Art Shows?

[dmcantrell]

Does anyone here do art shows? I went to the Deep Ellum Art Festival last weekend, and I saw quite a few photographers with booths. There seemed to be a wide range of styles and subjects.

I'm curious about the logistics of this business -- here are some specific questions:

* Some artists had only large prints for sale, and others had boxes full of small prints on card stock for sale at a much lower price point. What factors would go into making this decision?

* Do you rent or buy the "walls" that go into the booths? Each booth had some temporary "walls" that the art was hanging on. Is this provided by the venue, does the artist bring their own, or would you rent this stuff?

* Some of the artists had these little wireless credit card machines. Where would one go to shop around for this service? I'm assuming that these are leased?

Thanks!

[texkam]

* Some artists had only large prints for sale, and others had boxes full of small prints on card stock for sale at a much lower price point. What factors would go into making this decision?

Some people prefer the lower price point option. Got to know your demographics.

* Do you rent or buy the "walls" that go into the booths? Each booth had some temporary "walls" that the art was hanging on. Is this provided by the venue, does the artist bring their own, or would you rent this stuff?

I'm guessing it varies depending on the venue. Might be a combo of owned vs rented.

Snowflake Bazaar at PWSH Band
Here's a link to a very popular one right down the road from you. Not a pure art show but this bazaar generates a tremendous amount of traffic and is in an upscale area. Perhaps they could answer your questions.

[WarrenG]

David,

Yep, you can usually lease the credit card terminals from your merchant services provider. It costs extra for the terminal, and with the new credit card rules, there is alot of extra stuff you have to deal with when you have, and utilize, a terminal with regards to liability.

The easy fix would be to just have a laptop and utilize the virtual terminal online or with a USB swiper, which is what I do.

However, if you really really must have a terminal: Wireless Credit Card Terminals at Merchant Warehouse

As far as the walls go... I am not sure, but I was told they are sometimes provided in a generic fashion, but otherwise people have their own set-ups. I have a client who is an artist (painter) who sells out of the Waxlander Gallery in Santa Fe. I photograph his commissions when completed (his work is really cool, but sells in the range of 3k - 10k so far too steep for me). He has been trying to convince me to try out one of those art deals, so I was glad you checked out the photogs to see there set-ups.

If you have a moment, chat with Warren Harris, I know he goes to these things all the time so he has a wealth of knowledge.

Hope that helps.

Warren