This was the first time exhibiting for me in Loring Park.The weather was great, sunny and around 80.
It rained a bit in the morning the first day but then cleared up. The attendance was pretty good...but certainly not crowded. I had people bee-line into my booth from the center walkway to ask me questions and talked my head off all day to so many that passed by. From that standpoint it was really fun. The interest seemed to be there, but, alas, I didn't see anybody pulling out their wallet to make a purchase. Yes there was the older crowd there that thought I was a museum, but there was money around too. I also have never been to a show that had so many men attend, which I also thought would be good.
My sales were really disappointing. I barely broke even, and only sold one "medium" priced piece that was undervalued, and two smaller items, and all were on Saturday. Again, I had so much interest and was working my booth, and although I had incredible conversations with several hundred people and couples, most didn't pan out.
The location for the show is incredible and the promoters and layout is fantastic. The weather was great, and the attitude was very upbeat. My prices were exceptional and the traffic was pretty good. However, at least for painting, there was not a lot for sales. Other painters I spoke to were experiencing similar results. Several artists next to me, photographers, fabrics, all stated that this show generated half of last year, which was down. One featured artist (like myself BTW) said she did well. Her art was really good, being 3-D lady figures that hang on the wall. Her prices were excellent in my opinion (undervalued), but she was really happy as a first time exhibitor.
So, what went wrong? A week earlier in Bayfield, WI, I had a bang up show! I figured since we were among an age group from 30-50, this show would be really good. The reviews and comments from former artists all liked this show, so it appeared to be a must do. All I can figure is that a bigger force is weighing down on this and many other art shows...meaning economic concerns. Art is not a necessity, gas is.
Loring Park show is on the same weekend as Powerhorn and Uptown, both in the Minneapolis area market. I haven't heard how those went, but hope to see people chime in. I spoke to artists that plan on doing a different venue next year, and to would like to find out how the other shows in Minneapolis went. I am still undecided, as it may be too early to "judge".
As for the quality of art, well, frankly being biased and high minded, I thought that there was a lot of OK art there, and quite a few "pork chop on a stick" vendors. There were some really good artists there too. A lot of variety, and I didn't see anything suspicious.
I liked the show. I met some really wonderful artists there, many being so helpful. I come away with good feelings about that, but disappointed feelings for all the work I put into this show with such dismal results.
Again, others please chime in on this and other Minneapolis shows this weekend.
Comments
I'm not tempted to give it a second go. I lost about $900 doing the show, and didn't even make booth fee. I might try again in a year or two if my new work does okay, but not this year.
I am a bit late chiming in, but better late than never. Especially right now, when we're trying to determine which shows are in and which are out for 2013. My experience mirrors Paul's. I did awesome at the Bayfield Festival of Arts, which was the weekend prior to Loring Park, but only sold two pieces at Loring Park, despite being a featured artist. People seemed to love my art (3-D multi-media "little people") and I talked my fool head off with the people in my booth who wanted to know more. But only had 2 sales. I was very disappointed. Lots of people there, and the show logistics were wonderful; Pat Parnow and her team are wonderful and did a great job. But I am on the fence as to whether I should try the show one more time or not. Please understand I do not blame the show.....just wondering if my work is a good match for this particular show. My prices range from $170-330. I am tempted to give it a second go.
Pat,
Thanks for the information as well. I loved the show. I'm just trying to understand what this crowd is looking for or what it is going to take to trip the trigger. Maybe I should include an incentive to buy right at the show...some kind of giveaway. You've got me thinking now!
Lots of compliments and a decent price point, but neither pays the bills. If going to canvas prints makes a difference, I'll try again next year. If not, I'm screwed unless I come up with a new body of work. It was a very, very disheartening show.
Thanks for all of the support and comments. I hope others are learning from this too. I have to say that Kathleen hit it right on the head, "where are you going to be next?" comment. It's like, hello...I'm here now...why would you wait! And compliments...well I thought I was the greatest thing since Van Gogh after the show with all of the compliments!
I've been considering what Michigan can do. It's a hike around the pond, but this is what I do. This week is Green Lake, WI. Last year it was a fun and excellent show. I'll let you all know.
As for buying in the future, Annette, I hope so but don't hold my breath anymore. It's happened, but only time will tell.
Thanks for the review Paul, sorry to hear that the results was so poor sales wise. Since there was so much interest, perhaps they'll buy in the future?
Paul, sorry, but not surprised about your "Minnesota experience." I have lived there all of my life doing shows until I got smart & moved to Michigan where people APPRECIATE ART WITH THIER WALLETS!!! After all, compliments don't pay the house pymnts!
It is NOT your ART~it is the buying mentality of the Minnesota customers! Oh, YES~compliments GALORE, "maybe I'll be back, if it's still here~it was meant to be, oh, yes & Where are you going to be next, so the next time I see them I can hear Where are you going to be next along with, well, I really don't NEED any more jewelry! I have done very well for years in Minnesota, as my jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind, but in my travels, whether the economy is good or bad~I and alot of other Artists have moved (to be more centrally located to good art show states) that do much better elsewhere! There are a few good shows that I can recomend to you in Minnesota if they still exist:if you are stuck just doing: Wayzata (owever horrible set-up/tear down), Battle Creek Art Festival ~(if the mosquitos don't eat you alive), & Art at St. Kates~(College of St. Catherine~St. Paul, MN.) anyway used to be the best for me. Of course, I have jewelry~possible other Artists do well in other shows here~don't know. Edina was great on my list for years until they expanded, with buy/sell & putting Artists in the alleys, ect. (thank God I was on a main street!). Good luck to you in your upcomming shows this year!
This was my 5th year at Loring Park. I love this show for so many reasons: fabulous park setting, great staff and volunteers, drive up to your booth, Friday set-up, easy load out, I can sleep in my own bed, etc. But over the five years, sales have been up and down. Last year was very good; this year not so much. Typically, Saturday has been the good day for sales. The light rain on Sat. a.m. might have hurt some as my sales on Sunday were better than Sat. this year. Through experience I have learned that my price point, for the most part, is under $100. You can build a following with people purchasing and collecting year after year. Also many people come on the bus and it is difficult to carry large pieces, so smaller pieces are what I sell. If you offer to deliver a large piece, it could increase the chance of sales. Yes three shows are going on this same weekend in Minneapolis which is alot of artists. Whether this helps or hinders sales is a matter of opinion. Many people plan for this art weekend and go to all the shows and the free bus pass makes it easy. Unfortunately, there was some "SOS" at Loring Park. There was also alot of great art there! Hey folks, like it or not, that's reality of shows now days.
Paul, you mentioned maybe Powderhorn or Uptown for next year. I am an acrylic painter also, did Powderhorn last year, won't ever again. Talk to other painters (the second opinion, ha) before you even CONSIDER it.
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