The 1970s band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, wrote the song lyrics . . . 'Down on the corner, out in the street. People come from all around, just to watch the magic'.

Perfect words to describe the Broad Ripple Art Fair. I am proud to say I have been part of this showcase of art for twenty years. The fair, with its root set deep in Indiana's art culture, is celebrating its 45th year and it has been bringing excellent art and crafts to local, regional and national visitors since 1970.

1970, the year of important movement in Vietnam, the year 'The Me' generation began, the year the Beatles broke up, the year IBM introduced the floppy disc and of course, the year Monday Night Football debuted. A lot has happened in the world since that year.

And here in Indiana, the Broad Ripple Art Fair has weathered through. . . .literally. Through a tornado, blistering heat, and unseasonably cold weather, it has been here, every spring, letting people know the dull days of winter are over and it is time to come together to see great art.

This art fair has evolved into one of the premier arenas where artists like myself can transition from local to regional to national players. It provides unique opportunities for us to come together and introduce our best stuff to dealers, collectors, interior designers, etc. There are other options to be sure, but the face-to-face interaction is tough to top. When it comes to visual art, hardly anything beats firsthand viewings and chat-ups with the artists and craftsmen themselves. This fair, attracting over 15,000 visitors, offers exhibitors easy access to potential clients over a two-day period. Fairs as large as this one are indispensable for artist who aspires to play the game.

When I began my relationship with the Broad Ripple Art Fair two decades ago, my family was very much involved. My mother and my grandmother agreed to come and help me sell my stuff. Over the years, visitors recognized the two girls in my booth and felt very comfortable asking them questions about my art and about my journey to becoming a painter. And they loved hearing my grandmother's colorful stories about her flying days during World War II.

Having success at this fair is considerably more complicated than decorating my booth with art and waiting for something to happen. It demands endurance, attitude and advance planning. I can't just set up and sit here with my art and leave the rest to the promoters. Fairgoers tend to gravitate toward those of us who are thrilled to be here, and who demonstrate passion about what we're doing. No art sells itself; someone has to step up and sell it, and be entertaining in the process. Visitors can sense if we would rather be somewhere else. My patrons appreciate warm welcomes and affable banter. It's simple and no more complicated.

It took three years of exhibiting here to get a footing and attract significant numbers of buyers. People are reluctant to spend big bucks with artists they don't know or have never heard of, so each successful appearance makes the probability of sales that much greater.

Another primary reason to be present here is to observe and interact with other artists and network with fellow professionals. Knowing what my colleagues are up to not only contributes to my knowledge base, but it cultivates lasting relationships that can lead to joint shows, sales, cross-promoting and much more. Art fair participation has become an integral part of my marketing plan and budget. Over the past twenty years, I have exhibited in major cities along both coasts of Florida, Michigan, Kansas City and most metropolitan areas along the northeast coastline.

And I have realistic expectations. I don't bank on huge profits every year at every show, but rather on strengthening relationships and meeting lots of interesting people, including potential buyers who may take weeks or even months to decide whether or not to buy my paintings.

Well that's my view from "down on the corner, out on the street" at the Broad Ripple Art Fair. I have looked forward to exhibiting here for twenty years. I'll be here for the next twenty. Come by my corner and visit. - Douglas David www.douglasdavid.com