First art fair

Michele Rushworth · 04-26-2005, 01:28 PM

For two years I used a canopy that was $100 and it was fine. I'd recommend you get one with fabric "walls" to block the distracting view of other stuff behind and beside you. Costco had 10x10 foot white (this is important for a lot of shows) canopies with walls a couple of years back. I think they were $200. They may be carrying them again so it might be worth checking out. I got mine at a local sporting goods store in the camping section. I didn't get the fabric walls but I would if I was going to do more shows.

If you are going to do a lot of shows I'd highly recommend you set yourself up with a set of solid walls from ProPanel. It would cost over $1000 to outfit a whole booth but it's the industry standard and nothing looks as good.

The website for Sunshine Artist, referenced above, has a lot of information on how to succeed at art fairs.

David Draime · 04-26-2005, 04:58 PM

Best of luck to you Jean! I'm sure you'll do great.

Jane Bradley · 04-26-2005, 05:17 PM

Besides propanels you can also look at armstrong panels - equally good, - but the sizes are a little different and they break down more easily for carrying in a car (I have these and I love them). http://www.armstrongproducts.com/
Many festivals will require that you have a white tent with white walls - many juried ones will require you send a picture of your set-up with your application. The only problem with the less expensive tents is that they are more apt to blow away or leak water in a rain storm. I would at least make sure that the tent is well anchored with sandbags or some kind of weights no matter what kind you decide to purchase.
A few links of interest
http://www.flourish.com/
http://www.shadeking.com/
http://www.dlrsupply.com/
http://www.newvp.com/pricing.html

Marcus Lim · 04-26-2005, 10:05 PM

Hi, i'm happy for your progress Jean!
Since we're both learning something new from seasoned artists who've provided valuable feedback here, i thought i'd ask something slightly off-track from Jean's concerns. I thought Jean might also benefit from the answers to this question.

Has anyone here done their own art fair, i mean stand-alone canopy, your paintings and yourself only? I'm asking because i'm working out thoughts to do a show at my own neighbourhood, commemorating 1 yr since we moved away from our old neighbourhood (the whole estate population was moved to a new location where i'm living now, you see)
While it's easier to work out the logistics, but how does one handle security matters?

Michele Rushworth · 04-26-2005, 11:04 PM

I don't know how it works in Singapore but in the U.S. you'd have to get a permit to set up a booth for selling stuff on the street or in a park.

Kimberly Dow · 04-26-2005, 11:54 PM

Marcus,

If your talking about the safety of your paintings from thieves - I'd suggest not doing it alone. When loading and unloading paintings and setting up - that is a time at a crowded place that something could happen. I guess it depends on where you are - a large city where there are thieves on the streets or a small town where this isn't a concern.

Jean Kelly · 04-26-2005, 11:59 PM

David, thank you for the vote of confidence, I'll read all these comments again the week before the show (when my stomach is turning upside down).

Michele, that is what I hoped you would say. I don't intend to do a lot of fairs, I don't think my body can take it yet, so a large investment would be a waste. I'd rather put the money in more supplies, and I need a nice collection of frames. I'll definately get the walls and I want a nice rug also. I'll need a table for my portfolio, literature and a guest book. And everything has to look good too. I'll be a basket case by August.

Jane, thanks again for all the links and the info on Armstrong panels, they look good but may be too pricey for me. I try not to rely on my husband too much for my supplies (although he has invested an awful lot in me). I owe him a Porsche.

Thank you Marcus, I don't have a clue but would be interested in any info on security. Security is provided during the show that I will be in, but I will also have my sons, husband, and numerous large friends.

I spoke with the artist that referred me today (Lee Weiss), and I have a contact from her for some one on one advice. So, I can handle this, I can, I know I can.

Jean

Richard Monro · 04-27-2005, 07:41 AM

Anyone interested in doing art fairs should definitely check out current and back issues of "Sunshine Artist" magazine. This publication specializes in art fairs and contains a wealth of information on how to make a sucess of a fair. Lots of dos and don'ts as well.

Marcus Lim · 04-27-2005, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

I don't know how it works in Singapore but in the U.S. you'd have to get a permit to set up a booth for selling stuff on the street or in a park.

Hi michelle, yes we need to apply permits here too...in fact, i don't remember anything in Singapore that doesn't need to...groan

Thanks for the tip Kim. Where i'm staying, it's a little "smurf estate". But thank goodness you prompted me about thieving, as it seems there are quite a bit of thievery around "smurf land"

I wish you all the best, Jean! Having a chance to show your works big-time is one thing, but having family and friends around you during the show, provides that emotional security and warmth that is even more important to anyone.
I'm happy and envy you for that.

Jean Kelly · 04-27-2005, 11:51 PM

Thank you Richard, I'll be reading that magazine before the show and start coaching myself. I spent 17 years in sales before I went into HVAC, selling was easy then because I was selling a decent product that I was very knowledgable about. Selling my artwork is a whole different ballgame, I feel like I'm giving away part if my soul and never know what to say. So I'll read alot and practice on my poor suffering husband.

Marcus, I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences selling in Singapore. Be sure to start a thread on it, it's so fascinating to read about other countries and cultures. I complain a lot about my family, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My father, mother and others of the older generation are all dead, and even when they were alive were inaccessable (just not really interested). I made it a point to keep my own kids close and I have a big crazy extended family! Plus if I really needed security I could bring my german shepherd, but then the customers would stay away too.

Jean