Chicago: Lakeview East

This past weekend took us to Chicago: Lakeview East Art Show. This is just a few blocks from Wrigley Field in the city. It is a section of the city that is vibrant with the gay and straight community, including young couples with children.

The set up at this location is challenging, given the narrow streets, little parking and a lot of congestion. We arrived at about 8:00 pm on Friday evening, to find the set up in full-swing on the street. We were able to maneuver to our booth location with little problem. We got the tent and walls set up. They were predicting rain over night, so we make sure everything was tight and make our way back to the hotel.

Saturday morning, greeted us with rain. We were able to set up and remain reasonably dry. The show offered a hot breakfast, which was a welcome sight, with the weather outside. Because of the rain, there was little traffic in the morning. The rain stopped about 12-noon and people started to show up. Our first little sale was at 12:30. But we only sold 2 small art pieces on Saturday.

Sunday held promise for larger crowds. And it was busier day than Saturday, for some reason. However, the sales were not there, to support the thousands of people walking the street. It seems that many people just come to walk the street, not to check out art. Many were not looking or stopping at any booths. I did not see a lot of bags full of art in the attendees hands.

I am beginning to feel that all the effort and money involved in running a booth in Chicago is not worth my time. Its too bad. I want Chicago to work for us. But it seems we are better off in other locations.

This show is organized in part with Erin Melloy. She and the many volunteers do a good job in running the s
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  • Erin's shows always seem well run. I do think there are too many shows in Chi-town, even with all the different neighborhoods.
  • I enjoy Erin's style as well. All the pieces are in place for this show except for one very important item ... art buyers. I don't understand why they aren't buying. Perhaps Chicago just has too many art shows.
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