I wanted to review the Cottonwood Arizona Wine County Artist Village, because it’s new, and because we had a good time 🙂 We didn’t know what to expect, but it’s a show near home for us (1 hour drive, no hotel needed, low cost), and we had heard good feedback from some fine artists we know. Despite tricky weather, and the show being new, it turned out to be a successful show, with a steady trickle of visitors and an audience willing to buy. There were definitely qualified buyers out and genuine interest in my large oil paintings.
It was the smallest show we had attended so far (31 artists) and the weather was tricky: due to the possibility of heavy thunderstorms and strong winds the promoters shared some weather forecasts and left it to the artists to stay or leave a day early- resulting in half the artists leaving Saturday night (some tents were not secure indeed). Ironically, Sunday turned out to be calm and sunny until the later afternoon, and by far the best day for sales for those who stayed (even though we did have to break down two hours early since things got dicey around 3pm.)
The atmosphere of the art show was so relaxed and friendly, on the fresh green lawn downtown (cottonwood in spring is a little foodie and wine tasting paradise and attracts visitors from Sedona and Phoenix) and the pampering by the promoters (snacks like fresh fruit, chips, donuts, iced water rolling by our tent every few hours, discounts for artists and lunch delivery to the booth by an outstanding local restaurant, personal care for everyone’s safety and well being), that I felt like on a little vacation. I think this show was well received and has potential. We’ll be back next spring 🙂
- A.C. May 6 2025