The Last Hurrah!
So I’m back from Thieves Market which is held in the Memorial Union Building on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. It was a good show and sale. So it was a nice way to end the season.
Thanks to all of you who came out to see me and say “Hi.” After my initial shock of meeting a blog reader for the first time at my last event, this time it was far less . . . um . . . what’s the word I’m looking for . . . weird.
Thieves Market: The Good & The Bad
On the Positive side
It draws a nice crowd of loyal supporters. (photo below taken before event was open)
It’s an inexpensive event to do. Booth fee is $125. and the electricity is included in that!
Free cookies and Cider for everybody including shoppers until noon. (very nice touch)
Good quality art for the most part. Students are encouraged to show as well, so there are some booths that have that student look to them. That being said, what a good experience for the students.
On the Negative side
This is a small event (this year smaller than ever) put on by the University art department which means things can be a little chaotic. And often notice’s are sent out at the last minute.
Since the event is held so late in the year, there is a great potential for inclement weather. I believe we have done this event for 6 years and 2 years were completely stormed out.
Small booth spaces most are 8′ x 10′ (or 10′ x 8′) though some are smaller still.
Load in and out is a bit difficult. They have one small ramp for carting. Otherwise it is carry it all up a bunch of steps, which is what most wind up doing. Also there are very few parking spaces for loading and unloading of the vehicles. We got a parking ticket this year. (Boo!!!!) Last year a friend of mine got a ticket and paid it but included a cranky letter. (I paid mine today but passed on the letter part.)
That is about it, in a nutshell. I am relieved it is the last event for awhile and disappointed at the same time. Ah well, next year’s artfair season will be upon me before I know it.
Tags: artfairs
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Although you miss the fairs, doesn’t the break mean you get to spend more time painting?
About the weather… the photo looks… indoors?
Hi, Mona. Lovely pictures of your booth and the event. Nice critique, feel like I was there.
I’m busy with two commissions that are due this weekinend — a cat and a dog, separately. Going pretty well at the moment, the days just end before I want them to. Happy Painting, Angela
Undaunted, yes it was indoors. The weather still has an impact in determining how many people show up. Last year there was a major ice storm. The news said no one should leave their homes. We still covered our costs (and then some) but the goal is to always make loads of money.
Not to mention that we travel over 4 hours to be there (some come from farther) and so clear skies (and roads) make life much nicer.
This year good weather equels better crowds and better sales. Whoohoo!
A break can mean I get to paint more, but I always seems to have more business to attend to than time to get it done. That is the biggest reason people need to really think about turning their fun art hobby into a serious art business. It changes everything. Of course there is the real potential I wouldn’t be creating anything at all if I were doing soemthing else to earn my keep.
I’ve got to hop over to your blog to see whats new since I’ve been gone. You’ve become a blogging regular since all the classes.
Love it!
Angela Good luck with your portraits. You showing them (in progress or finished) anywhere? How did the lady like the childrens portrait?