Trying to decide which show to apply to on the same date

[amyabramsdesigns]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to decide whether to apply to the Takoma Park Folk Festival or Art On Bellmont on Sept. 8th.

Also, has anyone done the Hyattsville Arts Festival?

I did the Folk Festival once several years ago - I shared the space with a friend. It was ok but not spectacular but I wonder if it was kind of an off year? Also, my work was different then, a little more all over the place. It is more focused now.

I wouldn't consider myself to be "high end" but I wonder if my price points sort of take me out of the market? I've done well at Downtown DC Holiday Market. as an example of a market that doesn't balk at my prices.

Thanks for any feedback you can give me!

[OneRoomFibers]

I did Art on the Belmont last year and it was a good show - it can get pretty busy! I'd recommend it! I don't know anything about the other shows :)

[amyabramsdesigns]

thanks so much for the info Shauna! I need to decide :-P

[Former_Member]

I did the Hyattsville Arts Festival last year & there were a lot of people, but not as many sales as I was hoping. The weather was also not so good, as it was cold & windy. It's an "interesting" area too. It's in the middle of the street next to a 7-Eleven, Aldi, Nail Salon/Barber Shop & Gas station. I hope this helps :)

[Former_Member]

I did the Hyattsvile Arts Festival with Ashley last year and it was miserable. Not a great area to be in after dark and it ran from Noon to 7pm. I left around 4pm and so did most of the other vendors. Weather was a factor as well since it was outside in the November. It was a bit cold and windy that day. They did provide a 10X10 tent and one table and two chairs.

[trilobiteglassworks]

I've done both Art on Bellmont and Takoma Park. I think ARt on Bellmont is the better show. Well jurried. Quality vendors.

[amyabramsdesigns]

Well, I applied for Art on Bellmont and didn't get in :-( I don't know if they accept artists on a rolling basis, I applied just under the deadline, or if my work just didn't pass muster, or what. Combined with not making it to the voting round of the Uncommon Goods jewelry design challenge I'm kind of bummed out :-(

The person who notified me that I didn't get in suggested that I might like to exhibit at the 18th st. section? Does anyone know about that?

[amyabramsdesigns]

Thanks also for the info about the Hyattsville show. I'll probably give it a pass - I've had two duds this year, I don't want to put myself out there for another "learning experience" as I've been doing shows now off and on for about 20 years - I don't NEED that kind of learning experience anymore :-)

One of the shows I think is just getting going so I believe it could be good if I hang in there and do it again. The other, and I have no problem naming names (cough/TakomaJazzFest/cough) was awful. I was invited to sell at a community booth so I didn't pay the fee, if I had I would've been crying at the end of the day. I'm glad that I know now not to do that one again.

[Former_Member]

There must be multiple art festivals in Hyattsville; I participated in The Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival (which was in September and had great weather, not November with crappy weather, which previous responses mentioned), and I did quite well; there was a lot of foot traffic and my sales ranged from small to large price tag items. I was pleased and would definitely do the event again.