Nels Johnson's Page

Well, this was my first "up north" show for the summer.  Wasn't as good as other years, but I made enough to raise up the revenues in my anemic show bank account and pay bills.

Yeah, I sold a biggie for $375 instead of the normal $450.  Will talk about it later.

On to the show report.

This is a long-running show, I have done it about eight times,with 200-plus exhibitors, mostly low-to middle range sales.  They favor the tried and true, whimsy and of course "art on the…

Well, it can't be all doom and gloom, so I thought I could amuse you all with a Tequila Report about Melbourne on the Florida east coast.

While doing a so-so show last weekend (actually I only made $100 less than last year, of course if I zeroed then, this would not be a good sales total, but I did not) at…

Well, I have been vey quiet lately, in case you noticed, not many show blogs out of me.

My philosophy being, if I can't say a lot of good about a show,why tear it down with criticism.

This spring has been one of the worst for me in the last ten years.  And it is not just me.  I have talked to countless friends who do jewelry,ceramics, photos, paintings, etc.  They too, for the most part, are crying the blues.

Out of 14 shows I have had maybe three that I called a real…

Well, Englewood always presents lots of options for good food and drinking, been doing it for over 10 years, so I know the area well.

Just so you know, Englewood is just south of Venice,Florida with Boca grande just a mosquito's flight down the road.  

You are surrounded by waters here, sounds, creeks, rivers and the Gulf. Lots of seafood around, lots of places to tipple and have a cool one at.

Let me tell you about some of my favorites.

If you just want to have…

This is a great show for most exhibitors--lots of moola can be made.

So far, nary a peep.

Patricia Heckler via Facebook told me it was off for her this year compared to other years.

Jim Parker did it--so far are ya keeping it all to yourself Jim?

Just would love to hear some feedback from an important show.

We know things are tough in Florida (too many shows, too many in same location, sluggish economy, etc.), but is that trend not only unique to…

I read in John Leben's recent blog about this year's show that you pay attention to posts on AFI.

So, you probably saw a couple of mentions about the spaces in the rear of the park which are mulched along the narrow sidewalk with narrow paasage for patrons between the booths on both sides.

If I understand correctly, there is room to move the booths back away from the edge of the sidewalk.

Would that not be a better solution than the way it is now.

Artists back…

Well, we got hit bad on Sunday, pretty well tanked any sales because of the all day down pour.

Things were not nearly as good as past years here..

Let me explain.

This is a solid show.  Local committee runs it.  Everybody gets to park behind their booths among gorgeous old oak trees.  The locals are well off. Very conservative, but they do have disposable income.

 Most years I can do a minemum of $4k or better at this show.  Have done it since the early…

Since I just talked about the recent Gasparilla--and high winds--I thought a little basics primer would be of use to you newbies.

Oldtimers who have been around know what to do.

In the 38 years of doing shows I have been blown down once, and lost work and had booth damage, and that was because a hurricane hit our show in Vero Beach at 4 am in the morn with winds in excess of 75 mph.

Anyways, here are the basics.  Follow them and most times you will get out intact and…