We just got back from the Country Folk Art Festival in St. Charles, IL, and it is good to see a part of the country where prosperity seems to be intact and flourishing. My work (Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired etchings) was very well received with good sales for most people. Don't let the "country" throw you, this was for the most part upscale, well-made work. Although it is a thirty-year old show, this particular show has gone through a down cycle and now, under new ownership, is on its way back. It has a loyal following in the greater Chicago area.
Traditional artists and craftspeople are needed, however, especially in certain specific areas. It is good to help grow a show, and if you happen to be a potter, producer of wearables, maker of silver, pewter or cast iron objects, possibly even a photographer, consider submitting for the spring show - March 22, 23, 24, 2013.
Robin Reed is adamant about no buy-sell. Her insistence on quality will hold her in good stead with artists and craftspeople. Her booth prices are very fair. Being new to the biz there are a few odds and ends she still needs to be work out, but altogether we were very pleased with the show's production.
Comments
Dayton, OH is roughly 340 miles from St. Charles. I chose it because I wanted to do a well-established show in Illinois. Never done one there before. The greater Chicago area seemed to be making an economic come back according to my research on the demographics. I look at new housing starts, employment, medium income, etc. Talking to Robin on the phone was useful. also. If several factors from different sources corroborate, I'm willing to give it a go.
It is always great to hear about a show fixing itself! Especially one that has been around for awhile. Thanks for this info. How far do you live from this event? What made you choose to do it?
Robin Reed is the show's promoter. Her organization, Art of the Heartland, produces several shows in Illinois. I honestly don't know if it was ever called Art Plus show. Yes, we are planning to do the spring show. One issue has been to find accommodations that fulfill our needs. The Friday evening drive from Naperville back to the fairgrounds, only eleven miles, was nightmarish. But we like to cook our own food at Extended Stay America.
Is this a reincarnation of the old Art Plus show? If so, I did it about twenty years ago.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
This sounds good Christine. Glad you had a good show. Is Robin Reed an artist or the show director? Or, is she a show director that has a booth?
Are you planning on doing the spring show, too?