This is my review of the recent Cain Park art festival. It was my first time at this show and did a comprehensive research before decididng to apply. This review will be similar to the one left by Parker as most of what he said was as close to perfect as this year went.
LOAD IN AND OUT:
Unfortunately I was one that did not get enough space to park behind my booth. But the majority of artist did, so they park, unload and setup without having to move thier car, I had to move but parked about a 2mins walk to my booth.
For those that have to replenish their display this made it very easy.
Load out was very organised and timely. I moved my car in as most artist just had to breakup and load thier car right behind the booth.
SALES:
FRIDAY: Show started at 3pm and this was the only free admission day, the crowd was plentifull but not too heavy. Sales was not super but steady enough to go home happy. Not too many people did well but I saw alot of small ticket item bieng carried around.
SATURDAY: Now we are talking, I crowd was a bit light but expected since there was a $5 fee to get in for adults. This kind of weaved out the window shoppers and casual walkers. I saw a lot of big items being moved around and more original smiles in the faces of artists. I was able to move a big ticket item, a skyline of Detroit that I had planned to take to Ann Arbor after Cain Park. I priced it for $6000 to compesate for not having it to draw the crowd in Ann Arbor if it sold. IT DID. Sales for me turned out to be great on sat, a few of my other big items sold and I went back to the hotel very happy.
SUNDAY: Started as sarturday but a few hours in came the rain that lasted for about an hour. It did put things to a halt but as soon as it stopped, the crowd did come out. Sales were good, matched my saturday sales Detroit excluded. Also saw a lot of bigger items selling from other artists.
CONCLUSION: I mostly go to shows to make some money but it sure does feel good when you are treated with respect and strong organisation. This show had it all, helpers are everywhere and they repeatedly ask if you need help sometimes too much. The director speaks through the speakers encouraging shopper to not hold back on buying art and expresses it in a fun and exciting way while relating his message. A buyer made up her mind to buy a $400 art after hearing a message from the director. I will try to get into this show next year, as with all shows not everyone did well but I did see a lot of sold items moving out. Without my major sale I would have done well enough to reapply. I like this show and the feeling I got from being around people that really appreciate you as an artist and also show this appreciation by making a purchase. This is my experience I am certain others have similar or a different take on this show.
Bless
Harrison Otalor
Comments
I had an excellent time. My tent was literally right in the middle across from the art gallery. Nice customers (only one did the make me uncomfortable ask for a discount thing)
The show was so great for me too, WE were actually able to finally buy a big canvas for our home, and I still had profits to take home. I found my sales were exactly even Friday and Saturday (saturday being the longer day) and a little slower on Sunday, but still worth the Sunday.
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to do this show again.
Indeed, artists are treated well.
Congrats Harrison on selling your big ticket item. Now you will have to create another! Glad you had a good show. It is always nice to hear of artists doing well. Thanks for your report.
Hi Harrison. I was down at the Superior Road end and also had a wonderful show. Cain Park is at the top of my list for all of the reasons you stated.
Hi Connie, I was around the middle by the Lee entrance I think. Thats where they had most of the artist. My notice and I might be wrong is the other section wasnt getting as much of the crowd.
So pleased for you, Harrison. Again! Thanks for the report.
We did this show for many years in the first space by the Lee Road entrance. Where were you?
Yes that is me in the black. Thanks
Harrison Otalor
Harrison, HUGE congratulations on selling the big-ticket item! Is that you with the buyer shaking hands? I'm so glad to hear your sales were plentiful and that you enjoyed the show. Another excellent review, thank you!
I agree - happy artists = happy customers!
@Jacquelyn, Cleveland Heights Ohio http://www.cainpark.com/index.aspx?page=676 .
Harrison Otalor
If the artists are treated well, the artists are happy. Happy artists make happy customers. Happy customers buy more. --- That's a brief adaptation of a short paper I did on management years ago. Good managers make good employees, etc.
Interesting how good sales seem to happen at shows where artists are treated well.
Glad you had a good show. Hope you had a good AA show also.