Show Report- Chatty Crafty

Chatty Crafty was a first year craft show in Chattanooga, TN.  We don’t normally do first year shows because we’ve found that they are usually disasters, but a few of our crafting friends were putting this on, and we trusted them.  Plus we really enjoy Chattanooga.

Specs:

Nov. 6-7
Cost of table: $125
Juried: yes
Tables/chairs provided: no
Indoor/outdoor: outdoor
Attendance: 5000
Profit: decent

 

Pros

-The chance to see a bunch of our crafting friends like SoSheSews, Tot Toppers, and another Sassy! product

-A whole boatload of awesome new artists to meet

-Hospitality tent with free snacks and drinks, plus food vendors

-A vendor meet and greet Sat. night with free dinner and beer

-They had security on guard all night, so we didn’t have to break everything back down at night

-The jurying was well done, there weren’t a ton of the same type of artists at the show. 

-We sold a good amount of artwork, and not just dolls.

Cons

-It was freezing and windy outside.  We had problems the first day with stuff blowing over.  We finally got everything weighted down.  I think next year they’re going to move it up a few weeks so it won’t be as cold.

-It wasn’t very highly attended, which is a common first year problem.  A lot of people were just out for a walk in the park and happened upon us. 

-There was a huge rowing competition the same weekend.  I think this helped contribute to the low attendance.

-It was advertised that the meet and greet would have some gallery owners present, but we never saw them or got a chance to talk to any gallery owners the whole weekend.

For us, this was worth the trip and worth coming back to.  We thought it was very well run for a first year show, and it will only get better with time.  We are aware that not everyone did well here, so until this grows enough, we suggest considering it only if it’s not going to be a huge travel expense.