First let me say, I have never done a Chicago show, so I have nothing to compare it to and beyond that Saturday was a rain out......but it certainly was not what I expected. After having a good solid show at Lexington the week before I headed to Chicago to hit the big leagues. Port Clinton is a huge show, over three hundred artists and spread out all over Highland Park in a- great for some, not so great for others, configuration.
I was by the train station at the dead end of the show where I listened to "If I could save time in a bottle" right next to my booth for two days strait (that could have had something to do with my mood). Set up was pretty good I have to say- but the temps were high and the humidity was off the charts.
The next morning started off strong, the crowds were coming in and it looked to be a good day. Unfortunately, by 11am the torrential rains came and I swear I have never seen so many people just disappear in a matter of seconds. It was on and off for the remainder of the day and and like the day sales were dismal.
But hey, I'm a trooper, I know that can happen at shows and take it in stride. So I, and my other fellow comrades stuck it out all day and couldn't wait to leave at 6pm. Yes, we did have to stay there- there was no closing up and leaving. Sunday morning was a wonderful breakfast and awards, quite elegant I heard. I didn't go, that extra hour meant more to me. That isn't usual for me but I had driven a long way and was still pretty tired.
When I came to my booth I asked the guy next to me (glass) if he had gotten an award. I was really asking him- his work was beautiful. He said, "Yea, I got an award, worst booth in the show, and you got runner up" That kind of sums it up. Sunday was one of the worst days I have ever had at a show. I don't know if it was the layout or me or my lack of energy dwindling though out the day....I know others did well.
An artist I met last week at the Lexington show who had done this show many times, said I would kill it up in Chicago...maybe he did, but I sure didn't. Amy came by and introduced herself on her rounds. People were carrying things out but in my area it was a lot less crowded than up the street. Break down was organized and pretty easy. I headed home...pretty defeated.
Who knows what makes a show good....I'm still trying to figure it out. Sometimes I kill it and sometimes I go home almost empty handed, like this show. I have the same stuff at each show. I can't figure it out for the life of me. Does anyone else feel like this sometimes? This business leaves you scratching your head more times than not.... But you just have to pick yourself up and do it again. But Chicago again? That, I'm not quite sure of.
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I was at the same location near the train, probably the worst location of the show. I had a relatively good show. My neighbors on both sides had a fair show and will apply again next year. However the two booths just in front of me sculptures and painting artists probably didn't cover the show fees even though both works and booths were very professional and I really liked the pieces. Like you said the weather didn't help... go figure.
Margaret...thanks for the Port Clinton review. Sounds like there are just too many art shows to choose from in Chicagoland, sorry you did poorly and hope you have a better report next time...best of luck.
Thanks Jim, I will look into it for next year.....It sounds the same as Atlanta. One promoter saturating the market so that there are way too many shows for the market to bear. The one's that have stood the test of time are the ones that have been around for a very long period. Shame isn't it.
Margaret, let me start first by saying I'm a wood artist so I have somewhat of a niche product. Secondly I live in the Chicago area. I agree with the statement that the Chicago market is saturated with art shows, but that being said there are still some great shows where I do well. What I've started concentrating on are art shows that are run by local art leagues and volunteers. These not only have more reasonable booth fees, but tend to do more for the artists. I also do shows promoted by Erin Malloy which I've done well at. I'd say don't give up on the Chicago market. You might have to do a little more research on some of the smaller shows that have less than 200 artists. These are the ones that have given better results for me.
I think I was not far from you Margaret. I was in the parking lot as well. Saturday I sold 1 print before the rain, 5 prints during because two ladies was using my tent as shelter. Sunday got nice weather and sad sales. No original sold. Compare to what we had paid for the show, this is depressing.
I've had $50 shows where I killed it with sales and $300 shows where the crickets chirped in my booth. The crickets usually happen when the show "sounds" great on paper but I haven't ever been to it. And yes, add in room/travel/food expenses and it really stinks. Unfortunately if you are new, there is no way to get a better space. I know in the Cincinnati area there are often multiple shows each weekend so I usually do the ones that I've done in the past and done well at.
Thanks for the review, Margaret...sorry it was so lousy. I had a very similar experience as you at Port Clinton several years ago, so I never returned. I really thought that I had the worst spot in the show, being up a flight of stairs, under a building's overhang...it was dark. The weather was pretty good that year but it made no difference for me. Amy came around a couple of times to check on me...I think to see if I was selling, which I wasn't. It made no sense for me to try Port Clinton again despite how good other artists were making it out to be. Better luck with your next one!
Robert Wallis and Oscar are correct. In the Chicagoland area, the buyers can go to an art show almost every week end. How much can they spend on art? The promoters do not care, they sell the space to someone, yes maybe even resellers or to "sponsors", just to sell the space. They make their money, now they leave it to the artists to try and make theirs.
Thanks Oscar and Bernard........sounds like there is just too much saturation in Chicago....sounds like Atlanta. I certainly will be wary of it the next time.
Margaret, the only show that is worth coming out of town is Old Town Art Fair. I also found out that this pass show they open 40% of the show. That is why you have a lot of new people at that show Connie.
Every year I think about applying and the local artists think because I do not apply to that show is because I not good enough. The truth that show is follow by Lake Forest Show which is 10 minutes away from there. People in Chicago assume you will be at the next weekend show. When you do show a outside of the downtown area if the weather is bad you basically screw. Then comes the Amy Amdur Factor and where she put you and who is next to you. Somebody will be at a bad spot so is not her fault.
I guess I do not want to gamble with 800 plus fees in a two day outdoor show in the Chicago Area. You are talking a month of rent. Big show does not mean big sales good sample is Coconut Grove. You want to do shows like Winter Park, Lakefront (Milwaukee) and similar. That is why you did so well at your last show and you know that people kill to get into that show and very few artists are aware of it.
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