Somerset artist Alce Harfield initially set up the Bath Art Fair in a field by a farm shop just outside Bath. Now it runs twice a year at Bath Pavilion – Alce explains what makes the fair special and introduces two unique collaborations that strengthen its offering to artists.
With experience as an artist of selling her work across the country at art fairs for 20 years, and frustrated that there wasn’t one close to home, Alce decided to remedy this by setting up Bath Art Fair.
Her 20 years’ experience in selling put her in a unique position to help other artists keen to represent themselves and their work. In the organisation of the fairs Alce specialises in ‘hand holding’, offering advice to new artists on everything from how to present their work to what to show – and everything in between.
Alce fell in love with the concept of an art fair when she saw the advantages she gained from being able to chat face to face with her customers in a relaxed environment. She discovered that from a customer’s point of view there is nothing more special than learning about the techniques and inspiration direct from the creator.
Now in its ninth year Alce says, “It’s been a massively steep learning curve – going from painting pretty pictures to running an art fair and the pressure of up to 90 other artists’ success on my shoulders. I’ve had to learn about negotiating with venues and stand and lighting contractors, and organising insurance, advertising and promotion, all of which I handle personally. I’m immensely proud that my artists return year on year and of the reviews we’ve had from both artists and customers. I put this down to the personal touch I offer and the fact that I treat my artists as my customers. We are also the first art fair in the country to have a strong ‘green policy’, using only use eco paper bubble wrap and recycling our banners into usable tote bags.
During the weekend of the fair Alce is joined by her husband and two children and a team of friends who make up the ‘green fairies’ who help the artists unload and set up, and ensure the fair runs smoothly.
Throughout the years Alce has donated original paintings of Glastonbury Festival and has raised over £10,000 for local charities including Children’s World, Dorothy House Hospice and Bath Welcomes Refugees (who are being supported by the fair in February 2025).
Alce says, “On the surface the Bath Art Fair looks like a ‘one woman band’ but its success is due to its collaborations with local women such as Lucy Housley and Becca Luger who bring their own special skill sets to the table.” alceharfield.com
The next Bath Art Fair takes place at Bath Pavilion, 23–25 February 2025. For tickets and a preview of artists visit bathartfair.co.uk
Lucy Housley, social media expert
Lucy brings over 12 years of expertise in brand marketing and social media management to the Bath Art Fair team. Using her experience in Meta Advertising and organic social media strategies, Lucy manages the event’s social platforms, targeting the right audiences to drive engagement, raise awareness, and increase footfall. During 2024, content produced to promote the two Bath Art Fairs in February and September reached over 75,000 people on social media, and the artists involved in turn reported a boost in their own social media following, so crucial for independent artists.
Lucy loves to support small and medium-sized organisations, delivering impactful results through creative communication and strategic planning. She is a unique contact for small businesses looking for extra support during events or for project-based work.
Becca Luger, film-maker
Becca has always loved the creative scene in the West Country with its many interesting artists and creatives.
“As a film-maker I love being able to showcase the work of artists, to tell the story of their craft and to bring all of those rich details to life. I’ve worked with creatives including textile artists, print-makers and ceramicists who have commissioned me to make short films either for their website or as part of an exhibition, or to document a public art project. Each one has offered a fascinating insight into our rich creative landscape. I’m now looking forward to partnering with the Bath Art Fair in February to showcase some of the artists and their work.”
beccaluger.co.uk; Instagram: @beccaluger