Posted by Ginny Herzog on April 21, 2009 at 2:00pm
I did MSFW eight and nine years ago - the years are fresh in my mind as my first year was when the tornado swept Main St. only days before the event and they moved the event to the Cultural Center, but returned to Main St. the following year. I had a miserable experience back then. It wasn't my crowd of art lovers and buyers, but rather, young, drunks with stacking empty beer cups, chomping on turkey legs. With a booth spot near the Karaoke stage of awful singers and only one big sale, it felt like the longest show of my life. I did not reapply until this year after setting my sights on TX, instead of FL. For me, doing the TX shows is an attempt to establish a new market for my work. Only a handful of people here are familiar with my architectural collage on panels. Although I feel my work has been well received here, sales for me were slow. I had one large sale and a couple of smaller ones with the possibility of a couple of big commissions. Talking with other artists in all medias, most returnees said sales were down from previous years but better than they thought they would be in this recession. Smaller works sold better but some were able to move a few larger ones, as well. As Mark Zurek reported, they delivered a huge crowd on Sat. and Sun. and we were told that Thursday was record breaking, as well. We were grateful that the torrential rains came only in the morning on Friday and they quit by noon. Jay Downey did an admirable job of directing this event, which was very well organized and promoted. His staff and the block captains were great and we felt there were always ears to hear of any issue we may have had during the show. In addition he had artist advisors circulating the show to get feedback from the artists about any suggestions or issues. At the artist reception on the eve of setup day, Jay made sure that he greeted each and everyone of the exhibitors at our tables, welcoming us to the show. I feel that this is very important as it is becoming increasingly rare to have any interaction with show directors during the show, anymore. If the show directors are unable to meet the artists, at least the artist relations chair, should. I feel that MSFW is a show headed in the right direction in TX. This year I did not notice a single stack of empty beer cups. I've been told that Jay did away with these a couple of years ago. Instead they are selling cans, which are much more difficult to balance in the heavy crowds. :- ) The karaoke stage is gone, and NOT missed. Music, for the most part was at a more comfortable decible level than the past with a more appropriate music genres for art browsing. Load in went very well, except for artists needing to cram their booths into the skimpy tents, which saved us in the heavy rain and ever present gusts. Artists need to be advised to bring their tent tops, in addition to the sides. My biggest issue with the show was about tear down. The plan was to close the artists booths and stages at the N. end of Main at 6 to funnel the crowds to the Main stage at the S. end of the show, so the artists could tear down. Music at the S. stage did not end until 8. Therefore, the crowds seemed unaware that the art festival was over and continued to walk in the streets and sidewalks until after 8. This did NOT WORK at all - at least from my vantage point in the 700 block. I heard that the closing of the art fair was reported in the paper to be at 8, instead of 6. Many of us were parked 4-7 blocks from our booths and with gusty winds, it is near impossible to hand carry large paintings and panels for any great distance. We also risked having our dolly loads attacked by winds, as well. The crowds of families with strollers and toddlers scurrying around were oblivious to the danger they were putting themselves in as we were dismantling our booths. My normal two hour takedown, instead, took four and I was exhausted. If MSFW makes just one improvement of this event, I hope it will be the load out plan. End all of the concessions and entertainment at the 6 pm closing time. Thank the crowd for coming and ask them to leave Main St. so that the artists may load up. At LEAST get them off the street where we are trying to dismantle and load.Particularly, when Main St. has the prevalent gusty winds that can cause unexpected and dangerous situations when your booth is least stable. Kudos to Downey and staff and the friendly people of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Thanks for this thorough report, Ginny. Beer and karaoke - not a good combination for an art fair.
The Texans in the photos, just in case people forget that everyone of these events has its own regional flavor, one of the fun things about art fairs for the participants.
One year at the Dallas Art Fest there was a new group singing and they liked Norm's work and asked him if he would work with them on their next album cover. I did buy their CD as I liked their music. The group's name was the Dixie Chicks.
Comments
The Texans in the photos, just in case people forget that everyone of these events has its own regional flavor, one of the fun things about art fairs for the participants.
One year at the Dallas Art Fest there was a new group singing and they liked Norm's work and asked him if he would work with them on their next album cover. I did buy their CD as I liked their music. The group's name was the Dixie Chicks.
No, he didn't take them up on their offer.