Professional Textile Artists

[Wagstail]

I would like to network with new or experienced professional textile
artists. I enjoy talking about my craft and artistic concepts, but I also
need to talk over business matters with folx in a similar profession.

Some topics of concern to me:

When is the best time to market seasonal products?
How I found the best stores for my products.
Production Hand-crafting: A contridiction in terms?
Finding your niche, or how not to compete with cheap foriegn imports.

You get the idea . . . I hope to hear from you.

[Marian Crane]

In article <3757lg$c...@newsbf01.news.aol.com> wags...@aol.com (Wagstail) writes:
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>From: wags...@aol.com (Wagstail)
>Newsgroups: rec.crafts.textiles
>Subject: Professional Textile Artists
>Date: 8 Oct 1994 00:37:04 -0400
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Good to hear from another textile artist in the same boat. I live in Phoenix,
Arizona, in the heart of Southwest galley row...and because my art isn't
Cowboys -n- Indians, I can't get into gallery space here. Best I've done is
a little metaphysical boutique whose owners faint when I bring in a $3000
tapestry to hang on their wall. My business partner just made manager at her
store and has no time for artwork...I see her point, but it may cost us
several shows.

It would be GREAT to talk shop!
--

Marian Crane (mcr...@ramp.com

[Wagstail]

I am traking down professional organizations for artists and craftspeople.
Do you have any experience with a one of these groups?

Association of Crafts and Creative Insustrys
The Artists Network
The American Crafts Council

Or these publications?

The Crafts Report
Creative Crafter's Directories
Directory of Craftshops
Knitting Times

If you do, please post what you know on this topic thread. I am requesting
information from all of these groups and, when I get it, I will share it
with you.

Have you ever used a wholesale representative to market your artwork?
Another thing I'd like to hear about...

Marian, tell me about your tapestries. Maybe I'll know of a store or
gallery that might be interested. We've got to network! I'll describe my
work, too.

I have a small production line of sweaters, coats, and scarves. The
sweaters are 100% wool, use heraldic themes, and have dramatic full
sleeves that are gathered at the wrist. Wholesale price $125. The coats
are 50% wool and 50% silk, use intricate art nouveau tracery designs,
wholesale at $150. The scarves are 100% wool (soft, non-itchy merino) and
have two design lines: one group is an interpretation of symbols from the
Tarot, the other uses quotes from women intellectuals, and goddess
imagery. I also have plans for two fine art shows, if I can ever earn
enough from the clothes...