Show Review of the Month - Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair
Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair
Peoria, IL
September 25-26, 2021
Compiled from FastAudit reports
Artists from throughout the country participated in the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair. Held at Riverfront Park, it is sponsored by one of the oldest art organizations in the United States and is a nationally recognized art show.
The artists who reviewed this show gave it a high rating. A printmaker with $1,730 in sales said, “Beautiful setting on the riverfront. First class event, artists were treated like royalty. Literally took us to a castle for an artist party.”
An artist listing “other” as the medium reported $5,300 in sales, with the average sale being $450. “Every other artist I spoke with was happy with their sales. The after party was hosted at a private residence with unlimited food and drink. Shannon Cox (the director) and her staff and volunteers were always available,” the artist said. “All around great show! What a fabulous, well run, well attended show. An absolute pleasure to do! Show runners were excellent, volunteers were always available, amenities were outstanding, venue beautiful, and sales steady and frequent. Buyers were appreciative and engaging. It would be a pleasure to do this show again! Peoria is very fortunate to have a show of this caliber.”
A fine craft artist had $5,400 in sales, and a wood artist had $5,000. A mixed media artist, who also had $5,000 in sales, wants to participate again, saying it was a “great fair.”
With $3,500 in sales, a jewelry artist rated the sales a 10. “Fantastic show. High quality art. Hope to participate again next year,” the artist said. “It was an amazing show, awesome staff, the Peoria Art Guild is top notch!”
Photo courtesy of Dr. Elsburgh Clarke
Promoter Post Show Report
Shannon Cox described the 2021 Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair as a “bit smaller but very mighty!”
She is the fair’s director and said, “The weather was fantastic, and our community was ready to support these artists. The artists reported record sales for the weekend, and our community took lots of new artwork home with them. Everyone was happy all around. We are looking forward to next year when we celebrate our 60th year of the Fair!
Attendance was estimated at 8,000, and Cox shared some of the feedback received from artists.
“Great experience. I felt you guys really went out of your way to make artists feel appreciated. I also liked the easy load in. Fairgoers were also thoughtful and educated, which I appreciated,” said one artist.
Another artist said, “Love this show! You guys have it down!”
The beautiful location and excellent crowds were noted. “My booth space offered very easy in/out,” said that artist.
“This was my first year exhibiting, and I was very impressed. Quickly realized this is a fair I’d like to be part of year after year. Very well run, and probably more emphasis on taking care of artists than any I’ve attended in my 10 years on the art show circuit. (And the Sunday vegetarian lunch option was phenomenal! I’d come back next year for that alone! LOL). Seriously though, thank you for all of the hard work and heart you pour into this. Sales were also good, and I know that reflects on the community and the promotion you put into the event. I hope to become a regular participant each fall,” an artist said.
One said it was the best show ever and is looking forward to next year.
Cox’s message to those considering the event is that “Peoria is known for taking care of its artists, and we strive to uphold that reputation. Without our fair artists, this show could not be in the top 20 Fine Art Shows in the nation. We do our best to make sure your Peoria experience is the best it can be. We spend our advertising dollars attracting art lovers from all over the region to visit you and purchase your art. In 2018, we launched the ‘I Buy Art’ initiative that encourages our community to support you by purchasing your art. We provide our artists with buttons to give to each person who purchases a piece of art. Our I Buy Art buttons are now collectible by our Fair patrons. We would love to see you in Peoria, Illinois in 2022!”