Serious Situation

I began to write  a letter informing you of several important steps Tim and I have decided to take in a major effort to revitalize our shows. However, as I started to write about all our news, a recent surprising turn of events obscures my thoughts. There is something that needs to be addressed in an urgent manner. So, here goes.

First, I want to make it perfectly clear; I support creative entrepreneurship and the competitive American way. However when I learned that the Craftproducers electrician of the last eight years, Eric Danielson, and one of our exhibitors, Matt Brown, were attempting  staging craft shows a week before our fall Manchester show and our Foliage Arts Festival in Stowe, the week before Columbus Day Weekend, I felt very disappointed. “Et Tu, Brutus” as Shakespeare would say. A perfidious act.  Had they chosen a non-competitive date and venue, I would have offered to help them and wished them good luck. What kind of Kool-Aid brings individuals to think that this is a good plan? They are very evangelical in their pursuit of shutting down two viable shows, a misguided crusade at best. Is this the kind of energy needed by the crafts community? Is their plan viable and will it create new markets for your work?

As I tried to understand any sanity in their decision to hold shows a week before ours, I could not. Their choice is a rash and destructive act. If they are successful in luring a sufficient number of exhibitors to these shows, the public will be confused and angered. Attendance will not be great for anyone. Exhibitors sales will be diminished.  Good grief! If they want to start a show, pick a venue and viable dates, and go for it. Why ruin two existing shows that have been hit by the Great Recession?   Apparently there seems to be a personal vendetta as indicated by their choice of dates and the Manchester and Stowe venues. I have worked for more than 30 years in organizing craft shows and have always promoted to the best of my ability. I know what the life of an artisan is: I made and sold my own work for twelve years. Certainly, I am not ready to retire. I have a 12 year old kid! I know that Craftproducers has enjoyed (pretty much) universal respect over the years and I expect to even improve our standing as we move forward. Believe me: 2012 was a tough year for us and I am 100% committed to restoring the luster to our organization.

Let me say in passing,  I don’t believe in mudslinging and negativity campaigns. Hands and Heart have implied many negative things about Craftproducers, Tim, and me. I will not take the time to respond piecemeal.

Since Tim and I spent so much time at the last two shows of 2012 dealing with the elements, we did not have time to sit down with our exhibitors and tell them of our renewed commitment to organizing and managing art and craft festivals. We were busy towing customers cars out of the mud, shoveling an endless stream of wind chips in the aisles inside the tents, and doing as much as humanly possible to make the shows viable. I was proud of our effort and know that few other promoters would deal so effectively with such trying conditions.

So, where do we go from here? Tim and I have worked together for eight years now. Like every relationship, there are times to reevaluate. After serious dialogue about the future of Craftproducers, we have mutually decided “full force ahead.” We feel optimistic about the future and even foresee new shows on the horizon. We are instituting  advisory board of exhibitors. This committee will have real power in making decisions about the future of Craftproducers shows. Together we will address jurying and quality control, advertising and promotion, the “vibe” of the show; in short, anything relevant to improving the shows for both you and the public. We will announce the members of this committee next week.

As you see, I am passionate about Craftproducers and our future together with you. Soon we will communicate our business plan for each 2013 show. You will be able to follow updates on our Blog at www.craftproducers.com.  We want you informed and passionate about being part of these marketplaces for handmade work. We appreciate your support and will strive with renewed vigor to make the shows successful.

Best wishes for the holidays and see you next year.

Charley Dooley