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In an apparent attempt to boost artist participation at this 3rd-year show, promoter Howard Alan lowered the fine-artist booth fee to $250 and invited crafters as well.  And the weather was sunny/partly cloudy and warm, with a refreshing breeze all weekend. 

Unfortunately, those things didn't help: there were only 90 booths this year, compared with about 100 in 2010 (according to my 2010 notes).  And whereas the show was crowded with patrons in 2010 despite chilly weather, there was a drastic downturn in attendance this weekend--my neighbor and I, both centrally located in the show layout, guesstimated not over 5,000.

Wha' happened?  The Naples New Year show on 5th Ave. was only 35 minutes' drive away, and many patrons I spoke with had also visited that show (which used to be Alan's, but is now run by the Naples Art Association).  They told me that the Naples crowds were wall-to-wall.  I'm not sure about the sales.  In addition, Alan's flagship Las Olas show occurred this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale (and reportedly was packed, as well). 

Sales-wise, Bell Tower proved (for the 3rd straight year) to be a 'Sunday show': I doubled my Saturday sales total and escaped with a $750 beating (down 30% from last year). That's OK only because I live less then 10 minutes away, and the show's a great opportunity to promote my classes and workshops and do home-town networking.  My neighbor, who sells clever, beautifully painted metal wall hangings, sold four pieces at price points in the mid-hundreds and up, and was pleased.  Another neighbor, who sold silk designer clothing at moderate price points, struggled, as did a nearby fine jeweler.  Most of the 2-D artists I spoke with were unhappy or, at best, resigned.     Bottom line: I wish it were otherwise, because Ft. Myers needs and deserves a fine show other than February's "ArtFest", but based on what I saw this weekend, it looks like the Bell Tower show isn't gaining traction in the marketplace. 

It would be great if some artists who participated in Las Olas and, especially, Naples, would weigh in to give their results and perspective.