Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals
Folk Fest in Atlanta Aug 20-22
So I just finished my 5th FolkFest, this has traditionally been one of my best shows - large crowds with lots of sales. This year was different the crowds where down as where the sells volume.
I sold big things to repeat customers and small things to new customers. This is an indoor show which essential in Atlanta this time of year where it is normally just to hot to think outside, but the show is held in an old trade center and the air conditioning was not working in our section of the building. When fellow artists brought this to the attention of the organizer he told them to buy a fan, they already bought space that costs more than $700 for a 10 x 10 section! Additionally the electricity to the lights in the booths was erratic going in and out through out the show so the fans would not work then either.
This show is close to home just a short 2 hour drive, and attracts serious collectors but with the decline in attendance and the poor attitude of the organizers it is hard to recommend it to new artists. I have noticed that this audience really rewards repeat artists (like maybe they think about you al year and come back?), several artists near me did not make booth and I know of one or two that topped the $10,000 mark so the sales where all over the place. As was the art this is always one of the wildest shows in the way of the art on display as well as my fellow artists it is fun just to see the wild and new. I have a few pictures here unfortunately I forgot to take ones of the really interesting stuff.
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Comment by Patricia Hecker on August 25, 2010 at 10:50am
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I've heard of this show before. I thought I'd heard you had to be sponsored by a gallery to do it. (?) The promoters lack of concern in addressing the issues of faulty electric would worry me.
Thanks for moving this farther down my list of " I may apply to this one' shows!
Patricia
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Comment by Camille Ronay on August 26, 2010 at 3:25pm -
A group of us participated in the 2009 FolkFest. I didn't see a very strong attendance. But maybe it was because we, as new people, were on the last row of exhibitors.
The attendees were there to enjoy the folk art, and, often, to buy. I didn't do very well. My partners didn't do very well. But others may have. I saw art under patrons' arms.
The facility - N ATL Trade Center - was the very first membership club (nowadays, like Costco & Sam's Club and BJ's) in Georgia. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the a/c & heat were installed way back then.
I loved seeing the art and meeting the artists. If I'd have made any kind of money at all, I would have considered exhibiting again.
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Comment by Paul Flack on September 28, 2010 at 9:13am -
2010 Folk Fest was back on track for our group of 11 - Who-Ha Da-Da. The entire group was up to 2008 levels, the crowd was good and the energy on Friday night was incredible. The key is that the show is not for everybody. It is very tricky, best is to go in with a gallery or at least visit the show before committing to it. BTW the ante is $800 for 10'. The good news is that it has very loyal followers.
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