My wife and I participated in Art Market in Estes Park over the Memorial Day weekend. Unsure of where to post a review, I clicked on Art Show Reviews (what a unique concept) only to find Art Market not listed among the Colorado shows. No problem, I'll just submit data about the show and get it listed under Colorado shows. Then I can post my review. After all, I am on the Board and chair the Marketing Committee for the Art Center of Estes Park, which hosts Art Market. Silly me. That was a couple of weeks ago and Art Market is still not listed under Colorado art fairs. So, I'll post my review on this blog post.
Art Market ran May 25, 26, & 27, with set-up from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 24th, and again from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on the 25th. Those that came in early on the 24th, as did Lori and I, were able to drive up to their space and unload. Likewise, those that exhibited patience were able to drive up to their space and load up once the show was over.
Saturday crowds were awesome. There were times when potential clients were "4 deep" in our booth. Sunday morning, as you would expect, was slow, but picked up once church let out. Nevertheless, we sold one of my high-end framed canvas photographs before the show even opened. Monday crowds were like a roller coaster - up and down.
The booth directly across from ours did well selling their home-made soap bars. A metal arts booth diagonally across from us seemed to be doing well with a steady stream of people carry off their creations. A friend and fellow photographer bombed the first two days, but had lots of traffic and a hard time keeping up with sales on Monday.
Monday morning saw, what some called a micro burst come through. Back home, we call 'em dust devils. It completely destroyed two tents and sent two ladies to the hospital . . . one requiring a few stitches. Fortunately, no other tents were affected. Otherwise, the weather was perfect with only occasional minor winds.
Let me close by saying that I am a wildlife photographer and sell to a limited market. Having said that, we more than doubled the sales during our three previous shows. Also, our sales mainly consisted of 20x30 limited edition, framed canvas prints in the $400 price range. Although we had an offering of smaller framed images, along with a selection of matted photographs for the price conscience buyer, non of them sold. The only low end items sold were travel mugs and coasters featuring my wildlife photo art, along with some of my books. Next year, my prices and the size of my offerings will increase. Although most of our clients were from Colorado, one came all the way from New Jersey.
A few months back, I made a post on ArtFairInsiders asking for input regarding slow image sales. The response was overwhelming. Much of our current success, I owe to those of you who took the time to respond. To you, my friends, I am deeply indebted.
At that time, I posted a photo of what our booth looked like. This is how it now appears . . .
Comments
Connie, the show on which Dick Sherer posted a review is an entirely different show. Art Market takes place over the Memorial Day weekend every year, while the show that Dick reviewed is conducted during the Labor Day weekend. Thanks, Annette. It was great to finally experience the results of a good show.
Congratulations on a great show Weldon! Love your booth :)
It is on Art Show Reviews, Weldon. In fact, Dick Sherer did a review of it last year. Please revisit, let us know about date changes because it looks like it wasn't updated to 2013. ASR has a lot of info on it but we could not afford to build an expensive database. Everything is manually input so we're a little slow -- but do want the info and really appreciate any help, any review, any show listing!
http://www.artshowreviews.com/2012/09/estes-park-arts-and-craft-sho...
Thanks for the invitation, Connie. I already filled out this same information and couple of weeks ago. Do I need to do it again?
You are correct, Richard. It was Dorothy. According to eyewitnesses, she held on to her tent when the wind started blowing. The wind not only lifted the tent, but Dorothy as well. She almost made it to Kansas, albeit not of her choosing. Other than the stitches, she is alright, so I am told. However, almost all of her pottery was destroyed.
Great looking booth shot!
As the admin of ArtShowReviews.com I'd love it if the chair of the marketing committee for Estes Park would click on this link and fill in the info so we CAN have your show listed on that site. Please click here ;) We'd love to include it on that site.
Thanks, Weldon, for your review and your support.