I'm a photographer applying for shows in Chicago Right now just Barrington in May and Downers Grove in sept With Amdur Productions and am looking at other shows any info on the shows , promoters, and attendance up there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Thanks for the info everyone and if you see me up there at one of the shows stop in say hello. I have now added Amdurs Barrington, Downers Grove ,57th st street art fair and Oak Pk .And Jim just what I wanted to hear on Saturated like Fla. thats what shows I've done the most of and I know I live down here. hahaha. Have great shows everyone thx again
Wells Street and Old Town run back to back second weekend in June. A bear to set-up, but sales are usually worth it if you can stand the long hours and the rude crowds.
Howard Alan Productions downtown show, near the Trib. Usually July Fourth weekend.
I've done Gold Coast, Port Clinton, Barrington, Glencoe... Amy does do a good job producing her shows. They tend to be over-stocked with photographers, though, and this year I'm giving them a rest. Last year at Glencoe, I had a great spot, in the middle of the street on the end, so people turning the corner saw my booth. Like an island in the stream. Except there wasn't really a stream. Only a trickle of patrons. And there were at least 6 other photographers within spitting distance. Jim Copeland, Igor Menaker, Loel Martin... others I can't remember.
There is the Lake Forest art league show over Labor Day weekend that runs Sunday and Monday.
And there are numerous suburban shows, both south and north. St. Charles, Lake Geneva, Art in your Eye in Batavia...
It's an oversaturated market, almost like Florida. Amy alone runs 15 shows in the summer months. Erin Malloy is said to run a good show, including the aforementioned Lakeview show in the fall. 57th St is hard to get into, but once you're in, you're in. Same weekend as Old Town/Wells St., and has many supporters. Fountain Square? Don't know much about it except it has bounced around between promoters and is now run by Special Events, same as Wells St. They have newbies running it every year.
Also good shows in neighboring states: Indiana and Wisconsin have some decent summer shows as well, within a couple hours drive.
Good luck.
Jim Parker
My 3 favorites last year were Lakeview (EM), 57th St and Fountain Square in Evanston
Brian,
We try for every Art Fair Amy Amdur produces. Gold Coast was not great for me las year but the weather, with NO relief off the lake was in the high 90s both days.
Promenade of Art is one of my favorites. Port Clinton, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Downers Grove, Highwood, Highland Park.
Every show is professionally perfect, rules are followed, artists are respected, great PR and marketing.
Attendance is great and the Northern Chicago suburbs still have disposable income.
Good Luck
Go to afc.com up at the top of this page and then go to the illinois shows. then come back here and do a search for the chicago shows. that should give you an idea of what shows there are as well as give you info above and beyond artfair source book or sunshine artist.