The shows that I exhibit at in the Midwest start in the middle of May, and run until the first of October. I try to plan a show for almost every weekend through out these months. As much as I would like to exhibit in the best shows on each weekend, it’s not possible to find a top show in my area every weekend. Artists will apply to all the best shows, but on the weekends when there are no big shows, we take what’s available and that may be a small show, which is what artists call a “filler” show. It means that it’s not a great show but it fills an open weekend. Better to make a little money then no money.
Lets say there is a really big show that you want to apply to, but because it’s a tough show to get into, you may get rejected and not have a show that weekend. What artists do is apply to a second show that weekend as a backup in case the big show rejects them. I have even applied to three shows in one weekend and got a rejection from the two big shows and had to settle on the third and smaller show.
It will cost you a little extra paying jury fees on the backup shows but that’s a small price to pay to make sure you will have a show on the weekend. Better to lose and extra $25 or $30 for a jury fee, then not have a show.
For small shows I don’t apply to a backup show as my success rate getting into small shows is very good. but on the weekends of the big shows I will send to a backup show.
You may be thinking, why don’t I just see if I get into the big show first, and if rejected I’ll apply to a small show. Most all of the shows deadlines come at about the same time, so by the time you would get the rejection notice on the big show, it would be to late to apply to another show.
What happens if you get into the big show and the small show on the same weekend, simple you call the small show and say, sorry something came up and I can’t make your show this year, but I will try again next year.
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