Blog

This is my first show review, and I just completed my first outdoor show at the Kohler Center in Sheboygan, WI. I have had some indoor show experience previously.

My medium:  Photography. I am a retired teacher, and among my duties was teaching photography for 34 years.

Dates/hours: July 20-21--Registration and setup begins on Friday at noon and goes until late into the evening if one needs the time.  Security guards patrolling on site Fri. and Sat. nights.

First: What a beautiful facility and art center! Although this was my first outdoor show, after talking to many of the other artists, the consensus was that many artists return to this show year after year due to the way artists are treated. Most I talked to said that they were having at least average to good sales. This is a major arts event in this Lake Michigan community and the number of people involved as volunteers is tremendous. And, yes, it's true. The restroom decor is and "art" exhibition unto its own.(Think Kohler Art Center of Sheboygan--then Kohler Plumbing Co. nearby in Kohler, WI.-- Paisely print urinals anyone?)

Booth sitters willing and present on request. Lunch options and delivery to artists at booths excellent.

Snack and water/beverage carts make the rounds all day.

The layout is on streets and grounds surrounding the large city block space taken up by the center and adjoining grassy areas. (I understand that this was different this year in that in other years, artists were located mostly on grass areas around the center).

Setup was easy (except for the 90+ temps and humidity on Friday---Great googaly moogaly--"So you wanna do outdoor art shows, eh, old man?"). I will consider a booth location request next year of the north side of the center where the streets do have shade trees and shady grounds. I was on the north side in the sun on the street and it was hot hot hot for setup. Did I say it was hot?

Sat. and Sunday were beautiful days, though, and at least for my experience, patrons were looking to buy. And those in attendance seem to look forward to this big annual event (40+ years).

Artists dinner on Saturday night (buffet and free beer, drinks) excellent, and cash awards were presented to artists.

Very, very good crowds came out as the weather on the weekend was a welcome relief in the area after a week or more of nasty hot weather. I didn't have much time to even take a break on both days.

I was very pleased and excited with my sales for a first outdoor effort, and hope to be juried in again next year.

Dale (Yak) Yakaites

Central Wisconsin.