Got a call today from the event director at a private club in the Seattle area. Looked at the club's website and it appears to be quite an exclusive, expensive club to join, catering to people who have far more disposable income than we have. We've been invited to join their holiday art show in November. It's a 3 hour event one evening open to just club members and their guests. Artist are invited, it's not an open jury system.
Anyone have any experience with this kind of event? We're thinking it's proably a good opportunity and for a $25 exhibitor fee plus parking expense, it's probably worth it for just the exposure to some of the "upper crust" clientele in the Seattle area.
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If it is near you or in your city, then it sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Prepare yourself with LOTS of business cards, perhaps brochures, etc.
Also, get one of those acrylic clear "ballot boxes" and perhaps offer a raffle for a small free work of art as a prize to those who join your email list. I've gathered hundreds of emails at these type of one nighter shows with such promotions. Of course, you will get those just looking for a freebie, but this show sounds like you will mostly capture art enthusiasts with money ... that's a mailing list anyone would love to capture. Besides, as a personal example, the cost of a framed 12"x8" photo was only $12 ... A fantastic price to pay for a marketing tactic.
Remember, selling art is great, but gaining a following you can exclusively promote to can be more fruitful!
Good luck and tell us how it goes!
Sounds like an excellent opportunity!
Good luck!
I've done several of these shows over the last 4 years and that now constitutes the bulk of my regular clientele. It's definitely been worth the time expended for me!
I do it in a heartbeat. Even if you sell NOTHING and it's a gala shindig where the patrons walk around looking important and holding cocktails, you've lost very little and gotten some exposure.
If you are at all hesitant, research who did the event last year (if it's not a first year event) and talk to them. You'll get a feel for sales that way.
But I'd still do it. 3 hours and $25???? Wouldn't even be a question in my mind.
I do a few shows like this each year in my home town (Miami). I usually make money at them. I have picked up a few regular customers from these shows. For 3-5 hours of work, usually on a weeknight, I never turn these shows down.
That sounds interesting. It seems like a good opportunity to at least meet some buyers, and for $25, I would definitely try it if it came around my neck of the woods.
Another interesting avenue I just learned about involves cruise ships. My parents were on a cruise to Alaska last week, and they actually held an art auction onboard. She said people were definitely buying, and it seemed to be higher quality work. She got a card from one of the promoters, I may try to pursue that avenue.