So ... this was a weird but promising show. After on-again, off-again starts, the folks in Saginaw launched a new version of their art show. The 2018 version - a Friday/Saturday show on Aug. 10-11 - was far better - and better attended - than the 2017 version. A new attitude and enthusiasm was evident.
The crowd was - admittedly - among the smallest I've seen all year. But ... this was also probably my best show of the season so far. Go figure.
Positives: A good and enthusiastic staff of organizers and volunteers. It was a blessing to have someone come by to help me raise my Trimline tent. I 'can' do it by myself, but it's so much easier with just another person there. They kept water on hand all week, they had restaurants that would deliver for free, and they had great promotion. Credit to the organizers who - wanting to grow the show - did not succumb to buy/sell vendors. Some artists did great. Others not so much.
Negatives: The crowd was small and the number of vendors was small. Both should improve as word gets out.
Bottom line test for me is: would I do it again. Answer is yes.
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As a former Saginaw resident, I look forward to doing this show this year (2019). Thank you for the review Fletcher! Hopefully, I'll see you there!
Here's hoping for a good show for us both!
What STATE is the show in? I am guessing Saginaw is in Michigan, but I could be wrong!
This is an area of the state, Linnea, that isn't oversaturated with shows. If they keep it small and make it good, it has a chance of working for artists. Plus, while you're there you can take a little extra time and go to the beaches on Lake Huron. Underrated for sure but amazing.
Yes. In Michigan - a little less than 2 hours above Detroit.
Thank you, Fletcher. Who were the organizers of this show? It's wonderful to hear that they "get" being larger and not adding buy/sell, or siding salesmen to the event will be good in the long run if they want a show that reflects well on Saginaw and the arts.
Where was it held in Saginaw?
Connie,
The show was held in what's called Old Town Saginaw. Nice location, plenty of room to load/unload. Businesses were full and there was music going nearly the entire time. Officially, this was the Saginaw Old Town Art Fair and sponsored by the Old Town Saginaw Association and Saginaw Art Museum. They had a nice reception for the artists and - wait for it - prize money. First prize was $800 - so nothing to sneeze at.
Thanks for the information. It's always good to hear about someone who does well at a show!