Greetings from Raleigh, NC!

Jim Dalton January 18, 2012 at 11:52am

Some shows to do in easy range of Raleigh: Piedmont Craftsmens Fair (juried guild, great show), Carolina Designer Craftsmens Fair (juried guild, great show), Holly Arts & Crafts, (one day street fair in Pinehurst, better than average for street fair), Lazy Daze ( average street fair in Cary, always on the hottest day of the year, but good crowds for low to medium price points), Artsplosure in Raleigh, (easy for you to get to, probably not worth driving a long distance, but good for getting known in the area). I would avoid Sanford Pottery Festival, Art in the Park, Blowing Rock, and Spring Days in Cary.

We are in Pinehurst, let us know if we can help, or answer any questions.

Michelle Davis Petelinz > Jim Dalton January 18, 2012 at 12:49pm

Hi Linda and Jim. Thanks for your reply. My thoughts on the shows you mention: Piedmont and Carolina Designer--I agree, they are great shows in terms of quality of artists and work, but from what I've observed as an attendee, and heard from friends who show, they haven't been great for sales. I did Lazy Daze once, years ago. Yes, it was the hottest day that summer, and vowed to never do it again, nor any other 1-day show, regardless of reputation or venue (it takes us about 4 hours to set up and 1.5 to break down, so not worth the sweat/effort for one day). Don't get me started on Artsplosure! Suffice it to say that my work was accepted for inclusion the first time I applied, I did the show, and sold fairly well. In each of the next two years, I applied, and my work wasn't chosen. The following year, I was asked to be on the jury, and again 3 years later (anyone interested in knowing how that works, let me know), but will probably not be asked to jury again (I directly challenged how the staff handled the jury's decisions).

I agree about Sanford and Spring Days. As I understand it, Blowing Rock's show schedule and application system is odd, so I haven't applied there. Where is Art in the Park?
- Jim Dalton > Michelle Davis Petelinz January 25, 2012 at 9:36pm
  
  Art in the Park is in Charlotte, in Freedom Park. You would be better off to set up your display in your backyard, and cook smores over a campfire made from 5 dollar bills.
  
  Holly Arts in Pinehurst will open for applications in about a week. google Holly Arts and Crafts, Pinehurst if you are interested.
  - Farah Darwish > Jim Dalton March 21, 2013 at 5:35pm
    
    That's hilarious!
  - Michelle Davis Petelinz > Jim Dalton January 26, 2012 at 1:09pm
    
    Too funny!
    
    I know that show as Festival in the Park, and we did it in '07, '08, '09, and '10. The first two years were great (got an Honorable Mention ribbon in year 2), the third was bad (rainout all day Saturday, and on Sunday the sunshine couldn't make up for the lost day). 2010 was the Worst. Show. Ever, and it's why we won't do it again. Lots of people, but No One Buying. An awful 4-day experience. It's too bad, since the setting is lovely.
    
    Thanks for the info. on Holly Arts; I'll look into it. And, thanks for the laugh!
  - Geoff Coe > Jim Dalton January 25, 2012 at 10:09pm
    
    LOL!!!
    Funniest post I've read all week.

Chris Hoyt January 18, 2012 at 7:01am

Welcome Michelle.

This forum needs more members with your perspective on shows. We have, in my opinion, too many exhibitors in this business with this "us vs them" attitude about promoters.