Art Fairs? - Page 9

Karin Wells · 10-08-2003, 12:51 AM

Which would be the better picture to include with an application, pix #1 or pix #2?

Cynthia Daniel · 10-08-2003, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Cynthia, thanks for the Home Depot tip, I also remember you had a lovely desk. If I am right, is it a heavy costly one or something you found as a knock off of an inexpensive piece?

Actually, my specific rug came from Lowes. All I had was the stardard table provided for each exhibitor. It came with a black floor length cover and a white top. However, I brought my own table cover, which was custom-made (not expensive). I was working on a slightly French theme and the tablecover had black French writing on it.

Michele Rushworth · 10-08-2003, 01:09 AM

Lovely booth, Karin. I like the first photo the best. Very clean and tidy looking, and with some great frames on your work, too.

Can you tell us where you got the walls and what what they would cost to order? Also, do they take up much space to store and are they easy to set up?

Lynn T. McCallum · 10-08-2003, 01:38 AM

Hi Karin!

I really like the first image of your booth. The second image has a too 'closed in' feeling. The first example has a nice open feel to it and the portrait in the middle is a nice draw. You have to have that 'draw' into your booth and your best portrait will do it. Once the folks are in your booth they will start to look around. That is what you want. Hook them with a great image and reel them in. So, I raise my hand and vote for number one.

Don't go for the rug. The way it looks now is fine. If a rug must be there try a small 2x3 right in front of your draw. I assume that the podium has your portable portfolio on top of it, under your portrait. Right in front of the podium would be nice for a 2x3 'prayer rug'.

Some shows don't allow anything that isn't flame retardant. Backdrops and table coverings are required to be flame retardant at some venues even. This is the case in TN and GA.

The economy is picking up in the Atlanta area. The antique sales and art sales are on the incline. Some folks are starting to have some really good shows again. That means the folks that have the extra cash and big dividend checks are starting to feel good about spending the money again.

From years of doing antiques, we are the very first ones to get bitten, but then we are the first ones to start selling again. The art sector is always the same.

I noticed everything is framed the same in your booth. That adds a continuity. Do you plan your paintings around your frames?

Antique frames have always interested me so there is a pile around I can pull from. I was thinking of stretching cavases to a specific frame and subject. Thought it would be different.

Wish I had the money to sink in a display but I have to see if this is a route I want to take before dropping some bucks. Winter is a good time to think about the art path, spring will tell. You will never find this gal out in the heat, that limits how many times a year I'll be doing something outside.

PIX #1 gets a

Karin Wells · 10-08-2003, 09:39 AM

My display panels are here: http://www.armstrongproducts.com/51glry.htm (cloud gray). I also bought the zippered cases for them and they can fit into my car.

This past weekend's show has completely paid for these panels and the tent. I do wish I hadn't purchased such a cheap tent though. It will be good for small shows in decent weather but it isn't a quality item.

As to frames, I have a lot of paintings to frame (I'm prolific) and I tend to buy frames in batches from JFM Enterprises ( http://www.jfmenterprises.net/ ). I just grabbed the work on the top of the stack to put in this display. I do, however use different frames according to what looks good on the painting.

Jean Kelly · 10-09-2003, 11:19 AM

Hi!

It seems like last weekend was ART. Michele, congrats on your well-deserved commissions! I've enjoyed reading everyone's experiences, and seeing the set-ups you have. It's hard work to do a show and you all deserve a round of applause.

Karin, I wear a back brace whenever I do any lifting or bending. Mine is molded to my body so I can't hurt myself too bad. Maybe one would help your back pain. I got mine from an ortho surgeon, but some are simply heavy elastic that support the lower back and can be purchased at a pharmacy. Your booth is a class act, but I have concerns about the panels stability in a high wind. Does anyone have any experience with solid panels in wind? I like the cozy feeling and how the view of other booths is blocked out.

Jean

Karin Wells · 10-09-2003, 12:14 PM

I'll use heavy weights on the solid panels and in addition attach them to the 4 steel tent posts. Also, I may have to spring for a better tent with a vent on top and that should help so wind will not be such a problem.

Jean Kelly · 10-09-2003, 12:22 PM

Karin, the vent sounds like a good idea. I saw some tents fly away in the only show I managed to be in many years ago. I'd hate to see you fly away like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz!

Jean

Heidi Maiers · 10-09-2003, 01:52 PM

Judging from the high level of interest and the wide variety of questions posted under this topic of "Art Fairs", I would like to suggest that a new sub-section under "The Business Side of Art" be added to the main forum page where forum members can post specific questions and comments about art fair setup and display, policies, materials, experiences with costomers, etc.

P.S. Good going Michele - hope you get many more follow throughs!

Michele Rushworth · 10-09-2003, 02:01 PM

Moderator's Note: I'll forward your request on to Cynthia. Thanks for bringing it up.