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Show Review Archives > 2009 > SEPTEMBER
 

June 13-14, Old Town Art Fair, Chicago, IL

June 13-14, Old Town Art Fair, Chicago. Contact: Chris Beer, Old Town Triangle Association, 1763 North North Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Phone: 312-337-1938. Fax: 312-337-4015. E-mail: lwolfe@oldtowntriangle.org. Web site: www.oldtowntriangle.com. Application fee: $30 (through Zapplication). Space fee: $500-$575. Space size: 10x12. 100% outdoors. Exhibitors: 260. Hours: 10-6. Attendance: 50,000 (gate). Admission: $7.

Compiled from FastAudit reports

Fresh off its #37 placement on the fine art list of the 200 Best, this 60-year-old Chicago tradition was again well received by the majority of our auditors. Held on the residential streets of Chicago's historic Old Town Triangle District, with the entrance at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street, the fair is the longest-running fine art event in the Windy City, even older than Gold Coast Art Fair. In addition to more than 250 artists, the 2009 show featured the Gallery of Gardens ("a garden walk through more than 30 urban home gardens," according to the show's Web site), a self-guided tour of the historic district, children's art and crafts, and a food court hosted by popular Chicago eateries.

Our auditors averaged $3,700 from average sales of $210. All categories drew above-average marks, although parking, judging & awards, load-in/-out and weather could have been better received. Sales averaged a seven (out of 10), and weather and the economy were the main reasons that rating wasn't higher.  

The artist who brought in the highest total of all our auditors ($6,000 from average sales of $150) said the audience "matched our style of work: 3-D mixed with folk influence." The exhibitor also complimented the "quality group of artists [and] nice location."

A jeweler ($3,800/$300) plans to return but complained, "Judging & awards are [the] weakest part of this high-end show." The artist also threw out this compliment masked as a complaint: "Streets got so crowded that it's hard for patrons to really shop sometimes."

Perhaps a photographer ($5,300/$75-$85) best summed up the feelings of most of our auditors: "[The show had] great art-buying crowds, even in a down economy."