Hi, I am just getting back into the show scene and realized that displays have been upgraded... I am told that canopies walls must be covered, inc. the front legs, no table displays and a carpet on the ground? I have been looking at pro panels as show organizers have suggested these or similar, I'm just not sure how to display a substantial amount of pottery? They have said a "gallery" setting is what is mandatory to be accepted into for a fine A & C show. I have artistic hangings and arts/functional pieces. I am wondering how to get the most out of the booth. Any suggestions, if you do want to share some feel free to include pictures. My older display consisted of shelves & tables which allowed me to display a large amount of pottery, I still see displays like this for potters, however I am wondering if this is out dated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Jackie@BlackCreekPottery.com (Also, I have ordered on ebay the DIY to build our own panels, has anyone done this?)
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I just started doing shows with my pottery last year in the Southern NJ area. Some had some level of looks requirements, but nothing as stringent as what you mention. Most shows require at least a back panel, and often sides (and of course a front, too if it's a multi-day event where tents are left up). Tables are to be covered to the ground. One show did mandate white for the tables, others just say to be covered.
For my booth, I have tables and shelves. There are 2x4' that are adjustable in height. I have two at 36" along the back, with two at 30" tucked in front of them. Great for displaying tall pieces and platters on stands, and wide pieces that show better lying flat.
On either side towards the front, I have 6' tall folding wooden shelf units, each just under 3' wide. (They come apart in two stacked pieces, and they fold flat.) These are about a foot deep and work for average to small pieces. Mine are dark wood, and no one has had any issue with the color.
Here's a picture of my set-up at a show I did where I shared my booth with two other potter friends.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212612625460938&set=a.2...
As for carpet and such, I've only really done outdoor events with my tent, so haven't had flooring issues come up. Doing more elaborate set-ups (pedestals and other stands, etc.) just doesn't fit my aesthetic, although it works for other artists. Plus, I try to keep it to a volume that'll all fit into my vehicle -- although I'm almost ready to spring for a roof rack.
Most other potters I see have some variation of simpler tables and/or shelves. Some get more artistic, but in a 10x10 space, you can only place so much furniture and still have space for your work, and more importantly, your customers!!!
Thanks Eric, I like your display very much, it's similar to what mine has been, however I am trying to move it up a step so I just ordered some folding white pine pedestals on ebay (very inexpensive). I am also going to make some kind of panels for my walls (at least we're going to try to make them). I agree with everything you said, potters walk a fine line between art & craft which in a lot of shows can make the difference between sales and no sales. I would like to friend you on Facebook and this website which is a very friendly site with tons of great people and info. Gotta run right now. Thanks again, Jackie
Jackie,
For an economical side panel idea for hanging work, a friend figured something out. She hooked a PVC pipe to the pop-up's frame. From that, from short chains, she hung panels of PVC garden lattice. She adjusts the chains so the panels just touch the ground, rather than put the full weight on the tent frame. From the panels, she hangs works from either side with smallish S-hooks.
To make a solid surface, rather than the open lattice showing, you can hang light fabric over either side. My friend found a lightweight white fabric with a loose open weave. It gives a solid look, but allows her to poke the hooks through the weave of the fabric without making permanent holes. And when they get dirty, chuck them in the wash.
Eric
Thanks Eric, I actually bought some of the white lattice and have used it, cut in half and hanging from the frame, then bungied to a table below it, the only drawback to this is when it gets windy (which it did at the show where I used these) they start to move and even moved the table. It is a great idea though and I thank you for thinking of me, anytime you see something let me know. As I said I just ordered 2 sets of 3 white pine pedestals from a guy on ebay,, $59 a set plus shipping, they fold down so that will be good. I am expecting them in about 10-14 days. This guy also makes display shelves however Bill & I have made our own years back and will probably do the same again. Have a great weekend, Jackie
Saw your question on my FP picture about the shelves. Yes, they are solid wood (no MDF) and they do fold flat. The shelves flip up and the sides fold in. Each column in my picture is actually two units that come apart, as they are also made to stack, so a total of 8 in the whole booth. They actually have some weight to them, but helps make them sturdy and durable. They were $40 each, but are serving me well and I expect to get a lot of wear out of them.
I found them last year at an area supermarket chain (Wegman's) that also has a sizable houseware/kitchenware section. Last summer they had them out during the back-to-school promotions, as they would make great dorm room furniture. I bought up 12 of them, but found I only need 8 for this booth set-up. (I use up all 12 when I run my 20-artist art sale in my house twice a year.)
Wegman's is a market chain that is only in the Mid-Atlantic and they only had the shelves as a seasonal item, so I don't even know if they'll have them again, but the shelves are commercially made. I've seen nearly identical ones in a light oak finish at The Christmas Tree Shop (http://www.christmastreeshops.com/) -- which are all over the place. They seem to have them year round. The price is around the same $40 point, actually maybe a bit less if I recall the last time I noticed. Plus they also have other options of some narrower units and such. Again, all solid wood and foldable.
As for your note above about the half panels attached to the tables, yes, I can see where that can be a problem in the wind. That's one consideration to taking them to the ground. I'm considering adding some panels to my booth, as I'm considering some hanging forms. When I do, I plan to have the lattice panels go to the ground, even if there's a table in front, so the panels and tables are independent. Also, I'll leave off the covering, allowing the air to pass through the lattice to reduce resistance. If I'm in a show that requires a solid panel, I'll hang the tent panel outside, but have it readily removable when the winds start to stir.
Although, I am not a potter, I would suggest Prppanels or armstrong ladder shelving units. I use them to display jewelry and love them. They are not too deep and have an open feel to them. I also think that they look very professional and when you have them in multiples you can vary shelf heights. You can viewthem on both propanel and armstrong displays websites.
Hi Diane, Thank you so much for the information, we are going to either buy or build some panels. I was wondering about the "armstrong ladder shelving" that you mentioned, I will try to check that out also. Have a great year! Jackie
I recently went to a Bruce Baker seminar and he had some good points about shelves and pottery. He said if you are going to use shelves avoid the "pottery drying wracks" look. Keep them shallow so light and people can reach your work easily. Stagger the heights of the shelves to make the display more interesting. Space below the knee and above the shoulder isn't easily viewable. A nice way to utilize that below space is to add doors or fabric panels and use it for storage. In the above space, hang some enlargements of your work to grab the eye of people walking by. Keep some open space between your pieces so there isn't a visual overload. A nice way to highlight your best work is to use pedestals, which also can break up the floor space and avoid the "empty room" look.
Your jury shot of your booth should be uncluttered so take out at least half of your work and go for that gallery look. This isn't really practical for actual shows, but works wonders for the photo. Like Larry said, having walls helps avoid distractions like a busy show background. If possible, set up and photograph your booth at home on an overcast day (to avoid harsh shadows and highlights).
Welcome back to the art show scene!
Robin Ragsdale
www.evenbetterimages.com
Thank you Robin, I really appreciate the reply and the advice you gave me and that is exactly the path that I am going to follow. I will get some pedestals also, I have been browsing the display examples that other artists have sent to me on this site and I'm starting to feel like I might have a handle on this. Have a great day and a good year selling. Jackie
There were some great ideas in the blog post last year that might inspire you as you change your booth.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/how-do-you-like-this-...
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