Thanks for the good review/ If anyone knows N.Y. it is Richard Rothbard - American Craftsman Galleries- and fellow long time artist// hard to believe there are no other reviews- no 1 of a kind- no Phili Craft show- no boston crafts- maybe our members don't do those shows??? Fair Winds
I did the Contemporary Art Fair NYC [part of the American Craft Show] at Jacob Javits last month. I took a hard wall display [as I made 2-D art]. It was easy enough to load in [ a pain, but easy] from the front door - no labor fees. I went early, expecting the walls to be complete. By the time we got the art down to the show floor, we realized the union guys were not done. We waited hours, but used the time to chat with the carpenters, lighting people, fellow artist. Annoying but nothing we could do to rush them.
It was extremely easy to set up. We left Thursday night - knowing we had hours in the morning... I arrived the next day rested and ready to go for the 12 VIP and media preview. No one came - well, harldy anyone. The show opened at 3 with very few patrons - but it did get busier after 4:30. I was not thrilled, but never expect much on Fridays. Saturday opened and the crowd started coming and never slowed down. Not an "art fair" crowd - there were people shopping for art, for fine crafts, furniture, jewelery. They looked well-heeled and knowledgable. And, they looked like they could afford to buy art. I'm not sure how much they bought, but the people I spoke with were impressed with the level of art and craft. There were sales. I had a couple of near-misses, met with a representative who wants to rep my art - a potential gallery connection in NYC, a possible buyer or two. I'm glad I took some of my greeting cards along - I sold a few... which paid for...lunch? Sunday was slower, but not terrible.
I think the show promoter did everything right - the price was right... I'm sure some artists did well - especially the ones that sold my "be-backs" four large originals. I know one furniture maker was blowing stuff out the door. There may have been too many jewelers, but all their work was different.
This isn't out on the street... people have to make the venue a destination - and take transportation to get there.
I heard there wasn't a lot of advertising, but I don't live in NY, so I couldn't really tell you.
After the show, staff members actually walked the show and spoke to many of us asking how we could improve next year - they took our feedback very seriously, took notes, etc. If the price is right, and the show is only 2 days, I would do it again.
Comments
I did the Contemporary Art Fair NYC [part of the American Craft Show] at Jacob Javits last month. I took a hard wall display [as I made 2-D art]. It was easy enough to load in [ a pain, but easy] from the front door - no labor fees. I went early, expecting the walls to be complete. By the time we got the art down to the show floor, we realized the union guys were not done. We waited hours, but used the time to chat with the carpenters, lighting people, fellow artist. Annoying but nothing we could do to rush them.
It was extremely easy to set up. We left Thursday night - knowing we had hours in the morning... I arrived the next day rested and ready to go for the 12 VIP and media preview. No one came - well, harldy anyone. The show opened at 3 with very few patrons - but it did get busier after 4:30. I was not thrilled, but never expect much on Fridays. Saturday opened and the crowd started coming and never slowed down. Not an "art fair" crowd - there were people shopping for art, for fine crafts, furniture, jewelery. They looked well-heeled and knowledgable. And, they looked like they could afford to buy art. I'm not sure how much they bought, but the people I spoke with were impressed with the level of art and craft. There were sales. I had a couple of near-misses, met with a representative who wants to rep my art - a potential gallery connection in NYC, a possible buyer or two. I'm glad I took some of my greeting cards along - I sold a few... which paid for...lunch? Sunday was slower, but not terrible.
I think the show promoter did everything right - the price was right... I'm sure some artists did well - especially the ones that sold my "be-backs" four large originals. I know one furniture maker was blowing stuff out the door. There may have been too many jewelers, but all their work was different.
This isn't out on the street... people have to make the venue a destination - and take transportation to get there.
I heard there wasn't a lot of advertising, but I don't live in NY, so I couldn't really tell you.
After the show, staff members actually walked the show and spoke to many of us asking how we could improve next year - they took our feedback very seriously, took notes, etc. If the price is right, and the show is only 2 days, I would do it again.