Last weekend was our first show of the year in Pass Christian, Ms. When we applied we were not real sure where Pass Christian was but when we saw that it was on the Gulf of Mexico on the first weekend of April we applied and were accepted. Pass Christian is one of the small communities that line the coast between Biloxi and New Orleans. The venue is War Memorial Park which is separated by the beach by a four lane road. From our booth at the front on the show we were treated to the sounds of seagulls and panoramic views of the beach.
The long range weather forecast seemed to change by the minute, but as we left on Friday there were storms all along the coast. Sure enough, thunderstorms were present as we checked in. But, we managed to catch the only window of dry weather the whole day to set up. As we were putting the last panel on our booth, the skies let loose again and we got soaked anyway. Luckily there is ample parking around the park so there is minimal dollying. Other than the weather, set up was very easy.
There are no motels in Pass Christian so we stayed at a new Hampton Inn which was about a 20 minute drive away in Gulfport. After changing into dry clothes we set off for food and some live music. We ended up at a BBQ restaurant called Murky Waters in downtown Gulfport, great BBQ and a great blues band.
All night long there was thunder and lightning. But the sky cleared and there was "Chamber of Commerce'" weather both Saturday and Sunday. We were somewhat concerned that we did not see any advertising for the show anywhere. Since the weather was so bad on Friday, many of us were trying to hang work or set up on Saturday morning. An hour before the start time people started pouring in. This is a big event for the community and it seems everyone shows up. The last two years there have been issues with the weather, so maybe there was some pent up art energy. The show is run by volunteers in support of art education in the community. All artists are required to donate a piece of work to a silent auction as a condition of participation.
As for sales, the public was buying. A lot of bags went by our booth, but mainly small items. We visited all of the photography booths to assess what else was there. A well known local photographer was doing very well with his matted prints of well known local scenes. The same was true of another local who is more into digital enhancement. We were pleased with our sales but felt we could have done better. None of our most expensive pieces sold, but we were able to move some framed pieces from last season. We came home with a lot less that we left with. A jeweler across from us was busy and reported having a good show. A fused glass artist next door was satisfied as well.
Break down went very smoothly as we were able to park within 50 feet of our booth.
This show was a fantastic way to start our year. We had such a great time and had great food. We ate dinner both Saturday and Sunday nights at a place called Bacchus on the Beach; two of the best meals I have ever had. Sunday night we were meeting our next door booth neighbors on the patio for an end of show dinner and drinks. We accidentally crashed a birthday party for a local guy who had reserved the patio for his celebration. He bought us a drink and gave us each one of his birthday tee shirts.
I forgot to mention that the local fire department stopped by our booth as they made their rounds. When they saw our industrial images they asked us if we would be willing to shoot their antique fire engine later that night. We met them after dinner and had a great time hanging out with them for a couple of hours between calls.
So, in summary, set up and break down was easy as could be, sales were OK for us and better for others, the volunteer staff was well organized and helpful when needed, and the venue was beautiful. Above all, the other artists and the local folks we met were very nice. We made some new friends, had some great food, listened to some good music, enjoyed the beach, and covered expenses while making a little money, all the while having a blast! Thank You Pass Christian.
Comments
Awesome Robert! We love 'yankee' converts to our way of cooking. That is meant in the best way possible. :D
When we went to Red Wing, Minnesota a couple of years ago, the coffee was like weak iced tea, the food was as bland as could be. We almost starved while we were there. The best dinner was our first night when Red Wing Boot Company put on a steak dinner. The chef must have been a south Louisiana transplant. LOL
Cindy, I'm originally from NE Mississippi and do miss the Southern style of cooking. Last year when I did the Tupelo Gumtree Festival, I found Luzianne Cajun seasoning at one of the grocery stores. About 2-3 years ago, whoever was distributing the stuff up here in Yankeeland (Indiana) stopped carrying it. I picked up 5 (!) containers of it, brought it home, tossed 4 of them in a zip lock bag and tossed it in the deep freeze. Ten months later, and we're working on the third one.
Margaret, you are right that New Orleans, and south Louisiana as a whole, take food to a whole new level. It is art. It is a feast for the taste buds but to the olfactory senses long before you ever taste. People that are not from here generally think it is all hot, as in pepper. Pepper is just a fraction of what is found in our food and if all you find is hotness due to pepper, that is not our traditional fare.
Hi Everyone! I lived and worked in NOLA and Pascagoula during and after Katrina (in the recent past I was an engineer, not an artist). I can tell you the folks there are committed to supporting their area and LOVE the arts. Heck- as you found out, even food is art on the Gulf Coast. Congrats on a lovely show and thanks so much for the review. I'll see you at Magic City as well!
See you there, guys! I'm in booth 238!
Thanks to everyone for their kind words.
Cindy, I do not recall meeting anyone named Dena there. But we met so many people that my limited hard drive space between my ears may have purged that info.
Joel, We will look you up at Magic City in a couple of weeks. We will have all new work there and we would appreciate you thoughts. We are booth 208.
Excellent review! I was up the way from you in Ridgeland, MS -- also a great show with crazy weather on Friday!
Wonderful review! Thanks so much for recapping your Gulf Coast Art Adventures with us, in addition to hearing about the art and artists, I love the restaurant reviews! Sounds like you had a great time, thanks again for sharing it with us.
Craig and Sara, if you get to the gulf coast enough you learn this lesson .... if you don't like the weather, hang around a little bit, because it'll be changing soon! I have lived on the gulf coast all my life and that is how it is. That is why we stay tuned to local weather so much in two seasons .... hurricane season and craft show season. LOL
Did you get a chance to meet an artist by the name of Dena Phillips McKee? I am not sure she was there but she frequents events along the coast. We grew up together and she had true talent as a teenager.
Wow, what a nice review. This place sounds great, too. Do you think you will go back?
Thanks for sharing this show with us.