Participant Information
Please mark your calendars for the next event on
October 18th and 19th 2008!
- Harvest ArtWalk Application
- (See below for instructions for uploading photos to the Online Gallery)
The deadline for participation is July 30th.
If you need help finding a location to exhibit or are looking for an artist to show in your business check out the matching page below and send in the details as described on that page.
Participants should read the below frequently asked questions with details about ArtWalk prior to filling out the application.
How do I join the Harvest ArtWalk 2008 Photo Pool (Online Gallery)
This year we are getting a bit more tech savvy and will be using Flickr to manage the ArtWalk Photo Gallery.
Sign up for Flickr
1. Sign up for Flickr at http://flickr.com (if you already have a Flickr account, skip to # 2). All you need is a yahoo name and password.
Join the Flickr ArtWalk Photo Group
2. Click on the Ventura Harvest ArtWalk ArtWalk 08 Photo Pool at http://www.flickr.com/groups/venturaartwalk and click “Join this Group” (under the group name.)
Add Your Images to Your Flicker Page
3. Upload 3 images (no more than 1 MG for the total of the 3 images). Flickr will walk you through the upload. When it says “add a description perhaps?” click and please use the following format;
a. Artists Name
b. Email, (you can use your website if you do not have prices of your work on your site, this is a flickr restriction)
c. Business Exhibit location
d. Business Address
e. Business Phone or website (same restriction with website)
Now Send Your Images to the Harvest ArtWalk 08 Photo Pool
4. Open the individual image on your flickr page by double clicking on it. At the top of the image there will be a few different options (in tiny gray letters). Click on “Add to Group” then select Ventura Harvest ArtWalk 08 Pool. This will add it to the gallery.
Await Group Pool Management Approval
5. When you add your image to the Ventura Harvest ArtWalk 08 Pool an ArtWalk Administrator will need to accept each image that is uploaded, so it will not appear right away. If you do not see that it is uploaded in one week, call 805-658-4760 to trouble shoot the situation. Do not add anything vulgar or nudity to the site. Flickr will also not accept it.
NOTE: This is the first time we have used this site, there may be problems we are not aware of. Please be patient!
You will be able to link to the entire pool at http://www.flickr.com/groups/venturaartwalk or just go to the www.flickr.com and search for Ventura ArtWalk.
Once all participants have uploaded their images the ArtWalk Administrator will link up the site to the ArtWalk website.
ArtWalk is a free, twice-per-year, self-guided walking tour of 200 established and emerging artists at over 80 galleries, studios and eclectic gallery-for-a day venues in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District, just steps from the beach and Ventura Pier. Dozens of multicultural performances outdoors and a free shuttle bus connect venue restaurants, salons, antique shops, boutiques and cafes. ArtWalk is one of the best ways to check out Ventura's bustling and diverse art community!
How can Artists & Merchants participate in the ArtWalk?
- Visit www.venturaartwalk.org for exhibit options: indoors or outdoors
- Merchants and artists may match up; or artists may have their own booth outdoors
- For an artist/merchant match, a single contact person fills out the application
- Download the application from website, complete and return by fax, mail or in person
- $125 fee (paid or shared by artist and/or merchant) must accompany application
- Option to upload artwork and video to the ArtWalk website the online gallery
- Deadline is July 30—No late entries will be accepted
After applying Check emails for additional updates from ArtWalk staff
- 6 weeks prior Update artist and merchant bios, resumes and websites
- 4 weeks prior Pick up participation packet—see contents & benefits below
- 4 weeks prior Send press release to the media about your exhibit
- 3 weeks prior Artists and merchants confirm details for set up and payment
- 2 weeks prior Notify your contacts and patrons of your exhibit by e-mail
- 1 week prior Create artwork labels & price list
- 1-2 days prior Professionally hang works at merchant site to ready exhibit
What things should artists bring to their exhibits?
Name tags
Business Cards
Info about upcoming shows
Price List for Works
Biography or Artist Statement
Camera to document show, upload to ArtWalk site & for later marketing efforts
Sign-in sheet for visitor/patron contacts: name, email & address for future shows
Any refreshments you chose to bring
Your smiling face!
What activities should artists and merchants do after ArtWalk?
- Fill out ArtWalk Survey by email
- Thank your exhibit visitors by email or mail—and notify them of your next show
- Upload photos to ArtWalk site at www.venturaartwalk.org
- Attend the ArtWalk Review Mixer—date TBA by email
- Mark your calendar with the deadline to participate in the next ArtWalk event!
GUIDE MAP LISTING in the full-color ArtWalk Walking Tour Brochure with business name, phone number & address and artist name and exhibit description, plus an ARTIST FINDER linking the business host to the artist’s name and phone or web address
PARTICIPATION PACKET of posters, postcards, map/guides, nametags and window number (see above)
NEWSPAPER ADS in the Star Timeout and Reporter with ArtWalk overview
30 SECOND RADIO PSAs on KCRW 89.9 & Cumulous B95.1, 100.7 & 103.3
WEBSITE listings at www.venturaartwalk.org
MY VENTURA MAGAZINE features the ArtWalk—mailed to all residents in city.
MORE EVENT MARKETING: emails, radio spots, interviews & press releases
Match-up tips for Artists and Merchants
Insert Document
What payment options are available?
Artists and their hosts should discuss early and agree upon whether patrons may purchase art by credit card run though the business, by checks made out to the artist or other methods to eliminate any misunderstandings.
What about commissions?
Many merchants take no commission from the artist and pay the ArtWalk application fee, but others ask for artists to share the application fee or request 10-30% of art sales (galleries up to 40%)—a range of possibilities determined by these factors:
1. Does the artist have a following that will bring large attendance to the business or a track record of good sales from past exhibitions?
2. Is the merchant/gallery host or artist paying (or sharing costs) for:
a) event entertainment, refreshments or optional reception?
b) marketing materials such as printing and mailing event postcards to patrons?
c) the ArtWalk application fee?
Hosts who pay for these may wish to offset costs by charging artists a commission; or the artist may cover these fees so that any art sales are commission free. Artists and their hosts should negotiate these issues to find the right fit and perhaps make a simple contract covering all details of what is expected of both artist and host. A sample contract is provided that may be adapted for this purpose.
What attendance is required of artists during the day of the ArtWalk?
Artists or an artist representative are required to be at their exhibit at least for 6 hours during the ArtWalk to meet and greet the public and discuss their work. Choose which hours work best for you and indicate them on your application.
Why was the application fee raised?
The ArtWalk has not received an increase in budget since it began as a small gallery event in 1994, even though today it is a regional event attracting over 20,000 people. To cope ArtWalk was reconfigured from three one-day events annually to two large weekend events per year and the participation fee was raised from $100 to $125 to cover some of the increased costs with sponsors covering the rest.
How do I write a press release?
Check back soon for a downloadable guide.
Where can I find other resources for marketing?
Free or almost free e-marketing options:
· Constant Contact http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp
· Vertical Response http://www.verticalresponse.com/
· Evites www.evite.com - Create an invitation
· Ventura Visitors Bureau www.ventura-usa.com; email Hilda@ventura-usa.com
· San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts http://www.venturaarts.org
· Face Book www.facebook.com
· Myspace www.myspace.com
Need more help/don’t want to do it alone?
· Social Good Marketing www.socialgoodmarketing.com can help with e-marketing and assist in developing a marketing plan.
· Art advice at www.artadvice.com has lots of ideas/advice online.
How should I market myself during the ArtWalk?
· Starting out: Be creative and enticing
· The more innovative the exhibit, the more likely it will get picked up by the media.
· Consider a demonstration or an educational component
· Offer a workshop or a hands-on activity as people like to be actively involved.
How about postcards?
www.Psprint.com cheap, online 200 cards for $28.95 w/ shipping
Lazer Lithograph, reasonably priced local 805-658-8855.
Should I consider placing collaborative advertising?
The Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO) is currently working on reduced advertising rates for downtown businesses. Contact Seana Weaver at 653-9463 or www.downtownventura.org.
Or find other artists/merchants/arts orgs and place an ad together.
How do I prepare for the show?
To hang the best show you can, consider these factors:
1. Quality not quantity—too many works may create a crowded effect.
2. Consider lighting and arrangement
3. Have a price list ready to as a hand out or place on cards next to the works.
4. Post a bio posted so shy people can learn more about you as conversation starter
5. Make additional signage if needed
What should I do on the day of the event?
1. Be friendly. Talk to the public. No one can sell your work better than you. Get to know your patrons on a personal level so they feel they are buying artwork from a friend!
2. Have a sign-in sheet that encourages visitors to include their name, address and email and any comments – you can later use those comments on your website
3. Take photos and post them on your website, Facebook or flicker, or to share with patrons afterwards.
4. Send folks a thank you email and a link to their photos on the website. Make people feel part of the in-crowd by having their photos posted.
5. Keep track of your buyers! Take photos of them and record their contact information for the future. You may wish them to loan their purchase for a future exhibit. It’s also a great way to remember patrons when you see them on the street or at the grocery store!
What about Artist Parking during ArtWalk?
Artists and merchants are encouraged to set up exhibits in advance of the ArtWalk during low traffic times for a more relaxed experience when parking is easier downtown. Setting up of the day of the ArtWalk—when parking is limited and stress is high—is NOT encouraged! Artists, merchants and musicians may park in public 4 hour and 8 hour parking lots through out downtown at no cost in the following lots:
Parking Garage, at Santa Clara and California Streets or
All off-street city lots on:
· Santa Clara Street
· Poli Street
· California Street
· Behind City Hall
· Any other off street public parking lot
What are the guidelines for sidewalk set-ups?
Artists setting up on the sidewalk in front of a business must get the permission of that business and complete an application to participate in the ArtWalk. Artists must have a 48-inch clearance between the table or easel and the nearest obstruction (tree, newspaper stand, etc.). Exhibits must not impede foot traffic on sidewalks. ArtWalk program staff reserve the right move an exhibit that does not meet these guidelines.
What is the ArtWalk Alcohol Policy?
All State and local laws apply for business serving alcohol during the ArtWalk. Make sure alcohol is only distributed in a location in your business away from the front door and only to those aged 21 years and older. All alcoholic beverages must be consumed inside the businesses— hosts must post signs (included in the participation packet) to this effect. Walking around with alcohol outside of businesses is illegal and can subject merchants to fines.
How can I be a performer at ArtWalk?
Send or email a press kit with samples of music c/o Robin Elander, P.O. Box 99, Ventura, CA 93002-0099 or relander@ci.ventura.ca.us.Call 805-658-4760 for additional details.
What driving and parking directions can I provide ArtWalk visitors?
From the South
On the 101 Freeway North, take Ventura’s California Street exit and turn right to reach the Ventura Visitors Bureau (two blocks away) at 101 S. California Street for ArtWalk maps.
From the North
On the 101 Freeway South, take the Ventura Avenue Exit in Ventura and turn right onto Thompson Boulevard and then left onto California Street to reach the Visitors Bureau.
Parking
There’s free parking behind City Hall at the top of California Street (501 Poli Street) or the Santa Clara Street Parking Structure across the way from the Visitors Bureau.
How can visitors find a particular artist’s or merchant’s exhibit?
Use the ArtWalk guide to locate merchants and artists participating in the event. Guides are available in local downtown businesses and at ArtWalk Information, located inside the Ventura Visitors Bureau at 101 S. California Street during the ArtWalk.
What are the hours of the event?
Saturday 1-10 pm
Sunday 12-4 pm
When are the future ArtWalk dates?
Harvest ArtWalk 2008: October 18th & 19th
Spring ArtWalk 2009: April 25th & 26th
How can I volunteer for the ArtWalk?
More than 50 volunteers are needed to put on the ArtWalk. To sign for a shift please contact Robin Elander at (805) 658-4760 or by e-mail at relander@ci.ventura.ca.us.
What types of artwork are accepted in the ArtWalk?
All types of fine art including paintings, mixed media, glass, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and temporary installations from emerging and established visual artists.
What is the ArtWalk After Party?
The ArtWalk After Party is a celebration held on Saturday evening where Artists, Merchants and Patrons gather and socialize to celebrate the ArtWalk event. Music and entertainment is offered, along with food and local art! Site TBA on the ArtWalk website.
Where do I eat or have a drink?
We suggest patronizing an ArtWalk participating restaurant, café or other eatery.
Where do I stay?
The Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau Visitors Guide also online at www.ventura-usa.com is a great resource for finding a place to stay in Ventura. Consider the Crowne Plaza Hotel located right in the middle of the ArtWalk www.cpventura.com.
How do I find out about ArtWalk entertainment?
Visit the ArtWalk website for a full entertainment schedule. Roving performers and stages are also listed on the ArtWalk guide.