Artists Become Family Amenities Are a Priority at This Illinois Show

July 2024, by Connie Heskett, Art Spectacular at the Carillion

Art Spectacular at the Carillon is held at Washington Park Botanical Garden, in Springfield, Illinois. Photos courtesy of Michelle Pawlak 

At Art Spectacular, we believe comfort, happiness, and sales are the top priorities for our artists. 

The care we provide for each artist begins at the application process. We review the application to make sure it is clear and precise.  

The use of an online application service provides ease and comfort (artists can apply at 2 a.m. in their pajamas if they want) to what can be a daunting task. Continuous communication by email or phone happens — beginning at the start of the application process and continuing with after-the-show follow-up. 

Our artists become family to us and have the president's direct number and email address. Exit questionnaires are reviewed very seriously by the team.  

Art Spectacular prides itself in the added amenities provided for the attending artist and the artist’s support team. All information and the timeline for the show's weekend are given to them both by email prior to the event so they can read it, as well as being hand delivered in their packet at the time of load-in. If any questions arise, the president is on the grounds at all times to help. 

Amenities for Artists 

Among the amenities we provide are assigned staff — when requested — to assist with load-in and load-out. Dollies and push trucks are assigned to artists for load-in/-out. 

Parking for vehicles and trailers is free and close. There is also a shuttle service for those who need it. 

In a VIP tent, refreshments and snacks are provided from the time of load-in until the last artist loads-out. If an artist does not have time to leave their tent to get refreshments, Art Spectacular has options to help them. 

Artists can call the number provided to them, and a booth sitter will arrive to bring their requested lunch or time away from the booth as needed. Runners are around every half hour with a cooler of beverages and snacks for artists to pick from. Local food vendors are also available at the festival. 

Art Spectacular takes place at Washington Park Botanical Garden. A three-course meal is provided for the Award Ceremony in the garden’s lovely building. Traveling is unnecessary. 

A three-course meal is provided for artists during Art Spectacular at the Carillon’s award ceremony.

Other Aspects of Show 

Art Spectacular has a heavy social media and print advertisement program to ensure heavy attendance and traffic. Live, instrumental entertainment is performed by local musicians — providing soft, enjoyable background music for attendees while they shop. 

Overnight security is provided for added safety, and the president, team members, or founder can be found on-site all weekend. In addition, a private tour of the Carillon, which Art Spectacular is a fundraising event for, is offered to the artists. 

All our amenities are kept on the stunning grounds of Washington Park Botanical Garden. Only steps away artists find air-conditioned restrooms, an award dinner venue, and the VIP tent. 

And at their fingertips in the packet provided to them, they find the number for the runner, shuttle service, a booth sitter, and the president. The artist is the core of the event, and we aim to provide a comfortable and profitable weekend for each of them.