I've had good luck in Deerfield for the past few years at D&W event's Deerfield show. This year, I had a chiropractor next to me. I do NOT care for commercial booths in an art show. This chiropractor was loudly announcing, "FREE SPINAL SCREENINGS TODAY!" What do you do when someone is hawking their biz when you're walking along? You look the other way. I felt that this really hurt my sales, also because the chiropractor had a HUGE vertical banner in front of his booth, blocking the view of my booth for patrons coming from that direction. Sales were significantly lower this year, I felt entirely because of this non-art distraction. Keep the commercial booths in ONE area, away from the artists, I say. I'm all for making money, but please don't cheapen the art fair experience for the artists and the patrons with this kind of stuff. Thoughts?
Thank you, Debbie. It wasn't the first time that I was near a commercial sponsor at a show, but it was the first time I felt that my booth was obscured by a great big sign. I wrote to you about it at the time, I think, and appreciated your response then, too.
It is horrible for artists and the directors when there is theft at any show.
We are enhancing security at Deerfield the artists who were robbed are returning this year.
At Lakeview I just expect something to be "lifted". Every year it happens. I haven't had a problem at other shows. The previous yr at Lakeview I had someone ask if I had purples.. said yes.. went to where there "was" a purple bracelet and it wasn't there! I calmly said "I'm sorry, I forgot that sold earlier today".
But you can never be too confident about your surroundings. I do a trunk show at the store I work at. I went behind the counter to help wrap some gifts and when I went back to my display 3 pieces were gone. I thought maybe someone took them and left them in the store somewhere else, but they never appeared. There were only 3 people in the store at the time. We usually know all our customers, but the ones in the store at the time weren't our "regulars". It can happen anywhere!
Donna, I can't believe someone would be so bold to steal a complete set from you. They are very slick and are waiting for the right time to steal. Larry Saunders told me there was a jewelry guy who had a pendant lifted from him at the Arlington Heights show. He was showing the pendant to a lady - he looked away for one minute - the pendant was gone and so was she. EM Events has warned the artists of incident at the Deerfield Show. I guess there was a person that had something stolen from their booth during the night. Stealing at the shows is becoming a problem and we all need to be more careful. It's really sad to hear about these incidents, but I guess it's a sign of the times.
I swear, nothing is more valuable than the experience of fellow artists! What I would have given to have a site like this when I was first starting out and clueless as could be.
oh, and Wendy.. I do the West End/LaGrange show. I live one town over so it is another nice 5 min trip for me! If you forget something at the show just let me know.. I'm close!
Anita.. glad you made it home ok! I know that gut wrenching sound of "thump, thrump, thump" at a show. Not the time you want a flat! And.. it was great meeting you at the show!
I do several of Erin's shows and I do love them! I believe she strives to have a good mix of art, not jewelry heavy, and minimal sponsors (I've never been located next to a giant bathtub) The shows are well organized. Lakeview is one of my favorite shows of the season I won't be at the Northbrook show since I have been doing Oakbrook for the last 6 yrs. It is close to home (10 mins) and my customer base is there. I look forward to hearing reviews of the show! Good luck to all that are doing it!
Note to jewelers who are doing Lakeview... we seem to get "hit" at this show. Last year just about all the jewelers I talked to lost some pieces (even ones w/ cases).. Last year they seemed to go for bracelets probably because they are easy to "palm" and you don't notice them missing right away like a necklace on a neckpiece, etc. Last year I lost a ring... commented to my neighbor that at least it wasn't the bracelet and then I noticed they apparently needed a matching set and came back for the necklace and earrings! I don't mean to scare anyone... it just seems like I have to be more aware at this show (not that it matters because they are slick!!). It's a wonderful show and an eclectic group of artists and art. Good vibe at the show... and don't skip the artist party!!! If they continue the tradition, it is a wonderful evening of free food (a huge buffet!!) and free drinks. They also provide a hot breakfast in the school which is always greatly appreciated, but the year we had the 7" of rain it was really nice!!!!
Comments
Thank you, Debbie. It wasn't the first time that I was near a commercial sponsor at a show, but it was the first time I felt that my booth was obscured by a great big sign. I wrote to you about it at the time, I think, and appreciated your response then, too.
We are enhancing security at Deerfield the artists who were robbed are returning this year.
I am working out the details and be assured that the show sponsors will be in one area, not mixed in with the artists.
At Lakeview I just expect something to be "lifted". Every year it happens. I haven't had a problem at other shows. The previous yr at Lakeview I had someone ask if I had purples.. said yes.. went to where there "was" a purple bracelet and it wasn't there! I calmly said "I'm sorry, I forgot that sold earlier today".
But you can never be too confident about your surroundings. I do a trunk show at the store I work at. I went behind the counter to help wrap some gifts and when I went back to my display 3 pieces were gone. I thought maybe someone took them and left them in the store somewhere else, but they never appeared. There were only 3 people in the store at the time. We usually know all our customers, but the ones in the store at the time weren't our "regulars". It can happen anywhere!
Donna, I can't believe someone would be so bold to steal a complete set from you. They are very slick and are waiting for the right time to steal. Larry Saunders told me there was a jewelry guy who had a pendant lifted from him at the Arlington Heights show. He was showing the pendant to a lady - he looked away for one minute - the pendant was gone and so was she. EM Events has warned the artists of incident at the Deerfield Show. I guess there was a person that had something stolen from their booth during the night. Stealing at the shows is becoming a problem and we all need to be more careful. It's really sad to hear about these incidents, but I guess it's a sign of the times.
oh, and Wendy.. I do the West End/LaGrange show. I live one town over so it is another nice 5 min trip for me! If you forget something at the show just let me know.. I'm close!
Anita.. glad you made it home ok! I know that gut wrenching sound of "thump, thrump, thump" at a show. Not the time you want a flat! And.. it was great meeting you at the show!
I do several of Erin's shows and I do love them! I believe she strives to have a good mix of art, not jewelry heavy, and minimal sponsors (I've never been located next to a giant bathtub) The shows are well organized. Lakeview is one of my favorite shows of the season I won't be at the Northbrook show since I have been doing Oakbrook for the last 6 yrs. It is close to home (10 mins) and my customer base is there. I look forward to hearing reviews of the show! Good luck to all that are doing it!
Note to jewelers who are doing Lakeview... we seem to get "hit" at this show. Last year just about all the jewelers I talked to lost some pieces (even ones w/ cases).. Last year they seemed to go for bracelets probably because they are easy to "palm" and you don't notice them missing right away like a necklace on a neckpiece, etc. Last year I lost a ring... commented to my neighbor that at least it wasn't the bracelet and then I noticed they apparently needed a matching set and came back for the necklace and earrings! I don't mean to scare anyone... it just seems like I have to be more aware at this show (not that it matters because they are slick!!). It's a wonderful show and an eclectic group of artists and art. Good vibe at the show... and don't skip the artist party!!! If they continue the tradition, it is a wonderful evening of free food (a huge buffet!!) and free drinks. They also provide a hot breakfast in the school which is always greatly appreciated, but the year we had the 7" of rain it was really nice!!!!
Here's the website: www.artfestival.com
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