Looking for an art gallery location in South FL

[JudiPatooti]

For what it's worth, I'm simply an observer of people, places and things and an art lover, not a seller, but I'll put my two cents worth in here, anyway. After 10 years of living here in NAPLES (some part-time) I'd say that if you consider our town seriously for your gallery and would like a year round business you'd better check out what seasonal means for Naples. The area has been emptying out for over a month already (but Easter visitors are here now) and once Easter is over the rest will make a mass exodus out of town and head home to the North. Try GHOST TOWN until after Thanksgiving when a handful of people will come drifting back (somewhat heavier during Christmas week). The rest won't be really back until sometime after Christmas and the really heavy "season" is during Feburary and March. Every thing I was involved with (classes, etc.) has less than half of the population in it now, the others have left for the North.

During those heaviest times here, Christmas/New Years vacationers, Feb/March snowbirds and tourists, and Easter vacationers is just when you'll have the traveling art shows, along with the other (approx. 50?) galleries for competition.

I'm not saying not to come. Many galleries have been here for a long time so, they must do okay. But, do make sure it's for you first, and do be CAREFUL of your location!!!! Location is KEY! Best of luck to you in your decision.

[mhinz]

I just read the treads on the start up art Gallery in Naples question. I am also an artist considering the same thing in Naples but am in the formative stages trying to collect marketing data for best location. The last thread was very, very helpful. Thank you kindly!

I love West Floirda (Sarasota, Naples) - considered St. Armand's but thought it was too pricey. When I did an art show in Sarasota my sales were horrible though; inversely sales hit the roof in Estero. I know that's a hit/miss study so it's been difficult for me to gage if it was just the art show or my products!

I also need to be within 50 minutes of an airport for husband's job. The demographics for my artwork is between 35-70; transitional to contemporary style paintings and price points between $20-$2500 - affordable artwork for the home - nothing edgy - I have work licensed to large retail stores.

Wasn't too crazy about Venice as it looked kind of warn down and business looked sparce when I was there over the Christmas holiday; I was surprised. Feedback is welcome....also is there someone I could contact in Florida to find out the best place for a home decor art gallery/studio/workshop business? A marketing company perhaps? Never done retail before and want to be sure I get the location right.