The Gekkards kicked off 2011 in Casa Grande, AZ this past weekend at the January Street Fair. I have not participated in this show for a few years, mostly due to taking time off during January. However, it was nice to see the fair has grown and the quality of artist & vendors has improved since my last visit. The weather was perfect and it turned out to be a good choice to start off the year.

Setup: The setup at this show is not difficult due to its smaller size. This year, due to my late application, I was placed on one of the side streets where setup/teardown offers plenty of room. I pulled to the front of my booth for both sides of the show, along with all my neighbors. If you are located on the main street, Florence Blvd, there is more congestion getting in & out, but still much easier than most shows. It is also important to note that many people show up bright and early for setup on Saturday morning. If like setting up at this time, as do I, be sure to arrive plenty early.

Sales: The crowd was a descent size at this show, reflecting the recent population growth in Casa Grande. Sales were pretty solid for the first half of Saturday, then the show just died. The foot traffic went down to almost nothing. I’m certain the NFL playoffs over the weekend had something to do with the drop. My average sales on Saturday were $29, so smaller price points work best. Sunday was similar to Saturday, the crowds arrived later and left in the early afternoon again. The show would be considered a success for me as a fell only $50 short of my sales goal.

Summary: This show is located about 30 mins from my house, so it is an easy choice for me, especially during the first weeks of January. Most of the vendors are local. I would not recommend traveling for this show, unless it is a filler show on the way to something else. You may find it difficult to cover expenses and make a profit. But, the staff/crowd is friendly and they remember you, even if you haven’t been there in a few years.

Art show reviews reflect my personal experiences and sales. I share them because there is often scant information concerning vendors experiences at art show reviews. Please note that your mileage may vary depending on your products, pricing and personality.