We are scurrying to get those last minute details done, the van packed, the dog sitter ready, and we plan to roll out to Novi for the Great Lakes Art Fair. We like to find art fair insiders where we go... so i am wondering who will be there? Hope we can cath up, say hello, and get to know you. We are in booth 507. Drop a line if you will be there!
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Great review Barbara. I guess I missed the police action because we went and ate dinner first, then when we came back to load, we got in easily and right to our booths. Such a bummer that this was your third time and it didn't improve! I did hear that the bldg is bought and paid for by the owner so I wonder how much he really cares or puts into our show. As you said, besides the art fair, there were 2 other events going on at the same time, with the huge circus next door.
In assessing the weekend i would say that Great Lakes was OK - not brilliant, but we did make our expenses with a small amount of profit. We had wonderful artist neighbors... and it was a delight to see the amazing work of such talented artists. I still want this show to be so much more amazing - and this year it seemed that some of the crowd was unintentional art fair goers... who came for the circus, but discovered they oversold circus tickets and had no room for them. At the end of the show there was a bit of disturbing police activity - apparently one jeweler claimed theft of merchandise, and the police had two women and were going through their rolling cart just outside the office. So unnecessary.
And thankfully this year we were not next to the gutter guy, or the Boyne Mountain vacation hawker..... but there seems to be more of the commercial business booths there... One of the fiber artists was telling me she was loosing her mind because she was next door to the "wooly ball" dryer ball guy... and one can only imagine what comments come from a product titled "wooly balls".
I always have higher hopes for this show. The artists are so talented, and the quality of work is amazing.... but the crowds that come out are not always buyers. Friday was very sleepy (we wondered seriously, making less than $100 that first day), Saturday was busy, with a good buying audience, but sunday was lookie lou sunday.
Agree with Alison on the load in and load out.... brilliant. Staff was friendly and helpful, I did see news media there. but overall its up in the air if i will choose to apply again. Third time, same result.
Welllll, I just barely made expenses. :( However my gf selling her beautiful clothing, did well. I do hope the show goes from 3 days to 2 as Friday is totally a waste of time. I so want to love this show again. It's frustrating. Was very surprised at how much more 'craftiness' and buy/sell was there. Lots of fine artists, so don't get me wrong, but not the show I remember doing quite well at. Of course load in and out was a breeze. Total storage behind your booth. So many pluses with this show. At least I got some foiling done and my neighbors were selling some of the most beauty beaded jewelry that I've ever seen! (and bought, hehe!)
Yeah Alison - and i am glad we are neighbors... your work looks breathtaking. I can hardly wait to see it in person. And i am hopeful this year will be a good one. Last year was sleepy and slow, with light attendance. But then it was the week after Easter, and lots of folks were on vacation or break. See you there!
I'll be there after being gone for 6 yrs. Going to give it another go! I'm in 510 so right down the block from you! My strategy is that hopefully after being gone for years, that they will all welcome me with open wallets, AH I mean arms. Good luck and safe travels!