I tend to do better at shows advertised as Fine Art rather than Fine Art and Craft but I know there are many exceptions. I was wondering if those of you with more 2D work find this show works well for you. I live in a Phila suburb and although not close- wouldn't be that far either. Is the Spring one more of a community festival scene or are they similar events (May and Aug.) ? I've got young kids so have to find some more shows closer to home, just a little gunshy after some of the new ones I tried this year were duds (well for me anyway!) I'd love to hear some more opinions of the show from the rest of you.
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Not a 2D artist, but thought I'd give my 2 cents on the May Fair. The spring show is definitely more of a community festival - it's big, lots of crafters (very jewelry heavy) and a lot of people come out, but I wouldn't consider it an Art Fair. I think there is a car show at one end. I've done it twice (bead woven jewelry), did ok two years ago, made two sales this past spring. There were some discussions on people's experience with their August show, I think in the Blogs. Weather played a part, as it has in so many shows this year.
I'm in Chester County - what area are you in?
Megan
Susan Hohman > Megan HoranSeptember 8, 2011 at 11:40am
I am in Upper Bucks- Quakertown. So far, the ones that are more of a "community festival" just don't pan out for me so I appreciate your comments. I do need to find some new shows though, may still consider the Aug show, we'll see- if there are any you love up your way, let me know, I'm all ears these days!
Sue
Taryn Day > Susan HohmanSeptember 12, 2011 at 9:15am
Hi Sue, I just read your reply and got a bit worried. I am totally new to art shows, and my first will be the Coopersburg Community Day. I saw an ad for it that said 10,000 attend every year. Thanks for the heads up, now I won't be expecting much! I live in Perkasie, PA and see that you are close by.
Susan Hohman > Taryn DaySeptember 12, 2011 at 9:33am
It all depends. There are artists who do great at these events, just not me!! I would stock mostly the lower price items and place them toward the front, perhpaps with signage promoting their low price. This gives you a shot of getting the "I'm just here for the free balloons and hotdogs" crowd into your booth- once in, you have a shot of selling. I find community days are a lot of window shopping. Have your cards ready and also a big bowl of candy-- helps to bring the kids in which then in turn brings their parents in!! I haven't been to the Coopersburg show so not sure what you'll find there. Visited one in Dublin yesterday to see if it was worth doing and don't think so (for me). I would suggest checking into the Sellersville show (next Sunday). It is called Pennridge Gallery of the Arts. It is small, inexpensive but a little more art show-- some community stuff but not overwhelmingly. Let me know what you do and I'll see if there are others I could suggest. I think Doylestown is a great show, but it is geared a little more toward craft then 2D. Good luck at Coopersburg, stay positive, it just always depends if the right people are there at the right time!
Taryn Day > Susan HohmanSeptember 12, 2011 at 9:39am
Thanks Sue. I LOVE your idea of the candy bowl. I have prints made of three of my paintings, which I'm probably going to price at $10 each. Maybe they will be a good lure too if I place them near the entrance.
I am doing the Pennridge Gallery of the Arts the very next day. I'm excited for that one because it's in my hometown. I'll let you know how that goes.
Since I'm new at this I wanted to chose places with low entry prices at first- Coopersburg was $25 (haven't gotten a confirmation yet- wonder if I'm really registered- sent an email yesterday asking) and Pennridge $40. Next year I want to try a few that cost more- Doylestown and Tinicum, maybe Mount Gretna.
I will try and be positive. I'm all revved up anyhow since this is my first time!
Thanks so much for your feedback!
Susan Hohman > Taryn DaySeptember 12, 2011 at 9:45am
I'll be at Pennridge so we'll have to meet. I did Tinicum this year- it is a great location and a fun place- did OK, not super but would consider it again. It had just rained so we weren't allowed to park anywhere near our booths so had to carry EVERYTHING a very very long distance to set up-- always a possibility so bring helpers and dollies whenever possible!! Personally, I won't do Mt Gretna again, it just about killed me! Perhaps it was just the weather aspect again but its up a mountain, had to park pretty far and hike my stuff down to my booth which was covered in hay that they put down to soak up the mud etc, then packing up was just as not fun. JUst have LOTS of helping hands if you do that one. You do get a buying clientelle but you certainly work for it!!
Replies
Hi Susan,
Not a 2D artist, but thought I'd give my 2 cents on the May Fair. The spring show is definitely more of a community festival - it's big, lots of crafters (very jewelry heavy) and a lot of people come out, but I wouldn't consider it an Art Fair. I think there is a car show at one end. I've done it twice (bead woven jewelry), did ok two years ago, made two sales this past spring. There were some discussions on people's experience with their August show, I think in the Blogs. Weather played a part, as it has in so many shows this year.
I'm in Chester County - what area are you in?
Megan
I am in Upper Bucks- Quakertown. So far, the ones that are more of a "community festival" just don't pan out for me so I appreciate your comments. I do need to find some new shows though, may still consider the Aug show, we'll see- if there are any you love up your way, let me know, I'm all ears these days!
Sue
Thanks Sue. I LOVE your idea of the candy bowl. I have prints made of three of my paintings, which I'm probably going to price at $10 each. Maybe they will be a good lure too if I place them near the entrance.
I am doing the Pennridge Gallery of the Arts the very next day. I'm excited for that one because it's in my hometown. I'll let you know how that goes.
Since I'm new at this I wanted to chose places with low entry prices at first- Coopersburg was $25 (haven't gotten a confirmation yet- wonder if I'm really registered- sent an email yesterday asking) and Pennridge $40. Next year I want to try a few that cost more- Doylestown and Tinicum, maybe Mount Gretna.
I will try and be positive. I'm all revved up anyhow since this is my first time!
Thanks so much for your feedback!