This was my first time at Crosby. It was the most organized event I have ever been to! (except for one power hungry volunteer at the handicapped parking, there's always one)
When you checked in, they called a volunteer in your color area to say "booth 80 is here, is it clear?" If clear...they walked you to the area, if not they gave you a time frame or a slight alternative such as a booth or 2 away (hearing this in front of me). We weren't asked to move our vehicles unless someone else needed room, I moved my SUV back a few feet! My "yellow" section volunteers introduced themselves and said to let them know if I needed anything.
I was there alone and was treated wonderfully. I was offered help, shuttled back and forth when needed (asthmatic) without given the 3rd degree on why and I was even checked on. Volunteers came around in the morning with their clip boards to sign you up for a 15 minute break.
I must admit (as all other vendors I spoke to) that the vendor dinner on Friday night, had food that was terrible. I blame the caterer not Crosby. But it was nice to have our own area to go to. Friday night is for their major supporters since the tickets are very expensive. I was surprised at the sales I did and received an email from someone who wanted a special order from that night (you hear that a lot and don't usually hear back or if you do....not so fast!)
We had to deal with drizzle, partly cloudy, rain, heavy sunshine that baked us at 350 degrees for 45 minutes before it rained again! BUT.....the crowd was still there! I did amazing!
Sunday was gorgeous out but not as crowded, go figure! I still did great unlike a few vendors around me but you just never know. I have had a few bad shows also, we all have.
Getting us all out was just as organized, including getting me to my SUV. They remembered to check that. WOW! My "yellow" leader even had water for me. I was moving quite slowly because of being so tired and I was trying to breathe easy so not to put myself into an attack thinking I needed to rush.
This was my experience, I hope others had a good one as well.
So I look forward to being "invited" back again next year.....maybe I can get under more shade!
Comments
Sold our Ybor house and bought one in New Smyrna Beach,
no mortgage now, do not have to work as hard,
I did Columbus in June along with South Haven and made me more than enough.
Get to play a lot more golf.
I'm with you Nels. Words matter. Calling ones self an artist instead of a vendor is about attitude and self respect. I've never called an artist a vendor. If I did it would be high sarcasm. I would be showing them extreme disrespect.
As far as organization goes, try doing Des Moines. It is by far the best organized show in the country. And, it has the best volunteers. I had two people basically set up my whole tent and there was someone there to help me break down. I wouldn't do Crosby Gardens if the offered me a free space. Well, maybe I would then.
Nels, where have you been? I haven't seen you anywhere and I was starting to get worried.
I have not snubbed you.
Your art is every bit equal to mine.
But, we do not vend. Go look up the definition.
We create.
Been doing it 43 years and making a living.
Once you create your work.....you are "Vending" just like everyone else, unless you are giving your work away. A rose is a rose......
Funny.
Yet you call yourself a vendor.
Vendors are like people who sell popcorn.
An artist creates. Vendors just vend.
I don't consider myself "crafts", one of my coats takes 30 hours worth of work and I hope juries can see that.
Lovely review.
Toledo is not an easy market to sell in.
It is an old rust belt town with a dwindling population. Most young people move out as quick as they can. They are our market, without them it is slim pickings.
I have done the show probably 15 times since the early nineties, but do not do it anymore, there just are not enough new buyers to sell to. I am talking about art sales. Crafters have a better chance.
Just my two cents worth.
I didn't hear of anyone getting stuck in the mud however they did bring out the hay there were everal mushy spots.
As for.... No one stuck in the mud, no straw bales everywhere?.....Being alone at the show you get stuck in a small world of your aisle. The area around us was fine and I didn't hear of anything really bad happening, like I said though...I didn't get out much! :D
My work is referred to as, “Vintage up-cycled”. I create whimsical coats, skirts, tops, purses, hats, infinity scarves and other accessories from recycled sweaters, vintage lace, vintage fabric, wedding gowns, antique clothes and denim. Each piece is unique and one of a kind. I love fashion and creating unique works of wearable art. My clothes are magical, fun and funky, they are “Art for the Body”.
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