The show is held on Washington Street, downtown Grand Haven. This is an awesome port town on Lake Michigan about 30 miles west of Grand Rapids.
The show is put on by Howard Alan. Show fee $350, $25 app. fee. Set up is at 5am Sat morning. The town revamped there streetscape which made some manuvering a little tricky, glad I started setting up at 4am(don't ask). There were banners above Washington street at both ends, yard signs pointing the way to the show and posters in many storefronts. People knew you were going to be there. Promoter provided Panera Bread bagels each morning, no other perks were provided..water, boothsitters etc. Which is fine with me, I can take care of those things myself. I would much rather see money spent on advertising.
The show was set up in two sections. Fine art down main street, around 80 artists. Crafters were on a cross street, around 20. The town had a block for sponser booths, kids activity, etc.
Saturdays weather started out with a little rain, by 10am it was blue sky and beautiful. Got up into the upper 80's. There were tons of people, but the buying energy just was not there. Plenty of interest,just could not get them to pull the trigger.
Early Sunday saw two thunderstorms come in. Lots of rain. Arrived at show to see around a dozen EZ-ups collapsed on the towns section. A couple of EZ-Ups in the art section were also damaged. I believe the rain filled the tops with so much water they couldn't take it, I don't think it was the wind. Sundays energy was about the same.
A bronze sculpture next to me sold his lowest price pieces for the weekend, he did around $1000. Was his worst show so far this year. A photographer friend of mine was happy with his sales, he has a double booth. I do not ask people what they make, if they share it with me fine. A fiber artist did $3000. A painter next to me did abstract fish. It was her second show ever and she did well. She sold her largest painting for $1100 plus a couple of smaller pieces. Was great fun watching her have success!! Me, I did $1800 and was happy to end up with that. This was my 3rd year here, previous shows were in the upper 3k. By the way, I make stone lamps and vases.
I sleep in my trailer so do not know what hotel costs are, I do know they are not cheap from the past shows. I pack my own food so no restaraunt reports. Sorry Nels, was to tired to go out for a drink to give you a report.
I will do show again, was just one of those years. Helayne with Howard Alan did a great job, was always around to put out fires.
Kevin
Comments
Hey Linda,
They have a nice parking lot reserved for artists a couple of blocks from the show. If you are not self contained with your van there are nice restroom facilities at the North end of the show, by the river. Hope you have a great show, see you down the road.
Kevin
Hey Kevin - I am participating in Grand Haven next weekend. Do they have an area to stay in your trailer? We have a converted van we stay in and all campgrounds are full. Appreciate any help you can offer.
When I do shows by myself I wait until I get home and always have a nice night out with my wife. I smelt the roses the day I left for Grand Haven by taking the grandbabies to play in Lake Michigan..nothing better.
Doing Ludington this weekend for the 1st time..will let you know.
Kevin
Thanks for the report - I was hoping someone would post something. I'll be there next year with ya bud.