I'm new in this game, but this weekend was an eye opening first for me. I did a small home town show, about 3 miles from my house. Small show meaning it's in a small town, only about 100 vendors and you have to mail in applications etc. I know the area well enough so I brought mostly lower priced items i knew would sell, with a couple of my higher priced things on the back (focal) wall.
I noticed when I was setting up some of the more well known artists were there, including an older gentleman that set up next to me. He had only about 6 to 9 pieced displayed and all priced well over $1000 (but without any prices showing of course). The first couple of people that came into his booth he was down right snippy too, obviously didn't have time to talk to them. Anyways then the judges came around and he was a whole different person. He obviously knew the first judge and the second judge was familiar with his work. They talked about other shows in his booth then asked him which piece he wanted them to judge. He then took down the 3 largest pieced from his booth and took them back to his car. Over the weekend, he was hardly ever in his booth and when he was he made it obvious that he didn't really want to talk to anyone. He disappeared for hours at a time from his booth. Of course he sold nothing all weekend BUT won an award.
In talking to him and a couple of the other award winners, it seemed like the only reason they were at this show was because it was a low entry fee for pretty large awards, they didn't seem to care at all about the patrons or art collectors and most sold nothing or very little all weekend. I myself did OK about 5x the booth fees for a show 2 miles from home.
I always saw these outdoor shows as a way of getting my art out there and getting feedback from people that can sometime get me thinking of new and better things and hopefully make some money along the way.
So is this showing for award money only thing normal? If this is the norm, I may be not cut out for this show thing.
Replies
It is a very common occurrence in Florida at the small shows. Personally I am with Larry, I want the award for the most sales but I do like those ribbons.
I have another small town show this weekend, so like you say, I'll win for most sales.
When I tried Leesburg (about 20 years ago) I was so miserable that I packed up Saturday night and went home.
Larry Berman
Besides my answer earlier in the thread, which is something I've always said when asked about winning awards, let me add this.
Some shows offer award money just to get good artists to exhibit there, just like some artists look for that type of show to apply to. Gasparilla has an amount for best in show that attracts a few artists who only have one or two pieces in their booth. There's a show in Leesburg Florida that attracts a lot of good artists, not for the sales, but for the award money.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Some people want to win awards to fill out their resumes. It looks good, but is not necessary. If you are doing good work and showing in prestigious places, you are as successful as someone with a long list of awards. Doing fairs IS generally about getting your work out there. It might get you invited to other events or a gallery person might see your work. And, we all hope to sell some things to help pay for materials to make more. I have seen a few people like the one you describe, but I like to connect with my public and to hear their comments. I never feel too good to ignore or be rude to them. Don't worry about these folks. Do what is in your heart. You will be a lot happier. I competed when I was young and won lots of awards in different media, but did not feel fulfilled until I began to concentrate on tribal work to keep our People's visual language alive. Now, I only compete with myself. I look at, admire and learn from others, but I don't expect to get rich at this late date (I will be 70), nor do I want to deal with a lot of fame. I have found my niche and am very fulfilled. Hope you find yours.
Larry Berman