first- Love the site! Thanks for the chance to hang out!
second- I was going to apply for St James Court Art show in Louisville because I have someone I can stay with for free. (always a plus) but they have the strangest thing. You have to apply sepperatly by street. And there are six. Each one with a different application and stuff. all with a unrefundable application deposit. And you can only get in one. Does any one know if the streets have different reputations? good -bad- or one is all painting and one is all something else. I have no Idea where to begin.
-thanks
- Robin
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Robin. I have been an exhibitor at St James for over 10 years. The original show St. James Court is what I am in and frankly it is the only one to be in worth a darn besides Belgravia Court. Belgravia is a quality show but the spaces are back to back along a sidewalk and there is no storage space behind the booth and on cold days it can be bad and it can be dark because you are between apt. bldgs. The Court show is a great place to sell your paintings at. The crowds are huge and the sales can be plentiful.. Frankly low end and repeatable images sell best on the Court. Fourth street is a lot of buy sell and basically beginners art. I wouldn't go there. Third Street is good for sales and you can park your car behind your booth. If I were applying for the first time I would try for the Court show and the 3rd Street show would be second choice. Hope this helps you--Aloha, Nels Johnson
Robin Chard > Nels JohnsonFebruary 6, 2009 at 12:10am
Thanks Folks!
This is a super help. At least I have a clue about one show!
I did the show last year for the first time. I did 3rd street show and did very well. I have functional wood. 3rd street seems to be where the functional art does well. St. James Court is more high end. I applied to three last year and got in 3rd street. I think the set up and tear down was a factor for us as to what show we wanted to do. 3rd street is easy for both, my friend that does Belgravia it is harder to set up and tear down and also getting your car/truck in is not easy. Another friend that does St. James Court said that set up is ok but they wait to tear down until most are gone. If you get free lodging I would apply for at least three of the shows and see which one you get into.
Many of us have participated in the various St. James events. From l984-2005 my partner and I did St. James, so my info is a little out of date.
It is huge! There is work in every price range. I do suspect that expensive ($1000+) probably doesn't sell very well and that a LOT of under $50 work does pretty okay.
St. James is the most prestigious and I think the one where the people all go and should be your first choice. Susan Coleman who used to be the director of St. James retired a few years ago but still lives in the neighborhood and has gotten roped into being the organizer for the 3rd St. fair, so that should be second choice. Great, now I look at the website there are two 3rd St. fairs...so you'll have to do some investigating on this.
As best I can tell 4th St has the worst quality, but is very convenient for loading in and out. Belgravia has some nice work but has to be very hard for setting up as there is no close access and there will be a lot of hauling. The residents of Belgravia are very hospitable though and pleased to host you.
Robin Chard > Connie MettlerJanuary 14, 2009 at 12:02am
That's a huge help. Thanks! Most of my stuff is under 50 bucks. i work hard to keep it that way. I do silver jewelry. I have a few larger and more expensive pieces, but so far by getting my gems straight from the east, I have been able to keep my prices down.
I was at another site and the moderator was pushing the Art Fair SourceBook. Is it worth the expense? I have to watch every penny now. Like most people I'm trying to go full time with this since I got laid off from my full time job.
If you are new to the business, have few artist contacts then the Art Fair SourceBook is worth it. It has lots of information. Alternatively, cheaper is to browse my site: ArtFairCalendar.com, find events that sound interesting to you, google their names and browse their sites. More work, but no money involved.
Replies
This is a super help. At least I have a clue about one show!
- Robin
It is huge! There is work in every price range. I do suspect that expensive ($1000+) probably doesn't sell very well and that a LOT of under $50 work does pretty okay.
St. James is the most prestigious and I think the one where the people all go and should be your first choice. Susan Coleman who used to be the director of St. James retired a few years ago but still lives in the neighborhood and has gotten roped into being the organizer for the 3rd St. fair, so that should be second choice. Great, now I look at the website there are two 3rd St. fairs...so you'll have to do some investigating on this.
As best I can tell 4th St has the worst quality, but is very convenient for loading in and out. Belgravia has some nice work but has to be very hard for setting up as there is no close access and there will be a lot of hauling. The residents of Belgravia are very hospitable though and pleased to host you.
I was at another site and the moderator was pushing the Art Fair SourceBook. Is it worth the expense? I have to watch every penny now. Like most people I'm trying to go full time with this since I got laid off from my full time job.
Thanks again
- Robin
If you are new to the business, have few artist contacts then the Art Fair SourceBook is worth it. It has lots of information. Alternatively, cheaper is to browse my site: ArtFairCalendar.com, find events that sound interesting to you, google their names and browse their sites. More work, but no money involved.