Stay for the Duration

Set up for Bad Weather

When having a booth at an art fair, it is important to plan your set up for bad weather. It is inevitable.

Although I do only outdoor shows in Wisconsin between May and October, I’ve seen hot, summer weather, rain and cold. And would you believe, even snow! There have also been times with high winds.

The Show’s Application

Most shows will state clearly in their applications. The artist must be present throughout the show, and leaving early is not an option. Short of the show closing early for bad weather (which has happened), they expect you and your booth to be an active participant in the fair.

I think that is only right.

Why We are In the Show

We each are participating in the shows to sell our art work. We are also there to support the other artists and the event as well.

Visitors coming to the fair expect to see a full compliment of artists throughout the grounds. They expect to see the artists’ work, enjoy the music and food, and perhaps purchase something for their home. The last thing they want to do is attend a show that has - what appears to be - 50-70% occupancy.

Why Leave

Vendors pulling out because

• the weekend weather forecast wasn’t “good”, or

• the weather was less than the artist desired

leaves open and empty spaces throughout the show.

Reflects Negatively on the Event

Have you ever attended - as a visitor - an event where a number of artists have pulled up stakes and gone home early? I have, and in the end, it doesn’t reflect well on the art fair itself.

I’m there for the Duration

Personal opinion only.

If I’ve signed up to do an art show, I’ll be doing that show. Only if the show is cancelled will I close up early (which then everyone else is as well).

Otherwise, the show still is on at my booth. My prints remain available for purchase until the shows end.