Ready for the crowds.
Last year we participated in the Mickelson Art Festival in south Surrey. One of the many visitors to our booth was Linda Stanley Wilson, who is a volunteer at the Darts Hill garden in South Surrey. They are a large demonstration garden with scheduled visiting dates for the public. One of these dates includes an art show in which she invited me to participate. There were 10 artists in total at the event and we were the only wood turning booth, so we felt quite honoured.
We recognized many visitors from the Mickelson festival who brought friends specifically to see our wares. Our booth was crammed most of the time but no sales other than a few spheres and a commissioned bowl being picked up by the buyer. There was, however, tremendous interest in our work. Sales at other artists’ booths were for small items as well. I think the most important aspect of this event for us was the exposure. It paid off last year and I believe it will be even more significant this time. Many folks were interested in the pieces, just not ready to purchase at that event. Lots of cards given out. Hopefully some buyers after the fact.
I highly recommend attending an art festival or sale (as opposed to a craft fair). The exposure is to a more discerning type of crowd rather than the “bargain hunters” who haunt craft fairs.
As always, I encourage your comments and questions, so please refer to the tag line at the bottom of the article to post a comment.
