Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals
Chicago Tribune Magnificent Mile Art Fair 2009...
The setting is downtown Chicago, amongst all the skyscrapers - a couple of blocks from navy pier. The show is set up on a granite paved park-like area in front of the Chicago Tribune Tower. Most booths had a small amount of space behind to store stock, a few were cramped. I was very lucky for a first time exhibitor with Howard Alan... I had 4 ft behind my booth, and my space was right at an intersection between two main traffic flows. I got a lot of attention.
The weather was relatively cooperative... it was dry during setup on Thursday... Rained for about 2-3 hours on Friday, and was sunny on both Saturday and Sunday.
I was very hopeful for this show since it is rated so highly and it draws a big crowd. Traffic was heavy... elbow to elbow and there was a high percentage of affluent individuals attending. One of the first in my booth to show interest turned out to be the local Chicago news anchor, which I only found out about after he had left, when another customer in my booth said "Do you know who that was?" in an awe-struck tone.
I sold very little at this show (only made half of my expenses), and learned a lot from it. These Chicago natives were a little more conversive than those in the suburbs, so I got to better understand what their thoughts were. My inferences from what they had mentioned was that they very much appreciated the skill and creativeness of my work, but I have to believe that my subject matter is not to their taste, since no significant sales were made. It wasn't easy to sit there for 3 days straight hearing ooohs and ahhhs from those entering the booth, but then walking out with nothing
I do wood marquetry (inlay) of nautical themed pictures. They average in the $500 to $1500 price range (see attached photos):
I'm guessing that the Chicago crowds like more contemporary and avant-garde type work, from the limited exposure I've had to them so far. There were a few big sales made that I saw, and a good amount of smaller bags being carried about. My estimation is that there were many who worked hard to make a slim profit, and a few that did well if they had the right type of work and a good mailing list.
This is obviously a top-notch show with good artwork and well-heeled patrons, but this economy has had a significant effect on profit levels.
I don't see myself ever going back to Chicago to sell... My work just doesn't seem to suit them. This show has incredible potential, though, for those with the right work at the right price.
The weather was relatively cooperative... it was dry during setup on Thursday... Rained for about 2-3 hours on Friday, and was sunny on both Saturday and Sunday.
I was very hopeful for this show since it is rated so highly and it draws a big crowd. Traffic was heavy... elbow to elbow and there was a high percentage of affluent individuals attending. One of the first in my booth to show interest turned out to be the local Chicago news anchor, which I only found out about after he had left, when another customer in my booth said "Do you know who that was?" in an awe-struck tone.
I sold very little at this show (only made half of my expenses), and learned a lot from it. These Chicago natives were a little more conversive than those in the suburbs, so I got to better understand what their thoughts were. My inferences from what they had mentioned was that they very much appreciated the skill and creativeness of my work, but I have to believe that my subject matter is not to their taste, since no significant sales were made. It wasn't easy to sit there for 3 days straight hearing ooohs and ahhhs from those entering the booth, but then walking out with nothing
I do wood marquetry (inlay) of nautical themed pictures. They average in the $500 to $1500 price range (see attached photos):
I'm guessing that the Chicago crowds like more contemporary and avant-garde type work, from the limited exposure I've had to them so far. There were a few big sales made that I saw, and a good amount of smaller bags being carried about. My estimation is that there were many who worked hard to make a slim profit, and a few that did well if they had the right type of work and a good mailing list.
This is obviously a top-notch show with good artwork and well-heeled patrons, but this economy has had a significant effect on profit levels.
I don't see myself ever going back to Chicago to sell... My work just doesn't seem to suit them. This show has incredible potential, though, for those with the right work at the right price.
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Comment by Linda Anderson on July 13, 2009 at 12:23am -
Sorry you had a low show Charles. Wish you could have been at Plymouth - we could have had some fun! An artist guy I was across from in the dead zone in Edina was also at Plymouth. He sells wonderfully artistic etched wooden lake-depth maps of the Great Lakes and all Michigan/Wisconsin lakes. Most sell at 400 and up past 1100. I imagine his customer draw would be similar to yours. Two years ago he sold $40,000 at the Plymouth show and now always attends. Altho he did not reach that fantastic amount this year, every time I went to visit him, he was writing up orders or taking care of customers so I'm thinking he at least met expenses or better. Methinks you are destined to stick to Michigan and Wisconsin. Loved your report!
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Comment by Connie Mettler on July 13, 2009 at 3:40pm -
I've always been curious about this fair, Charles. Thanks for all the good details. You've got to feel that Howard Alan gave you a very fair shake with that nice booth space, so at least you can feel you weren't overlooked and then thinking you needed to go back.
Your work is beautiful, there is a perfect market for you somewhere, you probably know where that is. Have you applied to Charlevoix? It is a lovely fair, one day in August.
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Comment by Charles Bingham on July 14, 2009 at 8:49am -
I really did luck out on my booth space at this show, and I'm really glad that the weather was great because if it had rained much of the time, I wouldn't have known what attributed to low sales.
I forgot to mention a few other details that others might want to know if they are considering this show...
The parking area for artists was 15 blocks away. It was a 1.5 mile (half hour) walk because there was no shuttle provided to take you back and forth to your vehicle.
Load in/out was much easier than I would have expected in such a big city.
The quality of the artists there was excellent and very eclectic.
One bonus was that for the entire 3 days, M&M Mars Co. was passing out free samples of their new frozen M&M ice cream treats! (I ate 6 over the weekend)
Also, I know my post may have had a little bit of a bitter tone to it, but after lousy sales in 3 highly rated Chicago shows in a row I was getting a little down on myself. It's not easy to take that much frustration over such a long period. I got to the point during the drive home that I was going through all of the options in my head of what 'real' jobs I could start doing if I just got out of the business all together. The idea of a regular paycheck was sounding good. I'm back to making more art now though, so I've gotten past all of the self-pity.
My next few shows are ones I've done before in Michigan & Wisconsin, and are proven to be good sellers... my only obstacle this time is the economy.
I would love to try Charlevoix, but it is on the same day as my biggest selling show in the U.P.
I do think I will be spending a lot of time in that area (From Frankfort through to Petoskey) next year.
Take care everyone...
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Comment by Charles Bingham on July 14, 2009 at 12:26pm
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Oh yeah... one other thing I forgot to mention....
During break-down, I put too much on my cart and it blew out a wheel...
3 of my works were damaged, plus the cart and it will probably take a good week to repair everything.
not a good weekend.
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Comment by Linda Anderson on July 14, 2009 at 12:34pm
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You sure had a tough weekend! I did like your report as I was wondering about that show. I don't think I'd fit there either. Doing Marquette Art on the Rocks on 7/25. I too found I should stay in WI & MI. Please don't become disheartened. You are so very talented. Just hoping we can all get by until this economy improves.
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Comment by Dawn Waters Baker on July 14, 2009 at 2:10pm -
I'm sure you heard enough, "That's beautiful" to want to throw up Charles but your work REALLY is exquisite. I hope and pray you find just the right crowd who appreciates such artistry.
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