I just returned from Chicago where I participated in the long running Michigan Avenue Artfest put on by Howard Alan events. This show is in a downtown plaza bordered by the river, NBC studios, Tribune building and Michigan Avenue.
Logistally this show is a workout as everyone has to dolly to their space from the surrounding streets, but you're given a two hour free parking pass to unload. You can make your life much easier by renting a tent and displays from the company that travels with Howard Alan shows, it's well worth the money. This is a three day show with a day before setup well organized by Howard and his staff. The show is laid out single file around the plaza but there are a few back to back spaces (with plenty of back storage). The weather the first two days was low humidity 80's, Sunday felt like Florida.
Lots of tourists but due to the downtown location the show attracts art buying locals as well. We even had Henry Winkler, aka the Fonz, buying art from some of our exhibitors. Most of the artists I spoke with were happy with their sales, even though most were down from prior years. I attribute that to the Gold Coast show which this year moved its date to the same weekend as our show just three blocks away. I think it diluted the buying pool for both shows. My sales were down 15% over last year, but last year was a VERY good year. I drive from Florida just for this show.
I usually post pictures with my reviews but my camera decided not to co-operate so if you would like to see some gorgeous downtown shots go to www.artfestival.com
Comments
My art is photography. This was the worst show I have done this year. I can see that if Amdure was not in Grant Park this show has very good potential, but only if there are a few weeks between the shows. If not, considering the costs, I will stick with the burbs. This was my first Big show. Well most of the Small shows I do have larger crowds and better amenities. I was the the sun and yes it did get hot but it is summer. Load in and out was simple as my cart was on pavement. All the artistes were friendly and the art was great, but I still did not pay for the show. As Steve said we do have a voice. My voice is a no to any Amdure shows, they cost me sales! This is the way we speak. I have one Amdure show this year and Amy will hear from me. More from me in another post.
It wasn't only our show that was affected, if you read the post by Linda Shields who was at Gold Coast you can see she was less that thrilled with her sales. If the shows coincide again next year I would definately do the HA show due to strong crowds, good sales, and the extra day to make sales.
we were also at the show and did well fri. and sat....however sun. was dismal with the crowd half of the previous days.....the show was well laid out and the dolly in was easy since we were able to set up on thur....there is no doubt that the gold coast show hurt our show....no idea why she would have the show the same weekend.... love doing art shows just wish the promoters would give a little more thought to what makes a good show.......THE ARTIST.......the $$$ pool is so small there does not need to be two separate shows within easy walking distance on the same weekend.....