This is the first year that I'm aggressively applying to fine art shows - WOW are they expensive!!! I'd love your expert advice, oh sage festival pros.
I've been accepted to Amdur's Barrington (brand new), Lincolnshire, Arlington Hts, North Shore and The Glen shows. During the weekend of Barrington, I was also considering Prairie Arts in Schaumburg. Sounds like Cuneo is not a great bet.
I normally do Libertyville Days on Father's Day weekend - great little cheap summer festival with good attendance. I've heard good things about the Lakefront festival of arts at the Milwaukee Art Museum that weekend, but I can't find an application online yet.
Fountain Square Art Festival in Evanston is the same weekend as Amdur's Arlington Hts. Thoughts?
I have had good luck at the Adler art show in Libertyville, which is the same weekend as Amdur's Glenview show. I've also heard good things about Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival that same weekend.
Other confusing weekends - Labor Day... is Art Fair on the Square in Lake Forest worthwhile?
Anyone have comments on the Wilmette Arts Guild show on 9/11-12? It's very tempting to consider the smaller guild shows when faced with $400+ booth fees.
Thank you to anyone willing to take the time to help!!!
I'd love to hear about your favorite shows in this area.
Wendy
Comments
I am just a patron so I can't say which shows would be best for your medium. I could guess but that is all it would be.
Amy puts on good shows. The quality is above average. She advertises well and draws big crowds. She has oversaturated the northern suburbs with shows and there are people who wait till a later show to buy if they know they are going to see you again. Since you do commission work,that may not be a problem for you. This may be the first year for the Barrington show but if the crowds at Art in the Barn (also in Barrington, in September) are any indication, that area loves their art. Schaumburg, that same weekend does not seem to have the high quality that Amy does. Also, demographically, Barrington is definitely a wealthy suburb.
Evanston is a mini-Chicago, IMO, and the festival patrons reflect that. All price ranges and quality. Arlington Heights is a very, very nice show, just like all of Amy's shows.
Glenview is a really large show, I go to that and skip Gold Coast (the week before) since I can drive to Glenview. I have never been impressed with Adler but if you have luck there that is wonderful.
Lake Forest has developed into a very good quality show. I have a cousin who has shown there for years and she does commission work similar to yours so that seems like it could be good for you.
My favorite jeweler loves Wilmette. I haven't gone to that one in years. She says it is a really nice show.
What about Long Grove, Art in the Barn and Morning Glory in Milwaukee? The Deerfield show in June is nice. There is also a church show in Riverwoods in April. Wait a minute, I am not helping you with all these extra shows but you should know they are out there. (and two Oak Brook shows that are high quality)
If my love affair with my new dog continues, I may have you immortalize her!
I look forward to meeting you this summer.
Also, we are neighbors, I live 5 minutes from Gurnee Mills during the summer.