I went to this show with high expectations even knowing it was a new show. It was put on by Paint creek the same group that does the Arts & Apples show in Rochester which is a great show. It was a great disappointment for me, in fact it was my second worst show ever. It started Friday the day before the show when going early to setup. My wife is disabled and uses a wheel chair, at check in I presented my ID, they then demanded to see my wife's drivers license. She does not drive and has not since her stroke six years ago. I told them she is disabled and does not have a drivers license with her and that I was the artist she was just with me while I set up. They still wanted ID, so I just got back in the van and drove past them to my site. On the first day it was obvious early on that turnout would be very low. One of the other artist went to management to talk about it and the promotion they did he said they told him that they put on one of the highest rated shows in the country for many years and they know what they are doing. The following are photos mid day on Saturday.
Susan, Michael and Tim. Thanks for the information on this show. I appreciate the fairness of your reports. If it is any help at all I am sure the organizers from Paint Creek were just as disappointed, if not more, than you were. I've stood in their shoes and it is heartbreaking.
"Art show organizers never set out to produce a bad show"... especially and certainly true about PC who has done such a good job for many years. New shows some times hit the bullseye -- other times the location, the weather, the economy, hurricanes nearby and a myriad of other factors carry the day.
I, too was at this show. In all fairness to the organizers, the show was well organized and appeared to be well advertised at least on the street. I don't live in the area so I can't speak to radio or publicity ads prior to show. The grounds were flat and grassy with good drainage should it happen to rain(which it did not). It is a soccer field and we all drove up to our booth for set-up and take-down. Now that was a bonus!
Saturday was miserably hot with high humidity. I could barely stand to be there so I am sure many folks that wanted to be out stayed home because of the extreme heat. Sunday was much cooler and the crowds were not heavy but steady. Sales were up too. Most sales were small pieces from $15 to $75. My biggest sale came at 7pm Saturday and 4pm Sunday. That was one hour before closing each day.
The green shirt organizers were a bit testy when many artists began packing up early Saturday with threats of scratching them from future shows. Not much sympathy was expressed for the small crowds and extreme heat and frustration on the part of the artists.
I enjoyed the ditty bag with treats placed in each booth each day but one bottle of water was hardly enough to quench thirst in that heat. On Sunday I forgot to refill my water bottles before hitting the show only to be frustrated by attempts to find water on site.
Overall, I was disappointed to have more than a few patrons wanting to chisel my prices down from what I consider fair prices. While I enjoy a bit of bantering on prices (especially larger pieces where there is wiggle room) I found that this occurred more than usual as though it were a garage sale. The art on a stick was present a few doors down too and for those show organizers that think this stuff was art should get a reality check!
Another item worth mentioning is the carnival going on adjacent to the art show. I don't know what was happening in Washington but it was a 4 day event with the art show right in the middle of it. While this could potentially provide more patrons, I'm not sure they are the right ones. Paint Creek did a fine job organizing, I'm just not sure about the location of northern Macomb county for a quality art show. Perhaps it will improve in time but my impression from other artists, including myself, is that this one won't be on the list for next year.
Tim Trombley
Comments
"Art show organizers never set out to produce a bad show"... especially and certainly true about PC who has done such a good job for many years. New shows some times hit the bullseye -- other times the location, the weather, the economy, hurricanes nearby and a myriad of other factors carry the day.
Saturday was miserably hot with high humidity. I could barely stand to be there so I am sure many folks that wanted to be out stayed home because of the extreme heat. Sunday was much cooler and the crowds were not heavy but steady. Sales were up too. Most sales were small pieces from $15 to $75. My biggest sale came at 7pm Saturday and 4pm Sunday. That was one hour before closing each day.
The green shirt organizers were a bit testy when many artists began packing up early Saturday with threats of scratching them from future shows. Not much sympathy was expressed for the small crowds and extreme heat and frustration on the part of the artists.
I enjoyed the ditty bag with treats placed in each booth each day but one bottle of water was hardly enough to quench thirst in that heat. On Sunday I forgot to refill my water bottles before hitting the show only to be frustrated by attempts to find water on site.
Overall, I was disappointed to have more than a few patrons wanting to chisel my prices down from what I consider fair prices. While I enjoy a bit of bantering on prices (especially larger pieces where there is wiggle room) I found that this occurred more than usual as though it were a garage sale. The art on a stick was present a few doors down too and for those show organizers that think this stuff was art should get a reality check!
Another item worth mentioning is the carnival going on adjacent to the art show. I don't know what was happening in Washington but it was a 4 day event with the art show right in the middle of it. While this could potentially provide more patrons, I'm not sure they are the right ones. Paint Creek did a fine job organizing, I'm just not sure about the location of northern Macomb county for a quality art show. Perhaps it will improve in time but my impression from other artists, including myself, is that this one won't be on the list for next year.
Tim Trombley
Michael, do I know you?
Pat Sarotte, north Woodward area