Blog

Every year, I do at least one Richard Sullivan show. Richard got his reputation running the Naples National show after Barry Witt stepped down as director. I never did Naples Nat in those days when there was only one show in Naples. Everyone still talks fondly about that show when Richard ran it. These days he runs small boutique shows, 50-90 artists, in upscale areas. Some don't work and they are quickly discarded. Some can be really, really good, like Boca Grande this weekend and Peace River, last weekend. The show is sponsored by the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda. It is a laid back group that appreciates the artists who come to do this show.

I'll first get the negative out of the way. The show can be windy because it is near the Gulf of Mexico. That's it.

Load in is easy. You have all day on Friday to set up. Load out is a little less friendly due to some not so experienced exhibitors who are not schooled in art fair etiquette. It was nothing I couldn't live with. The congestion cleared up soon though and I was done packing in an hour and a quarter, which is somewhat of a record for me.

The artwork runs from really great to flea market quality. I guess it is better to fill the space than to have it empty. It didn't stop the good buyers from coming to the show. People I talked to had good to really good shows. I don't think the crap sellers did very well. Maybe they will stay home next year. If some of you read this and aren't doing anything that weekend maybe you will consider doing this event. The show is heavily weighted in jewelry and clothing, so, there is plenty of room for other mediums. Btw, the clothing people I talked to did well. Geoff Coe was there with his photos and I think he was happy. I think his work is getting better and better. His color sense is excellent. Another high end 2-D painter sold a number of large paintings. I sold a couple of my best pieces, too. The show wasn't crowded. It was nicely attended, though, and the buyers were knowledgeable were willing to spend, if the work was good.

One of the best features of this show, which sets it apart from other shows is that they have a program to house the artists. This is not a limited part of the event. Anyone who wants to stay with a host family can get a place to stay. I stayed with some really great people. I had my own key to come and go when needed to. They made breakfast every morning and, when I didn't go out with other artists, I had dinner with them. They invited me to stay as long as I wanted, so, I stayed an extra day. It was great fun. When I left they gave me some frozen mango slices from their huge mango tree. Mangoes ripen in the fall and they freeze well. They invited me to stay with them any time I'm in Florida.

A word about Boca Grande, this weekends show. It is an island of billionaires. The show isn't well attended but people do come to the show and buy. Those people have means to buy anything they want and some people spend a lot at this event. If you you don't get into Winter Park, you may want to check this show out.