I’m trying to travel less this year. But I see that attendance is only 3000, and I counted 193 artists in last years’ program. Seems rather disproportionate, unless the attendance figures are off..…a lot. Also looks like the booth fee went from $ 100 to $300 this year (!).
Either it is an absolutely fantastic show, or the organizers (a non-profit community organization) are crazy. Thanks!
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Thanks, Karla. Yes, $100 to $300 is quite a shocker! I've never heard of anything quite like it.
They say they are run by volunteers...where's that big fee hike going?!
I know people who have done it. I applied once and had my rejection returned to me in record time. My slides and application COMPLETELY undisturbed...except for the check...Which was removed of coarse and sent back to me in one weeks time.
hmmmmm. Never again.
And...The friends that I know that used to do it did okay for a year or two. Then the trouble of downtown, and the lack of sales...well...They don't do it anymore. I remember them saying something about the uneven ground as well.
I have been fortunate enough to do this show several times over the years and it is a privilege to be included in this event when invited. It is a neighborhood show. A neighborhood that has definitely seen it's ups and downs. They are very proud of their neighborhood and of their show.
At the risk of ruffling a few feathers from some cackling individuals - I am violating my own policy and I am publicly endorsing this show. These people work very hard to put on a small, dynamic, and very popular show. It happens the same weekend as one of Amdur's biggest shows and they still do a great job! I have made friends with many residents there. The family that lives behind where I am often assigned even makes dinner and brings it out to my booth - this happens in the middle of Chicago!!!
But that's not what has me miffed about this thread - what is this BS about $100 to $300 price increase? It's not true. From what I understand they have a tiered pricing for senior citizens and those of us who are not yet 65. Why? Well maybe because there are two parks that hold the shows - Holstein Park and, yep, you guessed it: "Senior Citizens Park". The booth fees you are talking about are like comparing apples and oranges. By the way, are there any bs "jury fees" at Bucktown like at practically every other show in the world.
These are great people and a great show. Maria runs a great show and is a straight shooter, unlike many others out there.
Disclaimer: I don't care if I am invited or not invited because of my opinion expressed here. It's an impressive, unbiased show and I know what I think and say won't effect whether I am invited or not invited.
I understood that they have tiered pricing, with a lower rate for senior citizens. That is not what I was commenting on.
Last year’s fees (from their Art Fair Sourcebook listing): $100.00 — 165.00 . $100 senior, $165 non-senior.
Quote from their site:
“Please note: Our Fest fees have changed. Accepted artists will be invoiced a fee of $300. Senior artists, a fee of $200. “
So, okay: the senior’s fees are doubled, the Non-senior’s fees Are ALMOST doubled. I’m happy to hear it is such a well run show, also happy the seniors are getting a break; but I found that jump to be really startling.
And yes, there is a $25 jury fee, plus a one time set up fee of $10 to join the Slideroom site. It’s all on their application; I’m not dreaming this up.
Where are you seeing $100 to $300? Without even going to the site to verify your numbers - you are saying the increase is 100 to 200 and 165 to 300. Certainly not 100 to 300. Also, even with the increase those are not unreasonable numbers. What should they pay insurance and city fees with? My good looks? Won't get far there. How about porta-potties, sinks?, private duty cops?, the Slideroom site?, the stages?, street cleaning before?, cleaning up the mess afterward?
I'll go to their website later, but I think a mountain is being made out of a mole hill here. They raised a very nominal fee to something more realistic and appropriate for a neighborhood fundraiser and art show. I think they just started the jury fee last year or the year before. These guys work as well as they can with as little as they can. Private neighbors even donated so artists could have coffee and a bagel for the last couple of years because the show didn't have the funds for such luxuries.
The attendance figures are dreamt up by someone, not you or me Linnea - but they were definitely dreamt up.
It is certainly interesting how many of us have very different experiences! When my friends and I exchange show info we state our "disclaimer" that it could be very very different for you!