Greetings Everyone,
This is my first year at paricipating in open air art festivals. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the discussions at Art fair Insiders...what a treasure trove of ideas and experinces! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Next month, I will be exhibiting at my first major art festival: the B.A.M. ARTfair in Bellevue, Washington. I never got to visit it as a spectator, so I feel like I'm heading into it blind. Fortunately, my husband will be helping me man my booth, so we can support each other. I would love to hear from any artists that have shown their work at this festival...what you enjoyed, what you vehemently disliked, etc.
Good luck to all for the upcoming summer show season!
--Mary Rollins
Replies
Mary - we've never been accepted into BAM, did the 6th street show one year and had horrible results. We now go to Richland for their one big art show of the year that is the same weekend with great results. However, everyone that I've talked to who does BAM or the other Belleuve Festival of the Arts has good things to say about both those shows. Some artists do well at 6th Street to, just wasnt' the right venue for us.
Lynn - not to discourage you, hope you do better in Port Angeles Arts in Action than we did last year. I wrote a blog on it last year, would never consider going back. I heard through the grapevine that some artists finally had some sales on Sunday but we packed out Saturday night. As far as I could tell there was zero marketing done for the event. Feel free to check out my blog.
Hi Mary, welcome aboard!
Never done that particular show so can't talk specifics with you, in general, keep an open mind, walk the show yourself, if you can, and view your set-up from the perspective of a customer- foot traffic flow, access to Art or works, what interests them. Displays can be an ever evolving thing. I keep a list-what works and what doesn't for them and for me! Most of all, stay comfortable, as much as possible, and definitely- take advantage of the "Booth helper"!
It will be a great experience for you both! Good luck and SELL, SELL, SELL!
Hi Karole,
Thanks for the helpful feedback. I'll remember your ideas as I participate and walk the show.
--Mary
Hi Mary and welcome. My husband and I have been doing craft shows on the other side of the sound (Bremerton side). I am trying to decide if our things are good enough to get into some art shows in this area. We will be doing "Arts in Action" in Port Angeles the end of July for the first time - don't know how we will do, but here's hoping we do well. I'm not sure about traveling over to Seattle, not sure our pieces would fit in. Good luck in Bellevue!! If you would like to see our things - our website is www.bluegeesescrolledart.com. Would love to hear what you think. Lynn
Hi Lynn,
Its nice to hear from you. The BAM ARTSfair (July 27-29) is a show that focuses on fine art, but there are two other art festivals in Bellevue that weekend that you might check out. Good luck in all of your endeavors!
--Mary
Hi Mary and welcome to AFI - glad to have you on board!
Thanks, Annette!