This afternoon an artist who read a previous blog on outdoor shows asked me the following questions: My answers follow - thought some of you out there in cyber art land might gain a bit of insight...
-----------------------------------------------------
Hi Lori, I am contemplating doing outdoor fairs and shows next year for the reasons you mention, and am wondering how to discern what shows would be best for me and selling my work. How do you decide where to show, and how do I give myself the best shot at choosing shows where buyers in my price range buy? Is there a "best" price range to be in for outdoor shows, or does it vary by show and region? So much to learn to make this a successful adventure!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are two types of shows. Juried and non juried. Juried shows tend to cost a several hundred dollars for your space, and some take a percentage on the sales - whereas non juried are generally under $70 for a one or two day show. Juried shows usually charge an entrance fee for folks to get in. This eliminates a lot of strollers and little children running around collecting business cards for fun.
Some of the best juried outdoor shows are held in Ann Arbor Michigan and I've heard there are some great ones in Florida as well, but if you're just starting out, I'd stick close to home - within a two hour driving distance. Traveling hundreds of miles with paintings and equipment might require a van or a truck and trailer.
I haven't looked at this magazine in years. "Sunshine Artist" lists all the shows in the country; however, as I said before, when just starting out, I'd stick close to home.
Avoid shows that have things like fry-bread, rides, cotton candy, and games for kids. They're generally not good art selling venues because they don't attract art collectors. Many folks who are caught up in the process of raising young children have other things on their minds -- although there are exceptions. However, if you offer children's portraits, and the show is held in a wealthy community...Well that might be a different story.
Find out what shows are held within a two hour drive from your home - via the Internet or contact a local art association. Avoid non juried shows that sell low priced crafts. These venues typically attract folks who like go home with something for less than $25. On the other hand, many prestigious juried shows, that include fine craft and sculpture, draw collectors who buy high priced works. An example is the Tent Show in North Scottsdale that takes place for 3 months every winter. Martha Pettigrew (sculpture) sells well at that show; her work is in the tens of thousands for many of her pieces. Incidently, while I was visiting her at this show last February, a painter at a nearby booth sold a $23,000 painting. WoW!
Getting back to my reality (my paintings are priced far lower). From what I've seen at non-juried outdoor shows in my area (New England), an artist can safely sell several paintings for up to about $600, one or two for $1200 and under, and smaller (9x12 or 8x10) framed paintings sell quickly if they're $350 or under. I recommend hanging a dozen or so smaller and medium sized paintings at reasonable prices, but don't hesitate put that larger, more expensive work in the middle, upper spot of your display -- Something that commands considerable attention. Folks may love this more expensive piece - and it will draw them in (if they respond to your work). This is your "attention getter" painting, and even though it might be out of the price range of many, hanging it often leads to the sale of your smaller paintings. Don't be surprised if you sell the large one either.
Some shows only allow the sale of original work, but if that isn't the case, a browse box with reasonbly priced unframed or matted prints or originals offers an incentive to buy. Even if someone buys a $5 card from you, be sure to ask them to sign your mailing list - (with their email included). That way you have permission to let them know about new work. If you take VIsa or Mastercard, it's a good idea to sell items under $20 for cash or check.
In order to keep your prices low, you'll need nice looking but inexpensive frames.
When you get a tax resale number from your state. You can purchase attractive standard size frames from www.omegamoulding.com but you'll have to buy them in bulk (boxes of 6). Check out their line of gallery frames. JFM Enterprises is another reasonably priced wholesale company for standard sized frames, but give JFM a lot of time to deliver. Finally, you can order custom sized frames in multiples at a 50% discount from New Jersey Frame and Moulding.
(they no longer have a web site). I've ordered from them for years. They deliver quickly.
Lori Woodward Simons
An artist who's been there, done that.
