The Artists' Market

Every Second Sunday of the month in Round Rock from 11am-5pm at Main Street & Mays.

THE ARTIST'S HANDBOOK

EXHIBITING AT THE ARTIST'S MARKET

There are a few things you should know about exhibiting at The Artist's Market that will help make the experience a pleasant one for you, the other artists and our customers:

JURY APPROVAL

Artist's wishing to join the market, please submit your website or sample pictures, about you and your creation process via e-mail to moreinfo@theArtistsMarket.com . The advisory board will review your application and notify you of approval.

The on-site market manager has the authority to grant a weekend approval to allow an artist to participate and submit formally the following week.

MARKET HOURS

The Artist's Market (Austin)- The market's normal hours are every Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Setup is between the hours of 8am and 10am. On busy days we may extend to later (we will avoid closing the market as long as vendors are busy & making money) though Mother Egan's requires us to be off the deck by 7pm.

The Artisan's Stroll (Round Rock)- The market's normal hours are every Second Sunday of the month from 11am to 5pm. Setup is between the hours of 9am and 11am.

On slow days or inclement weather, vendors may leave at 3pm, with market directors or on site manager's approval.

ON-SITE MANAGEMENT

The on-site manager will be responsible for assigning spaces, collecting money, collecting tips for musicians, placing signage and all other issues that arise at the market. The on-site manager must be a member of the advisory board and reports to the market director.

Rules Enforcement:
All advisory panel members are responsible for enforcing market rules and have to authority to have an artist remove inappropriate items and eject an artist or visitor from the market.

Personnel (voting members of the Advisory Board):

Jamie Rood - Market Director
Pauline Jacobson - Event Calendars & PR
Michiel Rushing - Site Manager
Kyle Gross - Assistant Manager, Forum and Website
Rick Tolar - Site Manager
Bonnie Martin Hudson - Farmers Market Promo

WEATHER

Artist's need to be prepared for weather (see FAQ). The Artist's Market cannot be responsible for weather-related damage resulting from wind, rain, sun etc. You may pack up and leave the market at any time you feel threatened by weather.

Any time the chance of rain is 50% or more, you may cancel and be be credited for the day as long as you call ahead of time (see Cancellations). Please, do not just 'not show up'.

Keep in mind that a little rain in the summer is a 'good thing' and often brings people out more than 100 degree heat!

Artist's may choose leave the market at 3p when anytime the temperature reaches (or is expected to reach) 95 degrees or more. Again, If you feel ill or safety is a concern you may leave at any time - just check in with the market manager.

Artists are also not required to set up if the temperature is below freezing or over 100 degrees. During the summer, be sure to bring extra water. A small ice chest full of ice is also recommended.

DO NOT LEAVE EARLY WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE MARKET MANAGER!

ARTIST FEES

Setup Fees is $20 per day plus 10% commission.

On the weekend of the second Sunday of each month we set up both Saturday (at Mother Egan's in Austin) and on Sunday (Main Street in Round Rock.) For those weekends, the fee is $25 for the weekend, as long as you set up BOTH days. (i.e. $5 extra for second day.) Commission will remain 10%

For regular attending artists, there will also be a discount for paying the setup fee for the month in advance - TBA

Summer Pricing (July & August): Setup Fee $10 +10% commission
When space is reserved & confirmed in advance in the Reservation section (see details in description for specific dates & instructions) - 1 week for Saturday in Austin & 2 weeks for the Artisan Stroll.
'Clicking Confirmation' means you agree to pay the setup fee even if you have to cancel - Otherwise 'Normal' fees apply and you can cancel any time.

Options:
No reservation: + $5
Reservation via phone or email***: + $5
Shared space: + $5
Community both - $10 each artists
Print Rack or small table only (or similar) unattended - $5 + 15% commission
Space on the info table - $5 weekend or $10 per month
Special needs or higher commission rates available - contact Director
Cash or Check Accepted

Massage & similar - negotiable

Musicians & other Performing Artist - no charge

For expected high-traffic weekends, the fees may be higher and a mix of 10x10, shared & smaller spaces will be available. Special event fees, such as The Artist's Market showing as a group with another event may vary.

For Artist expecting to make over $150 per day consistently. Payment must be received ahead of time - no changing to 'Normal' fees at the last minute. These are the fees I paid ~3 years ago when starting the market.

Reservation via phone or email - administrator must change the password on your account to gain access & reserve as space 'as you', or must create an account.

RESERVATIONS

It is recommended that you call and make a reservation well in advance, especially during key times of the year such as holidays and festivals, when the Market fills up quickly.
Reservations should be made ahead of time to insure a space.*
You must be Juried & Approved to Reserve a Space.

Always select the Poll option
'Do you plan to attend? | Yes - I'll be there!'
So we can plan for the number of artists attending.

Also Post a reply with your name & media - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
So we can make sure to have a good product mix. If you do not provide this info, you may not be allowed to setup if there are too many in your category: i.e. If we have 15 artists signed up and 10 jewelers show up - that would be unbalanced. In general we try to limit each media to no more than 40% of the market - Sometimes with under 10 signed up, or because of cancellations, that may not always be possible.

If you have arranged to share a booth with someone, post both names & mediums together. Both artists may select a poll option.

If you wish to participate in a community both, make the subject 'community booth' or include it your text.

In order to encourage artists to reserve a space early each week and because the market wishes to be very understanding and supportive of artists personal lives, we have a very liberal cancelation policy. However we need know know asap for setup planning

CANCELLATIONS

If you need to cancel, let us know as soon as you can. If you have already paid, that money will be credited in full to your next attendance. If you must cancel, please do so at least 24 hours in advance

Post to the reservation area (where you reserved in the first place).

If it is after 6:30am of the day you are signed up for, call the on site managers cell phone (if avail) - Downtown Austin, or call the director at 512.785.5830 and leave a message. You can also leave a message on the info line at 512.535.5761
Please be courteous and call within a reasonable time to cancel your reservation so that artists who might be on the waiting list will have a chance to prepare.
'No shows' without cancellation notice may affect your space assignment as we cannot afford to have empty spaces, especially in prime locations. If you do not cancel by 7:30am and do not show up, you will still be responsible for your booth fee before setting up with the market again. Don't be a no-show, it's just plain inconsiderate.

SETUP AND BREAKDOWN

Setup begins at 8am - you may come later so long as you are setup & ready for business by 10am - no boxes in the aisle etc. You can still be doing some rearrangement etc. after 10am though.

In order for the Market to present a professional appearance, all artists should be completely set up when the market opens. In addition, artists should not begin tearing down your displays until the market closes (you may set up earlier and tear down later if you like, just as long as you are open for business during market hours). Vendors needing to leave early or setup late should discuss with the on duty market manager. The market will respect personal obligations, church attendance etc.

For the downtown location, unloading/loading either in front along 6th or back alley & parking lot.
After unloading, we usually park along west street just north of 6th as the meters are free on weekends.
On expected busy weekends, we may setup on Friday night.
A security guard will be on duty for ultra busy weekends.

For the Round Rock Artisan's Main Street Stroll, which is on the second Sunday of every month from 11am to 5 pm, setup is from 9am-11am, but if you need more time to setup, come earlier.
Vendors needing to leave early or setup late should discuss with the on duty market manager. The market will respect personal obligations, church attendance etc.

BOOTH SPACES

Currently, the following booth spaces are available:

~8x6 on deck - Artists is responsible for supplying their own tent (optional), tables, grids, stands etc. needed to display their work.
Space should be manned a vast majority of the time - notify on site market manager & neighboring artist if you need to be absent for an extended period of time during the day.

10x10 space outdoors - same as above + Artists is responsible for supplying their own tent (optional).

Shared Booth Space - one artist should supply tent (if needed) and each artist should be knowledgeable about the others work etc. if they plan to man the booth in shifts.

Community Booth - up to 4 artist in one tent: 5' table or equivalent. Unmanned (or manned in shifts). This is for artists who want to participate with a presence in the market but are not able to be there during operating hours. Arrange late break-downs and having friends setup in advance.

Print Rack - Standard stand-alone rack for displaying prints. Artists is not required to be present at the market. Similar to space on the Info Table.

Info Table - Cards, brochures, samples @ the market's info table - Allow Patrons to find you even when you aren't setup. Materials may be left with market manager in advance and picked up at any time. Great if you are going out of town etc.

* There is a limited supply of grids available to borrow on site.

BRING SOMETHING TO DO

Sometimes there are slow periods when you will be glad you have a book to read or an art piece to work on. We encourage you to make art while you are at the Market. The customers love to see the artists at work. If you plan to paint at the Market, please use low-odor paints and solvents. Many artists and customers have sensitivities to turpentine, acetone, spray paints, etc.

BREAKS

If you need to take a break, ask someone to watch your display. It is very helpful to have all of your items priced should you need to step away for a few minutes.

WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO DISPLAY AND SELL?

Of course everything has to be designed & handmade by the artist. Prints etc. are also fine. No kits, imports or resale items are allowed.

Nudes:
This is a family market, so art must be appropriate for children to view. Nudes are allowed as long as they are tastefully done. The onsite manager may instruct artist to keep 'more graphic' images hidden for private viewing only of non-minors.

Strung bead jewelry must incorporate at least 3 different types of beads, and may not incorporate pendants or silversmith work made by anyone other than the artist or family members.

Artist's family members (defined as anyone living in the same economic unit with the member) or partner in creation of the work may represent the artist at the market.

SALE ITEMS

A rack, bin or other "space" can be set up for sale items. Sale items must be damaged, defective, slow movers or otherwise of lesser quality and limited to 10% of show inventory. No 'percent off', 'sale', 'discounted' etc. signs allowed.[/b] However, more positive signs such as 'discontinued' or 'Help me make space in my studio Smile' are fine.

DISCOUNTS AND BARGAINING

In order to protect the Artists Market's reputation as well as the artists, no on the spot bargaining is allowed. Only preexisting discount policies* and multiple item discounts are permitted. If you feel you need to make an exception, you may obtain permission from the on-site manager. You may use this to your advantage (like the car salesman going to talk to his manager).

The intent is for you, the artists, to be able to stand you ground and get what you are worth, as well as protect other artist from being expected to bargain. We represent ourselves as serious artist, not flea-market vendors.

The market does offer a 10% discount to employees of its host (Mother Egan's, Great Outdoors etc.). Simply note these sales when paying commission and they will be deducted, but they should still be reported.

Special Orders are often negotiated and of course are not considered as bargaining. The artists should consider pricing special orders above the price of a normal item, but the market does not require it.

* example discount policies you may have:
friends, charitable organizations, fellow artists etc.
discount on purchase of two or more items.
free postcard with purchase of original or large print.

If in doubt, work with the market manager, other artists, or post in the Misc. forum to develop your discount policies.

ETHICS AND CONDUCT

1. Artist shall be aware of, keep up to date, and to comply with all current Market rules, regulations and guidelines as posted in the Policies & Procedures section of the market's online forum.
2. Artist shall conduct them selves in a professional and business-like manner while selling at the Market.
3. Artist agrees to sell during the entire duration of the market day unless the Market closes due to holidays, bad weather or other unforeseeable reason.
4. Artist is only allowed to sell items formally approved by the Market Manager or designated review committee.
5. Artist must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, special statutes and ordinances regarding public health, safety, and welfare, including but not limited to product labeling laws and required licenses. Artist must display a current Texas State Sales Tax Permit
6. Artist will confine all product and display material to their assigned space.
7. Artist will not approach a customer viewing another artist's display.
8. Artist will not make derogatory remarks about another artist or their work.
9. Artist will refrain from using profanity, and from behavior that is verbally or physically abusive or dangerous and disruptive to Market activities.
10. Artist is responsible for the behavior of friends and family who visit or stay in their booth.
11. Artist may not "hawk" their wares. Hawking is defined as offering goods for sale aggressively by calling out.
12. Artists whose product (i.e. scents and sounds) may have an impact beyond the confines of their booth must be sensitive to the impact of their products on other artists and the public. Artists will cooperate with reasonable request to remedy any problems that might arise.
13. Artist will not use drugs or be intoxicated while selling at the Market.
14. Pets are allowed only with permission from the Market Manager. Dogs must be on a leash. Artists will be held responsible for their pets, and will not allow pets to interfere with other artists or customers.

MUSICIANS & OTHER PERFORMING ARTISTS

Musicians & other performing artists will be scheduled for each weekend if possible - either in advance, or on site by the market manager. The market manager will make sure the 'hat is passed' to collect tips from artists for the musician.

Performing artists may sell CDs etc., collect tips, and distribute their promotional material. They must provide their own equipment and avoid disrupting the market during setup & breakdown.

VENDOR PARKING

When you arrive at the Market, park your car in the closest available spot and unload everything. Do not begin setting up until you have completely unloaded and moved your car. That will allow other artists to pull up and unload. The same applies to packing up. Do not pull your car up until you are completely packed up and ready to load up. Metered parking is free on the weekends, so there should be plenty of place to park. Please do not park on 6th Street in the Market's block. Leave that area open for customers.

Austin- Please park along the side streets to leave the parking immediatly in front of Mother Egan's free for customers to use. Parking on the weekends is free, so you need not worry about feeding the meter.

Round Rock- There is a parking garage a couple of blocks east of where we set up which is free of charge.

SAFETY

Use care in the parking lot and check in with the on-site manager before driving into the display area.

East Location (currently not applicable):
Although the Pecan Street Owners Association is on a mission to revitalize & bring families to the area during the day, at night the 6th Street Entertainment District bar scene comes alive and homeless may be seen loitering in the area. Any time we break down after dark, vendors are encouraged to walk in groups, further a vendor may ask the on duty market manager to assist them in finding an escort to their car. Please notify the market manager if you are comfortable providing an escort.

DISPLAYS

Artists must furnish their own displays, including tents, display panels, tables and chairs. Tents must be weighted, and display walls must be attached to tent structures so they will not fall over and injure people. Dumbbells (Academy), 5-gallon water jugs and cement or sand-filled pvc pipes make great weights. They can be attached to your tent with ropes or ratcheting tie-downs (Home Depot).

WHERE TO GET TENTS

We recommend the EZ-Up Encore II tent that Sam's Club carries ($198). It is commercial grade and comes with sides and an awning. Costco also has a nice Caravan tent package similar to Sam's, has walls but no awning ($225). An alternative if your art will not be harmed if it gets wet is the EZ-Up that Academy carries ($140). It is just the canopy with no sides or awning, and is much less expensive, however, it is not as heavy duty as the one Sam's carries. Academy also carries a smaller, low-end tent with a blue top for $58. White tents are preferred but not required. If you are just starting out and are not sure outdoor art fairs are for you, you might want to consider renting a tent for a weekend or two. Tents can be rented in Austin from KD Kanopy, Inc. - 512-388-5000, Marquee Tents - 512-491-7443 and Premiere Party Rental - 512-692-1703.

WHERE TO GET DISPLAY PANELS

There are two types of display walls that are used most frequently - Gridwalls and Pro Panels. Pro Panels are much more expensive than Gridwalls, but there are some pros and cons with both types. Pro Panels can be purchased at www.propanels.com. Gridwalls are available locally at Texas Store Fixtures - 512-832-9272. Many artists also construct their own display systems out of a variety of materials. Cattle fencing is a 4"x4" welded grid that can be cut to the size and you can spray paint it if you want it to look really nice (available at Home Depot at Slaughter and I-35). Home Depot also carries 2'x8' plastic lattice panels. These are lightweight and inexpensive, and can easily be cut down with a circular saw. Another option from Home Depot is wooden trellis from the garden center. Cattle Fencing, Lattice and Trellis can be hung from your tent structure with zip electrical ties. S-hooks (Home Depot) or drapery hooks (Bed Bath Beyond) can be used to hang art.

SHADE CLOTH

Summer in Texas is really hot. You can lower the temperature in your tent by 10-15 degrees by creating a "ceiling" with shade cloth. It can be purchased in the garden department of Home Depot for $30 for a 6' x 20' roll. Side panels made of shade cloth can also be used to keep out the sun. They can be hung from the tent structure with small clamps or bungie cords.

Visit our Links page for websites with helpful information, equipment and supplies.