FEATURED SHOW REVIEW
October 2007
WYOMING
July 20-22, Art Fair Jackson Hole, Jackson. Contact: The Art Association, Jamil Higley, PO Box 1248, Jackson, WY 83001; phone 307-733-8792, fax 307-733-6694. E-mail: alissa@artassociation.org. Application fee: $30. Space fee: $300-$575. Space size: 10x10 to 10x20. 100% outdoors. Exhibitors: 140. Attendance: 9,000 (2006 gate). Admission: $2.
Compiled from FastAudit reports
The Miller Park show, which was also held August 17-19, got middling marks from our auditors. Sales averaged just under a five (out of ten), with the average auditor bringing in $2,875. Most other aspects received the same or slightly higher scores, with parking and artist amenities being the lowest rated of the remaining categories. Almost 60 percent of artists said they would return, with the rest saying either no or leaving that question blank.
It was the first year here for a metal artist ($2,800 total sales/$125 average item sold). The exhibitor plans to return but "would like to see if I can increase sales next year … Our sales were best in the a.m. It was unusually hot this year, so [that] may have affected people's moods in the latter part of the day."
The artist had a few thoughts regarding management: "The staff were knowledgeable and relaxed. We didn't see them much as far as asking if we needed anything, but they did buy!" The exhibitor also mentioned the "very expensive lodging and eating," and although he/she said trailer parking was provided, it was apparently too far from the site to allow easy access to inventory.
A pastel artist ($3,100/$500) called the Fair a "sold show, well organized in a beautiful place, well attended by an appreciate audience." And a jeweler ($3,000/$60) agreed, saying that the event, which featured "nice artists that we met" was held in a "nice area" and brought out a "nice crowd." In the hometown of Dick Cheney, the show certainly met the "kinder and gentler" standard, at least according to this auditor.
Decidedly not nice was the feedback we received from a fused-glass artist ($850/$60) who said the promoters "added booths [and] spread money too thin. Organizers got greedy on the backs of the artists once again." But that was the only harsh criticism from our auditors, as even those with mediocre sales were somewhat pleased with the overall experience.
