My local art group would like to include a "People's Choice" prize during our annual art fair. The intent is two-fold - first to encourage visitors to make the complete circuit of all of the booths and secondly to give a cash award to an artist who, in the eyes of the public, is deserving of an award even though they were not granted one by the judges.
We're struggling with the logistics. Keeping it simple is becoming difficult. We are planning to limit the voting to one per person and would probably create a ballot on a postcard which would be sturdy yet which could be printed economically.
If you are either an artist or a promoter who has experience with this (good or bad), or if you just have some thoughts on the subject, please add a post. Thank you!
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One method I saw used at a show was to give every guest an award card. Make it look like a ribbon. Have them give it to the artist they liked the best. At the end of the day, the artist with the most "ribbons" won a prize. You could give every guest 3 if it's a large show.
One problem with peoples choice awards is that the person with the most local friends will get the most votes. That's another reason for giving out 2-3 votes to every guest.
One thing wrong with one ballot! The first people in line will get the least votes. Nobody wants to vote right away so they hang on to the votes. I suggest give people at least three votes but one per artist. For the most part people will not cheat.
Tina - let me know how that goes - I did the Pumpkin Patch Fest in Egg Harbor and it was horrible even with 200,000 people. I've heard Sturgeon Bay is nice.
RodMelotte@photo.net
The Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair...first they do not charge any admission; they ask artists to donate to the raffle, you can purchase three tickets for ten bucks, a bucket type raffle where you drop your ticket in for what you want to win. Bummer I was not called as a winner. I did ask where the monies went and the nice little lady said oh I don't know....eventually someone else stated it was used to support the fair and the area visitor center.
When you enter there is a table with volunteers (and a donation jug) you are given a brochure with a map outlining the tents, the artists and their media type. On the back of same brochure is the viewers choice ballot, very simple you write in the artists name or booth number and drop it off on your way out. It also includes a line asking where did you hear about this fair.
I was there with two friends, and of course left without voting, so that is a definite caveat. I do not know what type of prize (if any) is given or awarded.
Might have been nice to maybe see signs reminding to vote.
Beautiful day, though I did not see much leaving..hoping artists did ok.
Thanks! Recognizing the many tasks that must be completed to make this outdoor show a success, I think we've come to the conclusion that we'll just save the "People's Choice" award for our December indoor show where all work to be voted upon will be on two large walls in the main lobby area of our very nice large public library. Even there, we try to have someone "man" the voting desk at various times to encourage people to vote.
Our outdoor fine art fair is spread along two sides of two different streets in the downtown area and it's always difficult to get people to see all of the booths which was part of our motivation, but perhaps not a feasible idea.
I've only done a donation at one fine art show for a silent auction, but I clearly understood what the proceeds would go to. They also had an online gallery of all donated items that was up and running about two weeks before the show - great idea. All artists making a donation received a letter from the non-profit group to be used for tax purposes.
By the way, I'm envious of your visit to Door County - love it there!
Door county is nice but when it comes to shows I have personally had good and bad, though I am learning what sells better on each side of the peninsula :)
I was an "exhibitor" at this show last weekend. I specifically use that word because that's really all I did. For the first time in years I didn't come close to making expenses. 4 sales total, biggest one was $130. If you take out the cost of materials I didn't quite cover the booth (also $130) and gas, let alone hotel and food.
The organizers did a generally nice job and treated the artists well, most of the work at least qualified as fine art - however I was stuck between bags manufactured from recycled sails (which I can live with) and a booth full of stuffed animals and bags that I can find on alibaba. When the organizer showed me my booth she made a big deal about how that family has been with the show since the beginning and how hard the little matriarch (who doesn't speak English) works to make all of these items by hand. Basically, she didn't leave me any room to complain without offending her. SO I spent 2 days watching every kid in the area get a $5 stuffed snake (if their folks had cash, no CC processing for them) while I got compliments and nothing more.
Many other artists said it was down from previous years - claimed the good weather kept the buyers away because they were on their boats. My conclusion - this show is not for me.
I did get a nibble on a gift shop at a museum - which would make it worth the weekend. I am also wondering about the show at the Fine Line Gallery that is further north in October. I was seriously considering it, but now I'm a little shy of the DC concept.
Thanks! I'd love to say an update.
I know they've done this at St. James Court Art Show, at least a few years ago when we were still doing art fairs. Margue Esrock at that show would have info.
And, on that note, they are having a People's Choice vote at the Old Town Art Fair in Chicago in June and the prize is a trip to Barcelona for 2!! What a great prize that is.
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