News and Notes
|
Exhibitor Show Reviews Appearing in the Mar/Apr 2006 Issue
24th Annual Harvest Festival, Guilford Civic Women, Inc., Guilford Green, Guilford, Ct. October 15, 2005 One review received.
Comments: Windy, wet weather on Saturday necessitated using the rain date. Although the day was dry, it was a challenge to contend with the very windy weather. The committee was prepared for this and greeted the crafters upon arrival. The show was very well attended by the public and the churchgoers that Sunday morning. I only do this show because of the beautiful Guilford Green, the great committee and the raindate.
Oxford Arts & Crafts Show, Center School, Oxford, CT. November 5, 2005
Two reviews received.
Comments: 1. Because of the lack of space I believe the committee does a great job in screening applicants. Would apply again. 2. The smallness of this show (35 crafters) no charge at the door, a fine selection of traditional crafts and an organized committee all added up to a very well attended show - a steady flow of interested, repeat buyers from previous years. This committee has a loyal following from crafters as well as the general public - they deliver.
Crafts on Stage, Performin Arts Center, SUNY Purchase, NY. November 5-6, 2005. 100+ exhibitors. One review received. Media - Jewelry, Average Sale $70.
Comments: Lots of jewelry and clothing. Most clothing just designed by artist. Booth fee $475 for two days is not commensurate with number of patrons they attract. Charge $9 entrance fee for 100 artists is excessive.
Fall Crafts at Stony Brook, SUNY Stony Brook, NY, November 12-13, 2005. 100+ exhibitors. One review received. Media - Jewelry, Average Sale $100
Comments: I've been doing this show for many years so I have a following. New artists can struggle. Show quality seems to be going down. Last few rows had a lot of low quality items. One silversmith had at least a double booth full of stuff that couldn't all be made by one person.
Sleigh Bells Ring, St. Maurice Church, Bolton, CT November 19, 2005. Less than 50 exhibitors. Twelve reviews received. Sales Rating: Good+, Communication was: Prompt, Registration was: Prompt, Layout was: Good, Were crafts limited by category: Yes, Were imports allowed: No, Would you apply again: Yes Comments: 1. Media: Christmas theme, Ave. Sale $12, A show that is consistently good year after year. Very well organized and the appreciate you coming. Help loading and unloading. 2. Media: Doll Clothing. Help with set-up greatly appreciated. Breaks offered. Staff responsive to the crafter's needs. Early sales good. eased off around noon but picked up again. 3. Media : Wood Turning, Ave. Sale $25. Excellent, helpful. 4. Media: Fabric Purses, Ave. Sale: $40. The set-up was good but it was very cold in the basement. 5. Media: Painting, Ave. Sale: $20. Great Advertising - I saw it everyday in the L.I.
Christmas Fair at the Aquaturf, Aquaturf Club, Southington, CT November 27, 2005.
Two reviews received. Comments: 1. Although I had a decent show, there were numerous problems with this show that were much worse than in the past. It appeared that the show had been oeversold - there were at least 20 - 25 crafters in line to speak to Pat when I arrived at 7 AM. They did not have spaces (the usual method of locating your space at this show is to walk around and find your name taped on the floor) and they eventually ended up in a tiny room off to the side, in the kitchen and in the entry way. That said, the line outside at the 9 a.m. opening was quite long and the aisles were very crowded until about 1 p.m. when the show slowed way down. Again, it was a decent show for me, but it sure could benefit from a published floor plan. 2. Booth fee is up. A lot of buy/sell taking sales away from "real" crafters.
Partridge in Pear Tree Craft Show, New Fairfield High School, New Fairfield, CT December 3, 2005. Two reviews received.
Comments: 1. The fact that this show used to be listed in the Craft Digest and might have benefited from same has been a recurring theme for a lot of shows this year. Perhaps the new committee is unaware of this outlet. Although the quality of crafts was gtood, the show could have been condensed and presented in one cafeteria. Although the attendance was light, thank goodness for loyal buyers from previous years. Since attendance at most shows this year has been off, most crafters feel that show fees are excessive for what is actually being delivered. This committee was polite and attentive. I hope they stay with this show and rebuild from this year's presentation. It may be time to drop the charge at the door and to open the doors at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The reason for an early opening is long past. 2. One-third fewer booths and sparse attendance gave an empty feeling to the day. The committee has changed hands. Volunteers weren't as available to booth sit for relief. All in all, this long-time excellent show seems to have hit a snag.
Woodstock Winter Festival, Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, CT December 4, 2005. 50+ exhibitors. One review received. Comments: Overall excellent show, good attendance, great holiday atmosphere.
|
|