ST. ANTHONY PARK ARTS FESTIVAL:
Q: What do you mean when you say this is a juried show? How do you assign spaces?
A: Applications to the
Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival are accepted or rejected by a jury
consisting of three to six members. There are two basic questions the
jury asks about any application:
1. Do the goods offered
for sale meet our minimum requirements? Are they handmade, and the artist’s
own work? Do they show some element of artistry and creativity? Do they
agree with the image we want for the Arts Festival and the neighborhood?
We rank applications on quality (no matter what the price, is it well-made?)
and originality (how much artistry can we see in the design and choice
of materials? How much of this piece is original content, as opposed
to assembled from mass-produced parts? Is each piece unique?) This is
why we ask for pictures—to compare and choose between many very good
artists. Please note: you may only sell merchandise that
has been juried. If you were approved for pottery, do not add
jewelry or other types of items to your booth.
2. How many other things in this category have we already accepted? We accept no a limited number of vendors in any category. This
means that the competition for some popular categories, such as jewelry, clothing, and pottery, is pretty fierce. It also means that some
people whose work is certainly good enough for the Festival don't get in, because other applications either looked better or came in
earlier. We expect that jewelry will fill up in March or April, pottery in March or April, and clothing in early April.
Space assignments are based
on our own aesthetic considerations and written requests on applications.
The earliest applications get the first choice of spots. We try to put
attractive displays on corners to draw shoppers to that row, and we
try not to put two vendors of the same type next to each other. If you
ask for a specific spot, we will try to give it to you, unless it has
already been given to someone with an earlier postmark. If you have
asked for something like “shade,” we try to find the best available
spot with shade, which may be away from where you were last year. The
best way to get the spot you want is to apply early, and spell out what
you need, what you want, and what your priorities are. Use a separate
sheet of paper, if necessary. Many vendors ask for the same spot year
after year, and we are happy to oblige if we can.
In Summary:
People who do St. Anthony Park year after year know that they must get
their applications in by March to be assured of getting the space they
want. Because we try very hard to be both fair and flexible,
space allocations are first-come-first-served.
Q: I need to be on grass so I can stake my canopy down.
A: If you absolutely
must be on grass, tell us that this is a requirement, not a preference,
when you apply.
Q: What are the two different areas, near the library and on the Seminary lawn?
A: Several years ago
we expanded artist spaces along Como Avenue to Luther Seminary’s lawn.
This has worked very well. It relieved congestion, made loading/unloading
easier, gave us more grass and shade, gave everyone better visibility,
and made things calmer without decreasing shopping traffic. The
boulevards and spaces along Como to Luther Place are filled with food,
entertainment, and information booths, so that people are encouraged
to walk the two blocks from one end to the other.
Q: Will I have to check in when I get there?
A: Please. We’ll send or email you a map and your space number before the show. We send out notices as soon as we have made the final
space assignments. We try to do that as soon as possible after May 1. You can also double-check
your space assignment on the web site at: www.stanthonyparkartsfestival.
Q: How soon can I arrive to set up?
A: Spaces are marked
out Friday afternoon, but we don’t expect you to set up until Saturday
a.m. Some vendors arrive at sunrise; you won’t see our volunteers
until 6:30 or so. Remember, the Festival doesn’t officially start
until 9:30 a.m.
Q: I applied and was accepted. I have a friend who would like to share my spot. Is this OK?
A: No.
Booth-sharing is allowed only if BOTH artists have been approved by
the jury. Bringing someone along who has not gone through the
jury process will get you both kicked out. Everything you sell in your
space must be handmade by the person who sent in the application. If
you and your friend apply together you must send in one application
that indicates everything you intend to sell, and pictures of every
type of merchandise. You cannot add someone or unjuried merchandise
after you have been accepted.
Q: Will I get a spot actually in the street right next to cars and busses? Will my booth straddle the sidewalk?
A: No. Some artist’s
spaces are in the street on Carter Avenue, but those sections of Carter
Avenue are closed to traffic. No artist spaces are in the street along
Como Avenue. There is ample room for pedestrians to walk on the sidewalk
or street in front of your tent, and there should be no reason for anyone
to cut through.
Q: How far will I need to carry my stuff?
A: You can drive
up to most spaces and unload. If your merchandise is heavy, tell us,
and we’ll try to get one of these spots for you. After unloading,
you’ll need to move your car to a parking lot that is less than a
block away. If you need handicapped parking, help unloading, or special
arrangements, let us know.
Q: May I bring my dog or other pet?
A:
Not unless it is a seeing-eye dog. The area is packed with small
children and other dogs who may not be as well-behaved as your pet.
There is a petting zoo and horse rides, animals that upset a dog not
used to them. If you have a special situation, call –we try
to be flexible.
Q: Why does the Festival last only one day?
A: Because we’re all volunteers, and one day is all we can cope with. We love art, but enough is enough!