Custer's Last Stand Street Fair, Evanston, IL

Great neighborhood festival, skip it as a fine art venue. Apparently, Custer St. Fair used to be known as a quality fine art venue, not any more. I was easily the highest quality fine artist in attendance. There were a number of very good photographers, one I know sold fairly well the others I think sold little or nothing at all. I sold a few smaller paintings. Jewelry did well, good potters would do well, there was no yard art…it might have done ok, many folks live in apartments, but there are magnificent vintage frame homes in the area as well.

Excellent all-around vibe, the weather was perfect. Load in and out was well managed. We were able to drive right to our booths to drop off and pick up. Booths were on pavement and so close together, you could barely fit a credit card between the frames. Excellent live music-one of the musicians was an old friend. Several summers ago, I spent the summer sailing out of Dempster St. beach. The most nail biting part of sailing that summer was finding legal parking for the day. The money I spent on secured parking was worth it. I was fortunate to stay with a friend who lived two blocks from the festival.

The well-heeled, friendly, relaxed crowd was constant and heavy. Beautiful families, beautiful people, beautiful dogs, the non-stop river of fair goes was entertaining. I spoke almost non-stop with interested and interesting people. I was amazed at how many people I knew-even though I was far from my own stomping grounds. I had packed enough food and water for the entire weekend; port-potties were unbelievably disgusting, no booth sitters, zero amenities for artists-or anyone in a booth.

This is a neighborhood festival encompassing about six blocks. Fine craft did well. Go to enjoy the festival, not as someone selling fine art.

Replies

Donna Mole May 1, 2013 at 6:44pm

I was a bit off put by the call for artists for Custer Street Fair. They advertise 375 crafters and artists..I just counted and there are about 225...not cool.

It's a fun show to do and go to. The commercial is apart from the craft/art section and there is a nice variety of food and entertainment.
Larry Berman June 21, 2011 at 9:54am

Used to be known for?

Not that anyone might or might not do well there, but I did it about 22 years ago and was next to someone selling sunglasses. I haven't heard of it getting any better.

It's not a bad show if you know in advance what you're getting into.

The only other thing I remember is doing it in the early 1990's and taking the train into Chicago on Saturday for the Grateful Dead concert. Actually that was the only reason I did it that second time.

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
- Lynda Wallis > Larry Berman June 21, 2011 at 10:34am
  
  Hey Larry, I had enough people mention to me that it 'used to be...' I knew going into the show that is was probably NOT the best fit for me, but was determined to make the best of it, and I did. Sold a few paintings, got to hear and talk to a musician I love, tons of networking for my illustration business and talking with lots 'o folks I knew. So your choice to do it for easy access to a Grateful Dead show was a good one-you knew what you were getting into and took advantage of it! : ) The jewlery people around me-3 booths- all did VERY well, as did the crushable straw hat people across the way.
  - geri a. wegner > Lynda Wallis June 21, 2011 at 10:53am
    
    Glad you had a good time Linda. I went to a similar show in Grayslake on Saturday and I knew what I was going to. Met an AFI'er, got a present for my dog, got some garage art for a neighbor and had a very pleasant time. Managed expectations means you can have as good a time at a local fest as a nationally known one.

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