Jane Woodside on fri 14 aug 98
I didn't actually do this show ( applications were due shortly after my
daughter was born and I just could not think that far ahead) but I did attend
on two separate days and did an informal poll of the clay artists there to get
a sense of whether the show might be worth doing in the future. Based on my
somewhat haphazard sampling, the consensus seemed to be that the wholesale
days were very slow but that the weekend retail days were great (for
most--there were a couple of dissenters). The crowds were definitely there on
Sunday. Anyone else have comments? Jane Woodside
Terry Sullivan on sun 16 aug 98
Just returned from the San Francisco ACC. Was visiting with a friend from
Conneticut who does sculptural vessel pieces and was doing the SF show for the
first time.
I had plenty of time to go through all the booths many times and talked with
lots of the exhibitors; especially the ceramists.
The concensus I got was: the show was mostly down from previous SF ACC years
for the ceramists but still a good show ( sales). All who had expirience said
that the big show up in Sausilito was much much better but difficult to get
into.
Many said the newer Mill Valley show was also very good.
There was some speculation that these two "quality" shows were the reason for
the slight fall off of the ACC show.
Bottom line is: this is a very expensive show to do if you're from out of the
area.
Shipping, hotel, airfare, meals,Booth fee, etc. can run into the 2-3 thousand
level.
So if you don't do very well there's not much point. However; many of the
regional locals who had built up a fallowing and who could drive home each
night etc. did very well. Met an alabaster turner who sold out in the $ 1000
-5000 range per piece ( figure he must have done well over $ 25,000 ).
Overall I was quite impressed with the quality of all the work and the high
prices most were getting.
Terry Sullivan
Nottingham Center for the Arts
email- Go2tms@aol.com
Web- http://www.nottinghamarts.org
Cynthia Spencer on sun 16 aug 98
I did this show. Wholesale days were extrememly slow, expecially the
second day. I took 15 orders, most for my minimum of $200. Two were to
galleries I already work with; only one new order was a sizeable one.
Enough work to keep me busy, but not have to haul butt.
Retail days were ok--enough to have to do the show again sometime--but
not spectacular. Averaged about $1000 a day. Crowds were good, but I
think many pay the admission just to SEE the stuff, not purchase/collect
for themselves. I saw some people sell really well. One stonecarver
hadn't sold anything by mid Sunday.
I make high fired functional stoneware, earth toned glazed wares, mostly
vessels for flowers and some domestic wares (plates and lidded things). I
also sold two garden sculpture (under $500), and took orders for a couple
more.
Too many people asked me if I was doing the Sausalito show later on, and
then didn't buy anything--hmmmm.
Cynthia Spencer
who hopes to salvage her garden in Oregon's late summer sun.
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