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Always the last Saturday of February
Garage Sale Art Fair in Kalamazoo, MI
Approximately 140 art fair artists gather together once a year to sell their overstock, seconds, odd pieces, supplies and so much more at reduced prices and it is always on my calendar, either as an exhibitor, a shopper or a reporter. On Saturday, Feb. 25, the crowds flocked into the Kalamazoo Expo Center eagerly pulling out their wallets for the artists who were just as eager to see them.
I attended this year to see old friends specifically: Bonnie Blandford (the show director), Lynn Krouse, Mark Schlabaugh, Jim Reinert, Chuck Wimmer, Annette Morrin, Chris Maher, Debbie La Pratt, Paul Jelselskis, Barry Bernstein, Lou Zale, Jim Parker, Don Ament, Pat and Jon Hecker. I wanted to catch up with Phil Thompson, who I learned had died in October. He was such a good friend for many years. One of those people who made every art fair fun and interesting. Always great to be his neighbor.
At least four of the artists I spoke with told me they were participating in their last art fair. The crowds swarmed the booths and there was good energy all around. Many booths were half empty when I got there a little late. Wish you could have been there also.
- Over $5,000 in cash awards given out
- Overnight security & police coverage to ensure booth safety
- Easy drive-up loading and unloading
- Website gallery with full-color images, bio, and link to artist’s website
- Electronic postcard provided for artists to promote show
- Booth sitters available for artists via event day phone number
- Water and snacks delivered to your booth during the show
- Complimentary breakfast available on Saturday & Sunday
- Lunch delivered to you Saturday & Sunday
- Air-conditioned break room with snacks
- Saturday evening happy hour in private room near event
- Discount coupon package for area businesses
- Event program with artist listings
- Block Captain available to help with any concerns or needs
- The area will be lit at night with security patrolling the site 24-hours from Thursday setup through Sunday until 9:00 pm.
- Real restrooms in a central location. Also, porta-potties available.
- Convenient artist and visitor parking on site.
- Coffee and sweet rolls provided for artists each morning.
- Volunteers available for booth sitting upon request.
- Helpers and motorized carts are available for set-up and tear-down.
- Most booths have a corner location due to the ‘quad’ set-up.
- Extensive advertising and promotion
- Loyal art buying audience
- Professional and respectful art fair staff
- Well-stocked Artist Hospitality Tent
- Friendly booth sitters
- Professional, overnight security
- Negotiated special rates for the onsite Hilton Garden Inn
THE GUILD’S MISSION is to promote community awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the visual arts, and to maintain a support network for artists, which provides education, mentoring, and marketing opportunities.
- COVID protocols in place
- Complimentary artist grab and go meal
- Booth Sitters
- Bottled water
- Convenient parking
- Corner booth option
- Security Patrols at night
- Volunteer Staff available to assist with set up and tear down
Morning coffee and donuts Saturday
- Vendor Parking
- Extra space behind booth for storage
- Extensive Festival Marketing & Promotion
- Listing in official festival program
- Artists survey to collect feedback after the festival
- Drive-up access to booth site for unload and loading
- Paid security 24/7 from Friday night to Sunday night
- "I love being close to restaurants, hotels, parking and farmer's market." -2022 Festival Artist
- "Staff and management were very thoughtful and excellent in checking in with me on a regular basis!" -2022 Festival Artist
- "Patrons loved the feel on the space, felt more like a festival!! loved the ease of parking and lots of creative actives!! -2021 Festival Artist
- "Loved it, set up load in times went great, patrons loved it, JUST FELT LIKE WE HOME." -2021 Festival Artist
- "Loved the parking and hotel so close. Loved all the restaurants available in walking distance. Loved having the farmer's market so close." -2021 Festival Artist
- Website listing with artist images & link
- Early morning load-in option
- Staggered assigned load-in time
- Booth sitters available via text
- Experienced, helpful, and friendly staff
- Complementary bagels and coffee at artist check-in
- Multiple artist lounges with morning coffee and all-day refreshments
- Artist parking for one vehicle (and 1 trailer) per artist
- Boxed lunches available for purchase and delivered directly to Participating Artist booth during the Festival