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2006 ARTIST SURVEY
Recently we invited you to share your New Year Resolutions in an on-line survey. More than 350 artists responded to the survey, brimming with positive resolutions and business strategies for the New Year.
Many of you responded with requests for more information on public relations, marketing, copyright and booth design strategies. Turn to the Market Insider for articles and help sheets addressing these and other topics relevant to the craft industry.
Congratulations to the survey raffle winner! Shaker Boxes's Brent Rourke in Hampton, N.B., Canada, won a $100 gift certificate to his favorite supplier.
IN THE NEWS
Dale Chihuly Lawsuit Brings Copyright
Infringement International Attention
When does inspiration cross the line into imitation? How does an artist go about proving—or disproving—copyright infringement? That is the question at the heart of a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle claiming two glass blowers have copied Dale Chihuly's designs and are selling knockoffs at several local galleries.
Fresh designs are a hot commodity and, like it or not, craftspeople are an easy target for copyright infringement. Click here to download helpful information about copyright law, steps you can take to prevent it, and how to deal with copyright infringement if it happens to you. Additional copyright protection information will be available at the American Made Alliance booth at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft, February 17-20, 2006.
Has one of your designs recently been knocked off? We are looking for copyright infringement stories to present at the congressional hearing this spring. Help lobbying efforts to broaden copyright protection for artists by emailing your story to Tammy Cep Razoullah.
Congratulations 2006 NICHE Award Finalists!
The NICHE Awards program recognizes the outstanding creative achievements of American and Canadian craft artists who produce work for craft galleries and retail shops. This year, the annual arts competition received more than 1,000 entries.
Join us as we celebrate the finalists and unveil the winners of the 2006 NICHE Awards at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft on Sunday, February 19 at 6:00 p.m. Admission to the NICHE Awards ceremony is free.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Remember to adjust the shipping costs table on your order forms before your winter shows! On January 9, 2006, Federal Express shipping costs rose by 3.5% and U.S. Postal Service rates rose by 5.4%. Visit www.fedex.com and www.usps.com for more information on the new rates.
OPPORTUNITIES KNOCKING
Second Bi-Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
Chattanooga, TN
The Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga and the City of Chattanooga are seeking functional and non-functional works, suitable for outdoors, in any media for its bi-annual outdoor exhibition. This temporary, 18-month exhibition (October 2006-April 2007) is located in a new mixed-use pedestrian park in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Selected artists will receive a $5,000 stipend per artist/piece. For a detailed application contact: Peggy Wood Townsend, Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, 406 Frazier Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37405, Phone: 423.756.2787. To download more information and an application: www.alliedartschattanooga.org.
Application deadline: May 1, 2006
McColl Center for Visual Art Residency program
Charlotte, NC
The McColl Center for Visual Art is seeking applications from regional, national and international artists interested in participating in its Fall 2007 and Winter 2008 residency program. Selected artists are provided a 230-819 sq. ft. studio space with 24-hour access to the Center's facilities, including fully equipped metal and wood shops, media lab, darkroom, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramic studios. Additionally, each artist is given housing accommodations, a travel allowance, $2,000 for materials, and a stipend of $3,300. Visit www.mccollcenter.org for application guidelines.
Questions: Contact Terri Smith at tsmith@mccollcenter.org or 704.332.5535.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2006
LEARN HOW TO WHOLESALE
Interested in being a future exhibitor at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft? Join us as a Visiting Artist at the winter market this February.
The Visiting Artist program provides the tools you need to determine if wholesaling is right for you. As a Visiting Artist, you'll join other artists in exploring the wholesale marketplace, meet Buyers Market staff, and network with other visiting artists.
To learn more about participating in the Visiting Artist program e-mail info@rosengrp.com, with subject line: Visit BMAC.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long University education—every day I'm learning something new."
-Richard Branson, Entrepreneur and Founder of The Virgin Group
WHY NOT...
Take a moment to sift through our archive? Remember, great craft tips don't have an expiration date!
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