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Doodlebears'SHOWS- GO OUT AND DO IT'
made me think that unless we do make an effort to support the Bear Shows / fairs / exhibitions or whatever they are called where you live then shortly they will die out. It's very sad to have seen so many shows being cut from the bear world and I feel it's up to us to save what's left. Here in the UK so many shows including some of the bigger shows are no longer being run. I myself am feeling guilty of thinking in the wrong direction. I have been scouting around to find which fairs to book and found myself going down the road of ' well that one's not as good as it used to be, let's give that one a miss' How daft is that, if we all think the way I was thinking then of course the shows will close. We need to support the organisers and book their shows and in so keep the shows open. Maybe the show the first time won't be a fantastic success but if we keep on supporting them then they will grow back to their former glory and keep running for years to come. I know some of you will be saying I can't afford to risk exhibiting and not get a good return for my efforts but without people making the effort there will be no decent fairs to go to when you do feel you want to exhibit. There is nothing better (in my opinion) than seeing the smile on someone's face when they walk up to your stand at a show and pick up a bear that you have made. It is so heart warming to see people falling in love with a bear or other furry creation that you have put a lot of work into making and a show is the best place to do that. It's great having wonderful comments from friends and family but when a complete stranger hands over their money to buy and take home something that you have designed and made then to me there is no better feeling. Let's try and support our shows, without us they will close their doors for good and then where will we be!
Hugs Jane. 
We need to support the organisers and book their shows and in so keep the shows open. Maybe the show the first time won't be a fantastic success but if we keep on supporting them then they will grow back to their former glory and keep running for years to come.
I second what you have just written Jane. I personally will not be holding the show I have organised here in Australia since 2000 but not because of the economics of organising the show or the lack of support. My life has taken a new direction in the last 2 years. I am now back in the work force in a job I love and do not have the spare time required to devote to making the event as successful as those held in the past.
Another point to note - some collectors only have limited funds and I have known many to save up for over a year to buy one of my bears.
There is nothing better (in my opinion) than seeing the smile on someone's face when they walk up to your stand at a show and pick up a bear that you have made. It is so heart warming to see people falling in love with a bear or other furry creation that you have put a lot of work into making and a show is the best place to do that. It's great having wonderful comments from friends and family but when a complete stranger hands over their money to buy and take home something that you have designed and made then to me there is no better feeling. Let's try and support our shows, without us they will close their doors for good and then where will we be!
This is the best feeling. Making someone happy. Even when they just walk past your stand and as they look at your work a smile comes over their face.
This is so true Jane and something I've been trying to do for a while, by booking the occasional 'extra' show here and there. I've rebooked my old favourites in the hope that it might help revive them ... in the main it's been a thankless task though! I'm ever hopeful however and if I think the organisers do their bit to make a positive contribution towards the bear industry, I'm happy to try working with them.
I agree completely!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
I LOVE doing shows, and I would not be making bears if I couldn't go to the shows occassionally to sell them.
I am hopefully doing my 'bit' by beginning to organise a new 'artist only' show in the UK, but as you say, if people are not willing to try a new show, it won't happen!
Really looking forward to hearing more about your proposed show Samantha ... something new for artists only is a great concept and should be well supported! When you have more details, please let me know - I'll be happy to send out information through British Bears on the Net to help promote things.
Shows - yes, one has to get noticed and this is a good way, however to many shows have appeared, have been badly organised, and this is why they no longer appear.
From my travels I have seen more and more shows ( not been in the USA) take in / or get in fewer bear artists, loads of "plush bears" are allowed to be sold and displayed and anyone else who can fill up the floor space is allowed in to cover exhibitors cost, and it then becomes a vicious circle.
I think Hugglets in the UK, went about it the right way- they saw the market was slowing down and they re viewed their plans, wrote to artists and then decided on having 2 good shows a year instead of 4 bad shows.
Samantha (UK) is thinking of organising a show- and has posted here in TT- for feed back- which I think she has got- this way the organisers can listen to the artists needs and both work together, instead of against each other. Whatever way the shows goes, does not mean everyone will be happy- none of us are perfect.
The show I am at- its a real stupid thing- but they have no numbers on the stand- now you try looking for D45- hahaha I asked the organisers and was told too many last minute changes . Fair enough but you could have a big sign indicating at least A,B,C, D, section for easy directions.
Shows are hard work and expensive, yet the feed back can be very rewarding. You are noticed and seen, you learn what is happening around you in the bear world. You are able to get a feel for "bear" prices.
Seeing bears photographed and in the "real world" can be very very different- my own feelings if you are a good photographer you can made the most horrid bear look good. As a collector- how do you know how well that bear is made unless you pick him up- is he heavy- is he light- is he well jointed- how have the seams been closed,no photograph will tell this, so to me a WELL ORGANiSED show has to be a MUST on your calendar.
Lynette
Doodlebearssaid...
This is so true Jane and something I've been trying to do for a while, by booking the occasional 'extra' show here and there. I've rebooked my old favourites in the hope that it might help revive them ...
I'd be interested to hear which shows you are planning this year Paula! I know you said, on an earlier post, that you used to do the fair at Botliegh Grange in Southampton. Have you ever exhibited at Hove? I spoke to the lady, who took over the running of the show a couple of years ago, and she was informing me all about the show. I am thinking about booking at Hove, it's right before Christmas and I feel it would be a really good time to exhibit. Our lovely Christine (Pike) is going to be one of the judges of the Britsh Bear Artist Awards at the show. The venue is large and well lit and in a good position with close parking. I just hope there is lots of advertising for the show. I have seen that there are already adverts in the bear magazines but not everyone reads the magazines so other ways of advertising is essential to get people through the doors.
Hugs Jane. 
BrisbaneYes I agree! Although all my support is at the moment is going to show to see those lovely bears! 
Maybe one day I might like to enter a competition..... Im looking forward to going to the Gold Coast show in June here in Australia. I am so excited as I have signed myself up for a workshop ( I even talked my family into paying for it for my birthday present!!).
