Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Anatomy of show set-up

Just returned from my biggest show of the year, Safari Club International. With a quad-island booth, I have 135 linear feet of wall space to fill. Completing that much work is a year- long project and you have seen some of it in progress on previous posts.
This year I decided to have fewer framed prints and greater spacing between the originals. Several of the posts I have read have said too much work crammed together can be distracting to potential customers. With that in mind, truck and trailer are packed and we have the long drive south to Las Vegas.
Setting the alarm early the first day of set-up, we arrive at the staging area and are placed 3rd in our group to drive into the building.
Day one of set-up: lay carpet, walls up, main and supporting bars added, complete all electrical.
Day two of set-up: paintings hung (except for a couple of outside wall pieces because large vehicles are still driving through), prints (one of each) in print racks, description cards for each piece, table cloths on 2 tables, Home Depot run for six 60 watt equivalent flood 2700K LEDs for the swing arm lamps. (some of my lights felt too bright and more subdued lighting I feel will better showcase several paintings.)
Day three of set-up: change old for new light bulbs, optimal light adjustment for each piece, hang two outside pieces, put out brochures, business cards, and guest book and tidy the booth for opening day.

stacks of panels                                      one of the first exhibitors in the hall
 
support bars                                             electrical

hanging name sign, last of paintings to place


Booth from main aisle








small canvas giclee print section

outside walls

  And I am pleased to say I had a great show. Thank you to all my previous patrons who added new works to their collections and a hearty thank you to my new collectors!

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