The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival in The Woodlands, TX, runs a unique program that gets their most interested patrons to the show to buy. Friday night preview includes a "Dash" ($125 @) and then for an additional $150 the patron gets to dash to grab art, donated by participating artists. It raises $$$ for charity and builds excitement for the festival with s preview that benefits all involved.
The rest of the story: "http://m.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/dozens-
dash-for-waterway-arts-festival-art/article_bff010e7-d8a0-5090-92b7-10da99ae77e6.html?mode=jqm
Glad to know the donation was not required, Al. There are many shows that ask for a piece for an auction, but rarely do they ever put a $$ value on it. We always would donate to these auctions as it was a good way to get publicity ahead of time (and if it was a show we really wanted to do again, always felt it was good to be a team player and help the event while we were helping ourselves.)
Everything I've heard about this show has been so top notch, that is why I added this article to the blog. Getting patrons involved and enthusiastic about the shows is so important. I had the show director, Jenny Wright, on a podcast a while back where we talked about that exact thing. Here that is.
I participated in The Woodlands Waterway's Art Dash this weekend and it was actually a terrific event. Participation was certainly not required-- artists who donated a piece valued at $150.00 or more, as I and most others did, were invited to attend the event with a guest. It was an unusually classy affair, as these things go, with a huge attendance, lots of energy and interest, and great food in a nice setting. I'd do it again and certainly didn't feel "nickel and dimed". I have my share of gripes about the art fair business but this is not one of them.
Sandra, I have never been to a show that required a $100 minimum art donation. Never had a minimum ever, so you are in a different tier of shows altogether. Cannot even imagine it, especially since none of my pieces are even close that price range.
I've said this elsewhere. When artists are required to donate a piece of art (often $100 minimum) on top of the booth and jury fees, things get expensive very quickly. So often the auctions (much less a dash-and-grab) bring patrons to the artists' booth bragging about what a bargain they got or--God forbid--wanting to exchange their auction purchase for something else in the booth. I really don't like competing with myself for sales. Am I the only one who doesn't like being nickel-and-dimed at a show?
Comments
Glad to know the donation was not required, Al. There are many shows that ask for a piece for an auction, but rarely do they ever put a $$ value on it. We always would donate to these auctions as it was a good way to get publicity ahead of time (and if it was a show we really wanted to do again, always felt it was good to be a team player and help the event while we were helping ourselves.)
Everything I've heard about this show has been so top notch, that is why I added this article to the blog. Getting patrons involved and enthusiastic about the shows is so important. I had the show director, Jenny Wright, on a podcast a while back where we talked about that exact thing. Here that is.
And, here is another good article from the Houston News to fill out more info about this show: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/woodlands/news/waterway-arts-festiva...
I'm pretty sure that the Dillion Arts Festival sweepstakes is entirely funded by the promotor.
Glad it worked out for you.
How about a show that requires either an art piece donation ($50 minimum on this one) OR a cash donation of $50?
Sandra, I have never been to a show that required a $100 minimum art donation. Never had a minimum ever, so you are in a different tier of shows altogether. Cannot even imagine it, especially since none of my pieces are even close that price range.
I've said this elsewhere. When artists are required to donate a piece of art (often $100 minimum) on top of the booth and jury fees, things get expensive very quickly. So often the auctions (much less a dash-and-grab) bring patrons to the artists' booth bragging about what a bargain they got or--God forbid--wanting to exchange their auction purchase for something else in the booth. I really don't like competing with myself for sales. Am I the only one who doesn't like being nickel-and-dimed at a show?
The Dillon Arts Festival for several years has offered $500 and $1000 shopping sprees to attract buyers. Details https://stiltwalker.com/arts/promoting-the-dillon-arts-fest...