This was my first year at St. James and I only applied to 4th Street on the recommendation of a friend. I was pleased with everything - I won't repeat what other exhibitors said but disagree that Friday is a slow sales day. When I saw the crowds I was wondering "don't people work, don't the kids go to school?" and was told that the show is so popular that most of the schools are closed that Friday as are some businesses and it's a "take-the-day-off" event. I believe the real buyers come Friday (I had a very good day), and other "buyers" and I mean those who plan to add to their collections look things over on Friday and come back Saturday for another look and buy. I think this is truefor most of the few shows I do. I had more "be-backs" who came back than at any other show.
Sunday, I expected those who had missed Saturday because of the rain and because I had a "ribbon" (third place, best of show) to display. Wouldn't people be interested in seeing someone's work who won a prize? NO. Also were expecting two couples, I put in the "sure to be back" category.
I sold nothing n-o-t-h-i-n-g. Most people seemed more interested in where I was from (Morristown, NJ) than my work. Seems everyone once lived there, had family there, went to school, blah...blah and expected me to be fascinated by their "stories." It was disappointing, BORDERING ON AGGRAVATING. All the "Look at that booth, let's go in" was because they wanted to talk about NJ, most didn't glance at my work and a few said "oh, you won a ribbon, cool!"
But, that said, this was my best show in years even with no sales on Sunday. I actually sold more in the rain than earlier in the day. It's a long trip for us but we drive to Centennial in Nashville the weekend before so it's worth it for two shows.
One last remark - although, as an exhibitor, I didn't have time to meander around St. James Court as much as I would have liked to, I found the work to be mixed just as I did on fourth and third street. Some of it wonderful, some I see in every show I do. Actually, fourth street had some exciting artists - the second pace winner whose booth was next to me sold like crazy and he deserved it, very original, beautiful work. I didn't talk $$$ but I would guess he hit well over $10,000 (just a guess). Some of my favorite artists were on third street, one I purchased a piece of jewelry from (with my prize money) and the other I did a trade and I will love her work forever!
So, go figure....I was told I made a big mistake not applying to the "inner court" and I don't see any reason to be there other than perhaps it sounds more prestigious but prestige doesn't translate into sales.
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