After describing my experience with Central PA last week I've gotten some very good input from others on this site and one of the most frequent suggestions was to seek the advice/opinion of others who have done a particular show or may know far more about the show than I. So, I'm about to test this strange, new theory!
First, my work is with wood and some have referred to it as art but I have a problem with that description and think it would more accurately fall under the category of fine-crafts. When I do the Bayou Festival in Houston they put me in Functional Art. I have price points from $38.00 to $200.00 so, there is something there for the person who doesn't want to spend much money and something for the person who doesn't mind shelling out $200 for a wooden container.
I have been accepted into two upcoming shows that are large shows, highly rated and both lean toward the craft side. One is The Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles, MO in August and the other is the Frankfort Fall Festival in Frankfort, IL in Sept.
After CPFA, I've become gun-shy and would cancel the above if I thought there was a likelihood of having another one of those.
So, any suggestions, opinions, comments, etc. would be most appreciated. Finally, there is a third show that I considered applying to and realize I quite possibly wouldn't have a chance of getting into. However, from all I can gather it's an outstanding show. That, coupled with the challenge of just finding out whether or not I could get in and the fact that I love the State of Virginia causes me to be highly tempted to apply. It's the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival in Reston in May. Of course I could answer the question of whether or not I could get in and all it would cost is the app. fee. But, if I were accepted, it would be difficult to resist going.
Connie, does this sort of thinking fall within the bounds of your comment regarding simply having the urge to hit the road again? Visit Virginia again etc.?
Thanks to anyone and everyone for any comments on the above.
Comments
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
I don't have info on either of these events, Don, so I'm pleased to see that others on the site can be helpful. If you go to either one, do take some time to set up early, get a look at the event and see if this is a show you want to do again. Then, talk to your neighbors during the show and pick their brains as to where they sell well and see if they have any idea where you would sell decently.
Reston is one of the top shows in the country and it is worth your time -- driving there specifically from Texas, I don't know about that -- if you get in you should look over other events and see if you can put several shows together on consecutive weekends. No way would I drive from Texas to Virginia for one show.
John, Alison and Christine, thank you so much for your input. This is exactly the sort of thing I need to be hearing. I've come to realize (after being told about a thousand times) that I need to be talking to the people who have "been there and done that" as opposed to placing so much emphasis on what I read in the magazines. Perhaps if I'd been doing that for the past couple of years I'd be a little further along. John, no address one of your questions, I make wooden boxes, handled-carriers, trays in Shaker styling. Although I do so pieces in a very traditional manner, much of what I do incorporates an exotic/decorative top or some such addition. to give the piece a much more contemporary look. I've done vry well with them at some shows and, at some Ithought would be great, turned out to be real duds. So, I'm still floundering around trying to learn where I should be. It's been difficult because I've had excellent results at some of the shows that are considered "fine-arts" events as well as the craft shows. And, on some, it's been just the opposite. So, it's been a little difficult to say I consistently do better at one or the other. I feel sort of like I'm in Vegas evey time I unload the trailer! Anyway, my vote now goes to taling with people as opposed to reading. And, again, I thank all of you for your input. John, if you have any thoughts on the boxes specifically I'd be happy to hear them.
Frankfort:
As was stated, there is a lot of buy/sell, but the crowds are very large, as many as 200,000, so they say. This is a craft show not fine arts. With the exception of one area, a small parking lot not the large one, everyplace gets a good flow of traffic, as in wall to wall people. I worked at a food vendor for a number of years, my sister sold there for 3 years and has been an awards judge. My niece will be there this year. This is one of the largest craft shows in Illinois. People come here to buy. The best selling items seem to be Holloween and Chrtistmas items and as my neice states “anything on a stick” like witches etc.
As to PROFIT; My sister never did very well but others do great. I am 2d fine arts and have never done this show. I will be exploring this year for my art, so I may do it next year. You did not say what you make other than “wood” so I can give no opinon except wooden crafts seem to do well. From what you have told me I say try it. That is the only way you will know for sure.
St. Charels:
I have done some of there shows and will not go back. The ones I did were very slow.
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