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Artfest Midwest, Des Moines, IA

Posted by Sharron Covey on January 19, 2013 at 12:36pm in Welcome to Art Fair Insiders!

I am considering applying to Artfest Midwest, Des Moines, IA.  I sold my outdoor tent and I am only applying to indoor shows.  Has anyone done Artfest Midwest in the photography category?  Do patrons of the Des Moines Art Show also attend this show?  What was your experience with traffic at the show and was it a buying crowd?

 

Thanks,

Sharron

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  • Pat Falk January 23, 2013 at 4:50pm

    I did this show 2 or 3 times 5 or 6 years ago.  It is a good size show with booths inside and some outside. Sue Stookey, the promoter is great to work with.  You have to dolly everything from the parking lot to your booth space.  But with the usual storms in Iowa in June, it was great not to have to worry about the weather.  The show hours here do not go into the night, so you get a chance to view the art Saturday evening downtown at the DesMoines Festival which was always packed with attendees. Don't expect all these attendees to attend the inside show, because it doesn't happen.  Sales were mixed, some do well others not so.  I think a lower price point would be an advantage.  If you aren't too far away, it might be worth a try.

    • Sharron Covey > Pat Falk January 23, 2013 at 6:13pm

      I listed my price point range above.  Would this be in the lower range you were thinking of?

      • Pat Falk > Sharron Covey January 23, 2013 at 11:59pm

        Sharon, I think your prices are in the correct range for this show. Will you need a hotel?  When I was doing it a few years back, Sue had arranged for discounted hotel rooms.

        • Sharron Covey > Pat Falk January 24, 2013 at 12:06am

          Yes, I will need a hotel. Thanks for the input on my prices.

      • Jacque Crable > Sharron Covey January 23, 2013 at 8:29pm

        Sharon,

        I think your prices sound fair.  Trust me on this, you don't want an outside space.  Somtimes late in the breakdown Sue will allow small vans/cars to drive in, we never get to, must have something to do with the 24' trailor.  The downtown show is open Friday night, so alot of people check it out then.  While it is true that we don't get the same downtown crowds at that show, we do get the everyday people that want to spend their hard earned money from an artist that they can relate to.  (THAT IS WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A GOOD SHOW)of course the chocolate chip cookies couldn't hurt .

        • Sharron Covey > Jacque Crable January 23, 2013 at 9:11pm

          Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the input.

  • Elle Heiligenstein January 23, 2013 at 1:04pm

    I have applied to this show and am hoping to get in.  Who doesn't love air conditioning in the Iowa heat????  I love Iowa anyway, used to live there and my favorite grocery store in the whole world is there, Hy-Vee.  Hopefully I can stock up if I get in :-)  

  • Jacque Crable January 19, 2013 at 3:08pm

    Sharron,  I can't talk from the photography category, only metal but we love this show!  We have been in it since the beginning, and have seen many high end artist come and some go.  If you only have $3,000 to $5,000 price tags, then this may not be the show for you.  If your prices are reasonable, then you can  build a good clientel.  Many patrons from the downtown show take the free shuttle to see what is there. 

    And how can you beat an inside show during the hottest and stormiest time of the year!!! 

    hope this might help,

    Jacque

    • Sharron Covey > Jacque Crable January 22, 2013 at 9:41pm

      Jacque, Thanks for your input.  My prices are reasonable.  My prices range is from $45-$170 with the higher priced pieces in custom frames and all contain conservation materials.  My goal is to provide quality at an affordable price.

       

      Sharron

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