Forum

I have participated with this show almost every year--for several years and would like to tell you a bit about it's history before I talk about this year's show. Originally, this show took place in Coolidge Park (Chattanooga), but when heavy rains hit and flooded the show site, they were fortunate to be able to move it to The First TN Pavilion, an open air pavilion --located across the street from Finley Stadium--also the same location that the Chattanooga Market, a seasonal market that usually follows 4 Bridges usually the week after the show--depending on which Sunday Easter happens to fall on. This year, the market opened 2 weeks after 4 Bridges.

Note: 4 Bridges is run by AVA (Association for Visual Artists) and has gone through several show directors. This year, it was manged by Kat Dunn who I feel did an excellent job.

4 Bridges is the first show I exhibited with that installed a Patron Program. Patrons who invest a certain amount of money are invited to a preview party, get to shop before the general public, and depending on how much they invest--get a patron pin that was handmade by a select artist. I had the privilege of being their first patron pin maker. At the time I did that, pins went to patrons who invested at least $1,000. The patrons were and still are given casino coins to spend on the art. From what I understand, they get a percentage of the amount invested to spend with the coins. Anyway, at the time I did the first pins, I was asked to make around 300 pins.

Each year, a new artist is/was asked to make pins and a bonus for doing this is that it meant you were pre-approved for the following year. Also, each year's poster maker is/was pre-approved. That meant you could count on being accepted to the show each year without jurying. From what I understand, that privilege will no longer exist.

In recent years, the number of 1K investors has diminished greatly and the show started offering patrons less expensive levels of choice--I think $50 is the lowest--I will have to check on that. The lower levels of choice don't get a pin, but they get to eat, drink, and shop at the preview party. This year, we noted less than 50 patron names on the list. Why the low number? I'll come back to that in a few after I tell you more about the party and the artists' involvements.

All artists are required to attend the party--no exceptions. The difficulty of this stems from the fact that the party takes place the same day as the set up--which by the way is not too bad. We were not allowed to drive in to set up, but we could dolly in from a near area. Still, it takes me at least 4-5 hours to set up and that leaves little time to shower and dress for the party which lasts till 10 p.m. To say that that's exhausting, would be an epic understatement. Sometimes, I would make booth fee during the party night, but that was rare. The patrons are really there to eat and drink and eat and drink.

In the beginning, booth fees were less than $200, but as the show grew, the cost went up. This year, booths cost $450 and if you wanted a corner space, that cost an additional $50. Electricity was included.

Back to changes I feel have changed the show. Of course, the economy has been an issue here. I noticed that once the number of high number patrons diminished that AVA started to charge admission for both parking and attendance--this year, they only charged for admission.

While I know that it's not uncommon for shows to charge admission, I think this move decreased public attendance. (At one time, the show was sooo crowded that you could barely walk the aisles without wanting to tippy toe.) Local people were ready for an art show after the winter months. Now, a large portion of them of wait for the Chattanooga Market to open to get their art fix. I once heard a board member say that charging admission attracts the serious buyers, but I don't think that's completely true. I do well with the impulse buyer who suddenly finds a pair of earrings in my booth that matches her shoes--a pair she didn't know existed until she saw it. And go figure this--- in recent years, I have had work stolen at this show--more than in any other place. This year I lost 4 pieces, as did someone not too far from me.

What about security? They have security, but it's hard for the officers to be everywhere at the same time. This year, the music was so loud we could hardly talk to patrons. When I realized I had work stolen, I called to an officer who could not hear me. I had to run after him and tap him on the shoulder. He noted my theft and then asked if I had insurance as there really was nothing they could do--oh well. I did e-mail Kat and tell her about my theft and the loud music. She was sympathetic.

Amenities-- they fed us very well. This year, though, we were not allowed include our spouses or assistants to partake of food allowed the artists during the patron party. In years past, we did. I suggested they allow us to pay extra to include our helper or spouse in the future. It's hard to not include your spouse/helper who assisted you in the set up--especially if that person is going to stay with you and help you that night. (The food court didn't open till the next day). Kat said she would consider the suggestion. That's good.

Here's what I want to ask--I noticed one artist that was listed in the glass category that was actually selling glass jewelry. Note--I sell glass jewelry that I completely hand make.(The app says that you have to apply as jewelry for anything wearable). The 4 Bridges /guide brochure  included a picture of a representative piece from each artist. This person's picture was NOT a piece of jewelry. I didn't say anything on the review. should I have done this? I hate being a tattle tale.

I'm worn out for now. I may add more later, if you want. Thanks again!