For the third year, we attended the Old Hilliard Art Fair in Old Hilliard, OH, a suburb on the western side of Columbus, held this year on Saturday, Sept. 14. For two years it has been something of a middling show, but it's not that far of a trip for us and it's only a one day show.
This year, however, this became the ugly stepchild of the Old Hilliard Street Fair. The entire venue was put on an empty grass lot off the beaten path while the buy-sell and "crap" booths occupied main street and its immediate offshoots. Just to make sure that there were enough distractions to keep people away from the art part, a kids' activities sections was added within easy eyesight and easier access.
The end results was that attendance in the arts section was anemic, to say the least. This time, we did not make booth. Attendance for the street fair and kids' section was not bad, but it never filtered to the arts part. We realize now that the arts council has no support from the local community. Although the field was marked off for the designated booths, someone had parked a car right in the middle of one of those spaces during the night. Why? Because, while all the other areas that would be part of the street fair had posted temporary "No Parking" signs put up by the police department, they conveniently forgot about the artists.
In conclusion, there is no way that we would even suggest that anyone attend a future incarnation of the Old Hilliard Art Fair. Because there is no Old Hilliard Art Fair, only an area designated for "artists." during a street fair. When the local arts council can obtain local support for their activities, we'll be happy to take another look. But for now, good bye Old Hilliard.
As a parting remark, we have had some very successful shows in Ohio. The best have always had the support of the local Chamber of Commerce. Lesson learned. As we continue in our art show endeavors, it's something we will keep an eye out for.
I wish all a good show!
Comments
Kristin, the kid's area didn't block the art fair side of this event, it was just another distraction that drew people away from us. We heard last year that the Mayor didn't want us at this event, and I think that attitude is showing itself. We attend other shows that take over the downtown main street for their venue, and the local businesses support them. And although the Columbus Artfest is the biggest show in town, there are others in the suburbs that are doing very well.
Old Hilliard, I'm afraid, just cannot find its footing.
Hey Old Hilliardfest neighbor! You have good points about Chamber of Commerce support. I just wanted to add that the Hilliard Arts Council is a relatively young organization and they honestly didn't mean to block the foot traffic with the kids art area. I believe it was just a lack of experience. They may be able to work out some wrinkles and make this a solid, but small show. I doubt it would ever be worth traveling very far. In the Columbus area, the main downtown art festival dominates all the others.
Back to Old Hilliardfest, I found out that some local businesses and residents wanted to kill the whole event because it interferes with traffic. Even though my sales were down this year, I will consider it for next year because it is inexpensive and close. I would definitely talk to the organizers about the layout of the fair before applying, though.
Thanks for the heads up Stephen. That info is good to know. Sorry you had to be caught up in that.
Often the shows that are run by arts councils and local organizations like the C of C are good places for artists to be. They "get" the small business aspect of our business. Too bad about this one and thanks for pointing out these missteps. We need to know, Stephen.
So sorry to hear it.