cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

A very knowledgeable friend of mine was looking at some of my pictures and really liked them. He suggested that I set up a booth at the Three Rivers Arts festival. Any ideas on how to display them, what kind of equipment needed (tables, racks to hang pictures etc.) and whether to frame, or not and any other suggestions you might have (like "don't") Also, any idea what this would cost?

RegisG Loc: Mid-Tennessee

One of the best things to do is start going to as many art festivals as you can and look around. Look at booths and set-ups and see what you like and don't like. Consider renting tent/tables for the 1st time or 2.

BTW, which 3 rivers? What country?

RegisG

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

I do art shows and have been doing them for years. When you apply you will need to send images for jurying into the show. Then they will notify you of acceptance or not. If accepted your competition will be other photographers that have been doing this a while. They will have tents, Cost $300 to $1500. Walls to hang prints cost $500 to $1000. Keep in mind that since the digital age, everyone is now a photographer, so there are a lot of photographers at art shows. Cost of show is from $200 to $800+. So if you decide to do this, I wish you good luck and hope you sell a bunch of your images.

TheDman Loc: USA

Before you jump in you should ask yourself if this is something you want to do for years to come. You're not going to cover your expenses just by entering one show or even 3 shows, so you have to commit to hitting the circuit to make any money. Depending on the quality of the shows, sales volume and your margins you could be looking at 5 or so shows a year for several years before you're in the black.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I do art festivals out here on the West Coast. What you have been told so far by David and Dman is very accurate information. Most people have no idea of the amount of time, effort, and initial capitol it takes to get started on the festival circuit. The amount of each goes up as you move toward higher quality shows. (BTW, if you are talking about the Three Rivers Art Festival in Pittsburgh PA, applications needed to be submitted to the jury between Oct 2013 and Feb 2014 for the 2014 show).

I don't advise people not do art festivals if they are so inclined to do so. However I do advise that they become familiar with the festival process completely before trying to enter a show. I tell people to take at least a year to prepare. You will need time to gather the various permits and licenses needed for your state and area, time to buy your canopy and display panels, time to produce an inventory (yes, you will be expected to have framed work), time to submit applications and jury fees to shows, and wait for confirmations.

Be prepared for rejections. Even the best photographers can have a tough time getting into good shows. The competition in terms of numbers is extensive. I recently applied to a show where there were 44 photography apps. Twelve spots were available in that category, with at least three of those spaces reserved for jury exempt artists from previous show.

I guess my real point is don't expect to just casually set up a booth at an art festival and rake in money. Being part of festivals is a business, and must be approached as such.

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

And how would the arts festival experience compare with that of a "flea market"? I assume photo pricing would have to be adjusted downward, but that out-of-pocket expenses would also be lower.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

True.

FM = Show up, pay small entry fee, set up a card table with some cardboard boxes of prints. Low prices. Crowd looking for dirt cheap deals. Lots of mass produced items from China, and used items from garages. Anybody can sell just about anything. Often no special permits necessary.

AF = application/jury fee, assigned spaces with $200- $800+ space fee. Participation determined by jury selection. "Professional" display demanded (submission of booth image goes to jury along with images of work ). Jury selection usually months before the show. Original handmade art only (no "buy and sell" items allowed). Only art. Crowd shopping for art and expect prices will reflect quality. Reseller or state tax permits, sometimes local business permit usually required.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Sometimes one can get lucky. Many communities run local festivals for various charities and civic celebrations. These can be somewhere between a flea market and an art festival. Local organizations and businesses have booths, and entry is much less stringent than for true art festivals. Fees are usually much less as well. Such events can be a good venue for testing the waters and seeing how the public responds to ones work. It can also be a good alternative for those who are only interested in doing a single local show each year. You will still need to invest in an inexpensive canopy and some wire panels from Home Depot for hanging framed pieces, but the costs may be low enough to allow one to make a few dollars.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

Thanks, Jim. I appreciate the insights.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Thanks all for the good info, I didn't realize there was so much involved. Glad I asked!!! I guess I need to do some serious research before I jump in

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

My wife and I were vendors for 5 years on the road. Once you dive into this type of sales, you are always trying to get ahead of the curve. Meaning, the more you commit the more money it takes. Keep in mind that if outdoors, weather is a big problem. Also, the climate for spending has gone down as well as attendance to these and other shows. Everyone is looking for a deal and most of these shows are not cheap. They could care less if you sell anything or not. They already made their money. I wish you much success, but word to the wise, do your homework and see how much time and money will get you involved.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

I have been doing craft shows for 20 years and have learned that flea markets will be cheaper for you to enter, but the people who go to flea markets are looking for "buys" and not willing to pay for any kind of expensive art work.