This past weekend, my good friend and favorite jewelry artist, Amy Taylor and of course husband Tom, used their beautiful backyard garden and home as a small "show" for 7 artists. The cost to us was $25. That's it. And that was for advertising. Not sure how many times they've done their show, but it's at least 3 or more years. My drive was an hour and one artist was from the Milwaukee area. Amy lives in Glenview IL.
As a stained glass artist that exhibited, I have to say, what an awesome idea. Talk about using your own property, minimally, to give a few chosen artists a new way to sell. One weekend, with Friday setup or Saturday morning. Most of the art types were represented - jewelry, pottery, fibre, glass and 2D pen and ink. Now I know, many of you have home shows to sell your artwork and maybe a few have done garden shows in your own backyards, but not many that I am aware. Amy said her idea was to promote artists in every way possible and this was her idea.
They had a cool, LARGE, "OPEN", neon sign and a large banner, street signs etc to alert passerbys. (They said I could borrow their signs if I wanted to do this.) I live in Naperville, in a heavily traveled subdivision, and I'm truly thinking this would be a way to go. People scout out garage sales and various art stuff, so why not this? We all had to bring a snack for customers which they laid out on a table with lemon water provided for drinking. The influx of people was steady! And we all won "awards". It was a blast! One of the artists' husbands brought a ton of homemade bbq and sides for a small dinner on breakdown. The brownies were incredible!
Basically, how can you lose? Ok $25. Wow. Even if local town newspapers and publications were used, I'm sure the artists involved would not mind ponying up a bit for that. I'm seriously giving this alot of thought. Sure it's a bit of work, she made a FB page, we used her home for the bathroom, etc, but I will be laying the groundwork for this in the next year.
Just thought I'd share!
Comments
People have garage sales all the time and no one checks for parking, sanitation, or disabled access. I'm not sure why someone hosting a Art Garden Party would need to be governed by so many rules. In our area it isn't unusual for an auctioneer to have cars all up and down many streets for an estate sale. Of course, it could be tougher pulling this off in a bigger city with parking but a bigger city is where it would work the best. I think the idea sounds charming. I would definitely go to one.
I do Lois! I will work on posting them in a bit.
Alison Fox I'd love to see pictures. Do you have any?
I have been thinking about a similar concept, but with multiple locations around town hosted by different artists on the same day. You advertise an art tour very much like the Christmas lighting tours advertised during the holidays or art walks some cities have on a certain day of the month. Printable or online maps guide visitors to each house. You could even provide transportation by friends with vans.
I did a last minute "trunk show" last year on Black Friday weekend. I let BBS's have their way on Friday and started it on Saturday. I had somewhat limited hours because I didn't want customers and friends trapsing through all hours of the day or night. I had the following hours, if memory serves me right ....
Saturday, 10:00-2:00
Sunday, 4:00-6:30
Monday & Tuesday, 5:00-8:00
The later hours on Sunday were a "work around" for church goers and for those watching the Saints. They played at noon that day and I knew it was pointless to compete with that.
It cost me virtually nothing. I think I bought a little in terms of refreshments. I advertised by Facebook, email and word of mouth. I had this in my home and did not charge admission. I ended up making almost the same amount as a craft show but I got to keep it all due to no booth fee, travel, etc. So needless to say I'll be doing this again. I have enough product to take up all available public space in my home: living/dining room, den, enclosed patio.
The only thing I'd do differently is get the word our sooner. Possibly will add an incentive like "bring a friend and get a gift" or "free gift with purchase." The gift would be something small like a fridge magnet, etc. that I make for almost nothing.
Great idea! I have taken my paintings to family/friends picnics and actually had great sales. As they were family & friends I did give a discount, but within reason. Since I don't see them often they look forward to seeing my new work.
Right. I do believe the garage salers here have to get a permit.
Let me make one suggestion. Probably would be a good idea to check with your local municipality on doing this. They might consider this a garage sale type of operation and then again they might consider this a business. Plus the neighbors thoughts. All you need is one neighbor to report you and then be in trouble. So be on the safe side and checking zoning laws etc. before you get in trouble.
Very smart event, folks. I've never done this, but I have been hosted solo inside someone's home on two different occasions. A small group event can be way cool. Even if done in a small event center or church felowship hall or something like that. Just a great idea, fer sher. WOOHOO!
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