In 2014, my wife and I participated in the Occassion for the Art in Williamsburg, VA. This show remains our best show. Last year, we arrived in Williamsburg in the middle of two solid weeks of rain. Our RV trailer was up to its hubs in mud but since the show was on solid ground, we didn't worry too much. What did worry us and the promoter, Leo Charette, who is also a show photographer, was the forecast of a hurricane taking aim on the area. The storm didn't directly hit us but as it approached land, the winds were punishing and Leo made the only decision possible; he cancelled the show. We've all gone through situations like this one but the bottom line was very different. Within a day or two after the cancellation, we received a note from the promoter which stated that he would do everything possible to refund our booth fees, or at least as much as possible. True to his word, a few weeks later, a check arrived for the amount of our booth fee. This is something other promoters ought to consider. No wonder an Occasion for the Arts has such a loyal following and a solid wait list. It's an outstanding show, run by an artist who understands artists.
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Thanks so much Leo, I really appreciate the input. Looking forward to the show.
Thanks everyone for your comments. Refunding artists their booth expense was the right thing to do and made possible because of community support, a very frugal treasurer, and an artists centric, all volunteer board. I hope it never happens again; cancelling a show is a bummer!
Margaret, don't worry I have you covered. There is some shade on both streets, Boundary and Duke of Gloucester. The most shady spot in the show is the lower end of the Blue section (25 to 31), booths there are flanked front and back by 50' trees. Of course, it is also darkest area on a overcast day.
Duke of Gloucester also has shade. The street runs east to west as does the sun. In October the sun rides low so when looking up the street, booths on the left side (56 to 63) are sheltered from the sun because of a larger oak that blocks the westerly sun.
So the choice is yours. Cheers.
I'm doing it for the first time this year and I can already tell this is a great show with a fantastic promoter. Can I ask you a question Stewart? Where should I be-Boundry or Gloucester? And is there any shade in the show? I am an encaustic artist and I want to pay my booth fee but don't know the layout. A few years ago I did "Art On the Square" there and I think I was on Gloucester street but it was pretty sunny....can't quite remember....any suggestions? I have contacted the show but haven't heard back. Thanks...can't wait to meet you there!
So great! Thanks for giving credit where credit is due...