The weather was GREAT for this show on May 18 & 19 in the home town of Michigan State University. Spartans were everywhere. So was construction. It was a bit confusing finding our way into the art fair grounds because of all the street closings and construction on the main drag, but once we found our way in for Friday set-up, things went pretty smoothly. We took our time setting up on the street between 1 and 5pm Friday. Our biggest problem was the drastic tilt of the street making setting up the tent evenly a bit of an engineering problem. The terrible condition of the street, itself, was an issue as well. there was a big pothole toward the back of the booth that I nearly sprained my ankle in while setting up. I kept tripping in the thing. I had visions of patrons sprawling on the pavement when the art fair got underway with lawsuits as a result. We solved the problem (kind of) borrowing a piece of old plywood from the friends we were staying with in nearby Okemos. I put it under our grey rug over the hole and duct taped all around it. A few people still tripped on the plywood, but it pretty much solved the problem.
We had exhibited at the East Lansing Art Fair many times in the p[ast, and usually set up in the parking lot, but construction around town forces the committee to reconfigure the show and spread it out on local streets. We were worried about whether people would come out because it was hard to get into town. But the crowds did come... especially on Saturday. The show organizers had remote parking and lots of shuttle busses to bring patrons into the art fair.
Our sales were great on Saturday. We far surpassed last years Saturday sales and then far surpassed last year's total sales. We had visions of some great sales totals if Sunday was anywhere near as good as Saturday. But it didn't happen. Our Sunday sales were dismal, amounting to less than half of what we sold on Sunday last year. It always amazes me how an art fair crowd can be so different from one day to the next. There was great karma and buying energy on Saturday, but nothing on Sunday.
Packing up was pretty easy. I had moved my trailer on Saturday evening from the trailer parking lot (which was a good six blocks from my booth) and snuck it into a car parking garage less than a block away from the booth. I knew trailers were not allowed in that lot, but I took a chance. Unfortunately, I found a parking ticket on my trailer on Sunday evening when I went to retrieve it. While I was breaking down the booth one of the volunteers overheard me telling Marcia about the ticket. She told us that the Art Fair would take care of any parking tickets that us artists collected. I happily turned over the parking ticket to her, and thanked her. Nice policy.
All in all, we sold over $1000 more this year than we did last year, so it was a good show... especially since our travel expenses were so low. Travel was less than 2 hours from home and we stayed with friends instead of a hotel. It could have been a GREAT show if sales on Sunday came through but I'm happy.
Comments
What a great result John, congratulations ... and on a permanent gallery too! Imagine what 2 great buying days could do!!!
And, yes. I did have a lot of small sales. 22 transactions on Saturday averaging $100. But one of them was a big one. A $900 canvas. So, discounting that one big sale, the average was only about $50. Interesting... Seems like the market, for the most part, is still going for the small stuff.
Wow, Warren. What a difference! I talked to six or seven artists around me (on MAC Ave) an all of them had a good day on Saturday. Sunday was mixed. some did well, some didn't. Where were you located?
The fan is great. Should dry that carpet in no time. Thanks for letting us use it, Nels.
Kinda scary, opening a gallery here in Saugatuck where 75% of them fail. But, as much as I admire Lars (who, in his 90s, was exhibiting at the E. Lansing Art Fair last weekend), I can't see myself putting up this tent every weekend for more than a few more years. My wife, Marcia, seconds that decision. I'm going to be 68 this year and its time to start establishing a permanent exhibit space.
Hey neighbor. I like what you did up front, the color on the walls is righteous.
Oh Jeez! Iam stealing John's thread.
He is opening a gallery in Saugatuck right next to wife's, Ellen.
Great show review, I wish I had been picked to show, but alas, no go this year--but, Saint Louis does beckon.
Here is hoping it is a great summer for both of us.
I look forward to seeing you at Ida Reds, the worlds best breakfest restaurant bar none.
PS. Hope the fan helped. Nels.
Yeh! Great to make good money close to home and especially to hear of improving sales at a show you've done right through the "Great Recession." I'm not going to get carried away here with excitement about that but am quietly cheering!
Thanks for the review, John.
I know this show really wants to take care of their artists, but what a headache rerouting the show and changing the layout from year to year as they work to make it work for everyone. Also, it really helps that artists are so resourceful. You can fill potholes, you can jury rig to secure your booth, you can scoot out of parking tickets!
Here's a news article from the show: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20130518/NEWS01/30518003...