This is the 3rd time I"m trying to get this online; don't know what I'm doing wrong...
Last weekend at Cantigny Park was wonderful. Erin did a great job organizing and setting things up. The set time was extended, 3-8pm on Friday and early morning Sat.
There were plentiful volunteers to help out. The layout was lovely, set in a grove of large trees. The tents were arranged in rectangular clusters of 6 booths facing outward with a hidden courtyard storage space behind the tents. This meant that 2 faced south side by side, 2 faced north side by side, and 1 faced east, 1 faced west. The people streamed up both sides of the fair and wandered in and out of the clustered.
There were lots of people, lots of strollers. Not too many packages. The packages I saw were photos, jewelry and ceramics. The break room was large, cold A/C and endless water, snacks, coffee and lemonade. There were also a couple of food vendors for the public, but nothing obnoxious. There was a beer-garden-music area that I thought was the weakest part of the show. I thought the music was very mediocre and primarily for dancing at a bar or wedding rather than sophicated, classical, jazz or even folk.
One super cool thing that Erin set up was huge plastic surfaces for tagging and spray painting.The artists changed the designs from time to time from letters to arrows to birds. It was pretty wild and intriguing.
I didn't make expenses, I did have inquiries about commissions. And I had a fabulous time, met wonderful people, and hope to come back.
Comments
The storage area was nice, but also a little cumbersome as the people on each side of me staked their tents so everytime I needed to get to my storage I had to watch that I didn't trip of a stake as it was right where my opening was. It was a new set up so probably just needs some tweaking.
Do you like that hidden court yard behind the booths for storage. That sounds like a good idea whenever it is possible.
Sorry things didn't go better for you both. Hope your next shows make up for it.
I was at Cantigny also and my art is wood sculpture. I agree with Nancy, Erin did a fantastic job at organization. There was a nice continental breakfast each morning and plenty of water through out the day for artists. I didn't care for the set up. I was on one of the ends facing East and I don't think I missed a lot of the traffic. I did have one advantage in that I was close to the food tent so my booth could be seen as people walked away from purchasing food, but I don't think it helped my foot traffic. I didn't see a lot of packages either. More on Sunday than Saturday. Acrylic artist across from me said he did have a good show. He sold a few large pieces, but most of his sales appeared to be in the $20-$30 range, but the artist right next to me facing North didn't have a single sale. I'm not sure if I'll try again next year or not. If I do I'll make sure I have more low in items for purchase.
I live about 5 minutes from Cantigny and do a lot of my nature photography there. I participated in the Fall Festival last year. This is a popular spot for families to go to and they have wonderful events. The Fall show is nice and I did well last year selling prints and note cards. I would recommend it for crafters who would sell autumn themes, halloween items and unique crafts. just visit www.cantigny.com
I am also a member of the Oak Park Woman's Exchange- Artisans and Crafters. We have a shop in Oak Park where we as members sell our artwork. We are planning an Art show at the Oak Park River Forest High School in October and are looking for crafters. This is a great show that we have held for about 20 years. just go to www.OPWE for info. I did super last year and it is a one day show!!!!
Nancy, what a lovely spot for a show. It looks idyllic, but you're right, not many people carrying packages. Sorry to hear sales were a disappointment, we live in hope though, eh!?
That has been my experience this year. At Schaumburg I saw lots of yard sculptures leaving, and the potter next to me had a steady stream of $5 purchases for small vases. But I didn't see any paintings walking. Since I've already spent the money for this season's shows, I've decided to enjoy whatever can be enjoyed, learn whatever I can learn, make whatever new friends I can and be grateful for the blessings of the day.
Not to be a doomsayer or anything...but folks simply don't seem to be buying much 2-D art this year.