I was just curious to know if anyone has ever done this show before. It looks as if the show is still open and will stay open until it is full. I applied last week and was accepted. The reason I applied is because I am only about two hours away, (as long as I do not hit DC traffic lol) I do not have any August shows lined up (hope it is not too hot lol) and I have a free stay with a cousin that lives up that way so my expenses will be low. I have read some of the reviews on here but was just curious if anyone else had more info about the show so I do not have any "surprises" when I get there. The do suggest bringing a dolly,,,,,so I am guessing I will be building one of those before I go. I hope everyone is having a great week so far.
Steven
Replies
I have read mixed reviews on this show. Even though the show is located in a ritzy section of Baltimore, I have heard over and over that people do not buy quality art/craft at this show. It is my impression that if you have inexpensive items, those might sell. See Sunshine Artist Magazine reviews on this show for more info.
I have done this show 2 years in a row and have always done progressively well. You will have to dolly in load in and out unless you have a booth on the main street ( I think its East Pratt street). It does draw in a crowd but some are there to have fun or for the restaurant. But within them you find art buyers, some of the artist I spoke to did not do too well and some did really well but that goes with every art show. For me its a short drive (1hr) and racks in some decent weekend dough. I will be there again this year and hope to continue my trend. Your medium might be different from mine and you might be travelling from afar, consider all but for me it is a good show.
Hope this helps.
Harrison Otalor
I bought a folding dolly from ebay for about $65 it only does up to 90kg which wouldn't suit some of you, but they did have heavier ones. I don't know how I coped without one now!!!
I'll be there, too - first timer also.
I will be doing this show this year but have not participated previously. I have a dolly from Home Depot that works great but...Geoff, where do I get a folding dolly? Sounds like just the ticket for packing in the minivan.
Google "Rock and Roll" carts. I love mine and several artists have asked where I got it. They are designed for bands and hold up to 500 pounds, yet weigh very little. Mine opens up to 44 inches long, but folds to 22 inches. A little expensive but worth the investment (mine was $150 a few years ago).
Howard Alan Events doesn't "suggest" a dolly, they actually require it. That doesn't mean there aren't HAE shows where you can pull up to your booth and leave the dolly in the vehicle, but you definitely don't want to be caught without, as many of their shows are crowded setups. You can check out any big-box home improvement store for hand trucks or furniture dollies; you might be surprised how inexpensive they are. (I think there is an advertiser on this site that has a new folding dolly worth looking into.)