Created for Artists by Artists Efforts To Keep Costs Affordable
Photos courtesy of Kamala Dolphin-Kingsley
As a show put on by fellow show artists, we understand the expenses that come with participation. We try our best to keep costs affordable and have only raised our booth fees minimally over the past 30 years.
We also offer an early bird discount to help artists save on application fees. We keep an eye on the application and booth fees of other shows and do our best to stay comparable.
In addition, we review our artists' survey responses and take their feedback to heart. We receive consistent feedback that artists appreciate how Art In The Pearl is artist-led and affordable in comparison to other shows.
Art In the Pearl takes place in an urban environment. We understand the parking needs of our artists and reserve an allotment of parking spaces very close to the show. We offer them to our artists at an affordable three-day rate, especially for those who are traveling with larger vans and trailers.
Electricity is available for artists to purchase. Electricity is our largest production expense, and we do our best to keep this cost affordable for our artists.
Because our event is outdoors in an urban setting, cell service has never been an issue at Art In The Pearl. Therefore, Wi-Fi is not necessary at our show. We partner with a local hotel to offer artist discounts, and we provide lodging suggestions.
We believe in clear, consistent communication with our artists all throughout the show — from the application process to post-show follow up. Interested applicants can email us and expect a response in a timely manner.
Before the show, we share key information with our selected artists including important dates, deadlines, parking, and artists’ packets. Artists can get in touch with our artist’s relation team with any questions they may have.
Upon check-in, there is an information booth centrally located and ready for artists to pick up their packets, receive help locating their booth, and answer any other questions they may have. During the event, artists receive a Daily News flyer sharing news about the show, including weather, hospitality, show hours, and load-out reminders.
Art In The Pearl is committed to supporting our artists. We are available year-round to provide support via email or phone. Our board members and volunteers are dedicated to assisting artists with the application process, event preparation, booth set up, rentals, and to provide lodging and local resource advice.
As fellow exhibitors, we are committed to supporting one another; our board members connect with neighboring artists to ensure assistance throughout the event. During the festival, we offer an artist hospitality booth with refreshments and partner with local businesses to provide exhibitor discounts. Additionally, our regional emerging artist program provides education and support for those who are beginning their careers as an artist.
We provide booth sitting, hospitality, affordable parking within sight of the show, clean porta potties with hand washing stations, and cash prizes for artists, which are presented at an awards dinner.
Booth sitting is available to our artists throughout the show. We provide them with a number to text or call to request a booth sitter. We have a large pool of volunteers checking in with artists throughout the event as well.
We receive great feedback about our Hospitality Tent. It is centrally located for our artists and open early before the show, so our artists can grab coffee and a bite before the show opens.
Throughout the morning until about midday, we provide light refreshments, coffee, and snacks. Knowing that it can be hard to get away from a busy booth, we also offer an afternoon snack cart that roams the show offering water and snacks to our artists.
We host an awards ceremony at a nearby hotel that is within walking distance from Art In The Pearl. We provide a light meal and comfortable environment for artists to enjoy food, drinks, and connect with each other. At the awards ceremony, we give cash prizes for the Best in Show recipients.
Unlike many art fairs, this is a unique, artist-led event that is created for artists, by artists. Because we understand the importance of keeping artists in the spotlight, we ensure that the focus of Art In The Pearl remains solely on promoting the arts and bringing their artwork directly to the public.
We take a grassroots approach, partnering with local and regional small businesses to gain support while avoiding corporate sponsorship. We also invest significant time and funding in promoting our artists through news outlets, social media, radio stations, and various online and print publications. Our priority is to present the highest quality of work to patrons and collectors without distractions, keeping our artists as the focus of Art In The Pearl.