Hello Art Fair Insiders - I have been contemplating applying to the Great Lakes Art Fair show in Novi Michigan which will be held in April... and i wonder if anyone can give feedback on the show. The prospectus looks wonderful, and for us it would be exposure to a new market....And yes, i read the show reviews on this website but it left me wanting to know more. How did you do, what did you sell, and would you go back?
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I seen this on FB the other day.
The GLAF is seeking a few more supreme quality artists in the mediums of pottery, sculpture, wood and 2d/3d mixed media-- Application deadline extended to Friday Feb 28 at Midnight for a select few creators in these mediums only, please! The Great Lakes Art Fair Jury has completed its evaluation of initial applications for the Spring Great Lakes Aft Fair, April 11-13 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi...the review process is more selective now, in an effort to elevate the quality of the GLAF experience for both patrons and artists! Applications at www.GreatLakesArtFair.com
Full disclosure, Barbara -- I have been involved consulting with this show since its inception. It was started just as everything was going to hell with the economy. The people who own the building and the show work very hard. These have not been good days in the Detroit area, yet the show is in an affluent area, they do work the media, they are great people to work with and you will be treated well. Your buyers may/may not materialize, but it is a chance that this business is full of. No one will be taking advantage of you and there is some very nice work in the show.
Worth the risk. Where else do you even stand a chance of making money at this time of the year?
One question though - after applying i put a post it on my calander that the jury would be Feb 17-18 and Jury Notification Feb 19th/ I waited until yesterday, almost a week later, and tried to call the number on the app... got voice mail. Went back to the website to double check the phone number and noticed they have changed the jury dates to March 7-8. I have not seen that happen before. Is that normal to this show? In the 4 years I have applied and gone through jury process at other events the deadline was held, and communication was firm. just odd... perhaps there is a backstory on this.
Thanks Connie. We agree - that chance is worth the risk... like any event....
It is a show struggling for survival. I have done it a few times - never juried in but called at the last minute and got a double booth for the price of a single. I have always made expenses, but not much more. They are currently e-mailing everyone who has done the show before asking us to apply. Their promotional materials are overly optimistic. It is a very easy and pleasant show to do and, who knows, it's always possible to do well.
Hi Barbara. Thanks for asking. It all depends on how far you have to drive ... the show is building. Last Spring they had their best attendance. It is not "huge", but it is nice, a really nice expo center, easy to do and they really work the PR and marketing. A new audience is always good. A show indoors in April, what's not to like about that?