The event is really well organized - plenty of information given to the artists - it seemed that most of the artists there had done the show numerous times before.
- Move in is in 3 sessions to clear the way for vehicles. Parking isn't too far away.
- Artists are given sales books which you must use. Receipts for the art are collected at the gate. These receipts are reconciled later on.
- At the end of the show, you must reconcile sales with the organizer and pay 10% commission on your sales. You know this going in, so it's not a surprise. You cannot exit the grounds without an exit pass from the organizer after you've paid your bill.
- It helps to have 2 people - one to get the car while you pack the booth, and one to pay the bill while finishing up the packing. We were out the door in an hour and a half... not bad.
I know there were ads for the show - I'm sure marketing and advertising efforts were valiant. You can't see the show from the street. There was one electronic sign on a main street.
There were people at the event early Friday, but the crowd thinned out by 2. A few more on Saturday and Sunday... I wouldn't say traffic wasbrisk, but there were people. Most were retirees who live in the area, some were tourists. Not a lot of families with children.
Unfortunately, all I saw leaving the grounds were prints, handbags, small ceramic, pottery, gourds and of course, jewelry. My observation, too many jewelers. One in my area - who usually does quite well - sold absolutely nothing. A mixed media artist sold $10 worth of cards.
I think we all know the routine - lots of looking, admiring...not a lot of buying. I was told Sunday would be chock full of "bargainers" but I didn't get any...however, some of my neighbors were offered 25% of their asking price for their art - from digital wall art to jewelery to handbags.
I am sure some of the artists did quite well - especially those selling small items, and those with a local following. I overheard one artist tell my neighbor it was her best show ever - but she lowered her prices by 80% to make sales!
I didn't see a lot of bags, and no larger pieces walking around. However, most of the people I spoke to did not make their booth fee much less lunch money. I was one of those...but...
...all it takes is one patron looking at my site 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years down the road... deciding to purchase an original piece [it happens]. Or if the couple visiting from Canada really does commission portraits of their kids... it was worth it. Hundreds if not thousands of eyeballs saw my work [more than would have if I'd have stayed home], took my card, my brochure... you never know. Every single show is a crap shoot!
September 3-6