Just returned from The Kenan's Center 100 American Craftsmen show in Lockport NY and thought I do a review. I've done this show for 4 years and it is truly a pleasure to do. There are only 100 artists and it is located in the skating rink building on the grounds of the Kenan center. Load in is extremely easy as you can pull right up to one of the garage style doors that open on all around 2 sides of the building. Set up is Thursday and Friday till 3:00 so you have all kinds of time. We set up on Thursday and had Friday morning free, so we went to Niagara Falls (about 1/2 hour drive). This show has some of the nicest artwork I've seen in my travels and a lot of it compares to the ACC show in quality. There is a preview night on Friday night that runs 5:00-9:00 and my sales were about $1,000.00 for that evening opening, so they do buy then. After we close, we all go over to the Kenan Mansion (BEAUTIFUL) for a dinner party with lots of good food (Sushi if you hurry), an open bar and live music. Sunday morning they have a meeting and provide breakfast. The artists are asked for our suggestions or comments which are written down and many times implemented for the following year. During the show, there are floor aids that will bring you complimentary ice teas, water or coffee all day, every day. they also will watch your booth for bathroom breaks. I personally have never been treated so well by a show!
The skating rink has a metal roof, so using the square in 'offline' mode saved me this year. In previous years, it was a struggle to process credit cards and probably was this year for the artists that don't use square. Also the building is not air conditioned and can be a little toasty, so dress light and bring your fan. Sales were good for me this year, but not up to the previous fantastic years I've had there. Maybe the weather was too nice, I was really hoping for rain and we had perfect sunshiny days. Anyway, really worth a shot for high quality work.
Comments
Thanks for this. I lived in Lockport during my teen years and early 20's. Now that I am more skilled in my craft, I will consdier applying to this show and if I get in, have the opportunity to visit with old friends :0)