My first Art Show Sunday .... prices?

phobia · #1 08-19-2011, 10:08 PM

Sunday is going to be my first Art show. In the past I have done craft shows and did not do well but I got my feet wet in displaying and what is selling. I'm still not sure how to price my work. I have a lot of 16x20 and 18x24 .... about 50 canvases...... I was very bored last year

This show is not a BIG Art show but it was juried and it's at a Jewish Community Center in a very busy vacation area. At the craft shows I had my 16x20 priced at $40 - $50 and my 18x24 at $75 - $100. I am afraid that high prices will scare people off, especially in such a bad economy. But I believe some of my work is worthy of higher prices. I could really use some advice.

Freesail · #2 08-19-2011, 10:18 PM

You may want to ask this question in the art business forum. $40 for a 16x 20 does sound low. I noticed you even have some of your work framed.

phobia · #3 08-20-2011, 12:04 AM

Thank you .... i'll post in the other forum
cathy ...... in NJ

Red 9 · #4 08-20-2011, 12:44 AM

I agree, that sounds really low. At $40 for a 16x20 you're barely even covering the cost of materials!

**Dana Design** · #5 08-20-2011, 12:38 PM

If this is your usual method of showing your work, it is way too cluttered. Paintings need to breathe, they need room around them. Investing in some standing racks wouldn't be a bad idea.

As for prices, yes, $40 seems too low but you know better than anyone what the traffic will bear. Sometimes it's best to get your work out there and sold in order to move your prices up over time.

mcassatt · #6 08-20-2011, 02:33 PM

I also had a show over the summer. I think what you have to do is look around your area and see what's comprable to your artistic level and also base it on what you've sold recently or not sold to see what the market will bare. It's tricky, good luck on your show.

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