We have just returned from an art show in Lincoln, IL. The weekend is an event of Art and Balloon's (Hot Air Balloons). And is produced by the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. On our arrival at 7:00 Saturday morning as we were approaching Lincoln on the Interstate Hwy, we were greeted by no less than 24 balloons in the air. It was a great welcome to the weekend. I wish I could have gotten a pix, but driving seemed a little more important at the time.
The art show is in the downtown area in a 1 square block area. Some booths are around the parameter of the park, with others on the sidewalk in the park. Most, if not all booths are able to accommodate driving your car right up to your booth for loading and unloading. A very important feature for us, these days.
The show started out a little slow on Saturday morning. There were people viewing the art, but not really buying. This was a change from last year, where buying started early. But as the weekend progressed, the buying kicked in and most artists were happy. We ended up selling our largest piece. Lincoln 2012 is now our 10th best show of all times (in 7 years) Yeah! And it is a 21% increase from last year, which was a decent year also.
We did have some weather challenges. The winds kicked up on Saturday afternoon. There were some very high gusts. To the point that our tent frame has now taking on a new shape. :) Sunday brought some minor rain in the morning (much needed). Most of the day was cloudy, but dry. At about 3:00 on Sunday afternoon, they came through the show and told us that a storm was coming and it was ok to pack up early.
The staff and volunteers are very friendly and helpful. They understand the challenges that an artists goes through at a show and are great to work with, at the show. Thank you! We will be returning to Lincoln in 2013!
Comments
I've never ventured out of state yet. Any special things I have to do?
Congrats Colin, glad to hear you had a fantastic show!
When you guys figure it out, let me know. Every show, every year seems to be different.
Thanks Richard and Jacki and Hello Rod!
This coming weekend we are in St. Louis at Queeny Park. We are stocked up and ready to roll!
Colin, glad to hear about the great show for you. That is always something to be glad about. Thanks for the review.
OH - Colin - I did not put 2 and 2 together!! Hi buddy!! Glad you did well.
My brother lives in Springfield and has told me I REALLY need to drive south (from Madison WI) to participate in their big art fair. Nice to see people buying in Lincoln and ILL in general.
"loading and unloading" is near the top of my list also in making a "good show" (I suppose "selling" is at the top LOL).
In Wisconsin I have seen no drop off from last year and I thought LAST year was a good year. Making 8-10 times buy-in (or is that poker lingo, I get mixed up) seems to be my norm. So I can't say things are picking up but they are not fading.
I would like to see charts on when things actually sell (in general). Maybe I'll do that next year as it seems mornings are generally slower, and the afternoon crowd buy the big pieces once they have seen then 2 or 3 times and thought about it.
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