This is a work of art we have displayed in our home. I bet you can guess where it’s hung and why we chose it.

Okay. I’ll tell you. It’s displayed on the front of our refrigerator. It’s there because 1) we can’t miss seeing it several times a day, and 2) it was created by our two-year-old niece on the table in our kitchen.

I bet you have art like this in your house, too. Or you have had. Or you will have.

What can we learn from this?

We chose this piece because we have we have a personal relationship with the artist. We find it powerful and meaningful because of that. As it turns out, many of the other pieces we own are also by artists we know.

The visitors to the Hopkins Arts Festival (and to any fair or festival) are a lot like us. They’re more likely to buy art if they feel a connection with the artist. Sure, your work is powerful, insightful, and beautiful. And there will be people who must have it as soon as they lay eyes on it. (That’s why we want you in Hopkins.)

But there will also be people, probably a lot more people, who will be more likely to buy if they feel they know you.

In order to feel they know you, buyers need to know something about you. Of course, you get to choose how much you share. But let’s face it, making art has a central place in your life: otherwise you wouldn’t be doing it. And that means you always have things to say about about your work and your process and your ideas about art. People find this stuff fascinating. They see your passion. They feel your energy. They feel engaged. And then they buy.

We want to help you sell at the Hopkins Arts Festival. We love artists. We like it when you make money. So help us help you.

Here’s the first step. As you complete your application on Zapp, take the time to provide as much information as you can. We get applications with no artist statements, no web site info, nothing. If we don’t know anything about you, it’s hard for us to promote you and your work as we recruit the buyers.

Help us out. Give us what you can. Think about the art on your refrigerator. Think about those buyers who will be fascinated by you and what you do. Help us find them for you.

NB: You are allowed up to 100 words in your artist statement. Use them. Here’s what 100 words looks like:

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