This was the first year for this event, and I know lots of artists won't do first year shows...I, however, choose to support new shows and events when I can (they have to start somewhere, don't they?) As a stained glass artist, my customer base is different from the canvas artists, sculptors, etc, just as their customers are different from mine. so my experience will be different from other artists. There were about 70 artists, I think, representing a good variety of media. All of the booths on the main street were far enough apart, so that 3 sides of the booth had visibility, for those of us who chose to open our booth completely.
There was a TON of advertising for this event, and signs all over town, even an electric sign just off I-4 heading into town. They TV and radio ads and spots, as well as print media.
The promoters are very artist oriented, in that they and their volunteers (which were plentiful) made the rounds regularly to be sure we had water or soda, or needed a short break. There was a breakfast both days of breakfast bars and sweet rolls, bagels, and fresh fruit to go with our coffee. They even brought a nice sandwich and soda for lunch on Saturday! Restrooms were plentiful and nearby. Parking was plentiful and close.
I always choose to set up as early as possible. Load in on Friday afternoon was smooth and unhurried. My booth space was on the street (they all were), and I was fortunate enough to be under a tree, which made the 90+ degree heat a little more bearable. I got there early on Saturday to arrange my work in the booth.
Over the 2 days there were never any huge crowds, but there was a steady flow of folks all day both days. I did not notice many purchases going by my booth on Saturday, and my sales were slow. My immediate neighbors commented theirs were, as well. Sunday I noticed more purchases passing my booth, and one neighbor said she had good sales on Sunday, which redeemed the show for her. I was alone in my booth, so could not get out to talk to other artists, but I did hear reports of other artists doing quite well. I did not make expenses, but I can't say I thoght it was a bad show.
Load out on Sunday was a breeze.
All in all, I understand that the Florida shows this year have been disappointing. This new show, in my opinion, is one that has potential for future years. I probably won't do it again, only because the 8 hour drive, and the cost of diesel fuel added to hotel and the fees to do the show just make it cost prohibitive for me.
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Thanks Mary Anne. I hope you can find another good show to replace this show with for next year.
Thanks, Annette. I probably won't try to do this event again. It was $200 in gas (we have a diesel van), plus $300 lodging, plus 8 hours one way...all that on top of the booth fee. It is just cost prohibitive for me to do it again. Great show, though.
THanks for the review Mary Anne, sorry to hear it resulted in poor sales for you - maybe next time (our constant mantra that keeps us going!).
Thanks, Connie. It is good to see a good review from an attendee. I wish I lived closer so I could do the show again.
I was accepted into the Blueberry fest, but after talking to the organizer and doing some research I decided to take a pass. They were trying to do too many things and I thought the art would get lost in the shuffle. The commercials showed all the entertainment and other activities but didn't mention the art show. I will also do first time shows, but I just didn't get a good feeling about this show. I hope it went well for them.
Thanks so much, Mary Anne, for this thorough review. I really appreciate your balanced approach. Yep, someone needs to do the first year shows or there will be no new events to replace the ones on the slide or that the economy puts to rest.
I talked several times to the organizers of this event and I am not surprised that so many of these excellent amenities were in place. Good for them! It sounds like they took the money and spent it in the right place also, in the media.
I just received this email from a subscriber to my newsletter:
Let's hope good word of mouth increases attendance and sales next year.
There was another first year show last weekend in Florida, the Florida Blueberry Festival with an artist section. This event was positioned more as a festival. Anyone got any news on this?
Sorry this show didn't turn out better for you. What you described sounds very much like the first year festival in Islamorada this year. It sounds like first year shows are actually listening to artists and trying to do all the right things. That is encouraging.