Art Festival Booth

Moonlit Rhapsody 30 x 40" oil studio piece (sold)

In honor of tonight's full moon I am posting a piece from my moon series, Moonlit Rhapsody.

Today's topic is the Art Show Booth. I have two set ups. The typical 10x10 EZ-UP canopy with grey carpeted ProPanel walls. This is really nice, however I will say that I have NEVER set this up alone, and even with my husband's help it has NEVER set up in 30 seconds as EZ-UP claims it can be. My panels are light weight, basically carpeted covered styrafoam with steel support and legs. But because of my small size and their large size I can only carry one at a time and have a hard time seeing over around them as I walk. My husbands comes and helps me set up and comes back at show's end to help tear down.

I have another set up seen photographed in this blog (look under Pacific Fine Arts archive) It consists of masonite panels that are 2' x 4' and 1' x 4'. They are in a manageable size I can carry. They notch into each other to create 2 6' tall 4' wide square kiosks. They are extremely durable. Wind proof. I set a market umbrella inside each one and weight it nicely. If it rains the umbrella affords some protection while I run for my plastics box which is basically plastic file box that I carry clear plastic and all my clamps in. I by 9' x 12' clear plastic. I cut 3 4' wide strips out of each plastic sheet. So the final cut size is 4' wide x 9' long. These are plastic drop cloths found in the paint aisle at the hardware store. Use a sturdy mil that is at least 2 or 3 mil. You don't want the cheapest one that feels like saran wrap. These sheets are folded nicely into my plastic box and at the ready for rain. Have enough small 3" clamps to put 2 clamps at the top of the kiosk and at the bottom. Drape the extra length down into the center of the kiosk, or cut it off before hand.

My masonite kiosks were used for every show until I could afford Pro Panels which are costly for a beginner. I still use my kiosks for sidewalk shows that do not have a 10x10' space.

What ever your set up, make sure your booth has a nice flow for traffic. If it is too crowded people will peek in but the will NOT enter. If one patron has to be in close contact with another, no way they will not go in. People need their personal space.

Some booths are set up with out thought. It appears as what should be their main entrance is blocked off. Your patrons should not have to search for the way in. If they have to, they will move on to the booth next door instead.

I have seen other booths that have an outside wall that is front and center to the public, and it is blank. Nothing on it. All of their work is on the inside of their booth. Use this "Prime Real Estate!" Put your best piece here front and center for all to see. Show off your best work and make the public want to come on over to your booth to see more! If you are a sculpture, glass or ceramic, artist and have all your work inside the booth on pedestals or shelves then make a nice sign for your outside wall. Possibly with a nice photo of your work. Kinkos and like places can make a large poster size enlargement for you and even mount it on foam board. Put your name really large on this sign to draw attention.

What ever you do, avoid a "flea market" type atmosphere. Keep things neat and orderly. This is your gallery for the weekend. Keep the clutter out of your booth. Use floor length tablecloths so you can use under the table as hidden storage. Avoid "Sale" signs, Half Off this weekend only type of signs. I will approach people and say to them, I am offering discount this weekend only. Other artists I know will have a stack of flyers on my table that list various paintings with their prices and then have a second column with the discounted prices.

Do be certain that every piece of art has a label with the title of the work and the price. Some people will not ask the price. They actually are quite shy or they are afraid that they will be embarrassed if it is too high and they can't afford it. My husband will walk away before he will break down and ask a stranger how much something costs.

When manning your booth, pay attention to who enters. Do not eat or smoke in your booth. If I am reading, I put my reading material aside when someone enters. I smile and pay attention to them. Make it clear that they know this is your booth. A patron should never have to walk around and ask people, "Are you the artist." If you do speak, speak only of your art. Not the weather, their dog, their outfit. You may only have 30 seconds with this person before they leave, don't waste that very valuable time.

Some artists have cut their shows way down due to the current economy. You do however have to realize, if you don't do at least a few shows, people will forget who you are. You HAVE to keep your name and image out there.

If you are reading and this and have more questions than I have answered, please feel free to comment and ask, or e-mail me. Most of all get out there and have fun!