Appleton Art in the Park has a well established show and it should ,,, this was the 50th annual event. This years show was marked with some new features. But not exactly what the organizers were planning. Art in the Park ended up being "Art in the Street, surrounding the Park." Because of high amounts of rain, the show needed to move the event off the grass. On Friday, we received an important email from Art in the Park, explaining the at the entire show could not use the park. I am sure they had to scramble to figure our a new layout for all the artists.
Not knowing what to expect, I decided to arrive extra early on Sunday morning to the show. I got there at 5:30 a.m. About half the artists had put tents up on Saturday evening. To my surprise there were a number of artists already working on their booths, at 5:30 a.m. The park had standing water in spots and much of the grass was "spongy". There is no way they could have had the show in the park.
I found my booth location on the street. I was able to drive my car right up to my spot and unload. (Always a good thing) The layout was arranged on four streets that formed a square, around the park. This resulted in a very good traffic flow for shoppers.
By 8:30, I was all set up and ready to go. And just in time, as the crowds started to show up. I was not sure how the flow of traffic was going to develop. But quickly it turned into a counter-clockwise flow.
Most shoppers and artists liked the new arrangement. Although it was quickly put together. I and many others prefer being on the street, to being on grass. My only suggestion would be to move the food vendors to one of the side streets, instead of being part of the regular flow around the park.
The weather was perfect. My neighbors were happy. My sales were up, from last year: 24%. Once and a while the art-gods do pay attention. Thanks to the Appleton Art Center for pulling the show together. It was an exciting way to mark you 50th Anniversary.
Comments
Like Colin says it was a great show....$125 entry and jury fee.....nice sales figures for me.....booth in the shade all day..... food there did not appeal to me.......I like healthy stuff....so brought my own......
This show gets 4 DAVEYs out of 5 possible.....my highest rating of the season......
Imagine, another event on the AA weekend. Good going.