This is my second time there in the last two years and there is a fairly high level of quality art.
As we arrived at one of the many free parking garages, there was a line of cars entering. This was at 10am, the opening time of the show.
This show used to be well organized with booths around the center esplanade and down two short side streets. This year, I found booths near the the museum with their backs to the food (a good thing) but there were double rows and some booths perpendicular to the double rows. I know I didn't see every booth because I am easily confused.
We went up there because I was picking up a pair of earrings from Carol Adams, a wonderful jeweler. There were also a lot of artists that I have become friendly with over the years and I enjoy seeing both them and their wonderful work.
This is the show where I first found out about the watch guys. I knew the watch guys were going to be there this year as I had seen their names on the list. So pity the poor judge literally standing in front of me when I entered the festival area from the garage. I asked if I could speak with her, she kindly said yes and I told her about the watches and all the related info. I gave her my card and told her I would gladly provide the information backing up what I told her. Since this is at least the third year they have been in the show, I don't hold out much hope but I tried. Sadly the ubiquitous clay flowers and Asian embroiderers were also at the show. Other than these booths, I saw very little that was of poor quality and most booths were above average.
Museum shows seem to find artists that I don't see at every show. It pretty much insures that I don't leave empty-handed. I found glass and jewelry (big surprise for those who know me)
this is a show in a rich demographic area but that doesn't guarantee sales. I heard several people bemoan the fact that they "had too much stuff already" or "the walls were full".
This show was a good appetizer for the main feast--Coconut Grove.
Comments
Hi Geri,
I got a call from the museum at 11 on friday morning telling me that there was a spot available. I told her that being I am a senior woman working alone I needed a lottle more time. I felt I neede to save my energy for St. Stephens this week end.
I did the Hot Works Boca show last month and as Nels says, it was a "paycheck" show.
I have met you in the past and hope I get a chance to see you at St. Stephens.
I also was exhibiting at the Boca Museum Show. I had 2D Mixed Media and found that Saturday was a much better day than Sunday, but neither were as good as Mt. Dora the week before. I have to say, I have never been at a show where so many people expected and demanded a discount...it was rather unsettling...actually, it really ticked me off after a while....these people had the money.....educated shoppers, they knew what they were looking at-but the buying was not great for many of us, as Nel's said in his review, I made a paycheck- but it wasn't a terrific show. Hopefully, my last show, (I have been couch surfing through Florida and I am truly over it) Coconut Grove, will be better....(so they say)...and I am hoping.
No, you were in the back of your booth and your wife was in the booth. I didn't realize that you were an AFI'er until months later.
R.C., my cousin and I have several of your photos. You have a wonderful sense of humor. If I don't see you before then, I will be sure to stop by in Lake Forest in September and introduce myself. Great to hear you had a good show.
Oh, I almost forgot one of the most important things at an art show--real bathrooms!! That is always a bonus!
Geri, I was at the show and had my best Boca show ever. I sure wish you'd stop by my booth and introduce yourself sometime. I enjoy you're blogs here and at other sites, but I don't think we've ever met.
Layout is so important. I try and get around everything as I don't want to miss anything, but confusing layouts make this almost impossible. Thanks for the review and I know you'll enjoy Carol's earrings :)
Geri. A very well-informed report. Wish we had more "watchful" patrons like you. The sad fact in Florida, is you have lot of older people. And, their walls are filled, so they are divesting instead of investing.
There are only so many young ones out there doing the buying.