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This is the second year for this show.  I capitolized the craft part because it seeems that many artist get this show confused with the Chastain Arts Festival in the Fall.  The crowds, booths, vendors, advertising and time of year are not the same as Chastain Arts Festival.  This is the Buckhead Spring Arts and Crafts Festival.  Other then that lots of things are the same.  Same location, set up, amenities and great team that put the show on.   As I have said many times, I love working with Patrick and his team.  They are all great.

 The pics above are from my booth.  The first is the view from the back of my booth.  Second is a pic of the view across from my booth, then the other two are either side of me.  The crowds were about this size most of the time.  Sometimes more, sometimes less, but this was about average. 

Set up is from noon til 8pm on Friday.   I live about 15 minutes away from the show location with out traffic.  You go to your spot, unload, park in an assigned parking lot or on the street, then go back and set up.  It seemed like they got rid of the few spots that did not have back storage to the booths this year.  As we were setting up we were all told that hail and high winds were expected over night, so batton down and if you can wait till morning to set up, do.  I decided to set up most of my booth, but did leave some till morning just incase.  I went home and attended a Bard in The Yard that was also watching for bad weather, but we all lucked out.  No wind, hail or rain over night.  When I arrived to my tent in the morning I was suprised becasue all my walls were wonky and looked like it had been hit by high wind.  Well it was hit, but not by wind but with a cargo van ;(  My booth neighbor came over right away and let me know what happened.  None of my work was damaged, and luckily trimeline tent poles are easily replaced.  My neighbor offered to take care of it, and the directors of the show said they would split the cost and I know they will follow up with me to make sure this will be taken care of.   I think the replacement cost will be less then $50 so everyone else seemed more upset about it then me. 

So great way to start off the show!!!  Saturday we were supose to get lots of rain.  ATL was really hot last week, but a cold front moved in.  I wasn't expecting much for Saturday because of the forcast.  Some how we lucked out and didn't get any rain or bad weather.  It was a great day to be in the park, but not many people came to the park.  Suprisingly I had mainly 2d art around me.  Almost no jewlers and I like to have a jewler near by so I can use their mirror to make sure my mascara isn't running down my face part way through the day.   I had plenty of time to chat with the other artist around me.  All great people and work.  None of us did much of anything Saturday.  Some small prints here or there.  Some made expenses (around $200)  some made lunch money.  Who did do well was the booth you can see in the pics with the excellent beer drinking chairs.  I bought 4 myself.  He had a great show both days.  He had to restock a couple times.  Sunday started off really slow and I didnn't make a big sale until after 3pm.   I also had a few deliviers to make at the end of the show.  It seemed that most of the people I talked to made a paycheck but not a lot.  The booth next to me did zero, but he is new to art fairs and didn't pull out the right type of work for this show until late in the day on Sunday.  Break down, put everything to the side, get a pass, go get your car, park in your space, load, leave.  I like to go smooth and slow.  Break down started at 6pm.  By 6:45 I went to get my car with no problem and drove out with no problem.  This is a one way in and one way out show, so if not done right it can be a nightmare.  I am always out with out any hassle in about an hour.  Those that want to get out in 30 minutes have a harder time. 

This area has LOTS of money.    The contacts you make at this show are solid.  You have to work your contacts and make new ones if you want to do well at this show.  I met a few other artist that have experienced the same thing with this location.  Your sales from this show are not finished on Sunday.  Many people don't like to work this way, and if you don't live in the area then it can be harder to work the contacts.   I often deliver my work, and do custom work, so I visit many of the homes in the area all year.  These people have real money and very big homes.  I love my 99 Plymouth Grand Voyager, but it is sort of embarassing pulling it up to these homes sometimes.  This is also a great show for a local artist that is starting out because the booth fees are not very high, and the promoters are very artist friendly.  It is a good place to learn.   I always get to meet great new artist, many AFIers and see old friends.  Now if they can just get me a trailer potty it would be perfect.