Artists count on big sales at Tulsa International Mayfest

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City),  May 16, 2008  by Heather Caliendo

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The mini-tents full of artwork and jewelry seemed to appear out of nowhere on Main Street Thursday morning.

Tulsa International Mayfest is touted as one of Oklahoma's prime entertainment events, but for the artists it's just another day at the office.

Robert Boyce, owner of Shooting Stars in Phoenix, said he makes most of his money by selling his garden art at shows across the country. Last year marked the first time Boyce joined Mayfest and he did not have much of a projection for how sales would be.

It ended up being his best show of the year.

"We were very well received, people like us - everyone seems intrigued by the blow-glass hummingbird feeders," he said. "We had to struggle to keep up, we were very surprised."

He said some artists come out just for a hobby, but for him this is his livelihood.

"Bad shows means the electricity is shut off," he said with a laugh. "We take this very seriously; this is really how we get bills paid."

In order to sell products at Mayfest, the artists have to pay a $300 fee and provide their own tents. Mayfest doesn't receive any profit from their sales, but the artists pay taxes to the city once sales are complete.

Boyce travels to shows in a motor home, which receives six miles a gallon running on diesel. Because of the high price of fuel he said they have to pick and choose which art shows they can be involved with.

"Gas is a major consideration in booking shows," he said. "We try to book a bunch of shows around the same area we can go to."

George Coll is seeing his first Mayfest and said he doesn't need a huge influx of customers, just a few good ones.

"My practice I sell original oils - there is no painting like it," he said. "I want people to fall in love with the painting - I don't cater to them."

Coll's oil paintings run from $35 up to $2,000. Art galleries receive a percentage of the artist's sales, so Coll said his pricing at shows is around the same as if a percentage was taken out.

The price of gas, plus lodging and renting space adds up fairly quickly. Coll said how successful his art sells will determine if he comes back to Mayfest.

One aspect he pointedly disagrees with is the event running four days.

"I don't know why they have it on Thursday - it takes the immediacy aspect out of the buyer," he said. "The four-day show is more expensive for the artists. Where I get the most bank for my buck is on the weekend."

Lisa Regan, owner of Garden Deva Sculpture Co., is seeing her 10th year of Mayfest and calls the festival the local crown jewel of Tulsa.

Being one of the few artists representing Tulsa, Regan said Mayfest enables her to reach out to potential customers who haven't been to her studio.

"It always brings in more customers," she said. "We try to have a little of everything from small impulse buys to bigger investment. We're really hoping to see a lot of business now."

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