So, I did do the Guild's first year show in Ypsilanti, Michigan; The Holiday Art Fair. It was at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center. Saturday of the show was kind of slow. Most of the artists that I talked to, sales were down. That was for me too. Just making over a $100 on Saturday.
But the Guild called me on Thursday to be on television. Yes, I would not pass up any free exposure. So at 8:18 in the Sunday morning I was interviewed by Fox 2 Detroit for my art work. But Sunday was a different story. I blew past the booth fee. Maybe it was the location, maybe it was a new fair but that Saturday was pretty dull. This was not my best show of the year. Ranking in sales probably number 14 out of 17 fairs. But I was still happy with my sales on Sunday. I was hoping for a bit more but I'll take what I can get.
Plus, I had a Etsy sale on Monday. The person saw me on Fox 2 and ordered one of my pieces. Plus I was neighbors with Susan Hamady. We have a couple of her pieces in our house from an old Sylvania, Ohio art fair.
My booth is second booth in the left bottom corner...
These photos were from Saturday at the Art Fair...
Comments
Thanks for sharing this, Scott...I remember reading about it and wishing I could go this year but as Connie said, the weather was kind of iffy...do you think the weather was a factor in the poor turn-out? Hopefully this show will continue to grow in popularity and become a mainstay of the Holiday gift buying season.
Thanks for the photos Scott. I will try to make this show next year. I graduated from EMU.
Just another bit of perspective. The show looked good. Several people around us were unhappy about the early morning set-up and lack of any extra space - 10X10 exactly. To me it was very poorly attended although everyone agreed that there was a ton of advertising. I added some lower priced holiday/gift type items to my booth, but my sales were still terrible.
I was at the Holiday Art Fair this past weekend also. I do lampworking and create jewelry from my beads. I agree with Scott. Saturday was a little slow but Sunday seemed much busier. The art work displayed was great and I got to meet some new artists as well as Max Clayton. The show was really beautiful. Customers commented that they were happy to see a Holiday show in the area. I think this could become a really well attended show. I had a very positive experience.
This was a beautiful show with many very talented artists. Looked good. Congratulations Max and the Guild you did a great job. I do believe this will grow to being a good part of the holiday season for artists.
A good location for people who love art fairs in SE Michigan (including the western Detroit area and everyone who loves to go to Ann Arbor). So sorry I couldn't make it. The weather kept me at home. There were ads on the NPR station as well as an ad in the Free Press. I hope the Guild can grow this into a good show.