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I'm new to art fairs but old to art

Posted by Taryn Day on July 7, 2011 at 2:42pm in Welcome to Art Fair Insiders!

Connie, thanks for your friendly introduction to Art Fair Insiders.  I've been painting for ages, but have only recently decided to start showing at art fairs.  I'm overwhelmed with all the decisions I have to make- what kind of panels to buy, what type of canopy, which fairs.  There are two fairs close to home the same weekend (Sept. 18th) and one costs $200 to get in, plus you have to show photos of your set up booth.  The other fair only costs $40, so I'll do that one to get my feet wet. 

 

It seems to me you could sink an awful lot of money into getting set up for these fairs.  I'm hoping I'm making the right decision.

 

I'll be so anxious about buying the right equipment that I won't regret in subsequent shows. 

 

I'm so glad to have found this site- should help a lot.

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  • Pat Falk July 8, 2011 at 9:37am
    Michael,  That is good to know.  I too would not want to tear down each day.  And Taryn, be sure to do a rehearsal before your first show.  Set everything up, including tent and art, in your yard or garage.  It helps to gage the time needed to set up at the show and also what supplies you will need.  Good luck and don't forget to report back.
    • Taryn Day > Pat Falk July 8, 2011 at 12:27pm

      Good advice, Pat.  Thanks!

       

  • Pat Falk July 7, 2011 at 9:59pm
    Tayrn---I'd like to hear about Doylestown Art Festival as I have friends who live there.  So please give us a report after the festival.
    • Michael Reimer > Pat Falk July 8, 2011 at 9:01am
      I have visited but never exhibited at Doylestown.  If I remember correclty, a certain percent of the artists (depending on location) have to set up and tear down each day, which isn't desireable for me. 
    • Taryn Day > Pat Falk July 8, 2011 at 7:50am

      Pat, there are two festivals the same weekend and I've decided to not attend the Doylestown Art Festival since I want to start with a much smaller one, the Pennridge Gallery of the Arts- so I won't be able to report back to you.

       

  • Annette Piper July 7, 2011 at 5:57pm
    Hi Taryn and welcome aboard :)  Yes, getting ready for your first show is pretty costly and confusing!  I started off doing indoor shows only (unless they provided space under a larger tent) which meant I only had to work on display first.  Then the outdoor shows and tent came later.  It will all work out, just take a deep breath to start and remember to breathe regularly throughout the process... oh and have FUN (all too easy to forget that one sometimes!)
    • Taryn Day > Annette Piper July 8, 2011 at 7:49am

      Thanks Annette!  I appreciate your voice of experience.

       

  • Michael Reimer July 7, 2011 at 5:03pm
    Hi Taryn - I live fairly close to Perkasie (Collegeville).  What were the two fairs you were deciding between?
    • Taryn Day > Michael Reimer July 7, 2011 at 5:14pm

      Hi Michael, one is the Doylestown Arts Festival, and the other is the Pennridge Gallery of the Arts, in Sellersville.  I think I'll start with the more modest one.

       

  • Taryn Day July 7, 2011 at 3:05pm
    Oops, forgot to give my name!  I'm Taryn and I live in Perkasie, PA.
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