by Brandon Sharp

Created on: December 24, 2009

Arts and craft shows can be great fun and quite lucrative for artists who know what they are doing. If you are just beginning to explore these venues, however, you need to know which ones will best suit your artwork or craft.

You first need to determine how much you are willing to pay to set up at one of these events. Prices tend to be in the hundreds of dollars, so if you can find an inexpensive, local art show to begin with, chose that one. Art shows are demanding, and it is important to get a feel for them so that you will know what to expect from them, and choosing a show with minimal financial requirements means one less thing for you to worry about. Art shows often carry application fees with them, so keep this in mind when determining how much you are willing to pay. Other costs that should be factored into your decision include: gas, food, and electricity (if you need it).

The next thing to consider with art shows is the type of artwork that sells best at a particular show. Try to search for artists who have previously exhibited at that show, and contact them to see if it is worth the time, effort, and money to attend. Shows often print programs that list the names of the artists who exhibit there, so this is a good place to find those who have participated in a show before. You can also see what type of art sells there by searching for the artists' websites. If mostly abstract art sells, and you are a realist, you will want to stay away from that show. Also look at the region you’re entering. Are you an abstract artist who is setting up at a fair in the mountains of East Tennessee? If so, you will probably not sell very much. By the same token, a wildlife artist would probably not sell very much artwork at a New York City art show.

Take into consideration whether the show is outdoor or indoor because there are advantages and disadvantages to both. In outdoor shows, people can see the event and may be interested enough to check it out further, which can increase sales. Provided the weather is pleasant, there is also the wonderful atmosphere that comes with being outdoors. However, with outdoor shows you have to be prepared for inclement weather. Nothing sends potential customers running for shelter like a couple of rain clouds. As for indoor events, weather is not an issue and you don't have to worry about the wind blowing your art all over the place. You may not have to worry about the rain, but you are at the mercy of whoever controls the thermostat.

So, before you jump headlong into the world of arts and craft shows, bear in mind this knowledge, and make an informed decision about which one would be best for you and your art.

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