I'm a couple hours away for set-up for the Artfest Fort Myers show. It will be my first Florida show of the season. I'm on a wait list for Coconut Point, but then, back to back shows at Coconut Grove, Naples National. Las Olas, Bonita Springs, Winter Park, and Downtown Naples. I'm filled with anxiety about this circuit. I've spent a ton of money on booth fees, travel expenses and hotel reservations. These are all good shows and they should produce profitable returns, but, is the economy going to keep people's wallets in their pockets? The last couple years I've only broken even on Florida shows, so they weren't worth the trouble. But this year I've made a much bigger commitment, and prepared all winter with new work that I'm hoping will appeal to this fickle audience. Watching CNN this morning I'm encouraged by the latest jobless numbers with unemployment going down to 8.3%. The economy seems to be getting better. I'm hoping that is the case in Florida as well. I'll post my experiences with these shows as I go. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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Good luck, John. I am sure the anticipation is scary. Good luck and I hope you make lots of money and have great weather. I just know you will be missing some big snow storm while you are down there.
In our 4 years of doing fl. shows this is our best season yet. I think it is the economy improving, but even more it's making the work that appeals to this audience like you said....Good Luck and keep us posted!!
John. Please keep us updated on the show. We are considering doing what you are in March. We would travel from Colorado. Our e mail is casariettistudio@earthlink.net. Thanks for your post. I'll be watching, May the Art Gods smile upon you. Best of luck, Robert
John, that's a great schedule, you should do very well. I've found the shows to be getting better in general here in Florida if you have the right work. Looking forward to seeing your new work. BTW, I still have your wonderful "Man in a Jar" on my studio wall (bought at an auction in Saugatuck many years ago). I may be doing the Bonita Springs show, if so I'll look you up.
You had to have a queasy feeling in your stomach, John, as you left Michigan. That is a huge outlay of money for 8 shows in a row, plus lodging and food. I hope your wife is with you to at least share the delight in the weather as that is a given. I see you are doing both coasts. When you get to the reports I'd also be interested in hearing if you discern different buying patterns, east coast vs west coast. I think your work has a sophistication and also accessibility that it should work in both markets. Good luck! Enjoy the sunshine and say hi to the good folks at Fort Myers, Sharon McAllister and Jeanne Seahaver.