In our area many of the artists rely on the tourists for the bulk of sales. The valley (from Yahk to Riondel) is small town and rural with a total population around 15,000, many of whom are seniors. To make it even harder to sell art we have a lot of artists and artisans in the area; and, while competition is supposed to be good for business, I am not sure if that applies to art.
This year a venue where I have displayed my art with good success in the past
The Art Market came about thanks to a small grant from the Creston Arts Council. Our first day will be tomorrow, July 1, and we will have 6 artists setting up to, hopefully, sell their art. The Market will only be held Saturday afternoons during the summer. I am hoping that we will get some traffic from the local Farmer's Market and from the Kunze Gallery both of which are just down the street from our location.
As the Art Market is my idea, I have been doing all the organizing - I can't seem to stop - lol. Anyway, I have sent out emails, posted on Facebook, created and ordered rack cards and made up and distributed a few posters. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will get some visitors!
I have my boxes all packed with a wide selection of the things I make and paint: matted and bagged original watercolours and mixed media pieces, Hot Weather Scarves, a variety of my cards, my quilled ornaments and some of the stenciled signs and T-shirts I did last winter. I figure I have enough art and other things to display something new almost every week during the summer.
Although art is not a business for me, it is important to me to sell my work - mostly to make room for new art. I have made a few on-line sales but I am not into marketing and, frankly the Canadian Postal system is pretty expensive for shipping so I am not pursuing that avenue to any great degree. I am much happier just selling locally and am hoping for success in this new venture.
I hope you all realize that this means that on Saturday afternoons I'm left alone in the home gallery to wield my salesman's prowess. Stop by for some great deals!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely stop by and talk to Bob - he is a good salesman - lol.
DeleteIs this an indoor or outdoor location? I hope it is a successful venture for all of you. Sounds like you did a lot of advertising...now you just need the buyers. Let us know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteHi Joan, it is an indoor market, thankfully as it hit 32 today (about 88 F). I don't do outdoor markets anymore as I find the canopy to hard to set up on my own. Today was a bit slow although a few of us made some sales. We are hoping for better results as the summer progresses.
DeleteHopefully once people realize you are there you will get more traffic.
DeleteFingers crossed. Am sure it will get better as people become aware you are there. You certainly keep busy. How much did Bob sell?
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh - Bob was so disappointed because there were NO visitors to our home gallery on Saturday so he wasn't able to show his expertise. And, I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed, at least mentally. Thanks for stopping by Nelvia.
DeleteWOW Val! I wish you all the best, it is a terrific idea, and even though there has been tons of work involved, I am sure you enjoyed that part of it too. Share some photos with us, if you get the chance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila - I plan to get some photos this weekend. About enjoying the work - some maybe but I did learn some things which is always a plus.
DeleteI so much appreciate your support of the arts in the valley, Val; you are constantly coming up with new ways to market and get the word out! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Win. My efforts for this one are largely selfish as I need somewhere to display my art - lol. However, every artist and artisan is welcome to come and set up a table - for one afternoon or for more - after all 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'!
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