I had this idea two years ago… it continues to percolate… I've decided to give it a try! Read on & and see if you're interested too!

This is a FIRST-TIME EVENT. My hope is fairly simple: to bridge the winter gap between Iowa outdoor festival artists & Central Iowa’s art buyers. Artists have work to sell & holiday buyers are primed and looking for special gifts. Let's show them what WE as artists have to offer before they head into the Big Box shopping phase!

This art sale will be the same weekend as Indianola Downtown holds its yearly "Home for the Holidays" weekend, which is an established and well-attended small business shopping event. This art sale will be held in the Better Homes & Gardens Innovations event space, a beautiful venue located just off the main square, near two women’s boutiques, a coffee shop, and Indianola’s busy Crouse’s Cafe. The timing and location couldn’t be better!

Participation fees will be used to pay for targeted advertising. Also, Artists will have Early Access invites to give art lovers who would like to see the art first and have exclusive shopping from 9-10am on Saturday morning.

To be clear: this event is not intended as a craft sale or as a holiday-themed show. The idea is for fine artists to have an indoor opportunity to show their regular original work to art buyers at a time of year when those art buyers are making purchases. Buyers can’t go to an outdoor festival when the weather is bad– so let’s give them an indoor buying option!

This art pop-up will feature 11 artists, max. That’s small, I know, but I think it can be really lovely. There will be five full booth spaces (10x10’) plus six table display spaces (6x5’). Similar to an outdoor festival, Artists will be responsible for bringing what they need to create their sales display. Note: pop-up tents do not fit due to the venue’s ceiling height so “going vertical” needs advanced planning by artists and should be considered during the application process. Participation fees: Full booth/$100; Table/$75.

Applications will be reviewed by a 4-person jury and decisions will be made with the goal of creating a fine art sale that offers variety with cohesiveness.

Artists will be notified of the jury's decision on October 1. Booth fees will be due by October 15. A wait-list will be in place when/if spots open up.

Thanks for considering this pop-up event!

 

Not for you? Maybe you'd mark your calendar and come check us out? Wander the area & Indianola's "Home for the Holidays" on November 23-24, the weekend before Thanksgiving & Black Friday! You'll find unique gifts + support small businesses!