Return from Montauk Fine Arts Festival June 2008

Hi, everyone! Here's my report on my participation in the Montauk show. Yes, we took a long road trip to Long Island! We traveled over 6,000 miles there and back. And we enjoyed seeing different parts of the country (and paying about $30 in toll fees!) However, the art fair was not successful for about 95% of the artists. Darn! (Including me: a few cards. Not even a painting!) Some possible reasons: The FIRST arts festival in this particular town; Memorial Day weekend - a holiday; and the down economy. However, the quality of the artists selected and exhibiting was outstanding. The best I have ever seen, and I have done many, many arts fairs. It felt good to be among these artists, and some of them were very well-known on the East coast. But, I believe more people were out and about to go to the beaches, because the weather was fantastic, and this is what people do there on the holiday. The organizers just didn't reach the art buyers on Long Island and in NYC. There has been much feedback given to the organizers from the artists in the festival, including me, so I will keep tabs on what is being planned for next year.

The reason I applied to this festival is that I want to expand my market. My husband's (Paul) family lives on Long Island, and we have been out there to visit many times, often staying in Montauk on the beach for a long weekend. I found out from chatting with artists at the festival that about a handful combined visiting family and friends with doing this festival. I also found out that some of these artists ship there work and booth setup and fly to the fair! Imagine that! I like this idea, and now am planning on purchasing sides panels that are made out of a heavy mesh material, and come with a bottom frame to fit the "Easy-Up" canopies. They roll up and fit in a bag about the size of skis!!

I did have good conversations with my booth neighbors about other shows on the East coast, including Chicago, where my step-daughter Sarah now lives! (and my home town!) I may just do a show in Chicago in the future! Woo Hoo! And it better be good! Anyway, I made some new artist contacts that I can email and get the scoop on shows.

Now, I am preparing for the Lake Oswego Arts Festival this coming weekend, June 20, 21 & 22 (Fri, Sat, Sun). I hope those of you in the area will be able to come. Check out the link to the left on this page for the schedule of music and food. It's fantastic! And the music goes until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights!

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your interest in my artwork and art adventures! Be sure to check out my website for a complete portfolio of my work. ~Diane