Posted by Bill Sargent on January 27, 2010 at 10:00am
We had an OK show at the Suncoast festival at Wiregrass. The prize money was worth shooting for if you're that kind of artist. When it comes to the taste of the judges, it's the same everywhere.. one year it's sunsets and puppy dogs. The next year it's dark, non-representational esoterica.There were many more people at the Wiregrass location in Wesley Chapel than at the old Longleaf location. The income level in that part of the state is high for Florida and will continue to be that way. There are many well paid professionals in that crowd. Right now construction has slowed, but the increase in new housing has been explosive in the last several years and this will pick up again as the economy comes back.It's true that regardless of income, most folks coming to a mall are prepared to buy an ice cream cone, a burrito, or a new refrigerator magnet. Although the organizers work hard to publicize the show, the sudden appearance of an art show at the mall is a surprise to most of the crowd and anyone who has done Disney will understand this.Our sales, although better than last year, were not spectacular, but we did turn a profit. A new artist who had just started doing shows in October had sales of about $1300. Most were lucky to make expenses. We had a neighbor who made clocks out of antique CD's and purses out of old record album covers. At least two of the judges spent more time at their booth than they did at ours. The guy was quite a talker, however. His CD clocks sold quite well.We will give this show a chance in the future. The organizers work hard, the setup is easy, and teardown was no problem. The $2000 best of show is not bad for a small show and the list of sponsors was impressive. It's been better each year.Although they started out saying you could not bring in your vehicle until your display was completely torn down, organized into neat piles, and certified ready by a volunteer.. they ended up walking each vehicle to the artist's booth and allowed loading up while tearing down. It went quite smoothly.I would not cancel a Coconut Grove or Winter Park to do this show, but if you live nearby or need a show to connect the dots in your travels, look into this one. A photographer friend said he was having a great time because the entry fee was reasonable, he didn't expect much, and anything he made over entry fee was fine. He wound up with 3K. Another friend did more like $350.
Nels
At the last National Shrimp Festival in Gulfport, Alabama.. There was a gentleman showing paintings of dogs in champagne glasses. He got a ribbon and a check.
I can give you the GPS co-ordinates to that one, too.
By the way, I have yet to be at a show where a puppy dog won money--maybe puppy poop, but not the dog. Don't bother replying, I am off to work on my putting game
I was there too :)......it was at the Shoppes at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Wesley Chapel is about 30 minutes from Tampa. It's more like a destination shopping area than a mall I would say, almost like a small village unto itself lol with palm tree lined streets and fountains, all of it is outside, the stores are lined up against the sidewalks, there were high end stores, it was all laid out really well. Set up and break down were awesome, booth sitters came around every hour or so. I stayed at the Best Western Hotel at $56 a night (with my CLC card) which was about 5 minutes from the festival. Wesley Chapel is also within 30 - 40 minutes of beaches, state parks, and lots of scenic little towns if you want to do some sightseeing afterwards . All in all, I did about $1500 counting an online sale from there the day after the festival. This made it right at 10 x the booth fee so I count it as a successful show. The prize money would have been awesome, but oh well lol.
Nels
Second paragraph, first sentence. Next year when you get your acceptance let me know and I'll send you the GPS co-ordinates. You'll probably have one by then. Be sure to apply early. People were waiting in the parking lot to get in.
Comments
At the last National Shrimp Festival in Gulfport, Alabama.. There was a gentleman showing paintings of dogs in champagne glasses. He got a ribbon and a check.
I can give you the GPS co-ordinates to that one, too.
Second paragraph, first sentence. Next year when you get your acceptance let me know and I'll send you the GPS co-ordinates. You'll probably have one by then. Be sure to apply early. People were waiting in the parking lot to get in.