Sorry. I don't have any pictures from the weekend. It was beautiful here in Dallas. Saturday temps were high in the low 80's, 50's at night and Sunday was 70's with lows in the 40's. Perfect weather.
240 artists. Set up in a lovely park with one middle lane for cars/vehicles at set-up and tear-down. Lanes for the booths are marked by famous artists, "Da Vinci, O'Keeffe, Wyeth etc." along the grassy park. You have a 15x15 space (plenty of room for extra in the back and between booths).
Set up was Thursday night for area artists. I was there by 5:40 and out by 7:00 (once it got dark). Had a great spot near the beginning of the lane. Came back early Friday morning to set up the art and was gone by 10:30 a.m. Very smooth set up and everyone acted civil.
A lovely artist dinner was given Friday night (good food: chicken, salad, rolls, potatoes) along with music and lots of wonderful company. Lots of artists talking with the City Council of Richardson.
O.k. Saturday was a busy, busy day for me. I got my first sale around 9:45 and didn't stop until after closing. I'm told Cottonwood can be like that with one day really, really great and the next day kinda slow. I was just happy to get sales and had one commission that day. Made around $1200 for the day (not including commission). May not be great for some of you but for me that was wonderful.
Sunday came and it was a slow day for me. My booth mate (a photographer) was also having a slow day but a textile lady across from me was selling left and right. One guy down my lane had a "0" show but the guy next to him (both painters) had the best show of 2010. I picked up three more commissions on Sunday so I was happy.
As far as the shoppers there were a lot of dog walkers, browsers but some very knowledgable buyers. Most of the "Be Backs" were actually back.
You couldn't have asked for nicer people to host the show. Richardson goes all out for the artists and the hospitality shows. One fellow had his tire blow right in front of me as we were pulling in to set up. Within minutes Seri Ayers (director) had 4 men out there helping this artist put on a new tire. He was really grateful. Many times during the show members of the staff were asking me if I needed a break and Seri came around to personally ask if I had a good show.
Not everyone was happy but I'm not sure we can blame the show for the hesitant buyers or the economy. We are seeing some of that even here in Texas. My dinner mates were from Atlanta and mentioned they had heard the Texas economy was soaring. I told them it's been very cautious (or that's how it's been for me anyway).
Tear down is a bit of a pill but if your patient and wait your turn like a good boy and girl you can be out of there by 8:00 p.m. (show's over at 6:00). Many artists leave to go eat dinner and let some of the others get out so they can have more room. Also, if your doing shows alone you can have plenty of help at tear down as the Boy Scouts come around to ask if you need any help and boy, do they earn their badges!
I will try for Cottonwood again. I didn't have any extra expenses as I live nearby and liked the way I was treated. It was a 2K show for me. Some around me did even better and like I said some had a "0" show. Seems like a big range at Cottonwood.
Sorry Nels. No Tequila Report. I don't drink but hope we can still be friends.
