Blog

Krasl Art Fair located at St. Joseph,MI about forty miles above the Indiana border on Lake Michigan.  Two hours from Chicago where many of the patrons are from.  One of the best-run art fairs on the circuit.  Hard to get into.  In the past, 50 per cent were invited back via onsite jurying--next year, less will be invited back, still a tough show to get into, but well worth it for most who exhibit.

Liberal spaces, 15-feet wide with ample room behind for storage.  Most ground is sloping and uneven.  Gotta bring shims, that is a given.  Easy Friday, all day, setup.  Easy teardown, can have your van right by the spot.

Nice preview party Friday nite.  Free eats, free water, nice award ceremony, nice breakfest, nice booth-sitters, nice volunteers (Thanks, Sara for all your help for Ellen during her sickness).

Gee, did I forget anything!  That is a lot of "Nices" out of me.

OK.  So that is the meat.  Wish more of you were more forthcoming about how a show is run and laid out, it would be so more helpful for all of us "Insiders".  Noted, the blogs are getting better.  Just look at any Jim Parker blog, he leads the pack.

First off.  My wife Ellen, got very sick during setup and needed a lift to the hospital.  The staff was right on it.  Sara Shaumberger, the show director, was able to get her niece and nephew to man Ellen's booth on Saturday, many alohas, Sara.  She arranged for a volunteer to help Ellen tear down on Sunday.  It wasn't just Ellen.  They would gladly do it for any artist in need.  It is that kind of show.  Many thanks to all the fellow artists who sent their caring wishes Ellen's way.  She is doing fine and on her way to good recovery.

OK!  Now let's get down to the business of making moola.

This is a two-day show, and traditionally, Saturday is always the most crowded and busiest day for most of us.  Sunday gets a different crowd.  You don't make as many sales, because there isn't the volume, but you get quality customers that can make your show.  That is exactly what happened again this year for many artists who need that "Good Shoes Patron."

Back to Saturday.  It was hot,hot, hot. But there was a refreshing breeze blowing right off the lake thru our booths.  Out in the bare sun it was blistering.  In the shade, nature's air conditioning kept things livable.

Crowds show up early.  Be ready to sell by nine because they are buying even though show starts at ten.  Savvy crowd, knows what they like.  Repeat exhibitors always have a strong following of repeat buyers.  Most sales on Saturday were in the lowend range, under $150.  But, and this is a big but, there were many sales of expensive sculpture and paintings going by my booth.  Wood artists did good, so did many potters.  Glass people didn't fare as well.

I have done this show many times over rhe years, it has always been a corker for me and this year was no different.  For example I did on Saturday what it took me three days at Boston Mills to do.  My buddy Leo Charrette who killed them here last year was a bit disappointed, he made almost 50 per cent less.  Barry Bernstein was not a happy camper.  Most people made $2K or better on Saturday.  Not bad in these 40 per cent off times.  (Example, pre-recession, the old $5K show is now a $3K show, ergo 40 per cent).

In two days here I can do nearly 70 per cent of what I will make at the next four-day Ann Arbor Show and not have to sit thru nearly as much heat and expenses.

Sunday was decent crowds and less sales, but then many artists who fared poorly on Sat. reported better sales.  Bottom line, most people will succeed at this show. What more can you ask for?

 Oh.  There was a "Connie" sighting.  After all, she was one of this year's jurors, and she was checking us out on Saturday, and kibbitzing on Sunday. When she came by my booth , she nervously looked over her shoulder, it was as if she thought Webbie might be lurking behind trying to get her into another "Tequila-shooting Contest."  I assured her she had nothing to worry about, that boy is in serious rehab along with Munks'  cat, Bill.

Well I have this weekend off.  get to work on my putting game and then it is on to Ann Arbor--a summer ritual.

Leave you with one last thought.  Learned a new summer drink from eatting at Butches restaurant up in Holland.  It is called the "Ginger Margarita."

Pour Herradura Tequila, or any other good one, into a glass full of cracked ice.  Add some Cointreau and the juice of a whole lime.  Than add Ginger Beer to fill it to the top.  Shake well and pour into a salted rim tall glass.  Sit back and be mellow and think of all the good things you are going to do this summer.

Aloha, Nels.