I've exhibited at this fine art show off and on for years but due to a location change and extending the show to three days last year I decided not to do it, I always worry about the impact major changes have on a festival. I decided to give the show a try again this year and the changes are definitely for the better.The show moved to the main street in downtown, all artists were on the main street while concessions and sponsors were on the side streets, straight line setup along four blocks, no back to backs and plenty of storage. The show is a staggered day of setup (starting at 6 am) well organized and no hassles with a volunteer on every block to assist and keep traffic moving. There was a music stage at one end and for the most part music was kept at an acceptable level. Good artist amenities, breakfast, lunch, and plenty of booth sitters. Good artist communication with plentiful updates. There were awards but I'm not sure of amount or distribution. Well juried show, high quality fine art and craft, no buy/sell that I saw.The weather for this show can be a bit problematic and this year was no different, Friday cool and threatened rain all day kept the crowds down, Saturday was beautiful and the people came out, Sunday once again cool and windy.Logistics over, let's talk sales. Raleigh is a well heeled town with plenty of money to spend but you have to have what they want. Spending seemed to be a bit restrained this year perhaps because of a contentious election year. I'm a jeweler with price points ranging from $20 to $500, sold one high end piece but most of my sales were in the $50 to $75 range, but I sold quite a bit of them resulting in a good show. Prominent Atlanta painter next to me sold lots of prints but no originals, but had a very good show. Local potter across from me very dissapointed with sales it took him until Sunday to make expenses. Sales were down for most over last year but everyone I spoke with said last year was crazy busy.Would I do this show again, definitely
I doubt the election has anything to do with it. Raleigh is a hip town. The money is there, but, folks weren't ready to part with it. Attendance was great, no problem with number of people inspire of the weather forecasts. Three days is too much. Two is right. Location is right. Folks that put it on great. The show needs to figure out how to get the community energized to buy - patrons party, patrons buck, etc. I love the whole thing, it is just a challenge to make it work financially.
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I doubt the election has anything to do with it. Raleigh is a hip town. The money is there, but, folks weren't ready to part with it. Attendance was great, no problem with number of people inspire of the weather forecasts. Three days is too much. Two is right. Location is right. Folks that put it on great. The show needs to figure out how to get the community energized to buy - patrons party, patrons buck, etc. I love the whole thing, it is just a challenge to make it work financially.