This is my favorite show of the year because it is in my neighborhood, it is run by local artists as a non-profit event, locals get an extra jury point and it defies the usual logic of "if it has music and dance and kid stuff I ain't going near it". Buffalonians adore this show. We also do Allentown (the "biggie") and by an enormous margin, Elmwood is the show of choice. There is something about the atmosphere that makes people happy and happy people buy stuff.
I took a picture at set up so you can see the neighborhood
The show is on one street, 180 exhibitors, culturals on side streets or set up in front of driveways where artists can't set up.They take those booths down at night.
The show ends with a children's parade (don't scoff, it is great) and that sort of keeps shoppers from leaving early because everyone wants to see it
Most of the people I talked to had a good show, as did I. If you can take one more ramble about trinkets. I'll tell you about the cards. Last week, in discussion with a couple of other exhibitors and with the encouragement of some members here, I decided to try reproducing my collage on cards to see how they would sell. I am not a photographer, but I have a decent camera and a nodding acquaintance with photoshop. So, some came out well, others defied my attempts to try to make them copy like they were meant to look. But I figured this was sort of a focus group experiment to see if they were even a possibility.I sold them at $4 each, 3 for $10. I made $300 on them. Well, alrighty then! And I don't hate making them. That seems to be the secret. For me, at least. Bulk up the bottom line with "trinkets" that don't require a lot o time or that tie you to the work bench making things that sap your creative energy. The word "eureka" comes to mind although that smacks of hyperbole.
The Craft Hut is back in storage, the rest of the year is indoors and I have nothing except a visit to the West Coast and family before the next one in November.
I may read a book today.
Comments
I really enjoyed the photos and comments Pat and others.
Well done Pat, the cards look great and $300 is great - pays for gas and food and a bit extra! I keep trying to find my "magic" piece that is low cost, easy and quick to produce that will sell like hotcakes to all and sundry, but no success for me so far. Good to know someone has found it though :)
this is also my favorite show. i live just arround the corner on auburn ave.
when i opened up this artfairs blog, the picture shows my glass boothon the left habnd side accross from the red truck. thank you
Ahem, ahem!! And a fine time it was with you and Russell!
I love what you are doing with your cards Pat - they are wonderful, and a perfect solution to making individual mini collages - which should be priced according to the amount of time you put into them. You could even wholesale them now!
And here is another one that I took of the crowd from last year...
Here's a photo from last year's parade...
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