So I got the application for Uptown in Mineapolis a few days ago.
For those of you that don’t know it’s a pretty highly rated show
in the U.S. for Fine arts/Fine Crafts.
A couple of interesting things…
They require a Minnesota State tax ID # before you apply. I
called the State and they kind flipped out at the idea that I
hadn’t been accepted yet but needed the #. I got the number by
promising that I was applying to 3 different shows and one might
let me in. They said they couldn’t issue them more than 6 months
ahead…but you need to apply to the show more than six months
ahead…a mess, they then pointed out that I will now have to
file with them whether I get in the show or not…anyone know
more than me? Was this friendly seeming woman on the ball?
They want a passport style photo when you apply for I.D. tags,
wow.
They have a category called Normally Out of the Ordinary and I
can’t quite figure out what qualifies for this from the
description.
I thought maybe fellow Orchidites who have done the show before
might be able to comment.
They require a Minnesota State tax ID # before you apply.
I’ve done Uptown for a bunch of years and the management has
recently changed. From my experience the new staff has been
really open to helping artist’s through difficulties and that
sales tax hangup might just be something they didnt follow
through to see that the order of events didnt make sense. I was
asked to do the same by a show in another state and filing those
returns with 0 sales was a huge waste of time and difficult to
drop.
They want a passport style photo when you apply for I.D.
tags,wow.
There is another large outdoor show that runs that same weekend
and my guess is that they want to know who you are and that you
are in your booth and not trying to do both shows (people
actually do that!) I dont know quite what they expect as far as
photo quality but I am planning on plugging 2 bucks in one of
those vintage photo booths and do the black and white photo strip
thing. (screwball face of course)
They have a category called Normally Out of the Ordinary and
I can't quite figure out what qualifies for this from the
description.
This area used to be called the Crafts Colony and it was nicely
done country craft type work. If you are a fine jeweler you
definately dont want to be here because all the exhibitors in
this area are of that nature. I would recommend paying the extra
$ and requesting a mall space or a space on Hennepin.
Just another handy tip depending on the area you are in, you may
be able to bring your displays in on Thurs nite. This helps a
TON if you are on the mall as it is totally impossible on Friday
morning (even from 6am on!)
email Cindy, she’s really nice-Minnesota nice- and I bet she’ll
answer anything else cindy@uptownminneapolis.com
I’ve sat on the metals/sculpture entry judgement committee, for
the uptown fair, and I would encourage anyone who is applying to
have their slides in as professional an order, and visually
striking as possible. When you are looking at several hundred
applicant’s slides in catagories, the good design, photography
lay-out, and general visual appeal make a loud statement.
Michael in snowy Minnesota