Most artists I spoke with had a good show, as did we. The weather was not co-operative: cold on Saturday and with occasional rain on Sunday. This did hurt attendance, but those who show-up were there for a reason: to shop!
Once again, Howard Alan & Co. did a magnificent job co-ordinating the event. Set-up and tear-down could be a nightmare, but thanks to the vigilant staff (made up of fellow artists, with Howard and Debbie ever-present) it went smoothly. The booths are set in a large park in the middle of a traffic circle, around which every car on Longboat Key must travel. The staff seemed to know every artist by name, and co-ordinated the movement of every vehicle, which worked wonderfully.
There are a lot of entertaining places to visit in Sarasota if one is staying over. The Ringling Museum of Art, which includes the Circus Museum and the Ringling Mansion, is a must-see attraction. The Selby Botanical Gardens, which are very pretty, are pricey at $19. There are several theaters, including the Asolo Theater at on the Ringling, where I saw a terrific performance of a comedy by Christopher Durang. And there is a very popular Comedy Club.
For Nels: Perhaps the best part of visiting Sarasota is the Early-Bird-Special, available at many restaurants. The best, said with no fear of contradiction, is at Libby's Cafe. They serve a three-course gourmet dinner from 3:30 to 5:30 weekdays for $16, including a glass of wine. Happy hour starts at 4:00, in case one glass is not enough.
Comments
I'm back from three weeks in Florida. Going back for three shows in March. I try to keep it down to two Florida trips/year, from Texas.
Set-up at St. Armands is all day on Friday, if one has a booth in the park, and Saturday AM for artists on-the-street. Some people prefer the street, at believe it is best for sales. I prefer the Friday set-up. Either way it is easy to include the early bird at Libby's.
It would seem that this would be a horror setting up in a traffic circle. Just think about the logistics of organizing the traffic! Yet, seems the HAE organization has it down to a science.
Travis, how long do you stay in Florida in the winter and where do you stay? Sounds like you are making the most of the area with solid tips on getting some fun out of it. Sounds like on Fridays you can do the Libby's cafe and still be in good shape for setting up on Saturday morning. What time do you do that?
Thanks for the review, S.Travis...sounds like a pretty decent show with many attractions on the side for visitors including the ever popular early bird specials...enjoyed your critique.