I reviewed the spring version of this show last April, but let's play catch-up on the latest version of this small but well-run show.
Based in golf mecca Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, this show is held in a small, upscale shopping plaza adjacent to the famed TPC Sawgrass golf club. It's ably organized by sisters Robin Conte and Susan Amon of Venues Event Planning, which picked up the event after it was dropped by Howard Alan Events a few years back.
The Saturday-morning setup was a snap: Drive to your spot, set up, and then park your vehicle in one of two marked lots on-site. Robin and Susan were on hand to show you the way, if you needed them. Otherwise, you could set up first and then get your artist badge and booth sign later. A young and friendly group of volunteers brought by cold water and a bag lunch (small ham-and-cheese, chips/cookie) and also offered booth-sitting if you wanted it.
As was the case last spring, this weekend's weather was nearly perfect. Sunny with light breezes both days. And the crowds were similar, too: The show was well advertised in local publications, broadcast and social media, and nearby signage was in evidence, crowds were moderate on Saturday and quite light on Sunday. And yet, it was generally a buying crowd. Although I had stronger sales on day 1, several artists I spoke with did better on Sunday despite the light traffic. 2-D art, particularly larger 2-D art, seemed to do well: a promising painter at only her second show sold four works on Sunday, and two photographer friends both sold several larger pieces.
The show quality and mix was pretty good, which I suspect has much to do with the popularity of this show among local and regional artists. (The Jacksonville area is one of the few in Florida that seems to be a bit under-served in the art festival area). I didn't see much junk, and although several booths seemed to be offering manufactured items (t-shirts and the like) they were clustered together, next to the food vendors. Which showed me that Venues took care in planning their layout.
The moderate to low attendance was disappointing, but a couple of factors worked against the show. First, due to the layout of the shopping center itself, the show's tents aren't visible from A1A Highway (the main street). And although signage directing folks to the show was in evidence, the city limited the size and number of signs around the site. Second: this is a football-loving area, and the pro Jacksonville Jags had a game at 1 PM Sunday. I suspect that accounts for the fact that I was visited by many couples on Saturday (which leads to same-day buying decisions) but on Sunday, women were out browsing with their friends, not their spouses.
I like the timing of this show, from a scheduling standpoint. Coupled with the April show, it gives artists a nice show to do as they're migrating to/from Florida around the high tourist season.
Bottom line: Robin and Susan are fun, hard-working, and enthusiastic about what they do. They communicate with artists in a timely and professional manner, and the show details are spelled out simply and clearly. (They're one of the few shows remaining that accept apps by mail...which may or may not be to your liking, but it helps keep costs down.) This is an easy show to work, and with a booth fee of $200 ($225 corner), not an expensive one. Although it may not provide a huge paycheck, it does put your work in front of buyers who have some money to spend. We all know that's not always the case these days.
Independent Artists Hall of Fame
