[Woodcarver] shows vs. galleries

[Marcia Berkall]

Well, I suppose I may be outnumbered here, but my experience has been 
the opposite.  I used to do a lot of art/craft shows but for the past 
10 years have found that galleries and high end gift shops have 
worked out a lot better for me.  I think a lot depends on price 
range.  In Maine, at least, it seems that people have a "flea market" 
mentality about craft shows, even the better ones (and art 
shows!).  I have done shows throughout New England, some with entry 
fees as high as $500 or more.  When you figure in the expenses of 
doing a show like that, including motel, food, travel, etc, the 40 or 
50% that galleries charge suddenly doesn't sound so bad.  Add to that 
the fact that since working with galleries, my prices have 
tripled.  Carvings that were a struggle to sell for $85 at shows are 
now selling for $250 and more through galleries and shops. With 
shows, it's a numbers game.  A certain percentage of people may 
buy.  Yes, they do have money or plastic in their pockets, but most 
are looking for a good bargain and few are prepared to spend hundreds 
of dollars on one carving. There were many times when my under $50 
items saved the show for me.  My goal is not to carve small items, 
though, so that just doesn't work FOR ME. A GOOD gallery or gift shop 
owner knows the clientele and is able to connect your work with a 
collector/purchaser and IMHO is worth the commission.  I do some 
local demonstrations just to keep people aware that I am here, but 
for me shows are history.  I have over $1000 in display equipment in 
my cellar...I think it's time to sell it. :)  I will add that when 
starting out, I think shows can be a big help in giving you some 
exposure.  Getting your name out there is important.

Marcia (aka Mush)
South China, Maine

See Marcia's wood carvings 
at: 

http://www.pivot.net/~whitwood 

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