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Florida shows in November, any suggestions

Posted by Wayne Hayden on May 1, 2013 at 9:21pm in Art Show Information and Discussions

Hello all,

Well, I have decided to take the plunge and try to make it to a couple of shows in Florida in November. Why you ask? First off it's just too cold to be doing outdoor shows in VA in November, second, I have tried an indoor show (Bazaar type thing) and that was a waste of time. Too much buy/sell and junk. Plus, us old guys like warmer weather, so going south in November kinda makes sense. I work with wood and make mainly bowls, freeform jewelry boxes, and natural/live edge furniture. (Tables and benches) 

I have been trying to do some research and have come up with some possibilities, (assuming I can get past the jury process). 

1. Downtown Festival  & Art Show in Gainesville.--Highly rated in Sunshine Artist. I have found some reports on this site, but none appear to be recent. That is Nov. 16-17.

2. The next weekend there are three that I have found, but don't see a lot of information about them either. They are:

Deland Fall Festival of the Arts

Artworks Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival, Melbourne FL

Paragon's Longboat Key

3. Finally there is the Space Coast Art Festival the week after Thanksgiving.

Also there may be some hidden gems that I don't know about, so feel free to offer suggestions. Two weekend back to back would probably be best, but making three is also a possibility. Twist my arm and make me spend another week in the Keys. 

Thanks,

Wayne

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Replies

  • Jacki Bilsborrow May 3, 2013 at 11:55pm

    Sorry about the mess up on the links I posted:

    www.Callsforartists.com

    www.artshowreviews.com

  • Cindy Capehart May 3, 2013 at 11:41am

    Hi Wayne,

    I live in Gainesville and did the Downtown festival for the first time last year. I did well for a beginning artist. The biggest complaint was that they changed the festival to October because of a football game. I think it hurt sales since it wasn't as close to the holiday shopping season. It has been returned to November and I have already applied to it for this year.

    Several people have suggested I do the DeLand show, so I am planning on applying to it. Sorry I can't be more helpful since I am just starting to do shows outside of Gainesville and I myself need the advice.

    • Wayne Hayden > Cindy Capehart May 3, 2013 at 12:39pm

      Thanks Cindy and Brian,

      I was able to go back through some old issues of Sunshine Artist and find a review of Gainesville from last year, and it looks like a good show. Now just have to make it past the jury process. 

      Also will be applying to the Deland event. Actually to cover my bases, I will probably be applying to Deland and Melbourne. 

      Cindy, like you this is my first year branching out more. For me that means doing shows outside of VA. So far my only out of state has been  the one in Wilmington, NC (which was  a mistake) but have been accepted at Syracuse which I hope will be a good show. I have been doing larger wine festivals as well as the local art shows and have had success at both. This year I am also branching out to more art shows around the state. 

      Looking forward to a good weekend coming up as I will be doing Arts in the Park in Richmond. 

      Thanks again for the feedback,

      Wayne

  • Jim Parker May 2, 2013 at 8:09am
    There is the Disney Festival of the Masters. Fun show.
    • Brian Horan > Jim Parker May 2, 2013 at 1:19pm

      Hows it going Jim ,Have you done Disney I keep hearing it's not that great .I've wanted to try it since its a close show ,but have always backed off I've been looking for someone who's done well there or at least decent

      • Jim Parker > Brian Horan May 2, 2013 at 1:25pm

        I've done it a few times. It can be good as some local collectors do come out and buy, but mostly it's tourists out having fun at Disney.

        Disney gives you two free day passes to any of their parks, lots of assistance loading in and out, and a rollicking good time with Micky. You can also see Cirque d'Soleil at a reduced price, which I have heard is phenomenal. Micky himself hands out checks and awards. I earned a purchase award one year -- $750.

        There are good spots and bad spots. Jewelers do well, as the work is very portable. Large work is a harder sell. It's a lot of fun, and with all the freebies, it is almost a wash cost-wise. Is it a big money-maker? Probably not for most, although it's a good filler show if you have others in Florida in November. It is often the same weekend as Gainesville, depending on the football schedule. Gainesville schedules on an away game weekend, and a good thing too.

        • Wayne Hayden > Jim Parker May 2, 2013 at 1:43pm

          Thanks Jim,

          Sounds like Disney might be a bit hectic for me. Most of my work is large enough that folks don't like to carry it around. Can not imagine people trying to carry a large bowl or jewelry box around in the park. 

          But thanks for the feedback,

          Wayne

  • Brian Horan May 2, 2013 at 1:06am

    Hi Wayne I live in Cocoa Beach I am  photographer so take my advice as such  your woodwork would be good in Deland 1 warning interior Fla. other then Winter Park and Mt Dora is a tough market .But your type of woodwork could do well there .I did Space Coast which is 4 minutes from my house 3 yrs ago it wasn't that great for me but it was my 1st year my work has changed and now have a following here so am applying this year, good awards but area is still down with shuttle program gone.Eau Gallie is 15 miles and is a smaller show then Space Coast show so you may spread it thin being so close to each other .  Good Luck

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