Geographically Challenged

Looking at returns on shows, geography and my plans for the year.  I'm going to try to pick up some shows outside the Chicago area for the first time.  To see my reasoning check out my blog: http://heartfirestudios.blogspot.com/2013/01/geographically-challenged.html  ... if you are so inclined I welcome any advice to an artist who is finally going to travel.

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  • A couple more I would consider are Lower Park in Paducah, KY and Salute to the Masters in Fairview Heights, IL.  You may find Paducah on the edge of your boundry, but from what I have heard it is a good show.  I threw my hat in, we'll see! Best of Luck!   

  • Thanks, my list is growing!  I was looking at Talbot St, Belleville and Krasl.  I'll add the others to my list.

  • There are a number of shows within your driving area that are worth doing. I like Talbot Street in Indianapolis, Leeper Park in South Bend, and the Madison IN Chautauqua, for starters. I'd look into the Frankfort IL Fall Festival, Art on the Square in Belleville IL ,and the Krasl in St. Joseph, MI, and I'm sure that others here would have  plenty of suggestions for you. It's fun to get new eyes in your booth!

  • Karen, the problem with the Chicago market is that there is no urgency to buy. I found our sales went up when we stopped advertising what other shows we would be at. When patrons know how many more opportunities there will be it is really eays to say "let me think about it and come see you next week". it is the "be backs" on steroids. halfway through the summer we realized that we had seen many of the same Attendees at earlier shows. so I am hoping that a smaller crowd is ok as long as it is a new crowd.
  • There are many many shows within a 300 mile radius of Chicago. Not all of them are good. Figuring out which ones will work for you, and then getting into them is the real challenge.

    But your logic makes sense. If you can make it work with $400 additional expense and $1000 additional income, that's not a bad return. If. Depends on the price points, the audience, the weather, the economy, whether people like chocolate, etc. etc.

  • Amy, 

    Interesting that you think of yourself as geographically challenged.

    From the perspective of an artist living in the middle of Iowa, I think the theory of the grass being greener on the other side of the fence, needs to come into play here.

    Having multiple shows within range, to NOT require overnight travel expense, should likely be considered an asset.

    That said, I would agree that there is a director on the north side of Chicago, hell bent on killing off the art show venue with oversaturation - and still adding shows.

    But to travel outside that oversaturated venue, also means you leave the population center.  I question if when you add travel expenses to an event in a reduced patron availability area, the results will be any better than events in an oversaturated market, where you can sleep in your own bed every night...

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