I am accepted to the Coconut Grove Art Fair in February. Never did that one! Any advice, helpful hints? It is very expensive to even be in Miami, so any advice for lodging? Should I be happy or worry?
Thanks for any suggestion!!
Ana
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They love the bright colors down there
Thank you for the advice regarding hotels on the way. We like to stay in Holiday inn, but La Quinta is also great. Many are renovated if not new and that feels good.
Ana,it is a long drive down but gas is cheaper anywhere but Chicago and Miami. We do the drive twice a year and usually stay at La Quintas around Atlanta since our dog is with us. They are always under $100/nite and include breakfast.
We are away from our dog right now and I miss her terribly. Amazing how those furballs totally find a way into your heart.
Thank you, Jim, Connie and Geri!
I am definitely going to have a range of items and prices. And yes, it is very expensive show to do, especially if you have to drive from Midwest all the way down. But....thinking of some nice weather down there, makes me smile!! We'll try to make a vacation out of it and visit some friends at Key West, Sarasota. I just have to make enough money for that!!
Only thing I am not happy about is leaving my dog with someone all of this days, uh!!
There are several very nice hotels in the Grove. I've stayed at the Mayfair and at what used to be the Doubletree on Bayshore. Not for the Grove show, but on business when I wasn't footing the bill! Don't know about the Residence Inn, you may be right.
It is still one of the best shows for "some people", not so much for others, Ana. For some it is their best one, and for others the expense of doing it cancels out the profit. I think with your work that you have a good chance of doing pretty well. Just be sure (not that I have to tell you this) to have a wide price range and some good high end pieces.
Many artists stay at the Holiday Inn. Jim, isn't there a Residence Inn nearly right on the property? Something with a name like that and artists get together to share the expenses of the rooms there.
The Holiday Inn should be ok. If it is the one I am thinking of, there should be no problems.
Some people love having a booth on Pan American Drive. There is an entrance to the festival at that end.
This show still has some of the best art in the country. There is a lot of other stuff going on at this festival, which as a purist, I don't care for, but I have never complained about the art.
This is one of those shows where one buyer is all you need to make the show a success.
There is also good advertising in all media before the show and an active facebook page.
Hi Jim,
thank you very much for this valuable advices. I am at Pan American drive, that's the one that get less traffic? I did call organizers and tolled them about my concern. They will put me on waiting list for better spot even thou they said that every spot is equally good (??).
Regarding hotel, yes, we realized that those around Coconut Grove are so expensive and we are looking at some at airport or Holiday Inn Coral Gables on Dixie Hgwy, by the University. Is that safe area?
Is this still one of the best shows, or...?! I know, it always depends on weather, and can be great for some artist and bummer for the others.
Try to be on the main street if you can. Panorama Drive gets less traffic. The artist parking is worth paying for. Hotels in Coral Gables near the airport will be cheaper. The Extended Stay might be a good bet. I've also stayed at the Double Tree in the Gables on a Priceline deal. Hotels in the Grove are expensive, but you can walk to the show. The area outside of the Grove is dicey.