Show Review of the Month ART! Pagosa

May 2023, by Sunshine Artist Editor

September 10-11, 2022; ART! Pagosa, Pagosa Springs, CO. Contact: Pagosa Arts Initiative, Hermosa Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147; Email: artpagosasprings@gmail.com; Website: artpagosa.com; Application fee: $30; Space fees: $300 to $675; Space sizes: 10x10 to 10x20; Exhibitors: 60. 

Compiled from FastAudit reports 

This was the first year ART! Pagosa was held, and all the artists who reviewed this festival would participate in it again. 

A mixed media artist who made $1,600 said the promoter went above and beyond for the show. “Pagosa Springs has so much potential for a really great art show,” this artist said. “The show was the perfect time of year, attendance was very good, load-in and -out was easy, and artist amenities were fantastic.” 

A sculpture artist said, “Everyone working with the show was great. We look forward to participating in the future. It was a first-year show, but I think it will become a great show.” This artist had $3,200 in sales. 

An artist whose mediums included fine art, wood, metal, and other described it as an outstanding first-time show that will only get better. This artist, who did not report a sales total, is looking forward to next year. 

Also interested in participating again is an art glass artist who made $6,000 at the festival. 

A metal artist who had $1,800 in sales said load-in and -out were easy, and the people were nice. 

An artist whose mediums were fine art and painting made $500 and said, “It wasn't our weekend to make sales (that happens every once in a while), but we are undaunted and will give it another go. The Saturday morning crowd was larger than the turnout at the long-standing Crested Butte Show this year, which ought to count for something. This show is just getting off the ground, and it already has great energy around it. The potential is boundless. The organizers are a fun group and kept things lighthearted. The quality of the work was exceptional for a first-year show, and we look forward to participating again.” 

A jewelry artist whose sales totaled $1,200 said, “I did pretty well for an inaugural show, so I'll apply again next year.” This artist said parking was an issue but did not expand further on the topic. 

A photographer who made $6,000 said, “This first-year show beat most of my shows that have been around awhile! There was a great balance of art, and no category was overrepresented! Awesome promoters!” 

A mixed media artist said the festival was well organized, and the promoters put the artists first. This artist made $1,500. 

One fine art artist had $4,000 in sales. “They had a good turnout for a first-year show,” this artist said. “The people that promoted the show did a great job at getting the word out.” 

An artist whose mediums were fine art and mixed media did not report a sales total but said the promoters did an amazing job, sales were great, and the atmosphere and vibe were fantastic. “This was the first one, and I know they will continue to be fantastic. They have set a high bar. I personally cannot wait for next year,” this artist said. 

An artist with mediums of ceramics and sculpture made $2,000 and commented as well on the fact it was a first-year show. “The promoters are artists who know what a good show should look like,” the artist said. “This show has great potential and I know will be better year after year.” 

Sales for one fine art artist were $3,500. “Best run show I’ve ever been at!” this artist said. The artist said the size of the show was perfect and thought the people, staff, location, and sales were good. 

An artist whose mediums were fine art and mixed media could not believe it was a first-year show. “The show was well attended and had lots of interest and sales. Great sales and fantastic treatment of the artists,” said this artist who made $3,000. 

One fiber/textile artist made $11,400 and wants to return due to the festive atmosphere and how well the artists were treated. “The placement of the show was perfect; even people just passing through were enticed to stop and have a look,” this artist said. 

A sculpture artist had $16,000 in sales and described it as a “wonderful little show in a gorgeous setting in a picturesque Colorado mountain town. Apparently, this town has been starving for a quality art show as shown by the incredible first-year turnout and awesome sales. It is run by fellow artists who are actually organized and know how to treat artists. I wish all my shows were like this. I can't wait for next year!” 

A wood artist who made $3,200 hopes to be invited back, saying it was a good buying crowd. 

An art glass artist said it was an excellent show that will get better each year. This artist did not report a sales total. 

A different art glass artist who had $2,000 in sales said, “Being a first show, I saw potential for growth. People responded positively to the artists.” 

Promoter’s Self‑Review 

Teresa Turner said ART! Pagosa was a success, with great support from the community. The Pagosa Springs Arts Council is the show’s promoter, and Turner is a member of the council’s board. 

She estimated attendance at 10,000. “Artists were happy with the show’s attendance and sales, as well as the organization,” Turner said. “Sales were more than they expected for a first-year show. A stone sculpture artist made over $20,000. All other mediums made approximately $5,000.” 

Something learned at the show that will improve future shows was realizing what type of advertising works best, which will result in focusing more on those types next year, she said. 

Turner said the best thing done this year others might learn from was making sure artists had storage behind their booths. “Booths were set up with plenty of space but still had a nice flow for the shoppers,” she said. 

Her message to those considering this show is that “Pagosa Springs is a hot market with lots of new homes being built, plus several second homes. We will be limiting the show to 75 artists to ensure that there is plenty of money to be shared.”