Art Fairs in Chicago

Art festivals - not as big as you may think!!

I would like to talk about the art festivals in Chicago.  When describing a visit to such an art fair, many people say things like, "It was the biggest and best show of the year!"

People assume because of the size and scope of some of these art events, the showing artists must have made a lot of money...Unfortunately I am here to tell you from personal experience that 9 times out of 10, they are wrong.

Let's go over the cost of an average show:

1. Application fee for most shows: $15
2. Cost of a booth spot: $300 to $600 for at least two days.
3. Tent rental if needed: $200 ( I suggest you purchase your own. The average cost of one is...$200)
4. Cost of lights for two nights: $125 to $175 for two days ( most people only need lights at night, which is about 3 hours of festival time a day.)
5. One table and two chairs: $100

Obviously, artists who create their own artwork also have to pay for supplies, and must have time (time IS money, after all) to make the art in the first place.  Then factor in time and costs in for preparations, i.e. framing and packaging.  The prices will vary depending on the artist's needs.

So overall, for one show it could cost from around $740 to $1,090 to do a two-day show, plus cost of supplies and time.  You would have to make at least that much before you can see any kind of return on your investment.

Folks, the term "starving artist" is a title that is both funny AND true.  If you know any artists that would spend that much cash for a two-day event on their own, then know they might not be artist.

They are called merchants, and they sell other artist's artwork or creations.  Some are good merchants, such as those who deal in fair trade products, while others just buy wholesale from third world countries and sell the art here at compounded prices.

When looking for artists, event managements do not care where the items came from or how much work goes into making each piece. Their only concerns are to fill up the booth spots, and to consequently make money.


If you believe the show you saw was the biggest ever, look again.  Most of the booths are the same from one to the next, only offering deals and products.

If you are looking to get into the business of selling your work at art shows and festivals, here are a few tips to help get you started:

You can save money if you invest in the following:

• A canopy tent
• Try not to spend too much on this item as they will break either way, only lasting a few years at best if you use it often. Still, that's $200 every weekend vs. $200 every three years.

• A battery and charger with a converter for lights.
• a boat battery is best; they can light up your tent and most of the show if you want.  They can last up to 5 or more hours and can be charged for use again.
• A tent (and rent!) partner
• They can help cut the cost in half for most things.

For the best return on your investment, try to find the shows and festivals that feature and cater more to actual artists.  Most festivals will claim that there are artists selling at an event when in fact, they are not. Half of the time the only vendors are food and commercial companies with product and services, such as cellphone plans. Also, know who will be there besides you. It makes no sense to have three of the same type of thing at one event.

Here are some DON'TS:

• Stay away from shows that promote a lot of excess drinking. You will most likely lose your work due to some drunk spilling his/her drink on it!
• Do not apply for a show unless you know what is really going on with the show.
• Make sure they have the lineup and sponsors already in order and on display; if they don't, then it is most likely that the show will be a flop due to their disorganization.
• Never do a "first annual" event, since most of the time people don't know about it! The only time you should is if the lineup is posted and you know it to be a good one.  I have seen a "first annual" become very big due to the singers that were performing at it, so again make sure you know the lineup.
• If at all possible, pay fees by check; don't pay via PayPal or credit card.
• All too often event managers will take your credit card and assure you there are spaces available, only to be told later that there were in fact NONE.  By paying with a check,  you can cancel it and not have to wait two months for your refund that you received one month late to begin with.
• Never vend at a event that promotes a theme OTHER than art, or be sure that your artistic themes fit within the scope of said event
• For example, my art would not be a good fit for the country music festival unless I was selling something, well, country.
• Never pay too much, EVER.
• On average, no more than $300 for a two-day show...any more than that and you are being ripped off! Just make sure that they are big events.  For example, "Market Days" is one of the biggest art and music festivals in the mid west; however, it only cost $300 plus application fees for one booth space. On the other hand, I mistakenly paid the same amount for an event that was meant expressly for children. 

There is more to add,  and I will do so in a later posting.  I will go into more detail regarding other avenues in art festivals. However, starting off by following these basic guidelines will help make your time at each showing easier and more successful.