Why I Don't Buy Art-Fair Space, Anymore.
Artwork: Elephant in the room. @Reserved by, #katievFlowers. @Funky S.a.K.com.
This may come off as a bit contradictory to many who know me because they may know me as, artist, arts manager, arts consultant, and, or founder of two artistic websites. One of the things that might work against me most days is my straight forwardness and oftentimes stated as brute honesty. Why I approach life this way is another blog, so stay tuned.
When I tell people that I don’t buy art exhibition space, nor hardly am I a participator and that it doesn’t matter free, or not. Some will look at me with this perturbed glance and simply ask, “Why not?” Keep in mind that I don’t just volunteer this information. It just somehow someway tends to creep out. Usually then I will go through the brief explanation and retort, “ Well, I started out nearly 15 years ago doing street fairs, entering my work in art exhibitions and doling out the cash for some, only to be a participant. A lot of times during the transport of my work pieces got damaged, either going or coming. Some art-shows will provide good well lit space, location and potential patrons. While other times none of the above worked out. It’s really all a hit or miss. In the meantime the site has my money. The down side to it all is that I’ve paid $50-$500 for a mere 10x10 space. My work is damaged. I perhaps didn’t make a sell this day do to whatever reason. Can’t get any of my money back, and I have to figure out how to fix the damage done to my piece, or pieces. How is this fair to me?”
Now, I do especially encourage the novice and intermediate artist to participate in they’re community art fairs, as well as anywhere they believe their work is a good fit, because they are welcoming resources to getting your name, and what you do out there. This is a major part of promoting, marketing and branding yourself. It’s a great way to help promote the arts and educate the public about your artwork.
Plus, we have to take into account the food being offered. The extra leisurely activities, and of course the drinking beverages. Someone has to pay for all of the extra luxuries’. At least. help pay for it.
The other reason why I don’t buy space to show and sell my art is when I realized that people will pay me to show and lecture about my art. It took a while to get to this point, no doubt about that. It is also a more difficult and seemingly complex route I’ve committed myself to in order to sell my art.
So, I’m not advising anyone not to participate in art fairs after all creating and implementing them is part of my job as an arts manager/consultant. But, if you do participate in art fairs/exhibitions remember to weigh the pros and the cons for doing so. Consider your reasons behind participation. Are you participating to broaden your network and potential prospects? Are you seeking to sell and are willing to take a chance on not making a profit?
Try really hard not to enter into any art show with shoulders hunched up as if saying, (I don’t know why I want to be a participator). Really try to figure out at least one reason you are wanting to be a participant.
Personally, I have been there and done that, and what I realize is that art fairs have advantages and dis-advantages. Lastly, the realization that more people are using the Web to purchase nearly everything, inclusive of art. It may do the artist good to have their own website to sell their works, as well as participate in art fairs/exhibitions. But, when participating in art exhibits and art fairs just remember to evaluate its benefit for you and for your work. Find out the potential size of people in attendence? Where's the location? Is the location easy to get to?
During the time I wrote this blog I felt some kinda way for doing so, because I created and developed the Arts Festivals for The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Center in Chicago. On the other side of the same coin, I felt deep exhilaration.
You may want to read, 3 Key Reasons Why Art Galleries Are Failing.
P.s.
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Enjoy your day, and the Arts!
Katie
www.funkysak.com
