Ground covering mandatory- HELP!

I am just getting back into doing shows and signed up for one that's only a few weeks away. I am just now realizing that it requires all artists to ' completely cover the entire space your display covers and anywhere you or your display or your guests will stand'. The spaces are apparently 12 x 12 but obviously my tent space is 10 x 10. A rug 12 x 12 wouldn't even fit in my van. I also can imagine getting a rolled outdoor carpet to lay flat could be a challenge and also if it rained- my what a soggy mess. I saw some outdoor rugs that theoretically could be folded, but most are too small. I really would prefer not to resort to that "astro turf" covering. Does anyone have any suggestions? Apparently, it has to be 1 single piece as well. I would rather not invest a lot in this as I am not sure I like the idea of using it elsewhere. I did see some earlier posts about something called Mad Mats that were made out of recyclable materials that you could just stand on end and drain if they got wet- but even they don't come in the size I need. I'd love to hear what others have used in this situation and also if this is something being required a lot these days or just randomly.

I've used indoor/outdoor carpeting from Lowe's as mentioned earlier. A 10x12 was what I used. Yep, if it rains it can be a nightmare. I did one show where it rained horribly and water was standing in the booth. The show organizers brought in straw to soak up the water, which was a bad mistake, so now I had three or more inches of straw soup on top of the carpet, and they finally brought in boards to lay across the ground so customers could walk through the booth. Tear down was horrible, and I finally figured out that my wife and I could take the back corners and pull forward, it would roll the goop like a giant jelly roll and finally roll the stuff off. It would fold up okay and it would fit in a large trash bag sitting up in the back of the van. There must have been 5 gallons of water pour out of the bag when I pushed it out on the driveway. I had to take the carpet to a manual carwash and throw it on the ground and use the suds sprayer to clean it off. I seldom use it anymore, but it looks like it may be the new "Gallery on the Street" look again.

Replies

Karen Seymour-Ells June 3, 2011 at 7:57am

I have a really nice rug I got for $60 bucks at one of those bed & bath stores made of recycled bottles. It's 9 ft. 6" so close enough AND it washes with a hose. Nice neutral colors too. People think it's too nice to step on sometimes!
Susan Hohman May 30, 2011 at 9:13pm

Sorry, just forgot to add that- I doubt its well known. Peddler's Village Fine Arts and Contemporary crafts show. It's in Lahaska, PA - sort of near New Hope. Just wanted to give it a try, just didn't catch that requirement ahead of time! Still pondering if 9 x 12 will "fit the bill" for them or not... Thanks so much for everyone's advice and comments.
Robert Wallis May 21, 2011 at 9:16am

I've used indoor/outdoor carpeting from Lowe's as mentioned earlier. A 10x12 was what I used. Yep, if it rains it can be a nightmare. I did one show where it rained horribly and water was standing in the booth. The show organizers brought in straw to soak up the water, which was a bad mistake, so now I had three or more inches of straw soup on top of the carpet, and they finally brought in boards to lay across the ground so customers could walk through the booth. Tear down was horrible, and I finally figured out that my wife and I could take the back corners and pull forward, it would roll the goop like a giant jelly roll and finally roll the stuff off. It would fold up okay and it would fit in a large trash bag sitting up in the back of the van. There must have been 5 gallons of water pour out of the bag when I pushed it out on the driveway. I had to take the carpet to a manual carwash and throw it on the ground and use the suds sprayer to clean it off. I seldom use it anymore, but it looks like it may be the new "Gallery on the Street" look again.
- Geoff Coe > Robert Wallis May 21, 2011 at 7:36pm
  
  The word I'm hearing from artists who use the interlocking tiles is that they're hard to keep clean and they're easily punctured by high heels. This topic probably deserves a separate thread but thought I'd mention it briefly here since this product was mentioned above.
  - deborah potash brodie > Geoff Coe May 30, 2011 at 1:38am
    
    just bought rv outdoor mat - made for being outside -- and it's very flat - so doesn't take up much space; since jay uses a wheelchair, this is also doable for him.
    
    d:)
    - Susan Hohman > deborah potash brodie May 30, 2011 at 11:28am
      
      OK, well I've cked out all these options- never would have even thought of the RV mats. Love the idea of those but unfortunately, have not found them in the right size- found 9 x 12 but this is pretty specific about it covering anywhere you, your staff or customers may walk or your display might be on. My space is 12 x 12 but the tent obviously is 10 x 10. Do I risk doing the 9 x 12 mat and getting kicked out of the show? Crunch time, guess I really need to decide! The indoor outdoor carpeting can be 12 x12, fitting the bill but just so big and bulky and awkward etc... but may have to go that route.
      - deborah potash brodie > Susan Hohman May 30, 2011 at 12:02pm
        
        we bought 9 x 12 - will roll the long part under and put the short part where tables will hide - voila -- it works
        
        Nels Johnson > deborah potash brodie May 30, 2011 at 7:25pm
        
        You still have not named the show--why?--they are not going to throw you ouy
        
        Robert Wallis > Nels Johnson May 30, 2011 at 8:45pm
        
        I've been wondering the same thing myself. This way I would know not to bother applying for the show.
Jim Parker May 20, 2011 at 2:04am

Home depot and Lowes carry indoor outdoor carpet in gray, blue, beige and forest for about $5/yard. It comes 12' wide and is pretty thin stuff so it can be rolled or folded. Getting mat tiles to interlock flat won't meet the "one piece" requirement. A piece 12x12 will run you about $60.

This is an insane requirement, esp. if the show is on grass. The coverings will do more to kill the grass than leaving it uncovered. What show is it?

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