2014 Three Rivers Art Festival Review!!!

Well I am finally get around to talk about my TRAF experience Connie! LOL 

2014 TRAF was the second year for me for this show and my first return to a big show. At first, I did not think it was going to happen as I was placed on the wait list but I received an email that there was an opening!! So of course I was super excited to be back! Why? It is a great show! 10 days of music, art and awesome food. 

Now my BBB (Best Business Buddy), Cathy, was also accepted into the show and here is where it got fun! TRAF is 10 days long and they have to divided into 7 different artist sessions in three areas. #1- Point Park, #2 Gateway Towers, #3 Liberty Ave   If you are in the park, there is the South and North Walkways. This is where the huge stage is set up and great bands play all festival long. Cathy and I were in the North Walkway but in different times. She had the first 7 days and then I was in the last three days of the festival. Since I have the "Big Girl" tent i.e.: Light Dome, I let her use it. When her session was done, we literally walk the tent down 7 spaces to my booth assignment! It confused a few people because the artists are to be open from 12 -8 every day and when your time is up, you only have 2 hours to get out of the park so that the next artist can get into the spot. So there I was tent already up and over half way done!! 

Now to those who have no idea about the festival, here is the scoop. It is located downtown Pittsburgh. If you ever see a shot with the fountain flowing and the city behind it, well that is where it happens for the most part. 

Check in can be a little confusing if you are not from here since the check in area is 2 miles away in the a parking lot in the 'Strip'. The Strip District is where one can get their fresh goodies and go shopping and at night go to one of the clubs that used to be a church. Once you are checked in, you head to Gateway center to unload. There is lots of walking involved if you are in the park FYI! You can't drive up to your booth since it is in a State Park. BUT - they have loads of volunteers to help you unload and carry it to your booth! They are extremely helpful and nice. Once the car is unloaded, you have to move it somewhere else. Lots of peeps get pissy about this but seriously there where lots of street parking around that was free that I saw and was using! 

The electric is free as it comes with booth fee, 500 watt I believe. Which is nice if you are in the second session, because it is dark by the time you start setting up. My neighbor guy was so mad at the late set up time saying that the artist should close earlier so we could set up earlier. But that would not work since being in the park, the bands are still playing until 8pm. Cant please everyone. And yes it sucks to have a very late setup, and set up until 1 am or whatever and then have to be there at noon the next day…. but I rather do this any day than be back working long hours in the mall! 

So what else can I say? I really believe this is a great show to be in for many reasons. The staff is informative and helpful. The weather updates for any pending storms by receiving texts on the phone help a lot. Because over 10 days, it will rain but how badly is the question. (AND it was proven that over the last 40 years, it only rains 34% of the time during this festival. There was an article in the paper about it!) The crowd was amazing as tons of people were there and were buying. There were only two crabapples that we had to contend with the whole time as I was my friend's assistant and she was mine during TRAF. It was delightful. 

In my opinion, this year show had tons of photography booths but a good even mix and good quality of art. There were a just a few booths that I was asking myself 'how did they get in?" as there are 700 artists over the 10 days. I know I maybe bias since I live in the area for all my life but it is a great show. Also there is a stand in the park that is always here and has the best hummus! I was going to turn into a chick pea if I ate anymore. 

As for parking, I parked in a lot that is by Heniz Stadium for $6 and I take the free subway ride to Gateway (which is the main center point for the festival) and walk in. I do get my exercise in during this time. There are other places to park that are closer but are $10-20 daily. 

The only thing I can say that was negative was a few of the artists, and just a few, that were are upset with 'all the rules.' One being you cannot use the benches in the park as storage, they are for sitting on. The show will be fined, not the artist, for doing so. It is a state law not a festival one. And since the artists in the Gateway Tower area can't have things outside of their 10x10 space because of how it is set-up, the artists in the park can't either. This is done is be fair and even across the board. Also I found these same people did not read the artist packs. All the answers are there along with maps, and info to where to eat and special promotions around town. 

Also I had the best new customers! One of which came back a few times bringing her friends which helped my sale greatly. PLUS, she whipped out a small bottle of booze and gave it to me! AHHH Bailey's, thank you!

I know I had a great time being there and being apart of the festival. I look forward to being there again! If you have questions, please ask! 

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  • They are a SUPER tight on that rule because it is not there rule but the state park we are in and because of the tight fit in the Gateway Tower area.  As you noticed the opening, which was to get a wonderful breeze thru the tent and behind us are the park metal benches which only a butt can touch. No bags, no boxes NOTHING! 

  • So how big of stickler are they really for the "nothing outside your 10x10 space including yourself" rule?  I noticed you have an opening in back.

  • I love being there for the 7 day run that is in the park personally. BUT it can be overwhelming for some. I have heard that being on Stanwick St for just the weekend is FAB and generates the same amount of money in less days.  You do choose your top 3 preferences out of the 7 given. 

    hope that helps 

  • I have never been to Pittsburgh so I am unfamiliar with the show.  How would you order your preferences to apply?  Did you apply for all of the locations and times listed?  My daughters moving to Pittsburgh so I figured Id try for this show.  I work in impressionistic oil paintings. Thanks!

  • Sounds like an excellent show with so many happy exhibitors!   Thanks for the review (and I love your booth too!)

  • Wonderful to read such positve reviews...sounds like they're doing it right in Pittsburgh, thanks for sharing.

  • I did a 2 day weekend session which, like last year, was great.  I hate the late Friday night (10pm check in - really!) set up time, but the location on Penn Ave ext. is the best and worth the trouble.  I love being near the hotel and the Gateway building with the artist services.  Of all the shows I do, this one has the most volunteers and is the best organized. From guys helping you load and unload to the booth sitters, just fabulous.  And yes - this year there was rain for me and a 45 min storm with 40mph winds.  Survived it - and had one of the top people from the festival in the booth hanging onto the poles with us! LOL!! I'm from the 'burgh, so for me it is a trip home - an added attraction - but it was a good show.  I was even selling during the storm!  Now if they'd get rid of the guy selling repros of the Chinese paintings near me, it would be almost perfect.  Oh - and let us set up at 8 pm, rather than 10.

  • If they would offer the location I had for session D for the entire 10 days, I would have stayed.  I opted to do the D session so I could participate in my hometown show, the Va. Bch. Boardwalk Art Show.  It turned out that I did much better sales in Pa than in my own hometown.

  • Finally reporting on what I think was one of the most difficult but rewarding and well organized shows I have ever done.  The staff was super helpful getting my work on their own carts to my tent site.  I loved all the rules to keep others from pushing ahead to get their gear in.  No go pass, no entry!  Loved that!  I did session D at Gateway 1 on Penn Ave. and paid extra for the corner which paid for itself the first hour.  People actually come out in the rain and purchase your work!  I've never really seen this level of positivity by a local population before.  Everyone was so nice and supportive.  Lots of purchases both days!  The only down side to this festival was the late hour of take down and set up, but it was well worth it.  It's on my to do list for sure every year from here on out.  The festival organize was the best ever!  Super quick to address any concerns and doubts.  Thanks for all your help out there everyone.  Love Pittsburg people! Waving my terrible towel in support of such a great show and great people!

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