Good art shows in Florida are getting harder to find

That is, for the artist, I mean. There are many fine art shows for patrons of the arts to attend. We have no loss of artistic talent here.
What I'm talking about is actual "buying customers". It seems that we have a population here, of elderly people and retirees, who do not have any money, and are just out for a walk. Basically, looking for entertainment for the day or weekend.

Now there are many reasons why this is so. First of all, let me blame the bad economy that I hear has been getting better, well, I have not seen that here in Florida.
The second problem is that we have too many "arts and crafts" shows in Florida. And I think that the average shopper cannot make the distinction about what classifies as a "craft" show, and a "fine art" show. And since they cannot tell the difference between mass produced, cheap materials, and assembled items, as apposed to fine craftsmenship~whether it be of metalsmithing, painting, professional photography, glass blowers, furniture makers, (etc.)~ using high quality supplies, materials, and hours and hours of work to create a piece, the average shopper has only the price tag to compare with.
There seems to be too many "promotor" shows (who don't always do a good job of promoting); and not enough "art shows", presented by actual art associations and organizations. Thank God for the one's that do exist!

The only good thing we do have here in Florida is tourism, and snowbirds (northerner's who vacation or live part-time here in sunny Florida). I am thankful for those folks who to add to our economy. I do notice that those are the folks, who do not hesitate to spend money or look shocked when you tell them the price of something.

BTW: You can find information about shows all over the U.S. at: Art Fair Insiders.
And, good luck.



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Comments

Gari Anne said…
That is why I quit doing shows, and went to selling online only years ago. Even in a good economy I made more sales online than at shows.
cindy said…
I hear you; I just don't sell much on-line, and I do try!
I hear ya. Finding good shows is definitely a hard job. I've narrowed down my list to about 4 shows that I know do well every year. I've quit doing new shows and will only do ones that have been around for an established amount of time.

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