I've probably reviewed this before because I love it so and it is easier to rave than rant sometimes. OK, no it isn't. But this is a (qualified) rave.
The show is held on the grounds of the Institution which is an amazing place. If you are not familiar, it is basically a Victorian gated community on Chautauqua Lake that transforms itself every Summer into a campus dedicated to matters of art, music, theater, spirituality, intelligent and reasoned discourse. It is very expensive to live and/or visit there, so crass as it is to say, you are already in with the right demographic. But I am most grateful for the interesting and interested customers.
I use quotations on or in most of my work, sort of my "trademark". People comment on them all the time, but here I was corrected on the tense of an Emily Dickinson quote, questioned about whether Emerson or Jesus actually said this and complimented about using quotes properly, as inspiration and compliment to the work without regressing into cliche.
Huh?
Some of my art carnie friends had big sales of their most expensive pieces. One jeweler sold a thousand dollar necklace, another sold one for 500. These are huge numbers to me because I can be purchased at much more reasonable rates. (Look, my medium is paper. Let's compare overhead). I sold quantity. I have to, of course. What is different here, is that people will buy a few journals at a time, add some cards, turn around and spot the miniature book jewelry and buy a bunch for their book club. It is just different.
The organization, headed by a force of nature named Tina Rausa, is one of the best anywhere. They dash about in their red cobbler aprons, taking care. The set up can be tricky because the show is set up along a narrow road and we take turns using the available room. It is a "drop and go" choreography that works really well because you are never left alone to deal with the guy that won't move or the late arrival that wants to squeeze in. Somehow, at 10:30 the show is up and running and it looks like we were there all night just waiting to lift the front panels.
OK, the qualification is that for a bunch of folks, sales were down. Now, I had a situation last year when A Dr came in, looked at my collage and bought all of them, so it is hard for me to judge, but mine were a bit less than usual. Still twice as much as anywhere else, though.
The artist across from me had exquisite handcrafted furniture. I admired it. A friend checked the price. 4K, as in thousand. He sold 7 pieces. Zowee.
And you know how, at some shows, you get teenagers hanging out behind your booth, drinking beer, laughing at inane adolescent jokes, saying stuff like "hey, can I buy your art? "
Here, they are playing the cello.
The best part for me is that I also got juried into the August show so I get to go back. I recommend this show highly unless you are mixed media/paper because then I would have to hunt you down and stick you in my trunk until the deadline passes
Comments
Nancy
I'm glad to hear the rave - I am doing the August show for the first time and hope it is as good as the July show!
Love this show! Imagine people who are educated, know what they are looking at and if they don't ask intelligent questions. They respect artists. What other show do you do where the customers are walking around with books, on their way to a lecture, will talk to you about their books. It is absolutely the most civilized show in the country.
As I recall last year, Pat, you almost sold out at the show right? Do you live near?
Great review. I like your writing style. Glad you had a good show and congrats on getting into the August show.