There is a juried art show that I am considering entering.
So I talked to the promoter and learned the following:
The show has an estimated attendance of 10,000 people. She was very unsure about this figure. There are 200 booths with appproxiamately 200 applications for those booths per year. So basically everyone gets in unless the jury says their work is "inappropriate" ( whatever that means). She estimates that 33 to 40% of the artists in one year's show return for the next year's show. She says she has no idea about what the average sales are....it depends on your medium and how good you are are at your craft. This is a truism of course.
The booth fee is $100. There is no jury fee.
So would you enter this show?
I have made a decision on whether or not I will enter this show. But I am not going to tell you what it is right now. Ill post it later.
So would you enter this show?
Replies
Mark
Chris Hoyt said:
We had an absolute blast! No, Monday sales weren't fantastic, but the customers did come. And our group still laughs about that show!
Connie Mettler said:
All areas of commerce are now taking advantage of the power of the Internet for advertising, so having a Web site, a facebook page or group, etc., can extend advertising reach without $$$.
My favorite question from a way-too-early call (6:12 am is not nice):
Ring ring
Me: Hello? (half asleep)
Caller: Hi, is this the number for Art on the Lawn?
Me: Yes, how can I help you?
Caller: Well, I'd like to know what you're going to do about the weather on the day of the show.
Me: Oh, um, well....I really think someone a lot higher up on the food chain than me handles that.
Caller: I mean, what will you do if it rains?
Me: I'll probably get wet, but the show goes on rain or shine unless there's a danger to life and limb.
Caller: You don't have a rain date?
Me: No, I'm sorry, we don't.
Caller: What kind of stupid show is this, anyway!?
Me: Goodbye.
Click.
David Hipwell said:
I would have to drive about 300 miles to go to this show.....Jennifer.
Also like your attitude......you plan on winning the prize......lol.....you are either a very very good artist or lucky.....I do know you have a sence of humor.
I also like what Barbara said.....if they cannot answer common questions that is poor management......there is another art fair on a different date that I am considering......I have tried to call the contact person about 10 times......no answer......left message......also emailed.....no response......I think that if a sponsoring organization lists contact information and then you cannot make contact, you have to wonder.....
As far as advertizing, I like it when there is some effort put forward.....especially in the area of "free advertizing".....things like a big banner outside the show site....posters at local businesses.......press releases in the shoppers/coupon newspapers......a promoter has to realize that every person he can get thru the door is a potential buyer.....
And well I am at it.......the number of booths has to be sized to the crowd.....200 booths for 5000 people isnt really good for vendors.....this is so hard for promoters to understand this......one of the toughest things for them......they want the booth fees so bad that they can wreck a show....but I agree this is a real balancing act for them.....
A LOT depends on the city, the venue, and who's running the show. Beware of any show where you can't call and ask questions BEFORE you apply, or where the person you talk to doesn't have answers to common questions. Poor management (in any endeavor) is really one of the most important factors.
Barbara
Jennifer Simpson said:
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