This is my first blog post and first show review. I will do my best. I am a jeweler who works in silver and incorporates freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones and beads. My pieces range from $40 to $600. This was the first time I had done this show.
SoNo Arts Celebration has been around for 35 years and is located in South Norwalk CT - a affluent community just outside the New York City area. It was a wonderfully juried show, well balanced with good mix of artists - both 2D and 3D - with a wide variety of price points and good quality. The layout seemed to be a bit confusing but the show is on the small side so patrons seemed to figure it out and get to all areas.
There were plenty of volunteers available for set-up and tear down and even people helping with traffic control for tear-down which cut down on the frustration level. I had a great location right on a corner so I could set up with three open sides for maximum exposure.
The weather was in the mid 80's and a bit humid. Sunday started off with rain but by 11:00 the sun had come out. The show has family components but this is not the focus and it provides diversion for the kids. There are musical components as well and I was a bit worried when I saw that there was an entertainment tent set up just the other side of the street from my space but my my fears were dispelled when I found out that the music would be acoustic without any amplification. Patrons could stop and enjoy the music if they wanted and it was not at all intrusive, The more raucous musical acts are kept at the far end of the food court area or are scheduled during the friday night kick-off or in the evening after the artists close up. I wish more shows would do this. It provides a well rounded event while being respectful of the artists and their needs.
I had high hopes for this show. It seemed like a great location. I had feedback from previous exhibitors in my category that were mostly favorable. I had a place to stay for free and the location was within my limit of a 6 hour drive. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a complete bust for me.
Attendance was sparse and most of them were "middle walkers". They don't want to get to close to the booths or make too much eye contact because they are not there to buy - they are there to have lemonade, see their neighbors and walk their dogs. Those who did venture into the booths were "just browsing". I got plenty of favorable feedback on my new designs and my price points. There were even a fair amount of ooh's and ahh's but none of this translated to sales.
Fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), I had plenty of time to leave the booth to my helper and venture out to talk with other artists and found most were experiencing much of the same. From painters to potters to jewelers - sales were slim to none. It seemed that many barely made their booth fee and some, including myself, left having lost money. I counted myself lucky to have invested only the jury and booth fee and $80 worth of gas for my very economical vehicle.
This is really too bad. The organizers did a great job. The show looked great. The weather was a bit warm and sticky, but that is the norm for this area. Was it the downturn the stock market took just before the weekend? A few of the musicians I talked to mentioned that - as well as one or two of the women who ventured into my booth.
If only a few more people could have parted with a few more dollars. I wanted to stand in the middle of the street with a bullhorn and exclaim - "come on people, we ARE the economy" but I didn't think that would win me any points. On the upside - I have plenty of inventory for my next two shows. Let's hope that I don't bring it home with me again.
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