Ridgway Rendezvous 2012 Redux

Okay I'm pretty late with this one. I reviewed this show in detail after my last foray in 2011 (see: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/27th-annual-ridgway-rendezvous)

I feel that I owe a show at least a couple of tries before bouncing it entirely unless it is a real stinker and then it doesn't even get a second trial. This show takes place in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado and that fact alone qualifies it for a redo. Even if sales were bad there are the Orvis Hot Springs which are truly delightful (not for the faint of heart or extremely modest), the million dollar view south towards Ouray, CO and Telluride is not far away either.

Getting into and out of the show is not that terrible as load-in takes place over much of the day before though you do have to cart in over grass. There seemed to be more people at the show this year as compared to last years with the buying only slightly higher then last years, not remarkable. Booths were rearranged a little this year but we still had the "quad" configuration which gives everyone a corner booth. Show personnel are always friendly and they provide some treats and drinks during the day. Saturday night they have an awards gathering with snackie foods which are enough to not have to eat a full meal later.

I like smaller shows which give attendees the opportunity to wander and look without getting overwhelmed and visual burnout but they also have to deliver to the artist as well. Would I do this show again? Probably not, if I want to go to the Orvis Hot Springs I could go cheaper by skipping the show!

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  • we did this show for the first time last year....because we are new to the show circuit and it is a close distance we gave it a try. it was ok for us, we won the best booth award. we had decided not to do it again this year however, they contacted us asking if we would please consider doing it again...so we did. not as many vendors attended this year, set up in quads (i liked this) the first day we had two bad storms and the second day not many buyers...but all in all we had a better show, made more money than last year....it is a beautiful area, it's a people friendly, dog friendly, show....we sell a combination of OOAK hand made leather and canvas bags, paintings, fiber/textile art, OOAK home decor, wool/sheep hides and more...we will do this show again...     

  • Yep, I do the same Brian, give a show a couple of chances and then cross it off.  Usually makes for a good decision!

  • I'd much rather do a show in quads for the extra wall however it means no storage behind so the caveat is that parking needs to be nearby to bring boxes in for loadout quickly. The show is sponsored by the Weahaken Arts Council so money benefits the arts programs in the area. Something i would much rather see money go to especially as school and other programs are impacted right now. It is not far from and is one of the "gateways" into Telluride where the affluent have homes but I wouldn't call Ridgway affluent it is just a small town on a crossroads to other recreational areas of Colorado like Ouray. It is about 6 hours from Denver. I chose this show because it was a previously an untested show for me and wanted to test the waters.
  • Who sponsors the show, Brian? Is this a community group? Although the area may be beautiful (you've sold me) is this also an affluent area? Do you live near? Why did you choose to do this one in the first place?

    If a small show can work, fewer distractions and few competitors for the $$$, they usually also have lower overhead too, so I can understand your attraction to them.

  • I'd like to go to those hot springs!

    Just wondering, would you rather do a show in the quads where every one gets a corner booth or in a long string of boothes?

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