Blog

August 5 & 6
Chesterton, Indiana
Presented by the Chesterton Art Center
100 Artists
Deadline: May 15

Application fee: $30
Booth fees: $200 Single/Member; $250 Single/Non-Member; $375 Double/Member; $475 Double/Non-Member

The long running Chesterton Art Fair made a big move in 2016 to Dogwood Park, in the town of Chesterton, less than a mile from I-80 and I-94, making it an easy trip for art patrons from nearby Chicago and Michigan. Artists were rewarded with better sales at this accessible location. 

 

What the artists had to say:

"LOVE the new location!" "Much better fair, plus convenient parking close by. Thank you" "Never sold so much art at one show...the people really came out!" "Much better food choices...thanks." "Great volunteers, so helpful."

 

(Major road construction projects on I-94 and the Indiana Toll Road, and locally Route 49 are finished! Should be smooth sailing ...)

 

In 2017 expect artist demon-strations, live music, a children's art experience booth, homemade food along with local restaurant fare and more. Proceeds from the fair support the Chesterton Art Center and art classes for all age groups.

Marketing: 

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June 11 & 12

• Qualified buyers
• cash awards
• overnight security & free parking
• Artist breakfast

Had not done this show in 20 years.  Might be another 20 before I try it again.

Daytona is an interesting, iconic beach town on Florida's east coast.

They love their car racing, big time here,and they love anything to do with the beach.

Unfortunately, art does not seem to fit into one of their abiding loves.

I am a photographer, so much of my report and perspective of the shows I blog about are based on 2-D observations.  Believe me, I monitor the 3-Dside as well.  After 40 years in the biz, I know a good bag of Kettle Corn from a so-so bag in a spectators hands.

I went to Photo School in Daytona in the early 80-ies.  So I did this show then.  It was a better juried fine art show then.

Believe me, sales were tough then, but now, they are absolutely decrepit.

In the entire show I saw less than a dozen 2-D parcels go down the aisles.  Some of these were  painted palm tree husks that were placed on a plywood base with a hanger.  That is how bad it was.

The show is held by the riverfront downtown.  Runs about three blocks.  Artists are back to back with a wide median in between.  Plenty of room for storage.

Easy Friday setup.  Mellow committee.  Nice awards, some free food.  They try hard and they have a loyal corps of followers.

This was my first show since the great car crash incident into my booth at Bluffton,SC.

I had a LightDome canopy, courtesy of Lou and Terri, and eight Propanels courtesy of my wife, Ellen.

It all went up with stock in less than three hours.  I tore down in one hour.

The potential customers there are thin, very thin.

Not a lot of interest in art or acquiring it.

That said, I barely broke even with expenses, and I was staying with good friends in New Smyrna Beach.

BTW.  Friday night, Hallow-ween, NSB put on a great downtown get together with parades and bar-hopping.  It was great, it put my Ybor City to shame.  No edgy drunks, just lots of people all ages having fun.

I would only recommend this show to someone if they are not coming from afar.  Don't expect a lot, and you will go home happy.

BTW.  I saw very little 3-D purchases in anybody's hands.  The Kettle Corn guy was the king.

I am now parked and waiting to register and setup in Pensacola.  Usually this is a very good show for me, and most others.

I will do a blog next week.

Aloha!  Nels.