For those of you who remember when Long Grove, Illinois was a tourist destination it has been sad to watch the decline of the town and the show. I live in a neighboring town and used to happily pay my $300 to do the show there. My kids even went to the school that sponsors the event.
In the past few years many of the businesses have left, leaving behind vacant buildings and the show has turned into one of those festivals where art is secondary. In fact, it is now listed as the "Fine Art and Wine Festival". The last time I participated (2010) the crowds were ok but they were there for the wine and activities and I did not sell my booth fee. That is the only time that I have ever lost money on a show although I have definitely broken even few times!
Moving on, one of the reasons for the decline of Long Grove is the addition, in the same zip code, of the "Deer Park Town Center" which is considered a "lifestyle mall". It is a really great outdoor mall (although I miss the fruit stand that used to take up that land) and very popular. http://www.shopdeerparktowncenter.com/ . I have got word that a new show will be there in September and while the promoter is still working out some of the artwork details to get the advertising in place, applications are being accepted. Check out http://dwevents.org/deerPark.html for details.
Comments
Yes, it seems Debbie Netter has got this show coming up at Deer Park. I'd certainly trust her on a first time show.
This sounds familiar. Was it the Ela Art League? I think I had a prospectus, but never could go check it out.
the original show in Deer Park was put on by a fledgling art league that folded after that. I looked at the show and declined. Cuneo was doomed when the property was donated and the new owners change the rules.
Deerfield has been a consistent show but when some of the big city shows moved to that weekend it changed the dynamic. it is still s good venue for many artists.
I do know Debbie personally and I can tell you that she is working hard to incorporate artist feedback and make her shows better every year. Given the demographic and walking traffic of this location it should be a great show, and I hope to have a space.
Believe it or not, there was an art festival at Deer Park when it first opened. The art was very similar to what used to be found at Long Grove. t
DW also runs the Deerfield show and oversaw the demise of the Cuneo Museum show. You may want to check out the reviews for the Deerfield show. (and the Cuneo show).
Long Grove used to be such a charming little town with wonderful shops but walmartizing of America and the economy has done it no favors.