I haven't been writing reviews lately although after a three week run ( I am seriously going to try to never do that again) I thought I might do a short review of the three shows I went to. Hope it helps somewhat- of course this is just my account so hopefully everyone who attended any of these shows will chime in with their take. I'm just getting back on my feet and heading into the studio today to get ready for the next round in July.
First up: The Tubman Museum Sidewalk Show in Roanoke, VA, I figured it would be a good small show to get back in the saddle with after May's shows. Load in was easy, had a great spot right across from the museum and the town is really cute. But the town is small and very conservative..even with a fabulous modern and interesting museum. It seemed like the show was just eeking by and the Museum seems to have walked out the back door of the show and except for a place to give the awards out, was not involved.
I wish this show good luck, the volunteers were so nice and they put on a great Saturday breakfast for us. It was not good for me I payed expenses and just a little bit more and clearly not my crowd. I do contemporary encaustic work and this was a scenic watercolor and oil show...those people did great. Met some wonderful artists there though. The show was small enough so that everyone had time to talk to other artists and create friendships...one of the best things about this business.
Second: Three Rivers in Pittsburg, a show with a great history and a buying public and tons of people...except not in my area. Since it was my first time (or by luck) I was put in the new section that was not in the flow of traffic and really a hairpin turn that not many people even knew was there.
To put it mildly...it sucked and watching the hoards of people in the other sections was disheartening. I guess that's the luck of the draw when you are new but it was an expensive show to do and I walked out with most of my expenses paid but absolutely nothing else to show for it.
Load in was well organized and so was load out. The people in charge were gracious and really had their act together... but this addition was not the best choice for any of the 40 people in this row. I don't think many even knew that we were there... Will I go back? possibly, it's a top ranked show with a buying public. Hopefully with a better spot next year.
Third and last: Old Town Art Fair, Chicago. I am so glad that this was the end to my June road tripping saga. This show is one of the best shows I have ever been to. I have never been to a show that was so well organized and brought in this many active buyers. Yes, I know it's one of the top shows and one of the oldest but it just flat out exceeded my expectations.
My set up was at 5:45 and that was fine with me...Chicago was light by then (the sun must come up really early here) and it wasn't bad at all. Lo and behold one of my dear friends from Chattanooga, mixed media artist, Lisa Norton, was across form me, occasionally we do shows together so it was serendipitous and fun to have her there. She has done the show many times. She told me that the first time she ever did the show she sold out. I wasn't that lucky but I am not complaining at all, it sure made up for the two shows before.
The work at this show is incredible, I have done my fair share of top end shows but this show made me a bit insecure...and thrilled to be included. It seemed that you either blew hot or cold here and contemporary work was more in demand. An wonderful oil painter I was next to in Roanoke who made a fortune there, barley sold anything at Chicago.....But hey, I am not complaining because it was my kind of crowd and boy, did I ever need that after the last two shows.
The director made stops in everyones booth and the whole show seemed to have a lot of heart. Load out was a breeze...
Back to the studio and a big kick to replace and make enough for both Central Penn (always a good solid show) and the Original Ann Arbor.., which for the first time I am going to try, I have always been chicken before, knowing it is always a scorcher there. Hope the Weather Gods are kind.
Comments
I appreciated reading this.
I live about 3 hours from Pittsburgh and "almost" apply, but still have not. I know people who like doing the show, and some who swear they have had horrible spaces.
I'm getting to it, eventually.
Also, Old Town, lots of thoughts on that one, too.
Thank you for posting!
Hey Paul, I finally got smart and put my banner up when the tent was lower-duh....but thanks for your help and your camaraderie during the show. The shows are fun and the people are great (all shows were) but the economy must be starting to tank....you can see it in the buying energy....dare I even say it....damn, not again....I hope.
The last four days of TRAF, Pittsburgh, was hit with high temps and humidity which does not happen usually until late July! This really impacted sales at the show. My friend was doing the last three days of the show in the park and I agree the buying energy was not there as it was the first week. But when a good band was on stage in the park, the sales picked up.
As for the load out for the park people, it is not that hard. Longer walk yes, but there are tons of volunteers available if you need. I disagree with you Paul that 'venue is terrible for what they are trying to do'. Not really sure what you truly mean by that statement. This show is wonderful, fun and the people are awesome. And being in the park is awesome as it works for me. Sorry that your time there was not as good as it was for me.
Mararet, who did you get to help you with your banner in Pitts. and Chi-town? I feel used. Anyway, Thanks for the report, I agree w/you on Roanoke but we were on the second week of Pittsburgh and it sucked. No buying energy. I don't think it can be confused with a top ranked show. The load out and in for the folks in the field is way above and beyond horrible. The venue is terrible for what they are trying to do. The show should just be held in the streets so people can have room and get in and get out...oh...did I say too much?
Cool would be great Jackie...I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Margaret, this year Ann Arbor could possibly be nice. It seems to me we are having a cooler summer. Maybe it will be perfect weather at Ann Arbor. I hope so. Ann Arbor can be awfully hot sometimes. You better get going on that inventory. You will need it at Ann Arbor.
You have every right to be burned out Connie and if I don't get to meet you I totally understand. Saw this online and felt like it's pretty close to what I know about you. You put so much into this sight and the people that gravitate to it...you take care of them and if I can do anything in return...let me know-
“The women I love and admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because shit worked out. They got that way because shit went wrong, and they handled it. They handled it in a thousand different ways on a thousand different days, but they handled it. Those women are my superheroes.” Elizabeth Gilbert.
Hi Margie, yep it is that hit and miss at any show. My love for the show do go back a good number of years ago. I was cleaning out a file cabinet this weekend and found some of our records and in almost every year we did Old Town it has our highest per day sales average, better than Cherry Creek, AA, etc. Yet, even I know it is "not like the old days" for sales.
I'm a little burned out on art fairs right now because of my husband's recent illness and passing, but AA may be one I'll attend. We're having an open house here on the day after the show, July 19, and hoping artists who know us will show up (we're on the route home for many). Hope to have that organized so I can come to AA -- always see Barry there and Nels and so many other long time friends and would love to meet you.
Btw, Margaret, it was nice meeting you, too. I get people coming up to me, now, at every show introducing themselves. It's always appreciated.
Hi Amy, I did the 2 day show on the first weekend...and I was in front of the Lost and Found Factory where there was a cool installation project going on for the length of the fair. I think that might have been the reason the new booths were added on that side...nobody would have ever known the other was there if we hadn't been on that side..funny though...nobody knew we were there anyway.
Barry, maybe it was the Stanley Cup or maybe it was that I was new....I have talked to a few since then and they said they didn't do as well as in the past but also many that did. Nobody knows what the magic formula is. I just feel lucky to have been included and to have a good show....and to get to meet you!!! Connie, will you be going to Ann Arbor this year? If you are... I'm a newbie there and hope to get to see you...I'll be in 535 at the Original show.
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