Wireless - Mobile Credit Card Machines

Show Review Archives > 2009 > NOVEMBER
 

September 5-7, Art in the Park, Marietta, GA

September 5-7, Art in the Park, Marietta. Contact: Carolyn Morris, Art in the Park, Marietta Business Association, PO Box 2152, Marietta, GA 30061. Phone: 770-592-7180. E-mail: info@mariettabusinessassociation.com or cmorris@wiredearth.net. Web site: www.mariettaartinthepark.com. Application fee: $25. Space fee: $225-$450. Space size: 10x10 to 10x20. 100% outdoors. Exhibitors: 130. Hours: 10-5. Attendance: 40,000 (staff estimate).
 
By William Roy Yarger
Georgia Reporter
E-mail: yarger@bellsouth.net
Medium: Wood

The 23rd annual Art in the Park was held in Glover Park, on the town square of Marietta, Georgia, just north of the Atlanta area. Art in the Park was ranked #89 in the crafts category of the latest 200 Best, off just slightly from its #66 placement the year before. In addition, this show was selected by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events for the third year. Personally, this has always been one of my better shows.

Artists are placed both around and in the town square. Setup is staggered so that the artists on the square can set up before those around it. As a result, setup is very easy and most artists are able to drive close to their booths for load-in. Nearby parking is available for artists' vehicles, trailers and RVs. In addition, security is provided from Friday night through Monday, and this year the Marietta Police had a mobile lookout tower in the festival area.

The crowd seemed somewhat larger than last year, but because this is a free festival in a downtown area, attendance is hard to quantify. The area surrounding the square contains many fine restaurants, boutiques and stores; therefore, better-than-adequate facilities are available for dining.

The weather was lovely for all three days of this year's show. It was partly cloudy in the morning, with the sun breaking through mid-afternoon. Temperatures were in the mid-80s, and there was no rain.

This year's show featured an expanded Interactive Artist Area for would-be artists. Booth sitters were available as well, which was a welcome relief to artists who were on their own. In addition, an artist reception was held at a local art gallery on Sunday evening. This afforded exhibitors a chance to relax and chat.

The crowds on Saturday and Sunday were larger than on Monday. Although this is a subjective analysis, most artists I talked to confirmed this. My sales for Saturday and Sunday were very good, best in a couple of years at this show. Monday brought no sales for me, though, and fewer lookers. The majority of my sales were for one-of-a-kind pieces. In contrast, I sold more smaller-ticket items last year. This is a good sign that maybe the economy is turning the corner. Other artists had varying results, but the majority said their sales were very good for the entire weekend and they would return. Everyone I talked to was very happy with the promoter, the show and the location.

This is a well-organized small show in a lovely area with usually good sales. In addition, buy/sell was not a problem this year, as the jury did a great job in screening applicants. I have always recommended this show to other artists and will in the future.