This September, I had the opportunity to be an exhibiting artist at the Penrod Arts Fair in Indianapolis—and it turned out to be my best fair for sales so far! As an artist, it’s always a bit of a leap of faith to pack up your work, set up a booth, and hope the right people stop by. Not to mention, the possibility of a rain out! But this event reminded me just how powerful in-person connections can be, both for sales and for sharing your story as an artist.
Why the Penrod Arts Fair Stood Out
The Penrod Arts Fair is one of the largest single-day art fairs in the country, drawing thousands of people from Indianapolis and beyond. That means an audience that’s enthusiastic, curious, and ready to invest in original artwork. At first, I was skeptical about it being only a one day show—as most art shows are two days. But I believe that it only enhanced the crowd that showed up for that one day! Maybe it was scarcity mindset?
What I loved most was the atmosphere—people weren’t just walking by quickly, they were genuinely interested in the art, asking questions, and looking for meaningful pieces to take home. The energy of the fair made it easy to connect with collectors and share the heart behind my work.
Another highlight was seeing so many returning customers from past shows. There’s something incredibly special about people coming back year after year to add to their collection. Some shared how my paintings brighten their homes or spark conversations with guests. That kind of connection is a reminder that art doesn’t just sell—it finds a lasting place in people’s lives. If you're reading this and are one of those returning customers... you know who you are, and have no idea how much I appreciate seeing you!
And the best part? It was my most successful fair financially, which was a huge encouragement to keep putting myself (and my paintings!) out there.
Why Artists Should Try Art Fairs
Participating in art fairs might feel intimidating, but they’re an incredible way to grow as an artist. Here are a few reasons why I recommend giving them a try:
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Direct Connection with Buyers – People get to meet you face-to-face, hear your story, and see your work up close. That personal connection makes such a difference.
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Immediate Feedback – You learn quickly which pieces resonate with people. This can be valuable insight for future creations.
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Networking with Fellow Artists – Being around other creatives is inspiring, and you’ll often walk away with new friends, tips, and collaboration ideas.
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Sales Opportunities – Unlike online platforms where buyers might hesitate, art fairs attract people who come ready to purchase.
Tips for Artists Preparing for a Fair
If you’re thinking of applying for a fair like Penrod, here are a few tips from my experience:
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Presentation Matters – Invest time in your booth setup. A cohesive, inviting display helps your art stand out, and draw customers in. Plus, when jurors are selecting artists, it is a requirement to provide a professional booth set up photo on your application. So if you do not currently have a booth photo, stage it in your backyard or a park, that is how I got my initial photo to start applying to shows!
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Offer a Range of Prices – Not everyone is ready to buy a large original, so having prints, smaller works, or cards gives people an accessible way to support you. I offer prints at $30 each, and they fly off the shelves at fairs because most people can afford one! Larger originals sell at a much slower pace, but tend to appeal to serious art collectors.
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Bring Marketing Materials – Business cards, postcards, or even a QR code to your website make it easy for people to stay connected after the event. I even like to set out a sheet of paper for customers to sign up for my newsletter! If someone walks into your booth, they may not buy something that day, but could make a future purchase if they grab your business card.
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Engage with Visitors – Don’t be afraid to greet people and share a little about your process. Even a short conversation can turn a browser into a buyer. Although it may feel awkward, I highly recommend standing at the front of your booth to acknowledge customers and make them feel welcome. Often times, people buy art because they love the artist, and the easiest way to start a conversation is to greet them at the start!
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Take Care of Yourself – It’s a long day, so bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes! Take it from someone who has almost fainted one time! Now, I always make my self take breaks to eat and drink (it can be so easy to forget when there are so many customers!) and one more thing.... SUNSCREEN.
Final Thoughts
Being part of the Penrod Arts Fair was not only rewarding for my sales but also reaffirmed why I love sharing my art. If you’ve been considering applying for an art fair—whether it’s a big event like Penrod or a smaller local show—I say go for it. You never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll learn, or how it might grow your career.
Art fairs are about more than selling; they’re about connection, inspiration, and celebrating creativity together.
If you're new here and want to follow along with me on social media, you can find me at @EmilyWinslowArt, I'd love to connect!