Did not get into Cherry Creek this year:( But still wanted to go out west from Atlanta and beat the heat. Last year won best in show for Open Arts Fest on Pearl Street in Boulder CO and it is a great town. Here is the review.
Boulder is an awesome town. People have money, people are quirky in a good way, the weather is amazing in July, the organizers of the show are wonderful. The show runs along the Pearl St Mall, which is about 4 blocks of retail that is closed off to traffic. There are street artists that preform every day here. Think fire, magic and all that stuff along the mall. If you are on the mall you set up on Saturday morning, a preferred spot and you pay for it. There is one street on 14th that sets up on Friday evening. This is not a big show. Maybe 125 artists and the quality is good. The organizers are always on hand but they also know that the artists can work it out better. All and all easy load in and out. The organizers bring plenty of cold water, awesome Sunday awards breakfast and snacks. They are also great with communication and booth placement. Boulder is a very friendly town.
Boulder can be an expensive place to stay during this time but check out Air bnb and priceline options. There are amazing farm to table restaurants. Like I mentioned there are a lot of street artists, depending on where you are located this may or may not be an issue. My favorite is the Silent Disco Chic who sets up Hula Hoops and can head phones for everyone to rock out too.
On to the show, since we won best in show last year we got our pick. We opted for the 14th street with electricity and set up on Friday evening. The show and tow trucks killed it. Set up was around 5 ish with Tow trucks lined up but if the artist could find a spot earlier to park near their spot they didnt bug you. Awesome communication with the show and the street police and we were all set up by 6PM. Last year I was on The Mall and early morning all the artists worked very well together and it was easy peasy. The booths along 14th st are traditional set up with booths across from each other and along the curb. We all had storage behind our booths. The set up along the mall is different. Booths here and there, kinda of wherever they fit. It is difficult to explain, but the mall has a lot of benches, play areas and other obstacles so a traditional booth lay out wouldn't work. All seemed to have a decent amount of storage either in the back or along the sides.
Saturday morning, I had an awesome condo walking distance to the show, and by 9 am artists were making some decent sales, over $1k. Both 2D and 3D. My price points for 2D start at $1200 to $6K The crowds were good, not crazy crowded but steady. We had rain for about 1 hour but the great thing about the Boulder folks, they are out door people and they will wait for the rain to die and come right back out. I made some sales but nothing over $1800.
Sunday was an even better day weather wise. Made some more sales within the $1200-$1800 range. I had other artist friends whose price points were $150-$1500 range and they were selling but within the $200 range. So this is not a big $$$$$$$$ money price point show but enough $1800 sales can make you happy. I am kinda use to a crowd that can handle $3K,$4K,$5K but this show is fun and you can make some $$$.
Breakdown for me was really easy. We were on a wide street and some artists got their vehicle right at close and brought the vehicle next to their tent. We broke down first then got the truck and packed up. We took a bit longer to get out than usual because we had last minute shoppers who bought as we were loading the truck. Still we were out and driving off an hour after close.If you go to Boulder safe up some money and eat at The Black Cat. Make reservations and enjoy
Here are some Pics. The hiking one claimed to be easy to moderate, I call total bull.
Comments
Solid review, Melanie. The great thing about this business is the variety of events, no two the same. That was not an easy climb ...
It is good to do shows where the public is not afraid of the weather. Raining? bring your umbrella and keep on going. These things (especially wide open events like this one) don't come your way more than once a year, so not to be missed. That is what makes a show special.
Nice review. Boulder is also home for CU, one of Colorado's better universities. Boulder is a little quirky, and locals refer to it as the "People's Republic of Boulder". There is plenty of money there. Glad you did well and had a good time in Colorado.