Show Review of the Month - Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival

December 2024, by Sunshine Artist Editor

Location: Cary, NC 
Date: April 27, 2024 
Contact: Town of Cary 
Website: www.carync.gov 
Email: jenna.kostka@carync.gov 
Phone: 919-469-4000 
Venue: 100% outdoors 
Space fees: $130 to $300 
Exhibitors: 170+ 
Attendance estimate: 15,000 

COMPILED FROM FASTAUDIT REVIEWS 

The Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival features only artists who live in North Carolina. Seventy-five percent of the artists who reviewed 2024’s show said they would participate again. 

One digital art artist reported $2,500 in sales and would return. “Everyone was awesome, and things ran smoothly,” the artist said. 

Sales were disappointing for a photographer, who does not plan to participate again. The artist made $183 and said the organization was great overall, but the restrooms were inadequate, and booth sitters should be separate to cover more booths. 

A fiber/textile/leather artist who had $745 in sales said it was a great show and would do it again. 

Another exhibitor also had a wonderful experience, with $1,700 in sales. “This was the most organized and successful show we’ve had,” the vendor said. 

Sales totaled $4,500 for a vendor who said, “So great to experience how a show should be run!” This exhibitor would participate again. 

An artist whose medium was painting made $3,000 and would return due to the staff and volunteers. 

SHOW PROMOTER’S SELF‑REVIEW 

The Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival continues to stand out as a premier celebration of North Carolina art, said Jenna Kostka. 

“One of the unique aspects of our festival is that all the artists come from North Carolina, making it a true showcase of local talent. With over 170 artists presenting an incredible array of work — from intricate jewelry and pottery to vibrant paintings and woodcraft — visitors were treated to the best that our state has to offer,” she said. “It’s always a pleasure to see both emerging and established artists come together in this community-focused event.” 

Kostka is the festivals and events supervisor for the Town of Cary, which sponsors the event. Attendance was estimated at 15,000. 

How the Show Went 

She said the park’s shady canopy and April’s perfect temperatures provided an amazing setting for the festival, offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for attendees to explore art and enjoy the day. “The natural beauty of the park complements the artistry on display, creating an experience that feels both intimate and grand,” Kostka said. 

The quality of craftsmanship was particularly impressive this year, she noted. “The level of skill and creativity exhibited by the artists made our job as organizers both gratifying and challenging,” Kostka said. “With such a high standard, the jury process was no easy task, but it is a testament to the incredible talent present at the festival.” 

Beyond the art, they focused on enhancing the overall experience for the attendees. “Our Green Initiative was a standout success, with many participants embracing our composting and recycling efforts,” she said. “The family friendly activities, live music, and local food vendors added to the festive atmosphere, making it a day filled with joy, creativity, and community spirit.” 

She said they are already planning next year’s festival, with the aim of building on this year’s success. “We’re excited to continue supporting North Carolina artists and enriching the Spring Daze experience for all who attend,” Kostka said. “The 31st Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival was a resounding success, thanks to the exceptional talents of the artists, the enthusiastic participation of attendees, and the natural beauty of Bond Park. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!” 

What Artists Said 

Kostka said feedback from artists was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the well-organized event and community atmosphere, and the park’s shady setting continues to be a favorite among artists. 

“In terms of sales, many artists reported strong numbers, with several noting that they exceeded their expectations. Overall, sales this year were on par with, or slightly higher, than prior years,” she said. “A significant number of artists mentioned that they saw a steady stream of customers throughout the day, with some stating that they experienced better sales compared to previous years.” 

Kostka said when comparing sales to prior years, the consensus was this year’s festival matched or slightly surpassed past performance. “Returning artists noted that their customer base seemed to have grown, with more repeat buyers and increased interest in their work,” she said. “First-time participants also shared positive experiences, with many expressing a desire to return next year due to the success they experienced.”

What the Promoter Learned 

A key takeaway from this year’s show was the importance of optimizing traffic flow within the festival layout. “We noticed that some areas experienced higher foot traffic than others,” Kostka said. “In future shows, we’ll look to adjust the layout to ensure a more even distribution of visitors, giving all artists the best possible exposure.” 

She said they also learned attendees are increasingly interested in interactive elements and learning more about artists and their work. “In response, we plan to incorporate more artist demonstrations and opportunities for artist-audience interaction in future festivals,” Kostka said. “This not only enriches the visitor experience but also helps artists engage more with potential customers.” 

In addition, while their Green Initiative was well-received, Kostka said they identified a need for more visible and accessible composting and recycling stations. “In future shows, we’ll increase the number of stations and provide clearer signage to make it easier for attendees to participate,” she said. 

Their Best Improvement 

Kostka said the introduction of the Green Initiative was this year’s best improvement. “We partnered with Cary Composts and CompostNow! to set up composting stations and provided clear, easy-to-understand signage for waste disposal. 

“We also encouraged vendors to use eco-friendly packaging and offered incentives for those who minimized waste. Additionally, we made our digital guide accessible via QR codes, reducing the need for printed materials. 

“This initiative not only aligned with the growing demand for sustainable practices but also resonated well with our attendees and vendors,” she said. 

Her message to those considering this festival is, “Cary welcomes our wonderful community of North Carolina artists! You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work to an enthusiastic audience that appreciates and values handmade, one-of-a-kind creations. We are committed to providing you with a well-organized, enjoyable experience that highlights your talents and connects you with customers who are eager to discover and support your craft. The Cary Art Daze team is dedicated to making sure our festivals stay at the top of the charts!”