Hello! I haven't posted much but I have learned so much from you by reading the forum. Thank you for all your advice.
This past weekend I did my first fine art festival at the 4 Bridges Art Festival in Chattanooga. Despite the weather the first couple of days, I sold 4 collages. Three of those were in the last five minutes of the festival! When I got home the next day I was contacted by someone who saw my art and wished they had bought a piece. I still had it and sold it to them. So, five sales and I broke even on my expenses. Very happy!
The people that ran the event were great. They fed us, watched our tents, made everything easy and were really nice. The artists I met were awesome, very supportive and I know I have some new friends. I was approached by a couple of gallery owners too.
I had steady traffic in my booth, sometimes getting pretty crowded. I loved how the patrons and visitors would study each piece and then see them begin to laugh at the sense of humor in my art. I was surprised how long they stayed in my booth and was asked many questions.
The only thing was, I was told I could not sell prints and know I would have sold some. However, an almost full box of business cards, a stack of postcards and a stack of brochures were almost gone by the end of the weekend. Hopefully this means traffic to my web page.
I hope I get invited back next year. If so, I'll find a cheaper room to save money. My tent looked great and I have some ideas to do more but my little subaru was packed tight.
I'm anxious to do more shows but have to figure out how to pay for them, grant money made this one possible but I'm tapped out since I just broke even. I have the tent and art but may have to do some gallery exhibits or projects to hopefully make some income for shows.
It was hard work, so I really appreciate you guys! Hopefully as I get on my feet I'll see you out there!
Replies
Hello Cathy. Sounds like things went well for you. I am wondering about the grant. How did you get a grant to do art shows? Where did you get it from? I am sure this would be of interest to others, too.
Would you also be interested in writing a review for www.artshowreviews.com? We would love your help. You can do that by clicking on the link to find art show alphbetically - http://www.artshowreviews.com/art-fair-reviews-alphabetical.html.
Glad you had a good show. Hang in there.
Jacki B
Did you read the review of this show in the blog section? Someone mentioned trying to get into the show for the last four years.
Your prints are reasonably priced. Have you thought about farmer's markets in your area where it doesn't really cost anything to set up a table? That might give you the money you need for more art shows. (do they sell produce at those markets anymore?)