A little quiet here on the homefront today as artists are deep in their nests readying their nerves for the Ann Arbor Marathon that starts Wednesday morning. Those not in Michigan are recovering from last weekend's big events in Plymouth, Chicago, State College, Madison, St. Joe, Cleveland Heights, Wyandotte -- the big Midwest art fair weekend.
Here's the news from them:
Madison, WI - Big storms came in Friday night that wrecked booths, taking out some entirely. Travis Lindenbaum reported on the NAIA forum: Booths were down in every part of the show, and not just easy-downs. It seemed very random and wide-spread. Several artists were on-site at 3 AM, minimizing damage as best they could for the people who were not there. To add insult to injury the storm dropped hail on the East side of town, where many artists were staying, causing extensive damage to vans.
Matthew Hatala reported that at 2:24 in the morning hail "broke car mirror's and i have a crack in my winshield. took out about 10 booths Ann london, Steve O, Micky Cunningham, and others."
Here's a story from a blogger about Madison: Art Fair Weekend And here's a report from the Madison TV station, including a video of the event.
Any have any sales reports? anybody??
Speaking of storms, the Denver Black Arts Festival was held also this weekend and it sounds like it had a whopper of a storm, much damage. Read this sorry story and see the video.
Krasl Art Fair in St. Joseph, MI - Here's a good wrap-up in the South Bend Tribune. I was so sorry to have to miss this one this year. It is always beautiful weather and it is a great spot for a show on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan.
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College, PA - There is always something interesting going on at this event. The organizers know how to please a crowd and bring them back again - Street painters allow festivalgoers to get look at creative process
Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/116/story/1393191.html?storylink=omni_popular#ixzz0LIEbVsih&C
Wickford, RI's, big festival - nice report with discussions about the economy in the East.
Plymouth, MI - here is a local news story about this big event (400 exhibitors): Plymouth's Art in the Park
My thanks to those of you who made reports on last weekend's events. But what about the rest of you? We need to know from you. I know a lot of you were busy preparing for the next show, but by the end of this month I need to see a lot of reports! Nels, where are you? What about the rest of you? Please give us your slant. Tell us the best thing that happened.
I know, tell us the dumbest thing someone said to you. Let's make this a contest. The best story wins a copy of "Internet Riches" by Scott Fox. Deadline July 24. Comment below.
I think Cain Park started charging admission in 2007 or 2008. I don't remember outright because duing those years I was doing a show across town in Westlake called St. John Westshore Hospital Festival of the Arts. Last year I was on the wait list for Cain Park, but didn't get in.
Cain Park is a top notch show, and I will still apply next year. There are many afluent areas surounding Cleveland Heights, so when the economy picks up so will the sales.
Wow! We had a very different experience at Cain Park last weekend than Kim had. It was our best revenue show ever! Friday was indeed a bit slow, but our one day total on Saturday (the day it rained), was twice what we did the entire weekend in East Lansing this year!
We will definitely be reapplying for next year.
Kaelin - don't be discouraged - we started 2 years ago and despite the economy getting worse during that time, our sales have continued to increase at shows as we find the right shows for us and the right price points.
Oh Alison, I'm so intimidated! This is my first year just getting started- I didn't realize things were so bad in the fair circuit... Maybe I should have held off.
Thanks for this report. We participated in the Cain Park show for 20 years and remember always crowded paths and enthusiastic attendees. Our booth was the first one at the Lee Road entrance/exit and could watch large purchases going home. The last time we did the show was in 2006. There was no gate fee ever. When did they start charging?
OK, here's a report, though not from the Midwest. I finally got into Cherry Creek, and my expectations were high due to the reputation of the show. I have to say I was mightily disappointed in sales. Frankly, it was nearly the lowest sales I've had in five years (except for one tiny local show I did while on vacation last summer). I made expenses + a little, but I did more than twice that in Coconut Grove in February. In Florida. I wondered if it was just me? But I talked to many other artists who were having the same experience. My booth neighbors, who do shows full time, said they were having their worst show of the year so far. We did have storms Friday and Saturday, (Friday saw 8 inches of water in my booth!) but the crowds didn't seem to be deterred by weather. There were plenty of people there, but they were being oh-so-careful with their money. The official poster booth was selling posters like hotcakes, but I saw very few other packages going by. I usually do a couple grand in website orders after a show as well, and so far, nothing. I've decided that if I can't make money doing the top show in the country, then it's not a good time to be in the business. So, I've decided to take next year off from shows, work on some new work, and see what happens with the economy.
This was the first year I exhibited at Cain Park Arts Festival, selling jewelry. The economy has truly hit North East Ohio hard. Fridays free admission day was hot & humid in the mid 80’s. The crowd as casual with a lot of window shoppers. Not many sales were made by any of the artists I have talked to. Saturday started with a thunder storm around opening time. Even though the storm ended around noon, it kept away most patrons for the day resulting in poor sales. Sunday was a beautiful day with sunshine and mid 70’s. The crowd was enthusiastic, but still cautious in their purchases. Through the whole weekend, we observed patrons were not carrying bags. Surprisingly, this show was the poorest performing show for sales of my work, ever.
As a local, I have also attended this show in the past as a patron. I remember packed paths and booths so crowded it was difficult to see the work. This year was no longer the case. I am wondering if it is time they drop the $2 admission fee for Saturday and Sunday and return to free admission.
The organization and running of the show was top notch. They did a terrific job.
Thanks Connie, the last time I read a "dumbest things said" article, I didn't talk to any artists for the next month, afraid I would say something dumb!!! ;-)
"Is that the Golden Gate Bridge?" This is the question I'm frequently asked about my Mackinac Bridge image when I'm at Illinois shows. The banner on my tent states Great Lakes Nautical & Nature Originals. No wonder I enjoy Michigan & Wisconsin shows!
Comments
Cain Park is a top notch show, and I will still apply next year. There are many afluent areas surounding Cleveland Heights, so when the economy picks up so will the sales.
We will definitely be reapplying for next year.
Kaelin - don't be discouraged - we started 2 years ago and despite the economy getting worse during that time, our sales have continued to increase at shows as we find the right shows for us and the right price points.
As a local, I have also attended this show in the past as a patron. I remember packed paths and booths so crowded it was difficult to see the work. This year was no longer the case. I am wondering if it is time they drop the $2 admission fee for Saturday and Sunday and return to free admission.
The organization and running of the show was top notch. They did a terrific job.
Readers, I'd like to point out that Geri is one of our favorite kinds of people - an art patron who loves you, your work and the nation's art fairs.
"Is that the Golden Gate Bridge?" This is the question I'm frequently asked about my Mackinac Bridge image when I'm at Illinois shows. The banner on my tent states Great Lakes Nautical & Nature Originals. No wonder I enjoy Michigan & Wisconsin shows!