I am considering applications to either the Jacksonport Maifest in Door County and the Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg Ill near Chicago. Both are on Memorial Day weekend... does anybody have any information about these shows?
I have done the Maifest in Jacksonport many many times.....I am a sports artist.....and I sell a lot of Packers, Bears art and some landscapes there. I usually do about 6 times entry fee....which mean that this is average two day show.....crowd is better on Saturday....there is lots of fine art but also lots of homemade crafts......and a little buy and sell, but not much.....lots of people looking and without bags.....I think this show is part entertainment for the tourists.....I noticed that beer and brats sales appear to be great.......can be cold and windy....so dress warm.....but mostly the weather is sunny and nice esp in the afternoon. Easy load and unload. And of course Door County is scenic....but I admit that I am biased....I live in a nearby county, in Oconto, Wi.
This year.....I applied for the other Door County show on the same weekend.....this is definitely a fine art show.....it is at Sturgeon Bay run by the City of Sturgeon Bay Chamber.....my local fine art friends tell me that they have been doing well at this show......I have known about it and have finally decided to try it.....it is a juried show....but if I dont get in Ill go to Jacksonport....
Jacksonport is on what is called "The Quiet Side" of Door County, meaning the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula rather than the tourist-trafficked bay side. It's a small quiet show, not worth a long travel unless you want to treat yourself to one of the best vacation spots Wisconsin offers.
I've done the Prairie Arts Festival for nearly 20 years now (and have amassed a following). It's well run and has good quality artwork. The staff at the art center there turn cartwheels for artists and they are not greedy, as you can see by the fee schedule, which has barely increased over the years. There are a few purchase awards which are nice. In recent years , sales have slumped somewhat (where haven't they), making some exhibitors just decide to take the weekend off. Although the material doesn't indicate it, Friday night setup is allowed and makes it a lot easier.
I have been to Prairie Fest and it is a nice festival. It is in a very nice setting but load in/out may not be easy as there are hilly areas and areas with steps. You may want to ask about that. Schaumburg is in a densely populated area, not dependent on tourists, so the turnout should be good and not as weather dependent as a Door County show may be.
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This year.....I applied for the other Door County show on the same weekend.....this is definitely a fine art show.....it is at Sturgeon Bay run by the City of Sturgeon Bay Chamber.....my local fine art friends tell me that they have been doing well at this show......I have known about it and have finally decided to try it.....it is a juried show....but if I dont get in Ill go to Jacksonport....
I've done the Prairie Arts Festival for nearly 20 years now (and have amassed a following). It's well run and has good quality artwork. The staff at the art center there turn cartwheels for artists and they are not greedy, as you can see by the fee schedule, which has barely increased over the years. There are a few purchase awards which are nice. In recent years , sales have slumped somewhat (where haven't they), making some exhibitors just decide to take the weekend off. Although the material doesn't indicate it, Friday night setup is allowed and makes it a lot easier.