I hate to write like this about a show.
But you know, I tell it like it is.
Also for all you fearful newbies who think you can never say something negative about a show..because they will blackball you.
BULLSHIT!
I never have been balled yet in 45 years of doing shows and telling about them.
When a show is messing up, I tell about it.
That is why I am telling about this show.
A little history.
Arguebly, the best show in Florida to do on the first weekend in November.
Most of us, for years, have made serious moola at this show.
Here is why.
Tightly juried, around 250 booths.
Only Show Worth doing in the region, if you are selling fine art.
Lots of money there. Nearby Alabama money.
Big Naval base presence.
Strong economy, mellow people.
People turnout strong all three days.
That said, there was little love for the arts this year.
This Show was off by more than 40 per cent for me. Which has been how my whole year is going.
One of my worst in the last decade.
Why!
Here are some of my humble observations after doing this biz for 45 years, and I have always made money.
Here are my creds : I am a photographer doing handcolored b/w and pure color. Price points are $30-$700.
I do 24-28 shows yearly. Do small ones where I only sell $1500, but also do the biggies like Fort Worth, Artisphere, Des Moines, Winter Park and a million others. Sales there are astronomic.
So I got creds. Listen and learn.
So, back to Pensacola.
One reason for poor sales. Extremely cold weather.
Friday morn, I walked to breakfest in 35 degree weather..wearing shorts.
Hey, I am a Florida Cracker, I do not own any long pants, have not worn any in the last 50 years.
We had cloudy sky’s all three days. I was wearing four layers.
It affected attendance, less people to sell to.
Second reason for bad sales.
There was no buying energy at the show. Most attendees were doing the shuffle, barely looking into any booths.
For those of us who need 30-40 sales per show, we were doomed.
For artists who only need a few Whales, they still had a chance.
And most of the show’s sales tended to be big pieces.
Which leads to my third reason.
It has been evident all year that most of our middleclass customers have lowered their purchases.
The Uber wealthy still have the bucks and buy.
That is why I am off by 40 per cent.
And I am not alone. Lots of my fellow artists are the same way.
The Trump tax cut was great for the wealthy but it did help anybody else.
Lastly, I see this show turning more into an event rather than a chance to buy great art.
OK, now I will give some great kudos to the show organizers
When you get your acceptance the show keeps you constantly in the loop about everything you need to make this a success.
They are generous with their booth spaces. Plenty of storage in the rear and sometimes on a side.
Great volunteers, great boothsitters, a feel of making you feel special to be there.
Great artist party, yummy food.
Great booze booths at the show. For $5 each you can imbibe like a king.
Mellow setup the day before. Teardown can be a bit tenuous.
So here is my final assessment.
I am afraid this show is turning into more of an event where art buying is an afterthought.
Lots of People hobnobbing with friends in front of your booths.
Lots of People walking their prize dogs. They , the people, not the dogs, rarely buy. If you are lucky, the dogs choose not to take a dump near you.
If so, pray it is a small dog.
Too much People-smoozing, and, the artists are losing.
That is it, I am out of here.
Later Gators.
Comments
It is my best show in the country, for four years in a row.
Setup is easy just get there early
Ah, mainstreet, my first year there, how was it for you? Seems like parking during setup will be trying. Anyway, always enjoy reading your posts, intelligent, objective, well written.
Sorry Barry, I am not doing Artigras. Done with it, instead I am doing the Sanibel Show that same weekend.
I have a strong schedule.
Jan. Cape Coral, Sebastian And Images, New Smyrna.
Feb. Ft. Myers, Sanibel, And Art Fiesta,NSB.
Mar. A killer month, Gasparilla , w/l Vero, Winter Park and w/l Bayou City
April got Woodlands so far, finally out of Main Street after being in five years in a row.
Gag!!! I used the word "pare" instead of "pair". The shame of it. I wish I could edit after I post. I never proof read.
You've been mirroring what I've heard from others about the early season (November-January) shows in Florida. Either they are really good, or, are really bad. It's about 50-50. Good luck picking the good ones. There's no logic to it. This info is from word of mouth, which is more reliable than anything on social networking sites. I never trust what people say on social networking. There is always the one person who did great who posts what a fantastic show they just did. What isn't said is that nobody else did any biz. People who don't do well don't say anything because they don't want to look like a loser. In this case, it had to be the weather. People don't come out up north in cold weather, let alone Florida. This show was fun to do when I could pare this with the Disney Masters show. Since Disney doesn't exist anymore, it's hard to come down for one show and they go back home.
I suspect you are right about the sham tax cut. The resistance started last year when people who were expecting a refund, ended up paying instead. The weather has been a huge factor, for me. I only did one show this year where the weather was normal. It was either 95 degrees or 40 degrees. Des Moines was so hot that I almost couldn't make it around the show without passing out. Who's going to buy in those conditions?
I'm only coming down for only 4 shows this year. I hope I picked the good ones. I'm leaving Florida earlier than I ever have, after ArtiGras. I'll be there just long enough to get acclimated to the warm temps and then back up north to the Garage Sale.
I didn't lose money this year, only because I did 4 (or was it 6?) more shows than last year and that included St Louis. So far, I am doing 2 shows I've never done before, Cottonwood and Artisphere. In fact, they are a weekend apart. A nice casual 1000 mile drive. I hope it's worth it.
Nels, I'll at least see you at ArtiGras. Speaking of ArtiGras, I am glad I am not going, once again, to the Grove. This year they added a Rock concert on Friday night. That aught to be fun during setup. Anyone remember what it was like when BTO played CG? Apparently, the committee doesn't remember or doesn't care.