This past weekend I participated in a waterfront show on the grounds of one of the state's foremost hotels. I paid $400 to enter this show (jury fee included). The promotor, in his call for artists blurb, raved about the great sales and huge crowds his show (this being the 5th year) had been experiencing. One would think a place as touristy as this would have more than the average attendance. Perhaps better sales too. However, I noted that this year the show had fewer entrants than last year. (An ominous sign) I also noticed that the amount of advertising that was done was disappointing, as was the signage. Mr. Promo claimed his "regulars" netted "at least $1-2000 above costs." Well now. As an artist who has been selling my stuff for years with varying levels of success at many different shows, I'm here to tell you that the man was blowing smoke. There were maybe 5 painters in this show. Probably 7 photographers and probably 15 jewelers. 2 wood carvers, one of which made big scale model ships and sold them for upwards of $20,000! I mean, he tried to sell them. One of the jewelers had pieces in the thousands, as well, and sold only a couple of small items. The girl next to me who painted very lovely whimsical pieces that were quite popular, did pretty well, but her prices were low, compared to most. I sold two small paintings. Paid for my gas. The fact that the weather was not the greatest, in my opinion, does not account for the low sales. There were plenty of people. People with money. They were not buying much. Period. As is so often the case, the promoter is the one who comes out in the black. 42 spaces x $400 = $16,800. I doubt that sales for that show totaled as much as that. I won't be returning to that show.
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Janet,
I grew up in the area, though have never done a show there. I attended many shows growing up. I agree with Nancy's comments above....there is too much competition from the shops, and the ones who CAN buy, aren't attending. Sorry the show was a bomb, and I will know not to do that show... thanks for the info..
Karole
Yes, Janet glad you named the show so we could add our thoughts .Bar Harbor is always full of people in August but it's not an art buying crowed .The one local gallery owner we know of is barley getting by.This was once a prime art buying area but those folks ,though they live near by don't attend shows in town .
There are some real art galleries nearby in Northeast harbor but it doesn't translate to BH.We summer nearby and visited the show two years ago as we have been doing art shows for 30 years and didn't see any potential at this one .Thanks for your review !
Nancy K
We believe you :-) It's just that inquiring minds want to know the sordid particulars. Since it's in Maine, I won't be applying anyway, but if it was within 300 miles on Indiana I would want to know who, when, where, and how. Cheers :-)
Wow, you folks tend to get a bit testy sometimes...he does not do any other shows. So just don't consider doing the one on the waterfront in Bar Harbor if you believe me. If you don't believe me, have a go at it. Personally, I will not be doing that show again.
If you are calling the kettle black - you should be fearless enough to name the brand. I would think if it is as bad as you seem to portray you would not want to do any of their other shows..
Guess you could call me a chicken--I don't want to name the promoter for fear of reprisal of some kind. The
show was in Bar Harbor Maine. As far as people having money--yes, they did. But they also had a whole town full of shops, galleries, restaurants, etc. in which to spend it. Re: doing his job--the town is ALWAYS full of people; we needed people who were there specifically to view and buy art. Ergo, there was not enough advertising/signage.
I read this as having fewer people than expected, and there was reduced or not as visible signage. I likewise didn't read it as people having money, as high end items weren't selling.
I don't quite understand this. You say there were plenty of people - people with money. Doesn't that mean that the promoter did his job?