does anyone out there have contact info for the director of the ann arbor show? we were part of the s. state st. show which i believe they also call the guild. are there many directors under the umbrella of a main diector? not sure how they work it. any help would be appreciated.
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October 24 & 25 
Miami, Florida
Presented by: Unlimited Sales Group Inc.
125 Artists
Deadline: August 1
Application Fee: $25
Booth Fee: $395
The Falls Festival of the Arts is free for consumers. There is no other art festival near this event located only 5 minutes from some of Miami's most affluent neighborhoods. The Falls is one of the largest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment shopping centers in the US, featuring more than 100 stores, restaurants and cafes including Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Regal Cinemas, American Girl®, and The Fresh Market among others.
125 artists in 12 categories from around the US and south Florida will exhibit. Supported by a $50k plus advertising and marketing campaign as well as the Falls extensive support insures great crowds of over 10,000 in attendance.
Learn more: www.miamieventsandfestivals.com
Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=4071
Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=4071
Contact Person: Mario Pi
Email: mrp2001@bellsouth.net
Phone (305)812-7626
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
GREAT LOCATION FOR ARTISTS DOING SHOWS IN THE MID WEST.
WE ARE SELLING OUR PLACE IN ANGOLA, INDIANA. VERY CLOSE TO I
69 & 80/90. LAKE FRONT RENOVATED MOBILE HOME 2 BRM WITH 20 X 12 ROOM OVERLOOKIMG THE LAKE . OVERSIZED GARAGE WITH HEAVY DUTY ELECTRIC. PRIVATE ROAD. Asking 64,500
CALL 772-359-0223 JOHN & CAMILLE STAROPOLI
October 10 & 11
Waynesboro, Virginia
Presented by: Shenandoah Valley Art Center
Downtown
150 Artists
Deadline: September 1
Application Fee: $20
Booth Fee: $170 (goes up to $195 on August 1)
This is an outdoor show on the streets of a quaint downtown in the Shenandoah Valley during the prettiest time of the year, two miles from the junction of I64, Skyline Drive, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It is a popular weekend tourist destination for Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and other metropolitan areas. This is a long time show and we have 20,000+ visitors.
The 44th Annual Fall Foliage Festival will be a great show featuring an extensive regional marketing campaign and a lot of community support that makes it a fun and successful show. We have amazing hospitality in a beautiful setting, and we sell a LOT of art!
Expect:
- $10,000 in awards
- artisanal food, craft beer, and roots music
- Free admission and parking for patrons
- easy load in and set up, great hospitality including booth sitters, and all day snacks and coffee for artists.
- Booths are 10'x11' (double booths are available).
- Set up is Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
- There is security on site all weekend.
This is an outdoor street festival, held rain or shine-tents are encouraged! All artwork must be handmade by you: no agents or kits allowed.
Website and apply: www.SVACart.com
Contact: Piper Groves
Email: svartcenter@gmail.com
Phone: (540)466-0850
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Find even more art fairs looking for artists: www.CallsforArtists.com
My apologies to the members here for my absence for several months. As you may know my husband, Norm Darwish died in early May. Since then I've been preoccupied with so many things. I won't list them, as you are all creative people with fine imaginations.
On Sunday, July 19, we held a Memorial Open House for Norm at our home in Southern Michigan. Many thanks to everyone who attended: friends, family from out of state and the artists who were our friends and booth neighbors for many years.
Jack (Hippie Jack) and Lynne Stoddart came in from Tennessee. Their goat curry was a hit, especially as most of the food was vegetarian and Lebanese cuisine. Sara Shambarger (from the Krasl Art Fair) and her ebullient husband, George Barfield (who got stung by bees) came over from Lake Michigan. Okay, can't tell stories about them all, but thanks for coming Barry Bernstein, Walt and Ruth Pinkus, David Bigelow, Kathleen and Jim Eaton, Annette Morrin and Chris Maher, Allan Teger and Barbara Krupp, Carol and Michael Weber. Thanks for the flowers and your presence Leslie Emery!
Thanks for all the great messages from Ann Arbor.
Here is more about Norm and an artist's journey: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-norm-darwish-mean-t-to-me
November 14 & 15
West Palm Beach, Florida
South Florida Fairgrounds
Expo Center
50,000 square feet indoors
10,000 square feet outdoors
140 Artist booths
Application deadline - August 1
What Happens When Artists and Patrons Design a Show
- an indoor show, no worry about rain, the dreaded wind, stock being ruined during set-up etc.
- exhibition space is 10x20 (patrons do not feel like they are shopping in a dark closet)
- no tent cover means better lighting, so that your colors are more vibrant
- a lounge area is set up where 2D work is projected on a wall, so patrons have an idea about how it looks in a home
- models walking around to showcase artists jewelry
- all artists are suggested to be working on a creation at the show to increase the perceived value of your art (or use a video or pictures of your creative process)
- demonstrations of art techniques to educate patrons
- show is designed with the maximum number of corner booths and end-caps
- Curators Choice Corner each day of the show one 2D, one 3D and one jewelry creation will be featured here. Think "best of show" but with a unique twist
Now you can exhibit your work in the same manner previously only available in the high end shows catering to galleries.
Questions or Concerns?
Website: artisticsynergy.org
email: artisticsynergy@mail.com
Apply: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=3937
The Real Difference
Call 561-557-8741 and speak directly
with our Director - Jack Busa
Let us help you and your career
Well I had a pretty cool day yesterday. I am just about a week away from my first anniversary of starting Lemon Drops Art. My FB page reached 2 thousand likes and I created my first ever 'tutorial' (I'm still uploading said tutorial...this part takes forever apparently but I will post a link when its all finished....that is, if I haven't slipped into a coma waiting for this thing to upload. In which case please send coffee!)
I wanted to share with you guys my "Thank You" post from my fb page. Here we go:
Yay...!!! Today Lemon Drops Art hit 2000 LIKES!! You guys are just amazing and I LOVE you! This comes just 5 days from the first anniversary of Lemon Drops Art! How cool is that? (It's cool right? I'm not just being weird like 'OMG OMG 2K OMG!' ) So... I have been trying to think of what to say to all of you in a way that expresses my gratitude for you and your support in my first year on this way cool adventure.
I could say I am humbled by your support, I could say I never thought I'd be looking back on the past year and realize just how far the LDA has come. I could mention that the friends I've made and the talent I've met on our art forums are absolutely top notch and I can't wait to see what the next year holds, but what I really think I want to say is thank-you.
Thank you for bearing with me on my first few fumbled online auctions. Thank you for graciously answering all of my relentless questions throughout the year. Thank you for allowing me to blow up your walls with 500 pictures of the same art piece 'just because' I wanted to be sure I got the best angle/light/color & the planets were aligned properly. After all, I work for like, ever on it and I want to show it off damnit!
Thank you for being you. I couldn't be here without you... Well, ok... I 'could' but it would be very lonely... and I would have waaaay too many little creatures in all of the nooks and crannies of my house, which would probably lead to my husband wanting a divorce because he couldn't cope with so many little 'eyes' watching him from every where in the house, and that would cause me to be destitute seeing as I spent ALL my monies on art supplies! Which might lead to my daughter dropping out of high school to get a job to help mom pay the bills and turn to a life of stripping because it was easy money and the next thing you know I have grand babies before I turn 39! *YIKES* So thank you for not making me a 38 year old destitute divorced grandma! Ya'll are the best!!
Whats the BEST part of a 2K Likes day???? DUH! FREE-STUFF!!!!! Every person who likes/ comments on this post between now and Friday at 7pm EST Will be entered into my 2K drawing for this little Unicorn! She is super-sweet =) I haven't given her a name yet, so if you're bored (not sure how you can possibly be considering this post is a MILE long) leave a comment with name ideas. If I chose the name you post, I will also send you a 'free-beeeee' unless you win the unicorn, then I will send you the unicorn XoXo~ Alicia
There are two summer Art Fair Jackson Hole shows. One is in July and the other is in August (8/7-9/2015). Both are produced by the Art Association of Jackson Hole, WY. This review is for the July 10-12, 2015 show, but I would expect similar date for the August show. This show was established in 1965.
APPLICATION AND SHOW SETTING
You apply to this event on Zapp. The jury fee is $35 and 10X10 booth space is $395. The show is held in Miller Park, one block off the main street through Jackson. Set up is Thursday before the show, and overnight security is provided. There are assigned set up times. I was early, and because there was little going on in my area, they told me to go ahead and unload. Parking for set up and take down is around the perimeter of the park. You dolly to your site on paved walkways or grass. I dollied about 50’ on grass from the street. During the show, artists are asked to park at least 3 blocks away from the park. Jean didn’t have any problems finding parking for the Suburban.
There is a paid gate of $5 for non-association people. Entrances were at the north end and SW corner of the park. The Association sold beer, soft drinks and water at the entrances. There was a small food court in the center of the park. Booths were laid out so traffic passed all of the booths. Gaps left by no-shows were blocked off. Show hours were 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. There were public indoor accessible restrooms at the north end of the park and Porta-Pots and hand washing stations on the street. Other details for artists can be found at www.jhartfair.org.
GEOGRAPHY AND DEMOGRAPHICS
Jackson is 6,237’ above sea level in Jackson Hole valley. Mountain driving on two lane highways over passes and through canyons is required to reach Jackson. Flatlanders need to take precautions for altitude sickness. Jackson is the gateway for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and the National Elk Refuge. Plan to spend some time here if you do the show. As with any mountain location in the west, the weather can vary from hot in the 90s, to cold in the 40’s. This year, Friday started off with a misty rain then a good rain from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday were sunny with scattered clouds and in the 70’s.
The population of Jackson is a little less than 10,000, but during the summer months the place is packed with tourists and summer residents. Traffic can be a crawl through town. Many super wealthy have homes in Jackson. One of the celebrities at the show Saturday and Sunday was Judge Judy and her husband. It is expensive to live in Jackson. There were no properties in the real estate magazine at the condo for sale under $1M. Gas was over $3/gallon ($2.69 at home) and $0.50 yogurt at home was $1.19 in Jackson. Condos generally rent for about $200/night, and motels with microwave and frig are higher. The key is to make reservations early as “rustic” accommodations can be found. A metal sculptor told me he had to pay $25/hour cash to get any contract “muscle” to help him set up and take down. Bears, moose, and elk are just some of the wild residents to be aware of.
THE SHOW
This is a very well planned and managed show by Art Association people who know what they are doing. The show is supported by the community, summer residents and tourists. There was a good mix of mediums and all of the work I saw was high quality. For leather there were four of us. One artist had leather hats and clothing, another had hand bags, a third had leather jewelry, and then there was me with my “1000 belts”, personal, K-9, and equine leather goods. The only complaint I heard was “there are too many photographers” from a photographer. Amenities were roaming booth sitters and a free continental breakfast all three mornings. Also, there was beer and pizza Friday after the show.
The only thing I disliked about the show was the difficulty in getting to the back of my booth with hand truck and ladder needed for opening and closing. Perimeter booths were very tight together because of the paid gate. Without an accommodating neighbor you have to exit though one of the entrances. Storage space behind booths was variable.
SALES AND ANALYSIS
Friday started off with rain until early afternoon, but it did not scare off the buyers. It was a good day for high-dollar sales. Saturday was a day of cranking out single but steady sales. Sunday was another nice day with the high-dollar people back.
My sales for the show were in the $5.5-$6K range. Individual sales ranged from a $3 bandana from a set of napkin rings to a $400 headstall (bridle without reins and bit) with my hand engraved silver on Friday during the rain (rich gals from east Texas and Louisiana like to bargain, but I was ready for them, LOL to the bank). Sunday’s high-dollar sales were for multiple items: $375 special order for 7 flasks for bride’s maids, $545 for two holsters, belt, silver buckle and suspenders, and other $100-$200 sales of belts plus something else. The rest of the time it was cranking out $20-$100 belts, dog leashes, billfolds and lots of napkin ring sales. My average sale was $97 which was above my normal in the high $60’s. My margin was 53% but I took a hit on housing costs as my reservation made in April was canceled six days before the show on 4th of July weekend. Reserving a condo for 5 nights late in the season when Jackson was 85% occupied cost me about $500 in added expense. You can read more about this fiasco in my blog: “Lesson Learned: Lodging Reservations for Shows”, 7/6/15. I will apply to this show next year, but then I may alternate it with Steamboat Springs, CO which is also a good show for me on the same weekend.
FUN STUFF
It was a ten hour drive to Jackson from Franktown, CO so we broke it up into two days. We both attended the University of Wyoming so there were lots of memories. We passed two of three areas where I mapped and studied jade deposits for my Ph.D. thesis. Jean’s roommate was girl from the Jackson area whose ranch she visited back then. On the way home we stayed overnight in Saratoga, WY and soaked in the hot springs. The next day we climbed Medicine Bow Peak (12,013) for the third time. With better housing arrangements next year, we would plan on hiking in the Tetons or Yellowstone.
Why do we bother to do shows? It's not the easiest route to take, or the most cost efficient. None of us are getting any younger, and the world is getting crazier every day.
So why do we do what we do?
This is a story of why I love to do shows, in spite of all the things I have to deal with.
I made this for you before I met you
What do you think?
September 19 & 20
Sandy Springs, Georgia
120 Exhibitors
Deadline: July 24
Application fee: $25 ($35 for mail-in)
Standard booth fee: $250 (Up to 120 total exhibition booths)
Double booth fee: $500 (Limited availability)
Booth size: 10' x 10' or greater
- Present your art to an affluent, art savvy clientele
- Extensive Marketing through paid advertising, media sponsorship and editorial publicity
- Drive up loading and unloading - event is held on the street.
The 30th Annual Sandy Springs Festival returns to the heart of Sandy Springs this September offering two exciting days of fine art, live music, cultural performances, a pet parade, Chalk Walk Art Competition, 10K and 5K race, children's programming, classic rides, gourmet and festival food options, and much more.
Each year, over 30,000 attendees gather at Heritage Green to shop the street-lined booths with more than 600 artists, crafters and vendors, and enjoy good times with music, food and fun. Come join us over the weekend at one of the largest community festivals in the area.
Located in the center of the Sandy Springs business district, the site also includes green space gardens with a gazebo bandstand, the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, a Research Library and Archive and meeting venues including Heritage Hall.
To download an application or find more information, visit http://sandyspringsfestival.com/images/pdf/2015
Application also available at
This event is hosted by AFFPS and is organized by artists for artists.
State College, PA - July 9-12, 2015
Jurors:
Nancy Burch Brassington, painting, Bellefonte, PA
Cappy Counard, jewelry, Edinboro, PA
Patricia Howard, photography, Alexandria, VA
Jordan McDonald, ceramic, Philadelphia
Robert Villamagna, assemblage artist, Wheeling, WV
Congratulations to these winners:
Arete Best of Show ($2,900)
Patricia Wilder, Victor, NY, Photography
Fine Arts Award ($1,750)
Luis Enrique Gutierrez, Zebulon, NC, Ceramic
Awards of Excellence ($825 each)
- The John C. Mason Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design:
Nicolette Absil, Philadelphia, PA
- The Lautsch Family Award of Excellence:
Patrick Seufert, Fairless Hills, PA Painting
Sanjoon Park, Creskill, NJ Ceramic
Awards of Distinction ($700 each)
- William Alburger, Barto, PA Wood
- Thomas Dumke, Stone Bank, WI Wood
- Nancy Green, Watkinsville, GA Ceramic
- Mary Jackson, Charleston, SC Basketry
Awards of Merit ($500 each)
- John McCarthy Award of Merit in Wearable Fiber in Memory of Sharon McCarthy: Teresa Crowninshield, Easthampton, MA
- Brown and Associates Award of Merit: Robert Flowers, Summerfield, NC Watercolor
- Bob & Ginny Mountz Award of Merit: Marie-Helene Grabman, Alexandria, VA, Paper
- McLanahan’s Market Award of Merit: Teresa Haag, Painting, Phoenixville, PA
- Duff Family Award of Merit: Olga Mihaylova, Pittsburgh, PA Jewelry
- White Roan & Associates Award of Merit: Michael Mikula, Cleveland, OH Glass
- Anne Layng Award of Merit: David Montgomery, Pittsburgh, PA Mixed Media 3D
- Rapid Transit Sports Award of Merit: Mea Rhee, Silver Spring, MD, Ceramic
- Barash Media Award of Merit: James Whitbeck, Montague, MA, Painting
- Connections Clothing Award of Merit: E. Douglas Wunder, Kutztown, PA Jewelry
Unsponsored Awards of Merit:
- Wes Glebe and Christine Bailey, State College, PA Jewelry
- Jim Spillane, Edinburg, VA Photography
The Booth of Distinction ($250):
Geraldo De-Souza, East Syracuse, NY Fiber
Pretty cool that this show has sponsors for the awards, a very nice way to attract sponsors. I've only encountered this at a very few shows. An idea whose time has come.
One of the Midwest's most popular art fairs took place in Madison, WI, last weekend, July 11 & 12. It is a classic setting with the booths set up around the Beaux Arts Capitol Building.
Here are the prizewinners:
Glass: Robin Kittleson
Sculpture and 3-D Mixed Media: Nicario Jimenez
Wood: Steve Frank
Fiber / Leather: Martina Celerin
Ceramic: William Kidd
Metal Works: Randall Riemer
Photography: Michael Bryant
Jewelry: Susan Frerichs
Mixed Media 2-D: Aaron Hequembourg
Furniture: James Pearce
Printmaking, Graphics, and Drawing: Nick Wroblewski
Painting: Phill Singer
Digital Art: Jason Brueck
Congrats to all!
Here is an article and video: http://www.wkow.com/story/29530448/2015/07/12/best-in-show-artists-chosen-after-art-fair-on-the-square
Think I'll be seeing most of them in Ann Arbor this week. Lucky me!
August 8 & 9 
Monroe, Michigan
Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 10am-6pm
100+ artists
Deadline: July 17
Booth fee: starting $100
Monroe is halfway between Toledo and Detroit, easily accessible for the many artists who live in this region.
The 12th Annual Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair is located in the downtownHistoric District.Our art Fair corresponds with the River Raisin Jazz Festival. Enjoy a relaxing weekend in our downtown full of spectacular Fine Art juried in from around the country.
Jurying to select only fine Art has limited the attendance to around 90 artists, but gained in the quality of work. The true art lover will enjoy a sophisticated show and the Fine Artist will be in good company with others who share the same quality of work.
Because neither the Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair nor the River Raisin Jazz Festival charge an admission to the public, the shows are very popular with tens of thousands of people in attendance.
Because neither the Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair nor the River Raisin Jazz Festival charge an admission to the public, the shows are very popular with tens of thousands of people in attendance.
This in a non-profit show, all of the booth fees and donations go directly towards growing, improving and promoting the show across the Midwest. Monroe is in an optimal location for pulling in crowds we are a short drive from Detroit, Ann Arbor and Toledo.
The show is run by a group of volunteers who are friendly and willing to help everyone have a wonderful and successful weekend.
For more information and application: www.downtownmonroefineartfair.com
Contact: Jennifer Fountain, monroeartfair@gmail.com
Phone: (734)770-9025
WHAT: On Friday, July 3, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival held its annual Artist Awards Dinner, where exhibiting artists came together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Arts Festival and honor 2015 Artist Award Winners. The following 11 artists are the only exhibiting artists who are automatically invited to return for the 2016 Arts Festival.
WHO: A group of independent jurors determined the following artists to be the 2015 award winners.
Best of Show: Chia Haruta, graphics & printmaking
(Chia at Ann Arbor a few years ago)
2nd Place: Kaiser Suidan, ceramics
3rd Place: Richard Hall, painting
Merit Awards:
Shadow May, sculpture
Dolan Geiman, mixed media
John Mascoll, wood
Paveen Chunhaswasd, ceramics
Jennifer McCurdy, ceramics
Juror’s Awards:
Pamela Balies, painting
Patty Roberts, glass,
Jerry Brem, painting
It's been a while since I've done a show, been busy with the gallery route and kids. I would like to hear your opinion on my new booth shot. Is the angle ok, or do they prefer the typical straight on shot?
Thanks in advance!
September 19
Macomb, Illinois
Presented by: West Central Illinois Art Center
Historic Chandler Park
45 artists
Presented by: West Central Illinois Art Center
Historic Chandler Park
45 artists
Deadline: July 15
Application Fee: Free
Booth Fee: $50
The Gazebo Art Festival is held in Macomb's historic Chandler Park; partnered with the annual Al Sears Jazz Festival. Macomb is the home of Western Illinois University.
Apply:
www.wciarts.org/events-3/gazebo-art-festival/
Website:
www.wciarts.org/events-3/gazebo-art-festival/
Contact: Gayle Carper
Email: gayleGAF@gmail.com
Phone: (309)836-2782
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even more art fairs looking for you, fill up your 2015 schedule right here: www.CallsforArtists.com
Even more art fairs looking for you, fill up your 2015 schedule right here: www.CallsforArtists.com
Last April, 2015 when I was accepted for the July Jackson, WY show, I started looking for lodging for July 8-13. In passing, I mentioned to Jean that there was an Airstream available through Airbnb. She thought it would be fun and a diversion from the usual condo routine. There was a favorable review and pictures, so I got it for $672. The Host moved the Airstream from Wilson, WY into Jackson which was even better.
Friday July 3, I get an email from Airbnb that my reservation was canceled by the Host, four days before we were leaving home. Because this was within 7 days of our arrival Airbnb fined the Host $100 and the cancellation would be posted on future listings. They offered me a 12 month coupon for $150 off any future reservation. I couldn’t find anything that Airbnb had in the Jackson area that would meet our needs. An apartment in Driggs, ID was just too far away to commute.
The search for accommodations began with a short fuse and 85% occupancy in Jackson. Plus it was July 4th weekend. I found a condo in Wilson ($1585.75) today (Monday 7/6), but the time spent on this hassle has cut into last minute studio work which is another financial loss.
The moral, and what I will ask myself next time is; “what is plan B if this gets cancelled”. This is something I have never asked myself in doing shows for over 20 years. I have assumed people were as responsible and honest as I am. This isn’t a rant against Airbnb, but rather, another factor to consider in planning for shows.
October 3 & 4
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sat. 10am-7pm; Sun. 10am-5pm
Limited to 76 Artists
Deadline: July 15
Fees:
Application: $17.76
Booth: $176 - $276
Booth sharing permitted
A US and global-minded arts tradition created for the People by CraftPhila.org.
Held steps from the iconic Liberty Bell, surrounded by history, greenery and museums, the juried/curated shows are complemented by live music and fun activities.
Invited artists wow global/ regional/local shoppers with their wearable, functional and decorative wares at America's epicenter!
Celebrating US HandMade Craft, Art and Fashion including Ceramics, Fiber & Leather, Glass, Jewelry-Precious, Jewelry-Alternative, Wood, Metal, Mixed Media, Photography, ReCycled/UpCycled, Prints & Graphics, Paper & Book Art, Soaps & Candles
Why you should join us:
- Held on the "Historic District Fair" route, on tree-lined sidewalks in view of the Liberty Bell Pavilion and Independence Mall
- 10K-15K Bell visitors a weekend per National Park Service
- Upscale Center City demographic made up of educated professionals
- Solidly marketed to tourist and regional markets
- Top-notch PR and social media
Artist entries: www.craftphila.org/artist-entry.html
Mission: Celebrate US HandMade
Producers: CraftPhila.org and CRAFT PHILA-Liberty Bell Fair producers are artists Leslie Mamas and Jean Huffenus
Contact: Leslie Manas | artists@CraftPhila.org | (267)679-3121
Hinsdale Art Festival was the second weekend of June. There were many shows this weekend. Old Town in Chicago, Wells Street Chicago and many others in the Midwest. I spent many years in the Midwest and enjoyed all the city Chicago art shows as a young patron. When I finally decided to try the Midwest as an originally only artist I threw the dice and went on Hinsdale this year.
Hinsdale is a suburban community outside of Chicago. Big old homes. It seems that most of the people that work there commute into Chicago for work. From what I know, and what do I know, many of the people who live there have been transferred for their jobs for a few years or more. These folks have money and many have more than just one home. Including lake homes and other homes around the country.
The group that put on the show do a great job. They have wonderful communication with the artist. They are there for support for the artist and when you check in they actually remember your name. Set up is on Friday. The show is in a small park right in front of the train station and the quaint town of Hinsdale. This is somewhat of a dolly in show. I say that because the park is small and depending on where your booth is and where you can park the dolly part is short and easy. You are given plenty of time to set up. Parking options after unloading are great. I was concerned about not being able to find a drop off point that was convient but since there are only around 100 artist that do the show we don't crowd each other. You set up on the grass across from each other. Most of us are set up along a sidewalk that is about 5 feet wide. Booths on both sides so if two booths across from each other each want an awning they may hit. Most of us had lots of room in the back. Set up was a breeze and in and out in less than 2 hours with a double booth. The show offered artist rates at nice hotels outside of the town. I couldn't find any hotels or air bnbs in Hinsdale but we could stay a few miles away.
The weather forecast for the weekend was bad. Friday was cold, well cold from a girl who had just come from Atlanta in June. Saturday I dressed with my rain duck shoes and a long dress and a rain coat. Mistake and I know better because I lived in the Midwest for 5 years and I know the weather changes on a dime. It was muggy and thankfully did not rain. The crowds were not big on Saturday but those that came did buy. Sales were decent but I wanted more on Sunday. I was told this was more of a Sunday crowd. Holding my breath.
Saturday night it rained a lot. Sunday called for more bad weather. When I arrived at the show many easy ups were down. This is not a shot at easy ups. Not all went down but I had noticed that there were many easy ups sagged the day before or had tears. Most of those collapsed with the heavy rain. The show promoters were great and offered what ever tents they could spare to help the artists reset up. I don't know if I would have it in me to reset up to come to my booth being destroyed. Kudos to those that did it. The other artists help rig up temporary tents for others and we all just tried to get on with our Sunday hoping the weather forecast was wrong again. The forecast was wrong again and the weather held. More patrons came and bought. It was a nice day and most people pulled it out. I was a happy artist by the end of the day on Sunday.
Break down was not bad. No rain. Dolly out so a bit more challenging than many shows but again this is a small show with only 100 artists . Not a big deal. I believe the show offered breakfast and lunch and waters but the show is set up near the very nice town and I usually bring my own food or splurge and get to go at a nice restaurant. Hopefully someone else can comment on the artists amenities. I like to have them but that is not a factor for me when deciding to do a show.
A few tips and side notes. There are a lot of tolls getting around. Depending on the time of day or where you get on this can be a PIA. If you want to just blow through the tolls remember where you did it and you can pay online within seven days. I also questioned some of my buyers about where the people were. Many told me they would go to their lake homes for the weekend. I don't need a big crowd to have a good show. If you are an artist that needs a big crowd for a good show this may not work for you, but again what do I know. I hope to be invited again next year. I miss a good Chicago Dog and the Home Run Inn Pizza.
