As I get ready to head to Key West for Old Island Days Art Festival, I want to take a few minutes to mention the Key West Craft Fair. This was my second year doing the late January show. Both years I have had good sales and a great time. The location is perfect, right in the heart of old Key West. The quality of the work is mixed, with some being fabulous and some being pretty bad, but it IS a craft show, after all. It could support some more quality artists, as lots of the "locals" seemed truly appreciative of some of the finer craft work shown.
The organization is terrific. The director Lois, and assistant direc tor (?) Jane, were on-site all the time, with their full attention paid to making the show run smoothly for the artists and public. I don't know how many volunteers they have, but it seems like an army of them, always ready to help in any way possible.
As I mentioned, the location is a gem, on beautiful Whitehead & Caroline Streets. Lots of tourists, lots of cruise ship trippers, and lots of locals who seem very loyal to the show. It is amazing how smoothly set-up & teardown run, considering how small the streets are and the fact that we are all there setting up at once (more on that in a minute...) It is a fine example of having the best location possible and making it work through organization and hands-on direction. No compromise. Location, location, location.
I hate morning set-up, but I will do it for this show in this location. Other drawbacks are the high cost of lodging in Key West, and the time involved driving there, but hey, you drive 7 hours and then you're in Key West!
As with all shows, some artists do well, some do poorly, and some are in the middle. A friend from Minnesota did the show on my recommendation and sold large pieces, got some work in a good gallery, and was in my booth thanking me by Saturday afternoon.
Not for everyone, but worth a try. Bring your bike. Take some extra time and explore one of the country's truly great places. Have some seafood and sushi and Cuban food and rum punch. Did I mention you should bring your bike?
Comments
Annette......... I was going to say that many of my first timers who don't have a good show...... come back because they have had "interest" and then the next show they hit. I was not sure if that was just here in KW or lots of places.
Stephanie...... remember ... we didn't think it could get worse than the Nascar Race People! :-)
Lois, re the lady with the leather journals - I've often found that it can take a few repeat appearances to convert the lookers into buyers. Perhaps this is the case with the journals, people were annoyed with themselves for not getting one and prepared to buy the following year.
Lois-thank you! I am glad to say "the thrill was gone" for that on Sunday. But the sales and crowd were there!! Great traffic all day Sunday. Saturday I think the heat got to most people by the late afternoon. That's right-HOT!! as we had a felt like temp of 86 at 3 pm Saturday. Sunday was picture perfect. Break down was as smooth as I had ever seen. Thanks Lois-we will take our chances on the same spot for next year if possible.
Oops......... and I forgot Stephanie........ congrats on your Art Show weekend! (and thanks for being generous about our "thrill ride!) LOL
Hi All!
Billie, thanks for the kind words! The Key West Art Center sponsors this show so it is a show for artists by artists. We do all we can to keep the booth fee low, because we know it is so expensive to travel and stay here. As far as setup..... we do our best, and then when all the artists cooperate ... and are considerate, things go pretty well.
As far as work that sells, oh my.... how hard is that to determine. Billie's lovely raw silk sells well to both our visitors and our part time residents. (3-6 months here then north!) Lori, you are right that the leather journals were not a big seller........ which was sad, because I purchased one and wish I had more..... they were fab! Price points were high (and worth it in my mind!) but I had people asking for her the next year as they were going to buy??? Go figure!
The Craft show, in Jan. is just what Billie said. A mixture of craft items....... from tie dye to fine jewelry! It is actually the more popular show for locals and gets a bigger crowd.
Until the last couple of years, the Feb. Art Show was open to only 2D, sculptural and non-functional artwork. We opened up an invitational for some additional categories in fine craft. Next year we will add jewelry, ceramic and wearable art to the jury categories! This show was just this passed weekend (oh my aching feet) and I think the better sales were for those who had something besides 2D work. However, I had one new artist who told me he brought about 60 pieces and sold 50! He also was very worried as when he got his space assignment he was sure it was the kiss of death for him...... but he asked for it back next year!
Also, I welcome any comments about show or questions. I am happy to discuss with potential applicants, if I think their work will do well, or what to expect! It's always hard to know but we can talk it over! Really, just check out our website and call the office number or email me!
Thanks again Billie! and Lori and all! I really appreciate the artists who come down here, I know it's a long way.down here to the end of the road.... but as Billie says, that's sort of the point!
Lois
I used to think my things would not sell in Key West because everyone wanted tropical stuff. I do fairly high end silk clothing and do very well there. The KW locals have a sophisticated educated appreciation for fine art & craft and the tourists are not only looking for tropical themed things. There are plenty of those things in the shops. As in any show, not everyone will sell well.
What kinds of things selling?? Not all tropical for sure. There was great jewelry, handcrafted children's clothing, lovely pottery, leather goods, carved wood, glassworks, etc. We have a great mix. You certainly did not have to be tropical themed to have a great show. My neighbor's had great sales and were not tropical themed. I am sure it will be the same at OID this weekend- a great variety!
Yes, I'd like to know that, too. I have never been to a Florida show much less Florida. All this Florida show talk has me wanting to pack that suitcase up and get a move on.
I want to know, what kind of thingd were selling ? Were they buying troical, vaction looking things or what?
Geri, never keep your mouth shut, your comments are appreciated. It's good to get insights from someone not in the trenches.
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