The BAM show deadline is drawing near and because I was so badly burned at the November Scottsdale Artfest I don't know if I even want to send in an entry to BAM. Their literature boasts something like 600,000 visitors. Does anyone have first hand experience? Are at least some of those visitors also buyers, or are they mostly out to in enjoy a walk in the sun and a corn dog? I'd appreciate any information anyone has regarding this show. Thanks, Patricia Ragone
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Patricia - I assume you are aware there are 3 shows in Bellevue that weekend, over 800 booths between the 3 shows? We've only participated in one of the 3 shows (not BAM) and had marginal success despite the fact that it's a local show for us.
As far as the attendance numbers go, between the 3 shows, I think it's very likely or at least 80% of that number. Do they all go to all 3 shows? Doubtful, even our favorite art fair groupies say it's too big to walk in one day.
I know a lot of artists who do well at BAM so I'm not the best person to give you advice in your medium. Some facts to consider: 800 booths, 3 shows, attendees don't really realize it's 3 shows, although most start with the Museum show and the artists I know who do that show love it. Most do very well, if they can get into BAM or the Bellevue Festival of the Arts.
The year we did the show was the one weekend in the entire summer when it hit the high 90's in Seattle (which I sure contributed to dismal sales). I see you are from Sagle ID, this is not like the Couer d'Alene or Sandpoint shows where locals are used to warm temps, if it's above 90, people in Seattle find the closest lake, swimming pool or air conditioned mall and have no desire to walk city streets for the 3 art fairs while the artists are melting on the asphalt.
Again, I've heard from other artists, the year we did the show was one of the worst, 2 years ago was slightly better and it seems like most of the artists felt like sales last summer were much better than previous years. That's just what I've heard through my artist grapevine here in Seattle.
Thanks for the information. I didn't know there were 3 shows going on at one time. thank goodness I have a few days to think about submitting my entry to give it some thought. You also mentioned asphalt. Do you know where the show is held? It's not in a park? I think I'll contact BAM before I apply with a few questions, thanks to you.
You're right about the folks in Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene being willing to brave the heat. We have much more severe weather both summer and winter if we stayed home when it's too hot or, cold we'd never go anywhere.
Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me what you know, or have heard…in any case, thank you. Patricia
Patricia - one more suggestion,Sheila Evans from Spokane is an AFI member who is a painter (oil and pastels), she's participated in BAM multiple times, she might be a better person for you to ask questions of for your medium.
3 Shows - BAM - held in the parking garage of the Bellevue mall
Bellevue Festival of the Arts - held in the parking lot right off of NE 8th street, the road most people take when exiting I-405 in downtown Belleuve
6th Street Arts festival - held on 6th street, but also uses part of a parking lot and I think there are some booths bordering the main walkway that is used by people going from the mall to many of the local restaurants, it's kind of an alley but gets a lot of foot traffic.
So, all three on pavement, BAM is in the parking garage so if it's really hot outside, at least you are in the shade. The other 2 can be brutal when it's hot, however, I heard last year it was perfect, 70's and sunny.
Parking garages are certainly not the images they use on their brochures!
I'm not terribly familiar with AFI website. How do I contact Sheila Evans?
Thanks again for your help.
Go to the members search (top of the page, menu selection: Members), search on her name, and send her a friend request with a message.
Thank you.
I haven't done BAM but I have looked into it. I know there are height restrictions for your setup and you would probably want lights since the parking lot lights aren't the right color. However, the overall sales figures for BAM seem to be better than the other 2 shows.
Thanks, Lisa, you bring up more questions to ask when I contact BAM.
I did the show last year. It is a really nice show. Crowds were good, not huge, but good, It is in the parking garage of the mall, so it is a bit strange. I wish my sales had been better. The customer base is affluent, knowledgeable and engaged, but for all that, my sales were just so..so. I do contemporary wood and, based on comments from other wood artist, more traditional work sold a bit better.
I do think this can be a very good show, but for me, it was a bit soft.