craft shows

Sunshine Artist serves several purposes — providing the reader with relevant articles for the artisan and crafter; spotlighting veteran crafters so readers can learn from their expertise; providing juried show reviews by the artisans, NOT the promoters; and providing listings of upcoming juried shows.

The business articles are timely and helpful, even if you haven’t done your first craft show yet.  The current issue covers how to pick the right show by knowing your audience, and how to know what pieces to bring and whether or not to apply.

I write for Sunshine Artist, reviewing shows in the areas I exhibit in, but the show reviews aren’t limited to its paid reviewers.  Online, any artisan can anonymously rate a show, and in fact, the magazine depends upon these FastAudits.  Once a year, Sunshine Artist compiles their “200 Best” edition, which provides the 200 best shows for both art and craft.  Without the artisans’ reviews, this edition wouldn’t be accurate or possible.

The reviews of shows in Sunshine Artist are important because they cover the shows without the rose-colored glasses of the promoter, but from the experienced eyes of the artisan.  You get the scoop — from the averages of how much money was made, how difficult load in and out was, how helpful the staff was, and how the crowds were.  Ultimately, you have to make your own decision on whether or not to do a show, but this magazine can help you make that decision.

Sunshine Artist isn’t available on news stands, so you have to subscribe via their web site.  You can also visit their Facebook page by clicking here.  Keep in mind, the magazine only covers juried shows.

Giveaway ends 1/14/2011