Lakeview East Festival of Art, Chicago

Hello: I have been accepted into the Lakeview East fest in Chicago. I'm wondering if anyone has done this show and if they have any input.

So far my art fair experiences have not been stellar and I am questioning if this is the right marketing avenue for my work (I have a unique product - I find really interesting pieces of treebark, copper-plate them and incorporate them into my jewelry designs. I get great reviews from potential customers, but not a lot of sales)

Considering my sales at the four shows I've done, along with the physical demands of setting up my display by myself, I am canceling most of the others shows I have scheduled this year. I am, however, interested in the Lakeview East show. I'd like to do an Erin Malloy show and I live near Chicago so I could get help with set up and tear down. But I really don't want to try it if it's not a good show. So any input would be very helpful.

Side Note: I really hate to give up on the art fair plan because I have found the art community to be amazing. All the artists I've met have been kind, helpful, encouraging, welcoming and so talented. You can't say that about a lot of industries.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Laura McClary

Lakeview East is supposed to be a MUCH much better show than those others you have listed. The only one you have that I’ve done personally was Hinsdale. I did it a few years, burned out the market, and moved on. What else do you have? You can ask here if the rest you are signed up for are considered good shows. PM me if you want.

I know this is a physically demanding business to be in. I am now in much better shape than when I spent all day hunched over a microscope doing illustration. That said, I have to exercise outside of weekends to stay ready. It used to be each show season, it was early July before I felt I could handle my set up and tear down without it feeling hard. I take classes, as I have no discipline to exercise unless I have a class at an established time (meaning I am out the money if I fail to show up). Now I do yoga weekly (keeps the joints flexible, to prevent strain and injury). 2 years ago I added a weight training class. That has been the most helpful. Lifting even modest weights (like 5 pound hand weights) will shape you up faster than other forms of exercise (Yes, I bore all my friends about the benefits of weight training). If the treadmill seems daunting (I have one, don’t use it), work up to it with long evening walks.

Replies

Linnea Lahlum June 25, 2012 at 11:19pm

If you’ve only done 4 shows, it’s too soon to give up. You learn so much in the first year. At least give it a whole season before you decide it’s not for you. Remember too that you entered this business in a very challenging economic time. When I started out, 24 years ago, I gave myself a year to break even (after a year, too, coming off a sedentary job, I was in MUCH better shape!).

Lakeview is supposed to be a good show. (hey, I’ve never even been accepted!) I assume the booth fee is already paid: at least go to a good show like that. What other ones did you try, that didn’t work out for you?
- Laura McClary > Linnea Lahlum June 26, 2012 at 2:00pm
  
  Hi Linnea: Thanks for the advice. I keep getting the same comments from lots of other artists. I know it is true, but financially and physically (I've got to hit the treadmill) it is killing me.
  
  The other shows I've done are: Hinsdale, Grand Haven & Kansas City (both Howard Allan shows) and An Art Affair in Springfield. I have broken even on all but not "Made" any $$$.
  
  I have decided to go ahead and do the Lakeview East show since it is so close to me, so I haven't thrown in the towel yet.
  
  Thanks for your encouragement. 24 years that's quite a testimony to perserverience!!
  - Linnea Lahlum > Laura McClary June 26, 2012 at 2:33pm
    
    Lakeview East is supposed to be a MUCH much better show than those others you have listed. The only one you have that I’ve done personally was Hinsdale. I did it a few years, burned out the market, and moved on. What else do you have? You can ask here if the rest you are signed up for are considered good shows. PM me if you want.
    
    I know this is a physically demanding business to be in. I am now in much better shape than when I spent all day hunched over a microscope doing illustration. That said, I have to exercise outside of weekends to stay ready. It used to be each show season, it was early July before I felt I could handle my set up and tear down without it feeling hard. I take classes, as I have no discipline to exercise unless I have a class at an established time (meaning I am out the money if I fail to show up). Now I do yoga weekly (keeps the joints flexible, to prevent strain and injury). 2 years ago I added a weight training class. That has been the most helpful. Lifting even modest weights (like 5 pound hand weights) will shape you up faster than other forms of exercise (Yes, I bore all my friends about the benefits of weight training). If the treadmill seems daunting (I have one, don’t use it), work up to it with long evening walks.
    - Laura McClary > Linnea Lahlum June 26, 2012 at 3:10pm
      
      Other shows: Lincoln Park Art & Music Festival, Naperville Woman's Club Fine Art Fest, Lill St. Craft Fair, Lake Front Art Fest (Michigan City), Rockford.
      
      Thanks again for the input. And, yes I know getting fit is daunting but I have to get started - today. Thanks for the advice.
Amy Ikenn June 25, 2012 at 3:49pm

I do fused glass work - no jewelry - and I had a record show last year. It's a great community, with resources to spend. Erin ran a great show and I am happily looking forward to doing it again. Maybe a jeweler can weigh in for more specific info.
- Laura McClary > Amy Ikenn June 25, 2012 at 3:51pm
  
  thanks, I appreciate the input. If I end up doing the show I will look you up.
  
  Laura

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