ARTS, BEATS AND EATS

MOVE OVER ANN ARBOR, MOVE OVER CHERRY CREEK, MOVE OVER PLAZA, MOVE OVER COCONUT GROVE -- THE REAL SHERIFF -- ARTS, BEATS AND EATS IS BACK IN TOWN!

Wow is one of the few words that can describe the 2010 ABE show. This one was the show to be in for the 2010 season. The show at the Pontiac site had been slipping for the last several years due to who knows what factors -- certainly not the work and efforts of the directors and staff -- they are some of the best in the nation. Chrysler dropped its sponsorship in 2009 and Ford picked it up and they moved the show to Royal Oak. Any move can cripple a show for the first year or so. Not ABE! It exploded this year and produced my best show sales ever. I heard the same from two photographers, a wildlife pencil artist (that consistently exhibits in top shows) and a glass artist. I do jewelry. Understandably, some artists did not have a good show as is always the case at any show. However, I will exhibit at 30+ shows this year, some of them ranked in the top ten in the nation, and this show had more buying energy from all age and income levels of any show I've been in for 5 years.
The crowds of people were huge -- it was reported that security even limited the people coming into the show for a time because there were so many people in the street it had reached a danger level. And the people were buying in the depressed Michigan economy. Go figure. Sure, many came for the food, beer and entertainment. But buyers were scattered through the crowds every day and at every hour. Staff was working hard just to get the buyers out of the booths on Monday evening so they could get the show closed down. When did you last experience that?
One thing is certain -- give a hand to John, Lisa and Connie for their work behind the scenes. The show was heavily publicized and promoted. They worked hard to get the really good sponsors and it all come together. Thanks John -- Thanks Connie -- Thanks Lisa -- Thanks to every other staffer who helped make this one happen. It was an honor to be juried into your show.

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  • How inspiring to hear that Arts, Beats & Eats was such a great show for promoters, artists and attendees. As a lifelong resident of Michigan and local artist, I am thrilled to read all of the positive comments about this show! Congratulations to all who had a part in making Arts, Beats & Eats such a great success and an event not to be missed.
    I believe in Detroit and in Michigan as a community of talented artists, loyal patrons and dedicated
    lovers of art that will continue to supply the energy and the effort to make this the best place for
    art to thrive.
  • Always good to hear about a good show that may bode well for changing public art buying behavior that will hopefully be positive indicators for other shows around the country.
  • 1 don't know how they managed to handle such an intensely populated show in such a small area but thanks to Jon, Lisa and Connie it all worked! I did hear that some people were discouraged from going into the booths because they couldn't get through the throngs and undoubtably with so much activity beyond art going on the draw could be away from sales; yet we were amazed as well with the interest and sales with our art from the public. The enthusiasm was back which we have been missing! When you have sincere promoters who are artist advocates and understand the industry, work for it for us, and then create an incredible atmosphere for us to sell in, the result is a weekend that really works and produces results for all our efforts!
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