Workshop Description:
This workshop will help artists design, improve or upgrade their craft show display/booth and prepare for different types of craft shows, from pop-up style markets to multi-day, high-end indoor craft shows. Content will be applicable to those interested in or approved for, the shows offered by Shop Maine Craft: Guild Fine Craft Shows, Portland Fine Craft Show, East End Vend as well as, other local and national shows – both indoor and outdoor. Artists new to craft shows as well as those looking for a refresher are welcome!
Craft artists registered for a “Booth Jury” at the Guild Fine Craft Shows or preparing to apply for the Guild Level Membership are highly encouraged to attend.
Participants will receive a PDF infographic outlining best practices, booth elements (lights, pipe, etc) resources, and several show checklists as takeaways.
The presentation will include a slideshow of real booths as examples of achievable successes and common challenges.
OPTIONAL BOOTH CRIT! Participants may provide a booth shot for review with the presenter & group. The last portion of the workshop will be a safe space to share an image (or sketch!) of your booth and the group will assess strengths, weaknesses and ideas for improvement based on the artist’s goals. For example, review an artist’s set-up from East End Vend and provide feedback as to how to upgrade the concept to be ready for a juried fine craft show.
Presenter Bio:
Sadie Bliss is the Executive Director of Maine Crafts Association (& now also Shop Maine Craft). Her mother was a longtime member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and Sadie grew up helping her at the League’s annual nine-day craft show at Mount Sunapee. She went on to manage Craft Boston for the Society of Arts and Crafts and helped start the S+AC Booth Mentor Program. At the Maine Crafts Association Sadie assumed management of the MCA Mentor Booth Program at New England Made and developed a Mentor Booth Program for MCA members at Craft Boston in 2013. In 2015 Sadie oversaw the development of the Portland Fine Craft Show, now in its seventh year. Under her directorship, MCA created East End Vend, a makers market, and assumed management of the juried fine craft shows previously offered by the Maine Crafts Guild. Her experience developing and managing small to large shows and supporting artists entering the show market through mentor booths will lend itself to this workshop for artists looking to create or improve their booths.
Co-Presenter Bio:
Vicky Rodriguez is the Arts Director at the New England Sculptors Association and was previously the Director of Craft Boston. She primarily considers herself a problem-solver and has used her project management skills to produce educational videos and print resources, visual and written digital content, websites, exhibitions, events, and large-scale fine craft trade shows. She has worked with non-profits and small businesses, including the Society of Arts + Crafts and the New England Sculptors Association. A lover of art and a maker of things, Vicky loves applying her organizational skills to build platforms through which other artists can also thrive.
When:
Tuesday, April 26
2 PM – 4 PM
Where:
On ZOOM!
Cost:
MCA Member: $10.00
Non Member: $20.00
Level:
All Levels
Registration details:
The workshop fee is non-refundable, however, if you register but cannot attend we will send you a recording. The recording will NOT include the Booth Crit portion – that is strictly for live attendees.
Cancellation Policy:
No Refunds are available for this workshop. If you register and then later can no longer attend, a recording of the workshop will be emailed to you.