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I've been exhibiting at the Great Lakes Art Fair off and on for many years. I've never done terribly well at this show, but the timing (early April) and the location (indoors), is so tempting. If I can make a few bucks early in the season, it would be a great way to finance a few more shows in the summer (and pay a few bills). It is also only about three hours from my home in Saugatuck, Michigan. In past years I've sometimes kicked myself for investing in this show, but this year I'm happy I did.

The show takes place at the Suburban Collection Showplace, a big convention center in Novi, Michigan. It offers an easy setup on Thursday, when you can drive your vehicle into the convention hall, unload, then take all day for a leisurely setup. Or you can set up on Friday morning. Friday setup requires you to dolly your stuff into the hall. This year the show offered artists the option of buying a double booth for 1/2 off of the second booth. Single booths are $400. I added a second booth for an additional $200. Electricity is included. I stayed at a nearby Holiday Inn Express for four days, bringing my expenses up around $1200 for doing the show.

Show opens at 1pm on Friday and runs until 8pm. Saturday hours are 1-6pm and Sunday, 11-5pm. Crowds were never very big on either of these days but the best times seemed to be right after dinner on Friday, mid-day on Saturday and mid-day on Sunday. Saturday and Sunday after 3pm the place was nearly empty.

My sales were OK at about triple my expenses, so it was worthwhile for me to do the show. Other artists around me were mixed in their sales results, but that's the case at all art fairs. There are a few good artists exhibiting at this show, but there are also a lot of questionable exhibits. The show could use a lot more fine art and fine crafts. The convention center sponsors this show and does their best to make a profit. They charge a $12 admission fee for each day and they also sell booths to local businesses hawking windows, insurance and rain gutters (among other things). A mattress company rented a big space and had a lineup of about 20 beds in one location. They also have a small cafe set-up and a bar in the middle of the floor. My booth was right across from the bar (which paid off for at least one sale to a tipsy fair-goer).

If you do this show, don't expect sales to skyrocket, but it might help pay a few bills early in the season. I'd personally like to see a lot more fine art and craft. I think it would boost the popularity of the show among the locals. I plan to participate again next year.

This show has been going on 42 years, and this was the first time they cancelled the Saturday of it because of imposingly bad weather. Ironically, I had left Tampa early Friday morn and headed up to Cedar Key to do a shoot before traveling back east to Gainesville.

When I arrived at the show location nobody was around. So I checked my emails and saw that they had cancelled the Friday setup andSaturday Show because of bad weather. We were to setup Sat. After 5pm and have a show on Sunday. Bummers!

I drove back to Tampa, a two hour drive.

So Sat. I left home at noon in a pouring rain,heading to the show. Being the first of the month, all the snowbirds were heading north out of Fla. The interstate was clogged with traffic and the weather sucked. It took me four miserable hours to get there.

Thank God it was a mellow setup. They had a free dinner on Saturday. I finished setup and drove for 30 minutes to my hotel in Ocala. Sunday morn was clear and chilly, needed a vest. Show started offically at noon but I opened at 10am. Made my first sale at 10:30.

Crowds finally showed up around noon.

Sales were pretty much low end for most of us. I only saw two big packages go down the street all day.
I made decent money for the day, but it was way too much driving. I won't do that again.

This is nice little show but I would come any great distance to do it. Too many exhibitors for too little sales.

August 20 & 21 

The Golden Fine Arts Festival is located adjacent to Clear Creek History Park in historic downtown Golden.  It is a favorite show for visitors from throughout the state.  

• Artists comment that they appreciate the strength of our marketing program, mix of art, good sales and the respect and support given to them by organizers and volunteers throughout the show. 
   
• Visitors comment on the beauty of the location, ease of seeing the show, free parking and mix of art.  

• Cash awards = $1,800
• artist reception of Friday night, light breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, hospitality suite including lunch both days
• booth sitters
• night-time security and early set-up on Friday

 I don't even know how to explain this show.....except that last Fall I went to a show in Covington, Louisiana that I really liked... not just for the fact that it was a good solid sales show for me, but also because I just really liked Louisiana( a first time for me) ... and it didn't hurt that they also have great food and know how to make an excellent Bloody Mary.  

So, since I have never been able to crack the hard shell entry to the New Orlean's Jazz Fest in the last four years,  I decided that maybe it was worth the drive to try out Baton Rouge. It was a new listing on Zapp but a show that had been around for a few years. After arriving, I found out that it was a show that was under new management this year and the director, Malcolm Robertson was trying to keep all the balls in the air at the same time. Without any irony, (which there is plenty of in the deep south) I would like to declare..."Bless His Heart" - he did an amazing job- I can't even imagine what he must have been up against. He was helpful and accommodating and really nice while keeping everyone happy.

Let me back up a bit and tell you a little background. It was a 10 hour drive, that is never an auspicious beginning for me.... any time-any show. Plus, last Thursday and Friday there were more Tornado warnings up in down Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana than you could shake a stick at. Booth spaces got assigned last Thursday...and that is when we were notified that set up was on Saturday morning. I walked the show on Friday night when I got there and I realized I had a booth spot that would be in full sun and emailed Malcolm to see if I could change my spot. Even though I sent an email on Friday night...I showed up early on Saturday and wondered what to do. Malcolm helped me move my booth and I was set up under some big oaks and out of the direct sun ( I'm an encaustic painter) .

 The show was set up in the main historic square with plenty of space behind the booths for storage. Once the show started I was really surprised at the crowds. There were about 80 booths that were set up on the tree lined median. I can't say that Saturday was very warm and it got pretty windy but luckily there were no flying tents and nothing too crazy happened.

The people of Baton Rouge however did come out in full force and were eager to buy and everyone I talked to had a good solid day. There were also a good amount of awards given out and they were pretty substantial amounts. I was lucky enough to be one of the recipients.

I usually hate when music is close to me at a show... but honestly, I was amazed at the diversity of musical genres that were on display, Everything from poetry jams to rap to mariachi bands -to great folk and indy bands.  And I only heard one stage! There were two other stages with the main stage pretty far from the artist venue. It was well thought out and really enjoyable. The show delivered lunch to the artists, which was a nice touch...But, just a wish for next year... Please provide coffee in the morning, as most of us are truly addicted and need it desperately and there was no place open or around to purchase it in the A.M.

Sunday was warmer and sunny and no wind and the crowds came out again. For me personally, it wasn't as good a day as Saturday but it was still decent. The potter's I talked to said they had done well and the painter next to me had a good show, but I was on my own, so I didn't get around as much as I would have liked. Load out was easy as we were aloud to bring our cars right up to our booths. 

For a show in transition, I felt like I was at a show that had the potential to be great in a few years. It had good bones and a director that wanted it to succeed. It had great music and a buying crowd that usually has to go other places to get any art that isn't local. It's a drive, that for sure... but sometimes it's not such a bad thing to go with your instincts and take a chance on a show that isn't tested and reviewed. It's risky, that's true... but you might just be pleasantly surprised! And if nothing else...you will definately appreciate the Bloody Mary's.

Bill Kinney is a new breed of show director, coming from years of experience selling his own photography at art shows. His diverse background brings many skills to the table, making his shows in demand by some of the higher end artists on the circuit. Read about Bill's philosophy on art events and his ideas on how to fix and rescue the art fair industry.
http://bermangraphics.com/blog/bill-kinney-interview/

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Last weekend was our first show of the year in Pass Christian, Ms.   When we applied we were not real sure where Pass Christian was but when we saw that it was on the Gulf of Mexico on the first weekend of April we applied and were accepted.  Pass Christian is one of the small communities that line the coast between Biloxi and New Orleans. The venue is War Memorial Park which is separated by the beach by a four lane road.  From our booth at the front on the show we were treated to the sounds of seagulls and panoramic views of the beach.  

The long range weather forecast seemed to change by the minute, but as we left on Friday there were storms all along the coast.  Sure enough, thunderstorms were present as we checked in.  But, we managed to catch the only window of dry weather the whole day to set up. As we were putting the last panel on our booth, the skies let loose again and we got soaked anyway. Luckily there is ample parking around the park so there is minimal dollying.  Other than the weather, set up was very easy. 

There are no motels in Pass Christian so we stayed at a new Hampton Inn which was about a 20 minute drive away in Gulfport.  After changing into dry clothes we set off for food and some live music.  We ended up at a BBQ restaurant called Murky Waters in downtown Gulfport, great BBQ and a great blues band.  

All night long there was thunder and lightning.  But the sky cleared and there was "Chamber of Commerce'" weather both Saturday and Sunday.  We were somewhat concerned that we did not see any advertising for the show anywhere.  Since the weather was so bad on Friday, many of us were trying to hang work or set up on Saturday morning.  An hour before the start time people started pouring in.  This is a big event for the community and it seems everyone shows up.  The last two years there have been issues with the weather, so maybe there was some pent up art energy. The show is run by volunteers in support of art education in the community.  All artists are required to donate a piece of work to a silent auction as a condition of participation.  

As for sales, the public was buying.  A lot of bags went by our booth, but mainly small items. We visited all of the photography booths to assess what else was there.  A well known local photographer was doing very well with his matted prints of well known local scenes.  The same was true of another local who is more into digital enhancement.  We were pleased with our sales but felt we could have done better.  None of our most expensive pieces sold, but we were able to move some framed pieces from last season.  We came home with a lot less that we left with. A jeweler across from us was busy and reported having a good show. A fused glass artist next door was satisfied as well.

Break down went very smoothly as we were able to park within 50 feet of our booth.

This show was a fantastic way to start our year.  We had such a great time and had great food.  We ate dinner both Saturday and Sunday nights at a place called Bacchus on the Beach; two of the best meals I have ever had.  Sunday night we were meeting our next door booth neighbors on the patio for an end of show dinner and drinks. We accidentally crashed a birthday party for a local guy who had reserved the patio for his celebration.  He bought us a drink and gave us each one of his birthday tee shirts.

I forgot to mention that the local fire department stopped by our booth as they made their rounds. When they saw our industrial images they asked us if we would be willing to shoot their antique fire engine later that night.  We met them after dinner and had a great time hanging out with them for a couple of hours between calls. 

So, in summary, set up and break down was easy as could be, sales were OK for us and better for others, the volunteer staff was well organized and helpful when needed, and the venue was beautiful. Above all, the other artists and the local folks we met were very nice. We made some new friends, had some great food, listened to some good music, enjoyed the beach, and covered expenses while making a little money, all the while having a blast! Thank You Pass Christian. 

We are scurrying to get those last minute details done, the van packed, the dog sitter ready, and we plan to roll out to Novi for the Great Lakes Art Fair.  We like to find art fair insiders where we go... so i am wondering who will be there?  Hope we can cath up, say hello, and get to know you.  We are in booth 507.  Drop a line if you will be there!

Get ready to change everything you currently believe about selling your art!

Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett has written an article about face-to-face art sales that has been viewed over 3,300 times since it was published a few days ago. It's getting traction because it reveals "the elephant in the room" and gets to the heart of artists' fears and unfounded beliefs about how to sell and why people should buy what you make.

Read the article here:

http://www.artsyshark.com/2016/03/31/why-you-fail-to-sell-your-art-at-festivals-and-fairs/

i see reviews from 2014, does anyone have input from last year's show?

thx

Kathleen Hughes from the La Quinta Arts Festival, La Quinta (CA), has given me permission to share this private email from her with you:

I know that you always like to get statistics or hear how a show went across the country. This morning this information was sent to all of our participating artists.

 

This year I concentrated heavily on marketing to the coastal audience (we are two hours away) hoping to compensate for the weak Canadian dollar with many second homeowners here in the Coachella Valley. Well as only Mother Nature can, she laughed at me! It poured rain along the coast Saturday and Sunday and 22% of the tickets purchased in advance for the weekend day did not take the risk and drive to Festival. We tried to assure the patrons that called that the skies were overcast and we did have a few gusts of wind but nothing like what was being touted by the newscasters.

 

Our attendance overall was down 20% from 2015. But those who came, bought art as art sales have surpassed $2.7 million when in reality with a 20% drop in attendance, we should only have reached $2.5 million. We are extremely grateful for the high quality of art and new talent that was at Festival and believe this is the reason that art sales remained strong. Thrilled to get such a strong influx of new artists from the Midwest and East Coast! (Thank you for your influence on them to travel such a long distance to the West.)  The new artists swept the Artist Awards which confirms what I meant about their strength.

 

You may not feel the effects of the weak Canadian Dollar in Florida but it certainly hits both California and Arizona hard. We depend on the snowbirds for a strong winter season and all  business is down 20-30% this season throughout the Coachella Valley.  So we feel very fortunate indeed.

 

I hope this  information gives you a better understanding our market. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

 

Kathleen Hughes
Events Manager

I wonder if these Canadians were also missing from the Florida shows this year. Does anyone have any information on that?