Elk Rapids, Michigan.... and a TIP JAR !

Comment by Kathleen J. Clausen on June 27, 2011 at 11:29am

Congratulations, Charles, and even though it won't keep you in groceries of pay the heating bill in the winter, that warm feeling of accomplishment will be a nice memory to bring out and polish up in the future.

 

 

Comment by Linda Anderson on June 27, 2011 at 12:45pm

I've always thought your work should get all awards available.  Sorry it was not a money maker show for ya CB.  Sure know what you mean - I've often said in my head "you like it so much, buy something idiot".  Afraid one of these days I'll mistakenly say it out loud :-)  Wishin' you a great show next weekend.

 

Comment by Pat Falk on June 27, 2011 at 12:59pm

Charles, your tip jar idea reminds me of some shows I have done.  As a glass artist and I spend alot of time cleaning the finger prints off my pieces.  And I've had shows where I do more cleaning than sales.   Putting  a sign "Please ask for assistance" near the more fragile pieces doesn't seem to work.  Another artist suggested I put a sign: "Looks are free, $1.00 a touch!"  I realize people like to touch, but walking through the booth running their hands accross every piece, is a little accessive.  I don't like to be negative with signs, but hands that have just been in the kettle corn are not welcome on my glass.  Any suggestions that work for other artists?

Comment by Jim Parker on June 27, 2011 at 1:01pm

I've always wanted to post a sign: "If you'd like to talk about my work, that's free. If you'd like to talk about your work, it's $100/hour".

Like the tip jar concept, though I agree that implementing it would probably not be a good idea.

Comment by Annette Piper on June 27, 2011 at 5:30pm

Congratulations on your award Charles.  I know what you mean though, compliments don't pay the bills!   I felt like that at my last show too, constantly wishing they'd just buy something small then if they liked my work so much.  But they all liked the larger, expensive pieces.  Oh well, maybe next time!

Comment by Colette A. Zilka on June 27, 2011 at 8:31pm

heh!  That was my last show too!  (same as Annette's I believe!)  I was talking with an artist who's name I can't remember who had though about having raffle tickets available for sale, when he get enoough tickets for the price of the artwork, he would pick one out of the jar.  Much better way of getting some money and give people a chance to get the work even if they can't afford it.

 

Another suggestion that someone gave me was to have coupons available.  And to have them at a slightly discounted rate with a limit of how many coupons you could use per pieces.  

 

I haven't used either ideas, but I like the sound of them and may do something like them in the future

Comment by Amy Perrier on June 27, 2011 at 9:00pm

Congratulations on your award Charles.  I was at the Elk Rapids show too.  It's never been a huge money maker for me but the well organized crew, and the fact that it's only 1/2 hour from my home keep me coming back.  I have found that I will often get sales down the road from that show, and I did pick up 2 commissions as well.  It's the only show I do where they actually come to my booth to ask if I need a break on a regular basis.  And the kids coming around with cold water were having a great time and putting smiles on the patrons faces.  Up until the last half hour of the show it hadn't been so great, but at 4:30, people showed up and bought my 2 largest pieces and a smaller one.  So, it turned out to be not bad at all.  Good luck on your next show! 

Comment by Charles Bingham on June 27, 2011 at 9:38pm

I hope no one got the impression I was putting the show down... because it is a really nice show that is fun to do. Last year I did very well there. It was the contrast between the level of praise to the actual sales that had me laughing to myself by the end of the day. It just brought out my silly sense of humor and I thought i'd share it.
I talked to several artists who did well this year. It is definitely a fun show to be at in a very scenic area.

Comment by Linda Anderson on June 27, 2011 at 10:44pm

Naw..... I loved your approach to the success/failure of the day CB.  Of most artists I have met along the way you have an uplifting attitude regarding most everything.  Guess that's the reason I respect you for these many years.  It's one of those kind of shows is all.  Gotta love it as it is obviously organized so well and is located in a marvelous area.   Wishing you well next weekend!  BTW... next year you may want to try Grand Haven.  Extraordinary artists with high end prices and a fantastic attendance of peeps not hesitating to spend big bucks :)

   

Comment by Warren Townsend on June 29, 2011 at 12:41am

Charles, I had a similar show like that last year.  Only money I took home was from award. There should be someway that we get paid for all of the great work comments.

Linda you comment about yelling out buy it is great.  And far as Grand Haven I was there last weekend and was a great crowd Saturday. First time I had four deep in my booth in a long time.  Heck folks were even cutting in front of the others to get a closer look. I found out that one of the local papers had a piece of my work in the promo for the art fair.  No that is not my face painted silver and wearing goggles, that is what they were interested in. Now if I got a dollar for every "that is so cool" comment I could take a couple days off work and maybe play some golf.

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