The Edina Art Fair is local fair for us, and this was Brian's sixth year. The crowds were good and sales were brisk, despite a distracting neighboring booth. We thank our customers and friends who stopped by to see us!
The vendors at this fair tend to fall into two categories: better-to-great artists and WTF (Wow that's fricking-crazy). WTFers diminish the experience of browsing through the art, because they're not artists. The differentiation is often blurred when one approaches the booth, because it might LOOK like they are selling art. In Edina six years ago, I noticed a booth selling Sprongs shoes. Interesting? Yes. Art? No. As Brian juries into better and better shows, we see the WTF phenomenon less. However at Edina, it seems to increase each year.
Topping the WTF catagory this year was Venture Photography--a portrait studio chain. The booth workers appeared to be college-aged kids on commission. Their objective seemed to get people into the booth, where each would be pressured into purchasing a $500 value certificate for $50. If the kid could not close, the boss man, who had been watching from the street, would come close the sale. These kids would literally follow patrons down the street with an open laptop or book, "Would you like to see our work? Will you give me feedback on my images?" To be fair, though, neither Brian nor I witnessed any waterboarding.
When I asked to meet the photographer, I was told they weren't at the fair, but three new ones had just been hired. Most fair-goers picked up their pace to avoid these relentless young folks, speeded right past real artists' booths without a glance, until they were safely in food territory.
In case my point has not been made, the inclusion of WTF booths along side juried artists seems unjust. It diminishes the reputation of the real artists by association. And it requires fair-goers to ask, "Which are artists and which are con-artists?"
Comments
Yes, thank you Rachel and Connie for helping me understand why this stuff happens. I get that show directors are faced with many restrictions and limitations; and that sponsors are valued. Even though a company pays for sponsorship, I don't believe it should be allowed to disrespect or repel patrons. That said, the following week Venture Photography sponsored Excelsior Art on the Lake. Their booth was next to other sponsors, separate from artists, and the salespeople seemed a lot less aggressive than those at Edina. I don't know the reason for the change in sales tactics, but I have no complaints about this sponsor at Excelsior.
Connie... it was nice to meet you in person at KRASL!
Thanks so much, Rachel, for joining us here and for offering to explain what is going on with your event. Sounds like you got a good endorsement from our most curmudgeonly member, Munks, so we know you can't be all bad ;)
Just as the artists get focused on their personal issues with events it is definitely helpful for them to hear from the other side also and we appreciate your responding. Few events have free rein with how their events are showcased. City regulations, sponsors, fire marshals, keeping the budget balanced, etc., do intrude on how you as the show director want the event to be. It sounds as though you do know that. Thanks for working on the issues that they are concerned with.
So with that said, a lot goes into managing an art show. Remember a lot of show directors have budgets, city officials, layout restrictions, permits, residing businesses, and other restrictions they may have to deal with. I know not all show directors are great but give credit to the ones that truly care and try hard to make their show great ones! I welcome any feedback and comments because my true intention is to make this a great show and continue to do so.
Best,
Rachel Hubbard, BFA Sculpture
I'm not so sure the number of people who came out was an issue; I watched busses and busses of people coming; not to mention the amount of people parking in the neighborhoods. Advertising seemed good; live feed on the morning news, tons and tons of people.
The most difficult part of the show is definately the layout. Originally I didn't want to be in the back lot either, but I spent hours without talking to a single person as I watched the busses drop off and the traffic flowed; the public was very confused as they should be. They headed into the back lot, and then cut accross the bank drive through to the food court; by the time they got back to me (I was on the street in front of the bank and accross from the huge sign welcoming everyone to the art fair) All I saw were glossy eyed zombies heading to the bus stop.
Despite the bad location I still had a decent show. I would do the show again; but I think I would hold out for a booth in the main part of the show.
Connie: That was a nice article. Thanks for forwarding it.
Bruce: I think you could call that insurance requirement "WTF" also!
Ali: Use WTF wherever you deem it appropriate! Spread the word.
Colin Marie, and fellow Edina Fair artists: I admit, next to the WTF booth is a better spot than in the bank parking lot! Is separated by an open street, and patrons must navigate some traffic to get there.. like traveling to an island. I suggest they could put the WTF booths in the bank lot next year! We were disappointed that no music was provided this year. Besides entertaining us, it brings more people. On a positive note: In past years, the traffic on France Ave. was open, so cars would go by inches from the back of the tent. Closing France was a big improvement this year.
We were stuck in the back parking lot this year. It sucked. Like last year, we were waitlisted. Except last year we were on the street amongest the show. This year, we got the parking lot, not amongest the show. We had to pay that $400.00 fee to be where not many ventured. It felt like it was a seperate show. The promoters did not come around our area like they did when we were on the street. We did not really know who the captain was until late Sat. when she was booth sitting across from us. We had idoits driving behind us to get to the bank at unsafe speeds. Even at tear down they were letting cars come in. It was very unsafe all weekend for customers and us artist. This section needs to go to the street where the show is rally happening. Even though we were close to the food area there didnt seem to be music for the whole weekend. Move the entertainment to the ends of streets. Like you, Colin Murray, we are thinking of not accepting anything but the street next year.
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