I have completed my first year on the art fair circuit. I still feel like someone who has many more questions than answers. However I do want to give back to this site which has been so very informative for me during this time of extreme growing pains.
I am a fiber artist who creates 2D work which look much like paintings. I use mostly recycled fabric which I overdye. I didn't know what to expect from a "clearance sale" .After a year of trial and error I felt I had plenty to clear out from my studio. This show apparently has a significant following.
The load in and load out were magnificently easy. We were able to pull our van straight into the expo center and unload. My booth was very close by. It doesn't get any easier. The staff was helpful. They were easily found and gave me my informational materials. They provided coffee in the mornings. There was storage provided in the expo center but it is not around your booth. It's a bit of a walk. There is a 10x10 space allotted for your booth.
The expectations of booths were lower as it was a clearance sale so things were not super fancy. Many people used makeshift sale signs. I was amazed that people came to the show at all. The weather was miserable with ice and snow both days. There were several thousand people over both days and people were there to buy and get a bargain. Everyone was asking for discounts which was fine with me at a sale like this.
The quality of the art was high and looked like many of the artists who attend Winterfair. I walked around a few times and saw a potters booth with a 70% off sign- he had 3 pieces left on the shelf. I had a respectable weekend. Less than what I initially hoped for but significantly better than I expected with such bad weather. I hope to get in the show again next year. If the sun were shining I think the potential is there to clear out the old art and clean up on sales. Have a great day!
Sharon
Comments
This sounds like it was pretty fun. Congratulations on having a good sale despite the weather.
PS what did you think of the blue light specials? Did you participate?
Thanks, Sharon...I've been to a similar show here in Michigan (Kalamazoo) and it's crowded and packed with bargains and seems to be just a great time for artists and shoppers alike. I'm happy to know that other states are doing the same thing...sounds like fun.
Sharon, thanks for sharing. I live only 1.5 hours from Columbus and am very new to the shows. This sounds like a good show.
Hi Connie- I saw that post and it helped me decide to do the show. I live more than 2 hrs away so I stayed at a hotel 2 exits away off the highway. I covered all my expenses and made a bit to take home besides. I would definitely do it again. Also we discovered a great place called the cap city diner- the food was delicious. And Jackie- I hear you on too much to buy and not enough $ to spend.
Thanks Sharon. I love checking out the deals at an art clearance sale. There are usually too many things to buy and not enough money to spend.
Good job on this post, Sharon! I think you covered all the points that will be helpful to others.
I'd guess a person who just completed their first year of art fairs would have work that was ready for clearance. The early years are so experimental, what you think will sell doesn't and vice versa.
Do you live near? Were you able to cover expenses and still take home some money? Would you do it again?
I did a post on this when I attended a few years ago. Here is more info: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/art-studio-clearance-...