Need feedback on indoor art festivals

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on September 21, 2010 at 2:01pm

It's not indoor vs. outdoor but how the show is marketed. Indoor shows in November and December are more for holiday presents than to sell original artwork so if your work fits the season, you can have a very good show.

Larry Berman
Digital J u r y Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ali Voepel on September 21, 2010 at 2:07pm

Have you heard anything about that show in Waterloo, Iowa? I emailed the lady in charge and she said it's mainly fine arts. They don't really open it up to crafts. I'm a painter and it could be a good show because they could make nice Christmas gifts but still up in the air about applying for this show.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on September 21, 2010 at 2:15pm

I was explaining this to an artist yesterday. Just because a show is on ZAPP doesn't mean it's a good show or has a good reputation. Though the initial ten shows that started the system were some of the top shows in the country, ZAPP will take any show that wants to pay the fee and sign up.

Buyer beware.

Larry Berman
Digital J u r y Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ali Voepel on September 21, 2010 at 3:15pm

Thanks Larry! Good info to know.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Diane Wright on September 21, 2010 at 5:53pm

I don't know that show. I checked out that show and it does accept fine crafts - jewelry, ceramics, etc They may not accepy "country crafts" but there will be a lot of gift type items I would suspect. That said, that does not mean that the item will not be of good quality but it is not a 2D only art show. I have done both good and not good shows from Zapp. Do they list the artists who did the show last year? If so you could check out some of their websites to get an idea of the quality of exhibitors. Good luck

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on September 21, 2010 at 7:25pm

Great tip, Diane. When in doubt see if you can get ahold of last year's list and do some inquiries.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ali Voepel on September 21, 2010 at 10:01pm

Thanks Diane. I saw a list of artists from 2008 but couldn't find last years artists. I'll keep looking. If not I'll ask some artists from 2008. Thanks again for the tip!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bo Mackison on September 24, 2010 at 9:38pm

I spoke to the woman in charge of the show today. She said it they juried in fine arts and fine crafts, such as woodworking and jewelry, but nothing approaching country style crafts. This is the first time they have held the show for two days. They had a "buying" crowd of 2,000+ last year, and she optimistically is hoping to double that. They also have patron purchases that total at least $10,000.

She said it was a good show for gift buying, and said most purchases were in the $50 to $200 range though the art ranges from $20 to "several hundred".

I'd love to have a third show for November, but uncertain about the 3 hour drive and a two night motel stay. The deadline for applying is September 30th.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ali Voepel on September 27, 2010 at 9:02am

Hi Bo,
Thanks for the feedback. I'm still up in the air. It would be a drive for me as well and hotel stay. I know the deadline is soon so I better make up my mind soon. :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sandy Spilker on October 11, 2010 at 10:38pm

I had someone mention this show to me too and wasn't sure about the attendance. Good thread on this one.

If you aren't going to this show, then there is another show I am looking into in Perry, IA. I think it is the same weekend as the Waterloo show. It's at the Hotel Pattee and a jewelry friend of mine had recommended it. I think they might have a few spots left. Google "Art on the Prairie" - it's got a funky url address. Has anyone attended this show? I think it's only a year or two old.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ali Voepel on October 12, 2010 at 11:59am

Thanks for the info on the show in Perry. I couldn't make up my mind about the Waterloo Show and finally decided to send my slides to a small indoor show in Lawrence, KS. I find out in November if they accept me. Should be interesting to see how these indoor shows work. This will be nice if I make it because it's a lot closer for me so I won't have to spend much money to get there and won't have to spend money for a hotel. Good luck with the "Art on the Prairie" show! I'd love to know what you think about it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Edwin Schmidt on October 11, 2010 at 10:48pm

Agree totally with Larry. It all depends on the promoter and how they market their shows. Am doing two shows indoors Thanksgiving and week after in Florida. Just completed an outdoor Show in Stowe, VT. Nearly froze but had a great show. Great advertizing. Several TV spots Thurs thur Saturday on CBS channel during 11:00 PM news. Great crowds and great buyers.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page