AWE GOT FREE WIFI AT THE SHOW so I can give an on the spot report.
We could setup all day Thurs and Friday morn,show started last nite with wine preview party from 6-9.
When we got here on Thursday the damn gate to the parking lot for the south tent was locked.
Show said too much rain, too mucky for vehicles. Told artists they had to schelp all stuff in thru main building entrance than across pea gravel to proper tent--daunting.
TOOK US 5 HOURS TO SET UP. WE WERE BEYOND EXHAUSTED.
Returned Fri. morn along with everybody else and finished setup. Lot was now open-yeah. Got position "A" for the van.
It rained hard right before wine preview party. Then let up as people came filtering in, by 6:30 the joint was rocking, people were tippling free wine and also buying. Best buzz for a Friday opening that I have seen in a long while.
Ellen sold a nice little original and I sold a large hand-colored piece for over $500. We went home happy.
Lots of artists sold very well for a Friday nite. Who needs Des Moines. Too bad Steven King did not have the balls to stand up for all the deserving artists at the show especially when reporters from the Des Moines Register newspaper gave tips to the readers on how to get the artists to give them discounts on their wrk.
Come on Mr. King stick up for your minions, show some backbone. You shouldhave been out front in the media with a counterpoint. But i guess you were too busy counting allthe moola from jury fees.
More coming soon.
Comments
Geri, I want to press the "like" button for your post. :) Thanks for always sticking up for artists!
Connie, I am surprised at your cavalier response to Nels post. That article about buying art was a disservice to artists on so many levels.
Buying art is a positive, emotional experience. It isn't a bunch of rules. It is more "you know it when you see it"
Are you planning on buying any wooden watches?
Come on you guys, Des Moines is one of the best run shows in the nation and we were always thrilled to be there. Ever try to run a big festival? A million things to do and DM does them so well, yes, artists don't like these stories, but let's move on ...
But great news about Boston Mills' beginnings, Nels. Guess all of that (especially the hauling) made you forget to meet Siri last evening.
Didn't you have storms over night? Big heavy rains hit the Crosby Gardens show in Toledo and I'd think they moved on to get you guys near Cleveland.
Hope you have a fantastic show Nels.
Supposedly Steven King was very busy with set up of the show and did not know about the article. Has anyone seen him post a rebuttal since then? Doesn't say much for someone who is on the NAIA board.