Lowcountry Artist Market: July 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

Learn How to Photograph Your Work

When applying for markets, you're not judged on your work - you're judged on what your work looks like. Selection committees can't feel the quality of your paper, the heaviness of your fabric, the sturdiness of the clasp on your necklaces. The same goes with selling your goods online; potential buyers can't touch anything. So you need to represent yourself in the best light (pun intended).

SpaceCraft Studios is now offering classes to help you present your goods in the best way. On August 10th, Jeni Rone of Sea Star Arts will spend 3 hours teaching you the basics of product photography. Here's what she'll be covering:

Because a potential buyer cannot touch, squeeze and pull on your work of art, we need to photograph our products to create an "experience" on the screen. Working with natural light, simple props and all the buttons your camera has, we will review the basics of photography and how to capture the soul of your image to share with your customer.

Curriculum will include:

Proper Set Up and Product Evaluation
How does my camera work?
Creating that WOW image along with the follow up images to continue the story
Editing Tips
Demo of actual Product Shoot

Class Requirements: Camera (Digital Preferred - iPhone's Accepted!) and an open mind to think out of the box!

As always, you're encouraged to BYOB. Although for this class, maybe you should bring your own snack and skip the booze. You're going to want to pay close attention.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Come to the Music Farm ... at night.

I've got a soft spot for the Music Farm. I worked there for 5 years. Saw Lauren Hill. Third Eye Blind. Modest Mouse. Nas. Band of Horses. Hootie & the Blowfish, Flogging Molly, New Found Glory, Explosions in the Sky. Rilo Kiley. Needtobreathe. Multiple times. And many, many more.

They're so good about being involved in the community. They host fundraisers for charity. Dance recitals. 16 year old birthdays. Concerts for children. Wedding receptions. City Church. And, of course - the Artist Market.

So, I suggest you go check out the Music Farm doing what it does best - concerts. Lots of good shows coming up:

Aug 22 - Less than Jake

Oct 10 - Robert Randolph & the Family Band

Oct 27 - Clutch

Oct 29 - Built to Spill

Nov 9 - Michael Franti

It goes on. The Farm is always crazy in the Fall. Go see some shows!

Friday, July 26, 2013

I am lucky.

I am consistently blown away by the support from our local media. From the first press release of the first market, I've heard nothing but, "We love it! What can we do to help?" from so many sources.

Charleston City Paper consistently lists us as a City Pick or Staff Pick. They've written articles about the Market and individual vendors. I see members of their staff at markets consistently.

The Bridge 105.5 talks about us regularly. They are even nice enough to let me - and a couple vendors this time - come on the air to talk about the Market. While going on the air gives me minor hot flashes, I always get a few "heard you on the radio this morning!" and I know this goes a long way.

Charleston Magazine has included us in their blog and newsletter. They've even loaned us an editor to help select vendors.

Charlie Mag has been known to include us in the super selective and sweet calendar. You can find those all over town.

Charleston Scene (Post & Courier) has covered both the market and individual vendors.

And I keep running across advertisements that I didn't place, see the event included in newsletters I didn't send a press release to, see posters I didn't print out ... thank you. To everyone who supports this market in some way.

Great city. Great media. Great vendors. I am lucky.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Pick Up Sammy in Space and Meet the Author, Jonathan Miller!

Jonathan Miller, author and illustrator of the Sammy the Wonder Dachshund book series is hosting a couple book release parties this week. If you missed him at Saturday's Market, you can find him this week around town.

Wednesday, July 24th
4 pm - 9 pm
Triangle Char & Bar, Mt Pleasant
1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd

Thursday, July 25th
4:30 pm - 10 pm
Upstairs at Midtown
559 King St

Books, original art, and prints will be available for purchase at both family-friendly events. Admission is free, and the first 35 kids to purchase a book at each signing get a Free Pack of Astronaut Ice Cream.

Stop by to enjoy cocktails and light bites, get your books signed, and pick up some local art.

Be sure to check out all the Sammy Dog Books!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Did you miss the market?

If so, don't fret too much. Most of the vendors can be found on Etsy.com. If you're looking for some handmade wares, check out our Upcoming Vendors tab for the list of Saturday's vendors.

Or, go for the all time list and check out Past Vendors tab for all of our past participants.

Overwhelmed by that list? Just go to our Pinterest page and do a little pre-shopping there.

Hope that helps your handmade or vintage hunting!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Thank you!

Thank you patrons, vendors, and Charleston media! The market yesterday was a great success, with over 1000 attendees, despite the occasional downpour. I'll go into more detail later, but here's a few snaps of Saturday's market. It's an honor to be a part of such a great community of artists and a city that supports them!

Seth Deitch

Old Whaling Company

16 Penny Gallery

4th Ave Gardens

Love Thy Neighbor

Piper Blue

Lauren Amos Designs

Lowcountry Charm

Findy Things

Bead Who You Are

Check out the full album on Facebook.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Getting Ready for Saturday

Vendors have been selected. Tables ordered. Posters distributed. We're so close to being ready for the next Lowcountry Artist Market! Here are a few things you should know, to be ready as well!

Plenty of parking. - The Artist Market is inside of the Music Farm, so we run rain or shine. You can park on street, if you're lucky. If you don't want to hunt for a space, check out the parking deck off Wragg Court or the ground level parking by the visitor's center.

Bring a bag. - The vendors all have really great packaging, but if you're looking to knock out some home decor, wedding presents, baby shower gifts, and more, you might want to bring your own reusable grocery bag. Just to keep your hands free for browsing.

Bring cash. Just in case. - Most of the vendors are set up with Square to take your credit card, but I would suggest bringing a little cash, just in case. The Music Farm does have an ATM on site, but you'll get hit with a $3 surcharge.

Ask questions. - See something you like, but wish it was in a different color? Ask the vendor. Many of them do custom orders and would love to talk wedding, bridesmaid, baby shower, or corporate custom orders. Just ask!

If you've got room in your home, come ready to adopt. - Pet Helpers will be on site, with kittens and puppies available for adoption. Be prepared for the cuteness.

Come hungry (and thirsty). - Hello My Name is BBQ and King of Pops will be there, so you can snack or full-on lunch. Whatever you need. We'll have a little picnic area set up in one of the balconies, so you can sit and eat. The Music Farm will be serving up drinks all day as well. So pick up a mimosa while you shop.

I think that's it. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

How to Spend Your Saturday

There's so much to do in Charleston that we often have a hard time picking a Saturday for the Artist Market. There are always competing events. BUT, no reason you can't do several awesome things in one day. Here's how I suggest you spend your day on July 20th:

9 am - Stop by Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts for breakfast and coffee. Highly recommend the Purple Goat and the Peanut Butter Pie. They go fast, so early is best. But the Maple Bacon is a regular - and a solid contender if the goat is gone.

Purple Goat

10 am - Head over to the Music Farm for the Lowcountry Artist Market. You definitely want to come early, if you can. These folks make one of a (or a few of a) kind goods, so the best selection is in the morning - especially if you're shopping for vintage goods.

While you're at the Farm, you can pick up your tickets to Soja or Citizen Cope (or Clutch or Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors), if they aren't sold out.

11:30 am - For those of you on the kindergarten lunch schedule I adhere to, 11:30 should be about the perfect time to scoop up some Hello My Name is BBQ - I'm hoping they bring the "Do What Now" BBQ sandwich (with pineapple, cheddar cheese, Canadian bacon, sriracha mayo on brioche) or their biscuits and gravy. I'm a brunch-all-day kinda girl.

12:00 pm - From here, I'd head to the Farmer's Market at Marion Square. Perfect place to pick up some veggies, pasta, and a baguette for dinner. There are some great artisans out there as well.

You'll have to walk right by Blue Bicycle Books. I like to book hunt there between the Charleston Friends of the Library book sales.

1:30 pm - Cross the street for the walk back and you'll pass the Art Mecca of Charleston. They rotate artists in this gallery, so there are always plenty of new pieces to check out.

By now, you've got to be sweating. Stop by Dellz Vibez for a smoothie to cool you down.

2:00 pm - With fresh veggies in tow, swing back by the Artist Market for that necklace you decided you couldn't afford but can't stop thinking about. Or that poster you weren't sure where to put up in your home. You won't regret it ... and it won't be there tomorrow!

Ecolibrio

By now, you've supported 10 or so local artisans, farmers, and businesses. Maybe you adopted a new pet at the Market as well. Or signed up for a Fall CSA at the farmer's market. You've earned yourself a nap before a night out in Charleston. Catch a show at Pure Theatre. Check out Kristen Solecki's show at Flagship. Laugh at Theatre 99's Improv Riot. Too many options; you see why I don't host the Artist Market at night!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Available for Adoption

Once again, Pet Helpers will be on site at the July 20th Artist Market with puppies and kittens available for adoption! Here are a few kittens currently available ... maybe we'll see them at the Market!

As a side note, here are two ladies that have been at Pet Helpers a long time. Don't have the time/energy for a kitten? I think they'd love to have a spot on your couch.

Bearby Jean

Kanani

About Pet Helpers:

Pet Helpers is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 rescue and adoption center and low cost spay/neuter clinic, whose mission is to end the euthanasia of adoptable cats and dogs by sheltering rescued animals until adopted; providing low-cost spay/neuter; offering humane education programs; and pursuing animal cruelty prosecution.