Hello everyone,
I'm new to the group, in fact, just moved to the US! I want to start participating in fairs but as I'm new, I would like to start slowly. I was doing some research and it seems like a lot of fairs are held in high schools or churches, and I wanted your opinion on these types of fairs. Has anyone done such fairs and would you recommend doing them? I'm thinking of applying to the Royal Oak High School Fall Craft Fair and wanted to ask if anyone knows about that? Is there a good turn out at that fair?
Would appreciate any and all advice !!
Thanks so much!
Meg
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Thanks Lois! I'll definitely look into these shows! Right now I'm busy trying to figure out which summer shows to do, though a number of the big ones are already full or closed to jewelry. Any suggestions which ones I should try for? I'm in Southeast Michigan area.
I cannot give you any information about the Clinton Twp Show, but I hear a lot of folks talking about how much they like going to the Clinton Township Show. Your area has a ton of shows. Check out the shows on the Art Fair Calendar. Connie does a great job of providing information.
Since you are in Michigan, allow me to suggest looking into Krasl Art Show at the bluff in St. Joe Michigan and the Christmas at Wings show in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
To late to get into Krasl this year, but you should attend and see if it is something you wish to apply to:
52nd Annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff Artist Prospectus & Application LOCATION: 707 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085 Phone: 269.983.0271 Email: sshambarger@krasl.org website: www.krasl.org ART FAIR DATES : Saturday, July 13, 2013, 10 - 6PM. Sunday, July 14, 2013, 10 - 5PM.
Entry deadline: Friday, January 11, 2013 midnight EST
The Christmas at Wings is in the three stadiums of the Wings Hockey Team. The crowds are huge with lots of buyers (depending on the marketing of one' work).
The Christmas Show began in 1990. Kalamazoo's most popular shows, held at Wings Stadium , attracts 30,000 to 45,000 shoppers. With the Christmas season approaching shoppers enjoy finding unique gifts for their friends and family, decor for the home and many other creative items. Artisans and Crafters come from all over the United States as far away as California and Florida. This two day show, always the first full weekend in December, has over 300 vendor spaces.\
I have done a few of the HS shows in Michigan (White Pigeon, Decatur, New Buffalo, without much success. Not surprisingly, I do well at Catholic Parish events. I have enjoyed the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival for several years, but we are not going back this year due to my health. I'm going to have to put more limits on what I try to do. Last year almost killed me.
I hope this is helpful. If you see me online ... get click the chat to get my attention and I'd be happy to talk to you about Michigan Shows.
I did this show three years in a row and it was a very good show for me. However, I have not done this show in a few years now. When I found I could make more money doing summer shows, I stopped doing the fall/winter High School shows. With that said, they are where I started out. For about 12 year I old did the smaller High School shows. I have also changed what I was doing. You just need to make sure if you can, there isn’t too much buy and sell at the show. That was why I stopped doing Dakota, when you have Customers walking by asking “where is all the handmade stuff” you know it is time to leave. Troy High School is another good one not too far from the Royal Oak one.
Replies
Thanks Lois! I'll definitely look into these shows! Right now I'm busy trying to figure out which summer shows to do, though a number of the big ones are already full or closed to jewelry. Any suggestions which ones I should try for? I'm in Southeast Michigan area.
I cannot give you any information about the Clinton Twp Show, but I hear a lot of folks talking about how much they like going to the Clinton Township Show. Your area has a ton of shows. Check out the shows on the Art Fair Calendar. Connie does a great job of providing information.
Meg,
Since you are in Michigan, allow me to suggest looking into Krasl Art Show at the bluff in St. Joe Michigan and the Christmas at Wings show in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
To late to get into Krasl this year, but you should attend and see if it is something you wish to apply to:
52nd Annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
Artist Prospectus & Application
LOCATION: 707 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
Phone: 269.983.0271
Email: sshambarger@krasl.org
website: www.krasl.org
ART FAIR DATES :
Saturday, July 13, 2013, 10 - 6PM.
Sunday, July 14, 2013, 10 - 5PM.
Entry deadline: Friday, January 11, 2013 midnight EST
The Christmas at Wings is in the three stadiums of the Wings Hockey Team. The crowds are huge with lots of buyers (depending on the marketing of one' work).
CHRISTMAS AT WINGS
The Christmas Show began in 1990. Kalamazoo's most popular shows, held at Wings Stadium , attracts 30,000 to 45,000 shoppers. With the Christmas season approaching shoppers enjoy finding unique gifts for their friends and family, decor for the home and many other creative items. Artisans and Crafters come from all over the United States as far away as California and Florida. This two day show, always the first full weekend in December, has over 300 vendor spaces.\
Thanks Chris! Getting started is hard so I appreciate you taking time to reply!
You're welcome! What type of art do you do?
I did this show three years in a row and it was a very good show for me. However, I have not done this show in a few years now. When I found I could make more money doing summer shows, I stopped doing the fall/winter High School shows. With that said, they are where I started out. For about 12 year I old did the smaller High School shows. I have also changed what I was doing. You just need to make sure if you can, there isn’t too much buy and sell at the show. That was why I stopped doing Dakota, when you have Customers walking by asking “where is all the handmade stuff” you know it is time to leave. Troy High School is another good one not too far from the Royal Oak one.