In a recent discussion (http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/not-enough-quality?commentId=2160589%3AComment%3A100806&xg_source=msg_com_forum), Chris Hoyt said:
"This used to be considered an "easy money" gig. We would just set up, sell what we wanted to design/make/photograph/paint and there would always be people there to buy it.
Not today.
There are many talented artists/craftsmen out there who suddenly must actually work for their money, not just create. And they don't like it. So they got out. Many got into this when 10x was the norm for a show, and many did far beyond that."
My observation is that there is fundamental change in the relationship between the patrons and the shows. They don't "go-to-buy" anymore. The Ramsey effect that Chris Hoyt makes reference to is in full swing. By not-buying, customers are doing the right thing, i.e. not adding to debt, not using credit cards, etc.
The challenge is for Festivals to re-invigorate buyers. To change their perception of an art show experience. For example, Artisphere in Greenville has hourly painting demonstrations by a known traveling artist. It helps get peoples juices flowing in terms of owning an original piece of art. Also, the geclee situation has killed business for one-of-a-kind artists. Shows might commit to limited prints as they do at Boardwalk.
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T-Totally agree, indy crafts are exciting and affordable and it ain't a bunch of people sitting in the back of the booth reading "War and Peace." Art Festivals are the original "pop-ups." But they sure ain't exciting anymore.
I asked a friend on the circuit who recently walked a show in NOLA, "what was it like?" He said the artists looked like animals in cages...I know that feeling, waiting for one person to bail me out of jail...
AS far as "buy American", Castleberry Fairs in New Hampshire stresses that very fact in their advertising.
But where are we in this? I am the only exhibitor at the shows I do that will put a sign in my booth saying " What's made in China, should stay in China. Made in the USA" or "Made in Vermont". And I get literally hundreds of comments about the signs. So why aren't others letting their customers know this? Why are we waiting for "somebody else" to inform the customers?
I do Country Folk Art shows and they're now literally a Chinese flea market. Sheets, socks, sunglasses, toys, you name it. But I post my sign and get customers buying from me, happy to see something still made here.
Perhaps for those of us that make it, "MADE BY MY HANDS" Signs could work for everyone.
I hate to tell you guys. Manufacturing in America is still alive and it's picking up. We may not make everything we have in the past but things are being made. My husband sells components for items manufactured in the USA, specifically the Southeast. Business was better this year than it ever has been, because of new manufacturing, here in the US. It's a direct result of increased demand. What kind of things? Well, he deals with electronic stuff. The world changes.
We lost many factories because management didn't want to or didn't have the money to retool. The factories in China were newer so were able to produce more for less, yes the workers were paid less but all those people in China have an escalating standard of living they want more and they want more money, NOW. The world changes. "Made in America" will continue to have it's place and overall those items will be well made. As demand and profits rise new manufacturing will follow. Hopefully that will put money in Americas pocket so they can spend it with us.
In the other discussion I posted this:
"I'm currently 27. Most shows that I am in, I am one of, if not, the youngest artist.
It would be great if this was easy money, but I don't mind working hard, because I love doing it. In fact, it doesn't feel much like work at all because I look forward to doing shows and creating new work (and believe me, I work EXTREMELY hard and put a lot of time into this). It allows me to travel around the world, and I am happy to work hard to be able to do that. If people are looking to make a quick buck, then I would prefer if they went somewhere else because it shows in the work when someone is passionate about their art. I am always happy to see young new artists getting into shows, there needs to be a new 'crop' (for lack of a better term) of artists rising up to ensure the future success of art shows (I include myself in this 'crop' as well).
Another note...I do think its good that people are trying to reduce their debt. Debt in the country is out of control and I am happy to see people are starting to do something about it. On the other hand, I want people to be spending money on my work also....so I guess that can be contradictory in some cases.
I started doing these types of shows a few years ago as the economy started to change. I am happy to have started in this 'slow' period because I was able to learn and make my mistakes when things were slow anyway. Now, if I can do well when things are bad, I can do very well when things are better. Who knows if the days I hear about when people were making 10x what they do now at shows will return, but I will continue to work hard even when they come."
I don't really feel good about the "buy American" slogan...almost every show I do has artists from all over the world and I would not want to encourage anyone to not buy from them simply because they are not American. A better slogan would be "buy what you really like."
-Evan
www.EvanReinheimer.com
or, as in advertising ,,,,promoters could really emphasize the "Buy American " aspect .
since , this is becoming one of the only markets where American made is still valid .
At the recent Winterfair ,Columbus show, they did mention over the PA , to buy American ,,,
it was more of an afterthought ,it seemed .But at least ,they did go in that direction.
and mentioned it a couple times , anyways.
Maybe if it was made a big deal...... the final frontier.....the last dinosaur.....
come one, come all to "support American Artists......buy American......keep American Business alive!........"
well, that might be helpful ?
but than, I guess it might cut into that B/S line, so many shows are willing to let in.
so maybe this is a oxymoron.
There is a small shop, in my town , that just opened, that is ALL American made .
too soon to know, how they will fair .....
remember when Walmart toted ,,,"American made " .?.........that seemed to go by the way side .
But , maybe it's time to actually have shows , that advertise , and praise & worship this whole concept....
before that's all that's left .....a concept .
I don't know how much water "Buy American" holds? Is that enough to make someone buy? Or, do they simply go to a show and "Look American?" What is needed is a reason for people to get in the car, go to a destination, get excited about art and then take some home. The get excited part is missing, so the last part is more difficult. The circus was dead until Circ du Soile (sp?) came alone. We need that good old razzle-dazzle, so me something that is not a cliche, make me laugh, make me feel something, kinda overlay. Sorry, didn't mean to rant.