The problem with commercial tent rentals is that they are not translucent like the tents we purchase designed for selling at art shows. They are heavy grade canvas and opaque, not letting any light in. I don't remember if Fort Worth supplies electricity but using lights is necessary whenever you rent a tent.
If you have 2D work, Pro Panels is in Dallas and I think you can rent panels from them.
Hello again Stephanie. That probably would be nice to not have to set up or take down a tent. I wouldn't have thought I might get a junky tent either. I guess you learned a lot from that first show. What do you think you might do for the next show?
Jacki B
stephanie swift > Jacki BilsborrowNovember 30, 2010 at 11:05pm
the show isn't until April so I have a little time to decide - I think I am just going to rent the tent. I'll let you know how it goes
Sabine Chadborn > stephanie swiftDecember 1, 2010 at 12:15am
tent is ready to go and it is safe from rain, that sound like something worth trying
Diane Wright > Sabine ChadbornDecember 1, 2010 at 12:50am
I do a show here in Pittsburgh that includes an already set up commercial tent. The tents are fine and well weighted down - not the same as your own tent - much heavier. It's nice not to have to set up or take down the tent and I have never had any leakage problems. I did have to improvise my set up a little since the construction of the tent was different from mine.
Sabine Chadborn > Jacki BilsborrowNovember 30, 2010 at 10:38pm
I would not rent one again. I would think if you rent one which you have to pick up and bring back, there is so much involved. You have to find the place, pick it up, set it up,and if it is not just like what you'r used to, it will take you longer to do so, than you have to take it down and bring it back. You most likely have to do that the next day unless they have some drop of system and nights.
But you know I also believe in trying everything at least once. If you finde a rental place which maybe delivers the tent to the show and picks it up why not, you might have a good experience with it.
Sabine
stephanie swift > Sabine ChadbornNovember 30, 2010 at 11:04pm
The tent would already be set up, with weights, which has a nice appeal, not having to set it up and tear it down. Also, not having to worry about getting everything in my car. When I do shows here in Utah (the Utah Arts Fest which is 4 days as well) I set up my own tent, but can bring things the next day, this is my first out of state show and it would be nice to have one less thing to worry about. As far as leaking, the have these pavilions set up and the tents are under the pavilions. I think I am just going to get a tent and if it's a mistake, at least I tried it once.
I did the fine arts fetsival in gatlinburg tennessee and they had the option to rent a tent. I did decide to do that I believe it was 1 hundred dollars. Good thing was, I did not have to set it up or break it down, since I am mostly alone during shows, that was a big plus.
Downside, was, that the tent leaked, they used ugly weights to weigh it down and the sides sort of hung loose,( hooks were missing).
I would not rent one again. Even if I would have to set it up myself, if anything is missing like hooks to hang the sides like it was in my case you are not going to have the time to go and exchange it.
I have never heard about anyone renting a tent before. I suppose that there are rental companies in most towns, especially larger cities. Could you possibly strap a tent to the roof of your car? We have strapped all kinds of large bulky things to the top of our car. I would think a tent would be much easier than strapping a large old fashioned cradle to the top of your car. Most of the artists I know drive cargo vans. Maybe if things go well for you, you will have to upgrade to a larger vehicle in the future. I think it would be hard to have to wait for a tent to be delivered and set up and have that cost on top of all the costs of doing outdoor shows. It can be expensive doing shows. Good luck. Let us know what you end up doing and how it goes for you.
Replies
If you have 2D work, Pro Panels is in Dallas and I think you can rent panels from them.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Jacki B
But you know I also believe in trying everything at least once. If you finde a rental place which maybe delivers the tent to the show and picks it up why not, you might have a good experience with it.
Sabine
Downside, was, that the tent leaked, they used ugly weights to weigh it down and the sides sort of hung loose,( hooks were missing).
I would not rent one again. Even if I would have to set it up myself, if anything is missing like hooks to hang the sides like it was in my case you are not going to have the time to go and exchange it.
Sabine
Jacki B