Hello fellow artists! I thought after 4 years in the art show "circuit" I have enough experience to write a review of some shows I'm doing this year. :-)
I tried to find some information on the Washington Square Park show in NYC before I went and I wasn't able to find anything recent so I figured I should share my experience with the show this year.
First, it was an easy choice to do this show for me, I'm a native NYC girl that now lives in Columbus, OH. For me, this was an excuse to go home for the long weekend and possibly make some money doing it. I stayed with friends and family so no hotel bills, just gas from OH and 10 hours of travel.
Sadly, Saturday (May 25th) was a wash out, they were expecting 35mph gale force winds so the suggested no one set up. Finding out this information was a bit tricky. Since it was "canceled" per say, there was no information booth set up. I found another artist wondering around looking for the booth as well and working together we figured out you need to check in on your block. Each block had a monitor that takes care of the artists on their block the whole show. Cool! :-) Find him, get my packet, good to go. Some people decided to risk it and set up, but if it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all, so I'm not chancing it!
Sunday & Monday were beautiful! Thank the Gods for that! I had a spot right at the start of the show on Schwartz Ave, in the "courtyard" of NYU. Great area, lots of room, picnic tables and benches. I had read that you can't have a tent, but that's not true. Just let them know you do have a tent and the coordinators will make sure you have a spot that fits one. There were a lot of painters and photographers. Being a jeweler I'm used to being one of 50+, but this is definitely a more painters heavy show. I had no problem with the locals, but then again, I kinda AM one. Most seemed excited to see the show and a few told me they look forward to it every year. It was a very fun show to do, I met some great people! It did suck having to set up and breakdown everyday. The show started at noon. I checked in at about 10:00, I was able to park pretty close to my spot on 3rd street which was very nice. We were allowed to start setting up at 10 (I had read that you weren't allowed till 11, and that wasn't the case). Our mentor checked up on us though out the day to see if we are OK and if we needed anything. Sales were great! Lots of people of course, it's Washington Square Park on Memorial Day weekend!
I will certainly do the Fall show as well. Again, I have free room and board so the costs are much lower for me then someone having to travel into NYC. Also I know the city well which is a big help. I can see someone coming from a small town in the mid-west not knowing a thing about NYC being very overwhelmed. If you go, grab a local or email me! :-)
I hope this helps shed some light on the show!
Comments
This sounds like a lot of fun, Erin, and how cool to spend this weekend in NYC. I'm jealous.
Yes, this was my first time doing the show and I was a bit nervous, but it did all work out well! I "got paid" to go home and visit. Can't beat that! :-)
Thanks for the report Erin-Lynn. It sounds like things worked out well for you there. Was that the first time you did this show?