Rules and regulations are created for a reason. Like it’s a good idea to stop at a red light. Well, there are also art show rules.
This past weekend the art police approached me at the show I’m doing. They claimed that I had not included some of my items on my application and could not sell them without first showing them to the committee. There was a question as to whether or not I actually created the items.
Luckily I had all of the parts and pieces in my booth so that I could show them my process and prove that I did indeed make the items.
The fact is I had indeed included those items on my application and additionally, I have shown those items at that show every single year I’ve done it. These facts lead me to believe that either the show management is inept, or someone complained. Either way, I was able to prove that I am the designer, creator, and maker of those items.
My point is that while it is always a good idea to talk about your process with your customers, sometimes you may have to actually show them. And more importantly, there may be times when you need to do a “show and tell” for the show promoters.
To do that I would suggest that you have a work in progress in your booth with you at all shows. If you can’t have a physical item, then have photos of you working on a piece. Be sure you are in the photos so that it’s clear that you are the creator. I would further suggest keeping a copy of your application with you just in case.
Hopefully you’ll never have to deal with the art police, but if you ever do, it’s best to be prepared.
This past weekend the art police approached me at the show I’m doing. They claimed that I had not included some of my items on my application and could not sell them without first showing them to the committee. There was a question as to whether or not I actually created the items.
Luckily I had all of the parts and pieces in my booth so that I could show them my process and prove that I did indeed make the items.
The fact is I had indeed included those items on my application and additionally, I have shown those items at that show every single year I’ve done it. These facts lead me to believe that either the show management is inept, or someone complained. Either way, I was able to prove that I am the designer, creator, and maker of those items.
My point is that while it is always a good idea to talk about your process with your customers, sometimes you may have to actually show them. And more importantly, there may be times when you need to do a “show and tell” for the show promoters.
To do that I would suggest that you have a work in progress in your booth with you at all shows. If you can’t have a physical item, then have photos of you working on a piece. Be sure you are in the photos so that it’s clear that you are the creator. I would further suggest keeping a copy of your application with you just in case.
Hopefully you’ll never have to deal with the art police, but if you ever do, it’s best to be prepared.
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