I did the Key West craft show for years until I switched to painting and now do the KW fine art show in Feb. I love them both!
I often stayed in a cheaper motel in Marathon or Big Pine Key for the week of the show. It was still in the Keys (Marathon has a great beach!) and an easy drive to KW if I wanted to spend a day there.
I live in IN, and while Avon is an up and coming area with plenty of money - I'm inclined to say that 300 artists are a LOT for a first year show if they intend the quality to stay high. I think if you are close and would not have to factor in hotel and travel expenses that it might be worth a shot - but if you are coming from out of state I'd definitely be cautious.
I'll be in Cincy for Hyde Park that weekend, but am considering the spring show.... I'll be watching this one with interest as good shows close to home are always fun to stumble across.
Hi Pat,
I'm the director for the KW Craft show (and also a jewelry glass artist!). Nels is right about high amount of tourists, but we also have a large "winter" population - those folks who spend between1-6 months here and go back to somewhere more temperant in the summer. They usually are good customers of our show. We also have cruise boats that dock very close to the show and they usually are good for small item sales.... jewelry being one of those. We are one block away form the busy end of Duval St. and get lots of carry over traffic. We have no food or entertainment....... just 100 craft exhibitors. This year we are on the same weekend as a relatively new Food & Wine festival and are partnering with them in their advertising and promtions. It was very successful last year and they have alot of $ to promote. And yes.... it's expensive to stay down here in paradise, but I am working on some discounts at hotels this year and there are some places to camp or RV. (still not cheap!) Set up is early Sat. AM and can be a bit hectic and tight, but we try to get everyone to cooperate. We also have to open the street on Sunday night so have to get people out quickly too.... somehow that never seems to be as hard!! :-)
I'm happy to answer specific questions about the show if you like, but I hope some others will give you the artists perspective you are looking for!
Lois <------ who thinks Jan. is a perfect month to be in Key West!
Ditto what Nels said (imagine!). This would be a nice jump on a Florida season if you are coming from the north and what a treat to having this working vacation in Key West.
The Indy show is new, in an active affluent and growing community. They have plans for a big deal and seemingly the means to make it happen.
The Key West show is good for many. You will be selling mostly to tourists. It is never cheap staying down in the Keys. You have to treat this show as a combo work/vacation.
Comments
I often stayed in a cheaper motel in Marathon or Big Pine Key for the week of the show. It was still in the Keys (Marathon has a great beach!) and an easy drive to KW if I wanted to spend a day there.
I'll be in Cincy for Hyde Park that weekend, but am considering the spring show.... I'll be watching this one with interest as good shows close to home are always fun to stumble across.
I'm the director for the KW Craft show (and also a jewelry glass artist!). Nels is right about high amount of tourists, but we also have a large "winter" population - those folks who spend between1-6 months here and go back to somewhere more temperant in the summer. They usually are good customers of our show. We also have cruise boats that dock very close to the show and they usually are good for small item sales.... jewelry being one of those. We are one block away form the busy end of Duval St. and get lots of carry over traffic. We have no food or entertainment....... just 100 craft exhibitors. This year we are on the same weekend as a relatively new Food & Wine festival and are partnering with them in their advertising and promtions. It was very successful last year and they have alot of $ to promote. And yes.... it's expensive to stay down here in paradise, but I am working on some discounts at hotels this year and there are some places to camp or RV. (still not cheap!) Set up is early Sat. AM and can be a bit hectic and tight, but we try to get everyone to cooperate. We also have to open the street on Sunday night so have to get people out quickly too.... somehow that never seems to be as hard!! :-)
I'm happy to answer specific questions about the show if you like, but I hope some others will give you the artists perspective you are looking for!
Lois <------ who thinks Jan. is a perfect month to be in Key West!
The Indy show is new, in an active affluent and growing community. They have plans for a big deal and seemingly the means to make it happen.