Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show - Milwaukee September 29 & 30, 2007
The Second Annual Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show / Milwaukee took place on September 29th and 30th at the Midwest Airlines Center in the heart of downtown.
With approximately 125 exhibitors, the show was small but the works represented by these artisans was exquisite. With wood crafts making up the majority of exhibitors, other artists displayed works of glass, metal, fabric, jewelry, photography, paintings. Also represented were a handful of galleries and several trade exhibitors primarily in the publishing arena.
As in its first year, there were a significant number of woodworkers displaying larger pieces (dining room tables and chairs, sideboards for example) for retail sale in the several thousand dollar range. Aside for a rare ornament or two, attendees were hard pressed to find much in the $100 or under range. Regardless, the skill and quality of work shown was unparalleled.
Unfortunately there was a noticeable paucity of attendees and buyers. Unofficial numbers were 600 people were admitted on Saturday and a mere 300 on Sunday. Day 2 undoubtedly fell victim, in part, to "Packer fever" a common occurrence for those of us in the retail trade during the Fall football season.
From the comments I heard, the show produced very few buyers, if any, for most exhibitors. Those selling larger pieces may, however, see leads following through in the next several weeks or months.
Show dates for 2008 have already been set. It appears that show organizers will need to do a better job of getting the word out next year to boost attendance. Marketing needs to be improved. Perhaps they should consider partnering with local and regional galleries to raise awareness of this quality show.
Barclay Gallery & Garden Café
158 South Barclay St
Milwaukee WI 53204
414/347-0500
•
del.icio.us
digg
facebook
25-Apr-11