(Note: I've reviewed the background, location, and demographics on this show several times. You can read more here.)
Patty Narozny's "Hot Works" shows at Estero are always a pleasant part of my schedule. And while the November show is reliably profitable, the January show, infused by seasonal snowbirds and vacationers, always delivers the strongest results I see this side of Naples.
Under clear blue skies both days, crowds were steady and buyers were plentiful. Saturday seemed to be a bit busier, but I'm splitting hairs: This show was very close to a home run for me--I was up 50% over last year's decent totals--and most of the folks I talked to during the show were happy, too.
Patty knows how to advertise a show. There were plentiful radio and TV spots in the week or so before the show and print ads in all the local publications where you'd expect to find them. HotWorks always mails artists postcards for distribution to clients and local retailers, providing some grassroots marketing as well.
The show size was just right: Just over 100 artists, arranged in 3 columns in the parking lot on the south side of Miromar Outlets (which, despite the name, is an upscale mall with lots to offer shoppers.) Acoustic music was at one end of the show, a DJ from a sponsoring radio station was at the other. The music enhanced the experience and didn't blast the artists in nearby booths. As for artist amenities: Patty's staff came by regularly with water, and there was a well-attended artist breakfast Sunday morning, as well as artist awards, delivered after the show opened on Sunday morning. (I didn't get a list of winners; maybe someone who won one would like to mention that in a comment.) Patty's shows are notable for their partnership with local non-profit agencies: in particular, there were booths for artwork produced by disabled artists, and for youth artists too.
The quality of the show was strong as always, in all categories. Jewelry was a bit high on the mix (30% of exhibitors) but in fairness, the quality was uniformly high and there was lots of variety within the category. Walking the show on Sunday morning, what stood out for me was how sharp the booths looked, providing an inviting atmosphere for shoppers--and suggesting that Hot Works really pays attention to booth presentation in their jurying.
All in all, this show is a top-notch, professionally run, and enjoyable experience for artists and patrons alike. You can't ask for much more than that.
Comments
Thanks for chiming in, Steve! Amazing coincidence that you posted this: I'd just gotten an email from Tara Grim, who you worked next to at Las O. She's been a family friend since long before I was on the art fair circuit.
Great review Geoff and nice meeting you too. This was my first time at this show and I was quite impessed with the way Patty values the artists. Saturday was a little slow for me, but with a number of be backs for large pieces on Sunday, I would definitely keep this show on my schedule for next year.