Coconut Grove was my second Florida show after a disappointing Artfest in Fort Myers (and not getting in off the wait list for Coconut Point last weekend). So, I've been here three weeks now and have another five shows to do before I can head back to home in Saugatuck, Michigan. As I mentioned in earlier posts I've been a bit anxious about committing all those dollars to booth fees, travel expenses and hotel bills. And now, after another disappointing showing at Coconut Grove ($1200 total for three long days), I'm pretty bummed out. These Florida people just don't buy my work.
The show itself is big and busy. Lots of people. Lots going on. It was a tough show for me to do. I arrived at 4pm as instructed by the info I got from the committee. I was told that the streets would not be available for setup until that time. I found, however, that many artists arrived late morning and were already setup by the time I got there. I also had a very hard time finding the registration area. There were no signs posted and the directions in my packet were confusing. When I registered I was told that the artist's parking lot was full. Apparently I was supposed to sign up for parking ahead of time. I never received any communication from the committee about that. I finally found a public parking lot, but couldn't leave my trailer over night, so I had to drive it 20 miles to Hialeah, where my hotel was located. In my opinion, this is one of the least "artist friendly" art fairs I ever did.
On the plus side, the volunteers in my area were very helpful. Since I was doing this show alone (something I don't recommend), I made use of the booth sitters several times. Hot lunch all three days. Pretty good breakfast all three days, and an artist dinner on Sunday... some good perks. The weather was great, for the most part, with the exception of some pretty heavy winds on Sunday afternoon. Many of the artists around me had good shows, so, I guess this could be a good money-maker for some artists.
My next show is in Naples next weekend. I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude. Looking forward to a good show. I could use some healthy sales.
Comments
John, here is to much better sales for the rest of your shows. Will keep our fingers crossed for you.
Sorry to hear you had a disappointing show John - I too have areas where I just don't attract sufficient sales. Occasionally I try again but really should stick to my instincts and stay away!
We've just added a Juried Art Show to the upcoming Florida Blueberry Festival - Brooksville - May 4-6. Artists on 5th & 6th. Visit our website for all of the details: www.floridablueberryfestival.org
We're expecting 40,000 to attend.
The problem with the McFarlane locations is that there is a big separation from those booths and the ones on Bayshore. If you are going around the festival more than once, you tend to skip those not on Bayshore or Pan American. Foot traffic is best on the east side of Bayshore and the booths on Pan Am are not bad. This year the west side of Bayshore was very busy also.
Right -- good question from Barry. Where was your booth?
The last time we did the Grove there were no booths on McFarlane, but I'm thinking that since there are now 400 artist spaces maybe they show has moved up the street that way, which I wouldn't think would be a bad location.
Here's another post I found elsewhere about this show -- lots of fun and fashion and just wonderin' where the jewelry came from and where this young woman found it: http://www.wecanpretend.net/2012/02/art-festival-finds.html
Here's hoping that Naples is an Rx for your ailing sales, John. Seems to have a lot of folks from the upper Midwest around there.
I'm envious; had my best show ever, anywhere, at the National last year. This year: Pink slipped. Life goes on. :-)