I haven't gone to as many shows this summer because the weather has been too hot and the house is getting full.
I have been to four Amdur shows and three independent shows. I wanted to go to at least two independent shows before I reported on the Amdur shows to get a fairer perspective.
Arlington Heights, IL (AA show) It was good, not great. Some questionable booths but not too many. Lots of good artists and happily, a few I hadn't seen before.
Festival of Fine Craft (AA show) This used to be one of my top five shows. As a fine craft collector, this show is a highlight of my summer. Used to be run by the The Art Center of Highland Park, IL but they asked Amy to manage it this year. I was a little worried that the spirit of the show would change but this year at least, it was pretty much the same as it has been. Over the years, there has been a decline in some of the media but it is still a nice show. Credit to Amy for running two shows the same weekend and there were still lots of green shirts at both shows.
Monument Square (Racine, WI) This used to be a little gem but hasn't been quite as good the past few years. This year, the show date changed and it was smaller and very disappointing. Heard there was a date conflict with the Lakefront site but don't understand how a festival that has been the same weekend for over 20 years wasn't inked in for the same weekend as usual this year. Cannot recommend this unless you love Kringle and want to go to Racine to get some)
Milwaukee Lakefront Festival of Art (ind)-I already wrote about this show and it still is good year after year.
Botanic Garden (AA) I only went to this show because I got in for free ($20 per car) and I wanted to meet Michelle Wermuth. Meeting Michelle was the highlight of the show.
Krasl, Art on the Bluff (ind) I already wrote about this one also and will go back next year. While not all artists had a good show, the way the artists were treated made it so pleasant. I can often tell how an artist is doing when I go into a booth and most were happy.
Buffalo Grove Art Festival (AA) Worst AA show I have ever been to. A lot of the artists I used to see there weren't there this year and their replacements weren't equal to what has been there in the past. There are always some good artists at every show and this was no exception but over all, it was a major disappointment. Even if the art was not Buy/Sell, a lot of it looked that way. Considering the heat on Saturday, there was a good crowd and parking wasn't easy to find. This show takes place in bland shopping center but the show has been here for so many years that the stores are not relevant and don't affect the crowds. If a rising tide lifts all boats, then a lowering tide sinks all boats. Well, the "bad" art booths sunk the "good" art booths. The overall feel of the show was not one of high quality. I should have followed my instinct and stayed home.
The next few weeks have some of my favorite shows and I am really looking forward to those.
Comments
Jacki, Those who can do, those who can't buy.
the closest thing I have to creativity is the appreciation of those who have it.
Geri, you get around more than the artists do. Maybe you aught to take up some form of art so that you can earn money to buy more art.
I am doing LaGrange too :)
Looking forward. Will post review.
We will be applying for the show in LaGrange and will let everyone know how this one goes. Its been kind of discouraging so far this summer and we are looking for new shows to do where people actually buy ;) ML
I love Erin shows! Really relaxed, low key, great artists and my sales have been consistent. I just did her Northbrook IL Art in the Park without any high expectations. It takes place in the main park. It ended up being a good and smooth show for me. I have never been disappointed. She's really nice lady, sweet and professional. I am doing her Geneva IL show this weekend. It will be interesting, only originals, prints not allowed, this will be my 1st time doing this one. I will post my review.
Nice review, Geri. I like the balance of the independent shows and the promoter organized events to get the feeling.
I hear very nice things about the events that Erin Melloy runs, often small community events in nice parks where it is easy for both artists and the public to access the booths. I don't get many reviews on them on this site, could it be that artists don't want to share good news?
Mary, I am thinking about it but that is a busy weekend for me. It would be great to see you again. Glad you are having a good summer. Is NM northern Michigan or New Mexico???
Hi Geri!
Buffalo Grove is a nightmare I am still trying to forget......I was the one who had a woman pass out from heat exhaustion in my arms last year. Squad called, husband a jerk, poor woman laid out on the ground, left the show at 9 pm after packing up and the incident. Little to no $$ ouch, ouch ouch. Am having a really good summer doing other shows....off to NM tomorrow for two shows. AA South U was a great show for me this year. Minneapolis was kind to me as always. Hinsdale was a quiet crowd but I had good sales. St. Charles brought a nice commission piece despite the heavy heat and humidity. Krasl and Lakefront I have not yet been able to get into. One day hopefully. Next up in Chicago will be Lakeview East. Will you be there?
Thanks Geri! I will pass the advice along to Taylor,even though he doesn't need any encouragement to play games ;). As far as Monument Square goes, it was a first for us ( we have only done a year of shows so far) and they are not even sure if they will do it again next year. We like the venue but there was not a lot of people there, artists or customers. The committee was very sweet to us. Well,hope to run into you somewhere! ML
Paul, I only went through Monument Square once because I had relatives with me that weren't too interested in being there. Before they changed the date, it was a better show. Have you done it before? I can't tell what sells there because it is so varied. I am sorry I missed both you and Nancy Grimsley at BG.
Tell Taylor that playing the piano will make him better at computer games! (cool piece of him playing the piano by the way)
Nels-sushi is on me next time. Take care of yourself and listen to the doctors.
Stephanie, I would love to go to east coast shows. The grass always seems greener doesn't it!!
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