 I only participate in one art show every year. It's called the Balboa Art Walk and it is Sunday, May 22nd. I don't do any other shows for a lot of reasons. But this one is so fabulous, I never miss it! (Ok, to come clean, I missed it last year. But that's because my son Matt graduated from college on the exact same day. And we were in North Carolina). Needless to say, it would take a pretty big event for me to miss this show!
The art show season is right around the corner and I am curious how many of you participate in these shows. They are not a cakewalk by any means. The set up is brutal, the days are long and they are way harder than they look. Plus, after a long day )or weekend) the take down is the worst! I think the key in participating in any of these shows is to do your research and realize it may take a few years before you can determine if the show is right for you. The first year I did the show my sales were very slow. In fact, when the guy in the booth next to me sold a painting that was PAINTED ON VELVET for $250 I almost croaked. Seriously? The second year my sales tripled from the previous year. By the fifth year my sales were way beyond my expectations. So I have made the show a very big part of my sales focus every year! I have created over the years a really long list of everything I need to do to get prepared for the show. I keep revising it and updating it to make every year more efficient and better than the previous year. If you participate in any art shows this list is a must. I am also painting frantically to have lots of new art for the show. This will be the first year I am showing both my traditional oils and abstract paintings. I can't wait as I think both styles of art work very well for the Newport Beach area. If you live in Southern California please plan on attending the Balboa Artwork on Sunday, May 22nd. The show is from 9:00 am - until 5:00pm on Balboa Island. I will be located at the end of Ruby street (and South Bayfront). Please come by and say hello! 
9 Comments
5/13/2016 05:11:11 am
Hey Leslie! In Feb I purchased the whole "kit and kaboodle" to get started doing outdoor shows from an artist who was retiring from the business. I thought it would be a great idea and looked like fun. Well, as we packed everything into the car, I started having my doubts. My husband's knees were giving out and I know I'd never be able to do it by myself. So, now the tent and all those beautiful panels are on sale for a younger, more able artist to use. And boy, am I taking a beating on what I paid versus what I'm asking for everything! 5/18/2016 08:51:28 am
I don't know if I'm younger or where you are, but I might be interested in your stuff! 5/13/2016 05:43:28 am
Leslie, I enjoy your daily blogs. Thanks. My comment is much like Filomena's; my one and only experience with outdoor art shows was not pleasant but an exhausting, expensive one. It was held in a lovely locale and the weather was cooperative. However the rules stated the paintings had to remain in place overnight. We live in a semi-tropical climate, warm and humid. I worried, but all was fine after all. 5/13/2016 07:04:38 am
Call me crazy, but I love doing shows. Throws me into feeling bohemian. Now that I am semi retired and making a go of selling art (along side my 'job'), this feels like a lifestyle change. I also moved just prior to making this change. I get out and meet lots of people this way as I'm a nose to the grindstone person otherwise. The feedback has given me tremendous confidence in the year I have been participating. I want to bite off more than I can chew, so my husband has to temper me a bit. I also have met other artists which has been wonderful. So far I participate in shows in my locale but may consider branching out as a further adventure. I love doing shows, "the thrill of the sale", however, it is exhausting physically. Leaning more towards indoor shows where table is part of the booth fee. My show prices are a little lower than my website prices. Most of my items are paper; gift bags, bookmarks, greeting cards, lighter weight to transport. Having my set up items packed away in order of setting up (table cloth, stands on top) assists helpers in the basics. Inventory before and after a show, I don't have to keep track what sells 5/13/2016 11:08:13 am
I'm so sad I can't do this show this year!!!!! But I would love to try and come down and say hello. It's a fabulous show and so much fun. Hope it goes well for you!
Tess Lehman
5/15/2016 07:23:41 am
I just wanted to thank you! I have learned so much from your weekly podcasts, newsletters and blog! Someday I will get to California for a class! Yes, it takes a lot to get all the stuff to do shows, but I have started small, adding as I go. Getting courage up to do more and more. My feeling is to ignore the sales ( but hopefully sell something) but just hand out as many cards and promo stuff as possible. Get out there and meet people who are interested in art and hopefully a small percentage will look at my blog or website! So I figure it is an advertising cost:)
Brande Arno
5/16/2016 04:43:12 am
After almost twenty years of doing 4 outdoor shows per year, I've settled on just one. My big tip to everyone is: 1 week before show, set up your tent (outside on your front or back yard) and stake/weight it down. This is a good time to wash the walls and let air/sun dry for a day or two. Then take a few days to create your display, take your time with panel arrangement and art.placement Set the tent up fully to include your sales and or storage area. 5/18/2016 08:49:29 am
My main comment is that I wish this Balboa show did not conflict with the Beverly Hills show! Or I would certainly come down and even try to be in it. Shows are a ridiculous amount of work and some shows charge more for a little piece of ground than you'd pay for a 5 star hotel with a jacuzzi. I don't think the public has ANY clue what's involved. Personally, I could not do one without help and any woman who does is a badass in my book. I've done many shows where I've sold nothing or lost money, but as of last year, after a long hiatus, I sold 14 paintings at a show and so I'm doing at least 3 this year. It has been a fabulous boost to my self confidence and the best way I've found so far to sell work. If I had a garage to store the walls and a larger vehicle, I'd be up for doing even more. Anyway, good luck and I hope we both have a ton of sales this weekend! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Leslie
Mom. Wife. Artist. Marketer. Teacher. Radio Show Host. Archives
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