 Andrea W. Hedgepeth |
Art Shows I am still trying to gather information on doing an art show in the future. Any suggestions on how to display some of your framed work? I have a canopy/tent.
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Tami Jo Gramont |
I suggest looking into fine art shows, some high end arts and crafts shows and genre shows. For example there is a fantastic (worth traveling to since it's juried) arts and crafts show in Fountain Hills Arizona, and another of Southwestern Artists in Prescott Arizona (on the square). Do you have a website?
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John P. Sandstedt |
Whether we like it or not, selling at an art show is difficult. First off, there's competition. Secondly, if it's outdoors, there's the weather and the possibility that you work will not be properly illuminated. Then, there's folks like me - who like to look to get ideas for pictures to take. Frankly, I can't think of why I'd want to buy someone else's work - except, maybe, an original Ansel Adams [or someone of his ilk.] Next, you'll have to deal with the people who'll take up your time asking, "Where did you you take this?" or, "What was your exposure?" You should consider "showing" reasonably large, framed prints - at least 16X20. Be certain that anything you present on a wall is, not just well focused, but SHARP. I attended a show wherein one photographer had an interesting picture of a train. But, it was not sharp - and, while he suggested the fuzzines was the result of the large print size, the fact remained that the picture was not in sharp focus. You may want to have available smaller, matted copies of those images. As to pricing, go to a similar show and see what other photographers are asking for their work. You'll want to have really terrific images. Remember, part of the deal is to intrigue a customer with an image s/he could take. Still lifes of a bowl of fruit can't hold a candle to a picture of an animal in the wild, or a great landscape of, say, the Canadian Rockies in late afternoon. Black and white will probably draw more people, but I'm not sure about sales. A friend, who only shoots B&W and does her own darkroom work, participates in about six juried shows a year, here in New Jersey. These are pretty decent insofar as the organizers try to limit the number of exhibitors in a "category." She told me she faces competition from no more than five other photographers in the typical show of 100-150 exhibitors. Unfortunately, she complains that, often, she doesn't cover expenses, expecially when she exhibits out-of-state. But, it's a great way to get started. Be sure to bring a comfortable chair, a book and a radio.
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Andrea W. Hedgepeth |
Thanks for your response. You both gave me a lot to think about. What I am really trying to figure out, however, is what I need to do so that I can display (hang) some of my images. Obviously I can't attach them to the sides of my tent. I know that you can purchase wall divider type things but they are pretty expensive so I am looking for an inexpensive alternative. Thanks for any feedback.
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Tami Jo Gramont |
Grids, that's one way. God, I just threw away four. I can’t remember where I even got them… Slatwall? They stabilize your tent (if it's an e-z up you'll need it) and are sturdy enough to hang framed photos. You know, I've met many approachable artists I'd not have had the opportunity to speak with at those shows. I have two amazing pictures of inside a Buddhist temple, out of focus, that I couldn't stop looking at. If your desire is to do this one piece of advice (I wish I had before) collect email addresses so you can build a following and then inexpensively let them know of up coming shows. Not everyone that views your work will be a photographer, some people have not developed their creative side and simply want to admire other's work. I just bought a darkroom created image that is grainy and one of a kind and already framed on my office wall. And I made an interesting contact. John S., do you think there are times one is attracted to imperfect things? I’m not saying the work should be shoddy, but some times, like the out of focus Buddhist images, we don’t even know why we want certain things. I’m so pleased every time I look at them… You’re totally right about the chair and radio! I met some of my best friends at those shows commenting on buying habits, speculating why no one was buying, or how many “be back’s” we had. I don’t miss all the freaking work, but I do miss the camaraderie and the inspiration. But then showing in a gallery is so much simpler…
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Andrea W. Hedgepeth |
Thanks, Tami.
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John P. Sandstedt |
Tami, Almost every book or magazine article recommends SHARP, SHARPer and SHARPEST. And,for digital, there's the recommendation for use of the Unsharp Mask Tool before printing any photo regardless of how much other editing is done. There is the caveat - sharpen, except for those several images that are supposed to be fuzzy. But, in reality, these are few and far between. We see many pictures offered in the guise of "panning." Most are simply out of focus, generally failures lurking out there because the photographer did "freeze" on his/her subject [say a bicyclist.] Panning is very hard and just too many poor photos are passed off on the "public." Few "dreamy" prints are sold at the many arts and crafts shows I''ve attended. Of course, few prints are sold because, often, the photographer prices the work[s] too high for folks that don't appreciate the "art." But, frankly, who will buy the "imperfect" when the "perfect can be had at the next booth? Photographs, at this type of show, must really catch the prospect's eye. That's why I believe sharpness is a must.
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Tami Jo Gramont |
Thank you for the response. I'm glad I asked.
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Michael H. Cothran |
I've been selling at juried Arts & Crafts shows since the late 1980's. It is expensive to furnish your booth with walls, display bins, and an adequate amount of inventory. Many photographers begin with homemade walls and bins. Cheap, but the downside is that you'll only be able to get into shows that won't give you much potential for sales. Better shows require better (read "professional") looking booths. Here is some info I'll share with you - First, pick up a copy of Sunshine Artist magazine at a large book store near you. It contains info on shows around the country, PLUS advertising on many articles, equipment, and supplies you will need. Two of the best companies for commercially made walls for hanging are Armstrong and MD Enterprises (www.propanels.com). Check out their websites, but don't be blown away at the cost - you get what you pay for. I have a set (9) of pro panels in gray (the standard color) that I've owned for several years. They are sized (38" x 7') so that 3 fit within a 10' tent, and 9 will wrap around three sides, leaving the front open to the public. I am interested in selling them to buy new ones in a different color. I'll sell them for half the new price. If interested, and you can pick them up (Nashville, TN), email me offline. Michael H. Cothran
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Michael H. Cothran |
Andrea, I tried sending you an email a couple of days ago, and it came back "undeliverable." I'm attaching it here instead - Yes, you are looking at the right ones. The 38"x7' are the most
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Margie Hurwich |
Michael, you mention not to use metal grid wall...why? I am also interested in starting at art shows, so this thread has been extremely helpful. Thanks.
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Michael H. Cothran |
Margie, Here are a few reasons - 1. Some, such as the Graphic Display walls, are not flat, and you cannot overlap a frame from one wall to another. 2. They have large "feet" which stick out at the bottom. All you need is for one person to trip, and you'll have broken frames, plus a possible lawsuit. 3. Many better shows require that your walls be covered, so you will need to have custom covers sewn. 4. Grid walls, the steel type, are EXTREMELY heavy, and time consuming to set up and tear down. 5. Did I mention how HEAVY the steel gridwalls are?? 6. Most metal walls are only 6' high, and do not allow as much hanging real estate as the 7' pro panel walls. The Graphic Display walls would be preferred over the steel grid walls, simply for the weight difference. But in either case, I believe, after a few shows, you would be regretting them, and wishing you had lightweight carpet covered walls. If you cannot afford the carpet walls at this point, or are skeptical of the major investment required up front, I'd consider either looking for used walls, or possibly building your own - to tide you over until you feel like the investment is worthwhile.
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Michael H. Cothran |
Andrea, Again I couldn't get my email back to you to go through - it may be that my server is down. Nonetheless, here was my response to your question about how the walls are held up and stabilized - "The one thing I forgot to ask is "how do you The pro panels are held up by the Support Bars and Stiffeners. The support bars come in two lengths, and are what holds the panels upright, and keeps them from falling over. The stiffeners are really optional (although I recommend them, as they really help to keep the walls straight with each other), and come either straight, or as an "L" or "T" bend. For a standard 9-wall display, I'd start with two of each size support bar, six straight stiffeners, and two "L" stiffeners. Michael
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Margie Hurwich |
Thanks so much!
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Christopher D. Barry |
Andrea, I also do craft/art shows and have a 10x10 canopy. I use to hang peg board(bought at home depot) from my canopy that went to the ground. I have since then framed the peg board(w/1x2's. I then took another piece of peg board and cut it down the center and framed that out also. I then used hinges and put one piece from the cut peg board on each side of the whole peice. it fold up very neat and its fairly easy to carry in to a inside show. Don't just do art shows. I do craft/art/flea markets. some craft shows and flea markets are better then art shows not as much competition. Chris
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