Last Call Starving Artist show in Highwood, IL, Sept 15 & 16 was an unmitigated disaster.
The show had to move because of street construction so it wasn't on a main street as it had been in the past. In fact, you couldn't even see the show from a main street although there were plenty of signs directing you to the show. Because of this, the promoter offered the artists a chance to withdraw from the show. I would have to say that a lot of the artists took advantage.
Becky Bibro was in town so we dragged the husbands and met at the show. It was held in a park that had a sidewalk around the perimeter so getting around was easy. The booths were generously spaced about 10 feet apart. There were tables and chairs in the middle because there was supposed to be a Taste of Highwood going on during the show. There was a stage for music and the music was appropriate to the venue. We were able to make it through the entire show in about an hour.
So how did we make it through in such a short time? Well, it seems as if every third booth was a sponsor booth. The Amway guys did have a microphone but it was not loud at first and I believe it was turned off completely. A lot of the booths were not what anyone here would consider art worthy of an art festival. It was the kind of stuff you would find at flea markets. We left at noon but there was no Taste of Highwood that we could see.
This has been a weak show since it started a few years ago but this year was the absolute worst. I feel very badly for the real artists who participated. It was a sparse crowd when we left but I hope it was a buying crowd so the artists can make some money.
One thing that did impress me was that I saw the promoter sweeping leaves off the sidewalk and she was also very visible, visiting all the booths and speaking with the artists.
Comments
Why so many sponsor booths at a show marketed as a starving artist show? I would have thought that the style wouldn't have been appropriate for sponsors!
I did make a little money at the show as did some of the others we talked to even with the thin crowds. Actually, I think I made more than the year I did Mt. Mary.
Just about every artist has overstock that they'd rather make some money from rather than let it pile up, overstock, ideas that didn't work, misfires, etc. The concept of this show, not unlike the popular Starving Artists Show in Mt. Mary in Milwaukee and the Garage Sale Art Fair in Kalamazoo, can work for artists. Purposely the fees are low and its a chance to move some art. Why it hasn't taken off better in this area is a mystery to me. I hope Sunday was better.
Sheila, your work is very pretty and it doesn't surprise me that you made booth fee. You are one of the few quality artists there. Sorry I didn't mention you in my write up.
It was great meeting you too. I look forward to seeing your new venture.
. I'm doing the show this year. I was going to back out when the venue changed, but I decided to give it a shot. The photographer next to me didn't sell a single print today, and my husband talked to a number of other artists who were disappointed with sales, so I felt lucky to have at least made booth fee. The crowd did pick up some in the afternoon. If more people show up tomorrow, I could end up with a small profit.
It's too bad the show doesn't garner more community interest. The booth fee was relatively low, and with more buying patrons, a higher quality of artist surely would apply. The park setting was very pleasant and I enjoyed the live music.
. It was great meeting you and Becky today, Geri!