Paseo Arts Fest

[FritterGirl]

It is a very long story, that I am not sure I can explain correctly or even if I should say more. As in all things...follow the money......it can make strange and unfriendly bedfellows!

I am glad you all had fun. I know I did. The humidity almost did me in!!!!!

One of the artists in the non-"official" side was a jeweler from out of state who had been included in the juried show for multiple years, to great success. I sought her out every year and have purchased several pieces from her.

She wasn't there at all last year, and this year I was thrilled to find her at the "non-official" show. According to her, she had a great relationship with the event organizers and sold very well at the festival. Last year they apparently dumped her. She said the reason was ''political," but would not elaborate.

While I would agree there were several vendors on the non-official side that definitely should NOT have been part of the juried event (junky flea market stuff), there were also a few whose work easily could have been included, and in some instances, was far superior to or more unique than some of the work in the juried show.

My SO and I went down on Saturday early afternoon (where I found my long-lost jeweler), and again Sunday evening. I think we got there a bit too late on Sunday as many of the booths had already closed down. It would have been a neat experience to walk around and enjoy the artwork in the pleasant evening weather.

[so1rfan]

How long are you there? Like 8 hours? Eat before or after, or take a snack. You're not the first person I've heard criticize the PAF because of the food, and it makes me roll my eyes every time someone does it.

I go there because of the art and the atmosphere. The PAF is one of my favorite events.

I am not criticizing the PAF because of the food, I just think it could be improved.

There are two other mid major art festivals in the OKC area, the Edmond and the Fall Festival at OCCC. All three basically have the same food fare. If I was running any of those festivals, that is the first thing I would try to improve. Perhaps by finding a signature food. For example the OKC Arts Festival is identified with Strawberries Newport. And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying get 40 food vendors in tents, but a half dozen or so would be an improvement.

I also like the idea of expanding the wine tasting, but the liability factor has to be a detriment. It would however be one of those things that would make a festival unique.

[namellac]

Politics? In the Art World? Say it ain't so! ;-)

Either way, the two shows do compliment each other, and if it draws more traffic and $$$$ because of it, then so be it. The vendors with the crappy stuff will be "naturally selected out" when they realize they are losing money paying for booth space.

[bornhere]

The shows may complement each other, but here's the hitch, at least as I see it... the 'extras' that are part of the Paseo Arts Festival, including the music and the food, are arranged by the artists association.

These things help draw the crowds to the Paseo, and the coattail exhibitors contribute nothing to them, although they benefit from their presence.