Posted by John Leben on January 15, 2011 at 10:55am
I'm wondering how other artists think of the Great Lakes Art Fair in Novi, Michigan these days. I did it a couple of times in the past, and was disappointed. I missed the last couple of events. I know Connie has been bullish about this event in the past and wonder if artists think of this show as getting better or getting worse. I've been accepted to the 4 Rivers Show in Chatanooga on the same week-end, but, living in Michigan, the Novi show is much more convenient for me. Any opinions?
I've been talking to a couple of friends about trying Novi in the fall. I've had some pretty erratic experiences with Detroit area shows AND the soap and Jelly thing makes me nervous.
We are all fine artists, any thoughts on the higher end side of things?
John, I have been employed by the Novi show from the beginning as a consultant and I thank you for your participation, you always add class to a show. Last Spring was the best attendance we have had and sales were all over the board from bad to great. But isn't that so at most art fairs? We are hoping that a little earlier date this April, plus the pairing with the Michigan Wine Expo in the next hall (all patrons there will have passes to the art fair) will give a nice oomph to the show. I've been "bullish" on this show because of the dates on the "shoulders" of the art fair season here in Michigan giving exhibitors another venue to support themselves at a relatively low cost. Michigan is going to be good again, we are really working to make this event be a serious destination for buyers, and we continue to try new marketing.
That being said, it is a heck of a drive from Saugatuck to Chattanooga, but I know the 4 Bridges people have put together a very nice show with good community ownership.
You can't beat 4 Rivers- its a great show with wonderful people running it and great crowds. But thats a long long drive. It is a covered area so you don't have to worry too much about weather but get electricity because you will need it for the patrons show, I didn't and wish I had. Chattanooga has had a real push towards the arts in recent years and is very supportive of this show-this is their big one! Good Luck!
Comments
Hi Connie & all,
I've been talking to a couple of friends about trying Novi in the fall. I've had some pretty erratic experiences with Detroit area shows AND the soap and Jelly thing makes me nervous.
We are all fine artists, any thoughts on the higher end side of things?
Karen
John, I have been employed by the Novi show from the beginning as a consultant and I thank you for your participation, you always add class to a show. Last Spring was the best attendance we have had and sales were all over the board from bad to great. But isn't that so at most art fairs? We are hoping that a little earlier date this April, plus the pairing with the Michigan Wine Expo in the next hall (all patrons there will have passes to the art fair) will give a nice oomph to the show. I've been "bullish" on this show because of the dates on the "shoulders" of the art fair season here in Michigan giving exhibitors another venue to support themselves at a relatively low cost. Michigan is going to be good again, we are really working to make this event be a serious destination for buyers, and we continue to try new marketing.
That being said, it is a heck of a drive from Saugatuck to Chattanooga, but I know the 4 Bridges people have put together a very nice show with good community ownership.
I'm talking about 4 Bridges -I live close to Chattanooga and they don't have 4 rivers -sorry about the mistake-very confusing....oops.
but a very good show nontheless.....