I just got done doing my first show of the season in Elmhurst, IL at Art in the Park. I'm a jewelry artist and did this show for the first time last year. I was lucky enough to get the same spot I was in, which was a wonderful location close to the entrance. People went past my booth on the way in and again on the way out. Evidently, my work was the benchmark, as I had several women come back to me to purchase what they'd seen earlier. I also had 3 sales to customers that sought me out because they bought a lovely piece last year at the same show and all of them said they'd received great compliments on their pieces...something I LOVE to hear!
Roz Long is the show organizer and she's wonderful! Her staff and volunteers are enthusiastic, helpful and diligent. Roz has been doing this show for a long time...I believe for over 10 years. She is accessible and always returns calls and emails in a timely manner. This year, I asked Roz for assistance in finding a local young man to help me with set up and break down (I'm getting old...lol.) She was so accommodating and I had the help I needed and was happy to pay him for his efforts.
Roz told me last year, when I was accepted into the show, that the first weekend of May in Chicago can be iffy weather and it frequently rains, but it was a beautiful weekend in 2013. This year, we had some gusty wind on Saturday afternoon and it was chilly on Sunday, but people turned out in droves.
One of the things I most appreciate is when folks make an art fair their destination. We weren't a second thought or a passing glance...we were the event people marked in their calendars. After a long horrible winter, I think people are eager to get outside and this is the fist art fair of the season in our area. Residents of Elmhurst are very supportive of independent artists and they have a high enough disposable income to make purchases of all kinds of art. I saw people carrying packages large and small.
All the artists I spoke with did well and, after 14 years of doing art fairs, I actually had my best show ever...I was thrilled! Despite the chill in the air on Sunday and chasing my wind borne earrings around on Saturday afternoon, it was a beautiful weekend.
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