Estero (FL) Fine Art Show @ Miromar Outlets: Jan 8-9, '11

I'll keep one a little shorter than usual, since I've reviewed previous editions of this show.

 

Produced by Patty Narozny's Hotworks LLC, this was billed as the "seventh biennial" edition--it made a quick return following the successful November 2010 event.  It was blessed with beautiful weather and solid, if not spectacular crowds.  Even better, folks on Saturday were BUYING.  Sunday visitors were a bit more in "browse mode" but there were still patrons with packages walking around.  I was a bit disappointed with my Sunday totals, but only in comparison to a near record-breaking (for Florida) day on opening day. 

 

The show is moderately sized, with 130 artists and a nice mix of media.  Although this is nominally an upscale area, it's still been heavily dinged by the recession.  So it's smart to have multiple price points available, no matter what your medium.  As often seems to be the case down in these parts, many of the 2-D artists I spoke with who sell only high-priced originals reported slow sales (or even zeroes) for the weekend.  Those who had quality reproductions, or whose originals were more modestly priced, seemed to fare better.  The jewelry I saw was exceptionally high quality, and this category was not over-represented.  Those I had a chance to spoke with seemed pretty pleased with their results. 

 

Although awards were offered, I can't report on the results since I didn't win one, and I didn't see the judge while he/she was in my booth because I was swamped with customers.  I'll take that over a chance to chat up a judge any day. 

 

Artist amenities were available: water and fruit anytime; muffins and Starbuck's in the morning (no decaf: another sign that Narozny knows her audience ;-)  ) .  Booth-sitters were availble, too, and the artist packet included lots of coupons for mall discounts.  Which came in handy if you didn't pack your own lunch: wishing to encourage the crowds to visit the mall's restaurants, mall management didn't allow any food vendors (save for a lemonade concession) at the show.  Live acoustic music was featured all weekend, but it wasn't so loud to be a problem while you were chatting up your customers. 

 

Two "dings" worth noting:  Mall management addressed parking and traffic issues of shows past by banishing the artists to a far-distant parking lot on the other side of the sprawling mall.  It took me 10 minutes exactly to make the trek, and I was hoofing it without any encumbrances (dolly, bags, etc.).  Since I'm a runner with two good knees--so far--your results may vary! Although the organizers pointed out to each artist at checkin that you could park closer if you had a handicapped sticker, there was lots of grumbling about this...and many artists disregarded the instruction on Saturday, prompting mall security to crack down on Day 2.  And one artist near me discovered at tear-down that vandals had broken a lock on his RV and stolen a GPS unit and other valuables.

 

Speaking of tear-down: The traffic flowed 'way too early, at 5 PM sharp, when a number of artists' vans drove to their tents while some customers were still browsing the show.  This is a personal pet peeve of mine. For one thing, nothing kills a potential last minute sale faster than carbon monoxide wafting into the tent.  Moreover, it's a safety issue: A woman finished browsing my photos at about 5:02, took a step outside, and nearly got nailed by an RV that was passing by--and none too slowly--inches from my entrance.  I get it, folks--you maybe didn't have a great show, and you want to get home ASAP. But use a little common sense, willya?

 

Overall, though, the weekend was a fun one.  This is a strong show with a growing reputation, and getting stronger.  It's one worth keeping in mind as you plan your next Florida excursion. 

 

 

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  • and here are photos from the NaplesNews.com: http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/galleries/2011/jan/09/photos-ester...

     

    It is great to hear that Patty's hard work is paying off. Kudos to all.

  • I also did this show.

    I was REALLY happy with my sales.

    It seemed that other artists around me were not having as much success.

    I did see a # of large 2D art being carried out.

    I thought Patty did a good job of advertising as I saw signs, postcards, billboards & magazine adds.

  • I attended the show on Sunday and I have to say it was a beautiful art show.  There were lots of artists I had never seen before and each and every booth was a delight to walk through. The quality of art and the booth presentations at this show were really top notch.   It had a wonderful ambience and nice music playing. The weather was just perfect too which alwasy makes a great show.  I saw alot of high end clients walking around seriously looking at the art and several had packages in their hands.
  • @Sheila, Phil: Thanks!  I haven't done Charlotte...my photos are largely of coastal birds so they don't play that well to the crowd once I get 60 miles inland, or so. 

    @Nils, er, NELS:  No worries!  It will be nice to meet you.  I'm sorry Cape Coral didn't work out. I had a close family friend (painter/plein-air) and she won a plein-air contest Friday, then zeroed at Cape Coral.  It is a REALLY rough economy there.  If you're doing ArtFest Fort Myers I hope you fare better there!

  • It was a typo. I meant Geoff.
  • Goff, you have inspired me, I think I will drop Cape Coral and apply to Patty's show next year.  CC sucked, big time.
  • Very nice report.
  • It is EXTREMELY rude of artists to enter a show early to pack up. I know it can be discouraging if you had a bad show, and you just want to get the h311 out of there, but we are all a community out here, and should try to think of our neighbors and their possible last minute sales. I suppose once the bell rings, it's fair game, but even then, take just a moment to consider your neighbor and the safety and comfort of others. There is entirely too much rudeness and inconsideration (is that a word?) at tear down for my taste these days. I had to wait 25 minutes to get to my entirely torn down and ready to load booth recently while some artists blocked the only road in to tear down and load carelessly and inefficietly. Anyway, glad the show was good!
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