown. That seemed
like a reasonable option to me, and they would still get revenue
from the booths. Not happening.
I will continue to do this show because it is indoor, an ongoing
contact forseveral of my clients, and it supports the local
hospital. Those of us whoare presenting original pieces and DO use
quality materials, will simply have to suck it up and be pleasant to
our faithful clients. bless them.
All this said, we should recognize the difficulty that organizers of
’art’ shows have. They can mandate a jury and set all kinds of
rules, but someone knowledgeable has to be hard-nosed about
enforcement. Not easy. AND, what can the organizer do if someone
refuses to obey the rules and when called on it, refuses to leave or
remove the offending piecese? Other than blackball that vendor for
the future, there is no real alternative.
Judy in Kansas, who respects the organizers that DO enforce their
rules. Those shows have an excellent reputation and their attendees
recognize it and make purchases… 'nuff said.