Mt Dora is a lovely location. I did their October show in 2011 and did great, so I applied for 2012 as soon as they opened for applications. Sadly, I did not get in but was told to try in 2013 since they have different jurors every year, so I have submitted my application. They also suggested the spring show as an alternative. This is a smaller show (and less expensive) which they are trying to expand. It is definitely both arts and crafts, and someone came around before the end of the show to verify that everything was handmade and that I was the artist. I didn't see everything, but what I saw appeared to be nice quality. Given that Mt Dora attracts crowds, I applied and was accepted.
Everything started out very well. In fact, I have never been to a more organized show! They assured me that the same practices are going to be implemented for the fall show, too. I opted to "dolly in", which guaranteed me a parking space. Unbelievably, I was assigned to a lot right behind my booth location and it was easy-in, easy-out at the start and end of the day, which was a 100% difference from my 2011 fall experience. All during the show, there was a huge presence of red-shirted show officials and volunteers ready to help, as well as a significant police presence which was very effective in getting cars towed from the streets so we could set up. Set-up and break-down were a breeze, except for the storm that ended the show early on Sunday. I was packed up with a wet tent and on the road by about 3:15.
Now for the problem. Lots of people, lots of visits to my booth, lots of be-backs, lots of oohs and aahs, but not so many sales. I did not cover my expenses, given the price of gas for an over 350-mile round trip and hotel for 2 nights.
I make jewelry, and there were a lot of jewelry artists there. In fact, from my booth I could see 6, 3 of which were right across the street. None of us sold much jewelry, although other items seemed to sell well. The man next to me makes very nice wooden kitchen items and I think he did well, and the couple on the other side make charming copper garden/lawn ornaments and I know they did well because I could hear people buying! The good news for them is that they are fairly local, so they could stay at home.
The couple across from me sold barely any jewelry, but sold lots of other non-jewelry items. They told me they did the same show last year and did very well, but thought of one explanation for low sales. Apparently, last year there was an adjacent antiques and boat show, which brought in more crowds who could see arts/crafts/boats/antiques all in one fell swoop...maybe that explains it?
Comments
Alan, I missed your comment offering to look at my application to Mt Dora fall show, where I did not get in. I don't know if it is too late, nor how to show you my app, but if you are still offering, let me know. I've learned a few things since then by reading some of the mock jury info here. I usually show items using different techniques/styles, thinking I need to show diversity...but not so, it seems. I will start to send photos that show a cohesiveness. I also need to spiff up my display a bit. I need some blow-up photos for the back wall, for one thing. I have a lovely Trimline tent that I won through ArtFairInsiders, so that helps with a more polished look.
Sadly, I did not get into the Mt Dora fall show this year. Maybe next year.
For some reason I haven't been getting emails regarding comments on this topic, but it looks like Connie's and other people's questions were answered. I have already applied for the October show and will check out the February show. I've also applied for the Cape Coral show in January 2014. I can't remember if I posted about this show that I did this past January, but I will if I haven't since it was everything I hoped it would be. So far, these have been my best shows. I knew the March show was a gamble, but I was hoping for better. It is true the weather wasn't the best, but I also didn't follow my own rule of visiting a show before applying. That is still no guarantee, but it works for me.
oops...Orlando
In Florida, near Orlanda, cute little town.
Connie - Same location as the Fine Arts in February, Run by a completely different group though.
Hi there. We have done the March and October shows since 2011. March has always been about 75% of October sales, but this year it was pitiful. I spoke with about a dozen vendors that I know and they were consistently off by at least 50% from last March. I believe this was mostly due to a horrible weather forecast on Saturday, and horrible weather on Sunday. We normally see upwards of 80,000 visitors at this show (compared to 300k+ in October) and I don't think we saw 25,000. Attendance was simply horrible, and this is a numbers game.
The Tavares Boat show was the same weekend this year, so that is not the issue
Both Craft shows (February is fine art) are run by the Merchant's association, and have been for some time.
We have a new director, Janet, and she was very, very active, but this was her first show, perhaps some impact but not that big a deal
The reader boards on the major roadways erroneously read "Antiques" and that may have had some impact.
Keep applying for the fall show, new jurors every year, 1000 application and 400 spots. For a show with the logistical nightmares that come with this venue, they do an amazing job. We will make up for this one in October (if we clear the jury!)
Hi Carol, I was at the February show and the sales were really good. I don't don't know the logistics of that show vs. the March show, as it was my first time doing Mt. Dora, but it too was well run and organized. It seems that everyone from Central Florida came down for it- it was crowded and people were buying all around me. Plus, there was a boatload of awards ,spread out very fairly (good for me), and it seemed that the town really supported the show. Load in and out was a bit of a nightmare as the police were very particular, but still it seemed that the show was laid out and organized for the ease of all the people coming to buy, which is the purpose, after all. I had a good first experience. Is it the same group that puts on both shows?