2009 Artist Feedback

Mary,

Just want to thank you for the lovely event you put together.  I was located at #51 and will surely request that location next year, should I be accepted again.  We arrived home early afternoon today (Monday) and as typical for me I perform my ritual of unpacking, record keeping and writing a show report on the Art Fair Insiders forum - http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/art-on-the-rocks-marquette-mi  You may be interested in reading it.

I have checked out some of the comments made in your local paper and feel you could use some uplifting thoughts from one who participated for the first time.  I try to do a juried fine art show every weekend in the Great Lakes areas - specifically Michigan - as my art focus is the Great Lakes nautical and nature images.  I typically spend Tuesday thru Thursday at home along Lake Michigan in Port Washington and the remainder of my life tends to be mostly in Michigan either taking pictures or attending events.  Long before I began participating in shows, my husband and I have felt at home in the U.P. for more than 25 years.  I have come to enjoy the Marquette area.  I mention this to you so you can understand that while I do not live there, I am familiar with the area and the changes that have occurred in the last 20 or so years.  I enjoy the people and have met many that have become friends over the years.  As typical to small town inhabitants, change is tough and I'm sure you will hear only the complaints.  I cannot compare the current location with the past, but I will tell you we greatly enjoyed the Mattson Lower Harbor Park location.  the views were spectacular and the harbor activity added nicely to the atmosphere.  When attending shows, much of what you offered are of high importance to me.  Those features are mentioned in my above Art Fair Insiders report so I won't repeat them here other than to say thank you for your focus on artist comfort, ease of set up and 12x12 space.  Your volunteers were wonderful and I must sadly say, I don't find that at many shows.  Several times each day a cheerful volunteer checked in on us or offered assistance if we needed it.  While we had no immediate needs, I did observe them helping both artists and patrons continually throughout the weekend.  The marina personnel were terrific.  I needed to access the internet and they were happy to help me access their wireless connection.  We stayed at Marquette's Tourists Park and found that experience enjoyable.  Bummer about the rain, but we've certainly been in worse and we were pleased patrons came with umbrellas in tow.  I'm sure you will address the water filled ditch areas for next year...... a new location is a learning experience and any experienced artist will have that understanding.  I am grateful that you found a way not to increase entry fees.  It has been a tough year for all - especially the artists.

Being active in the organization of one of our local events in Port Washington (Maritime Heritage Festival), I know some of the flack you will be receiving.  You may already know, but I'd like to reinforce the thought that grumblers are everywhere and you rarely hear positive feedback.   Most of the artists and patrons I spoke with were excited and pleased with the new location.  My thanks to you, your volunteers, marina personnel and the wonderful patrons and residents of Marquette.  Hope to see you next year.