Well, this is my 45th year in the biz.
2018 ended in a sad fizzle so I was looking for positive vibes to kickstart 2019.
I have done this show many times since its inception.
It moved a few years back from a location off Highway 41, a well travelled road,
to Old Highway 41 located in a picturesque setting, but not getting the same kind of traffic.
Sadly, since that move this show has never been a strong one for me.
In the old location I always did $4k plus. In the new setting, I cannot crack $3k.
This Show is held on the first weekend after New Years.
Prime time, plenty people down here from up north, mostly from the midwest.
In the old days, the transplanted midwestern were blightfully innocent. If they liked your work, they bought it, just like they did back where they are from.
Then slowly, the “Florida-what is your best price syndrome crept in.
Sales have never been great since.
Tis is a very well run show.
The local art league runs it led by legendary guru Barry Witt with his new understudy.
It is a well oiled machine.
Trouble is, for most of us, it does not work.
For the price they charge for a booth the return is not there.
In fairness to them, I will say this.
People with high price points who only need a few customers can make out quite well at this show.
A sculptor across from me had about six sales and did well over $10 k for the show.
For guys like me, with lower pricepoints, We did not do so well, not enough customers to sell to.
Crowds were strong until about 2pm and then they fizzled.
They mostly buy very conservative here.
They love the Florida dreck.
Real original Art has a hard time selling here.
Personally, I have to let this show go. My sales go lower and lower. Bad biz model.
