Just got back from a one day show in South Bend, IN, run by Shireen Kline. It's called "For The Love of Art". Beautiful venue in downtown South Bend. Host hotel was an equally cool Hilton Doubletree. It's even connected to the Century Center, where the show takes place. She uses the 2 ballrooms at the center where roughly 45-50 artists have their spaces, with pipe and drape and electricity if you need it. Space fees start at $165 for a 10x10. No extra fee for a corner, which I really appreciated.
Show is always the first weekend in March. Weather was cold with flurries but people still came out. Large parking lot ($5) and an entry fee of $7. Setup was easy thru four dock doors and plenty of large, carts available. Same with takedown.
I've never seen a promoter with so much energy. She had a great team of volunteer helpers to answer all questions quickly. Entertainment was excellent - She even had a poetry slam. Country duo, Rock duo, and a youth chamber quartet. With the room being small, the entertainment was never overpowering. Lunches were delivered from 3 area restaurants and delivered to your booth by Shireen and the volunteers. Storage in two corners of the floor. Raffle prizes given thruout the event and at the end, awards for the artists.
Everyone seemed to be happy with their sales, making their expenses and a bit more. Doesn't sound like much but She is still trying to get this event going strong. I could see great things in the future for this show. Would be worth a try if you don't have to travel too far. I live in Naperville and the trip was a doable 2 1/2 hrs one way.
Keep this little gem in mind for 2018! A very fun, very 'chill' time was had by all.
Comments
I did Barrie! Here's to 2018.
Show is mid-February in 2018. You apply again? I bet you did! Sounds like a great indoor show. WOOHOO!
You bet Christina. It is nice to have something positive to say. Keeping an eye on this show!
Such a treat to read a positive show review, with positive comments too...sounds like this could just get better and better...thanks for sharing it with us, Alison.
I was there as well. I was just as impressed with Shireen's energy level and the helpfulness of the volunteers, the environment, etc. We did well, especially for a first time at this show. There was an impressive array of great, diverse art work. I found my secret giftee. That was a lot of fun for me to put a face to the name. Every artist that I spoke with was positive, friendly and encouraging. There was a way to order electricity, which I completely spaced, and was sorry about it since I make jewelry and it can be hard to notice if there's not light right on it.
My husband cuts semiprecious gemstone cabochons. (I use them to put in jewelry). He got lots and lots of lookers at his stones which made it more fun for him.
I would definitely do this show again.
Sounds like a fun event. Sometimes it's a relief to do a smaller show, especially indoors. Less noise, less walking to get from the entry to the shows, more attention to artists from the promoter, etc. Wishing I lived closer, for sure!