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SALT LAKE CITY -- On the second day of the Utah Arts Festival at Library Square, artists say sales are good. The key to their success was to make sure they brought a variety of items that cover a wide price range. They say festival-goers want to buy but are choosing carefully.
Shoppers came by the thousands, looking for just the right piece at just the right price and finding both. "Some of the things are, you know, are a little bit above our price range, but some are very reasonably priced," said festival visitor Timmye Carter.
The artists know that to make the most of the four-day festival, they have to please the economy buyer. "Because of doing Park City last fall -- I won best in show there -- so I had a lot of people, since I don't do any shipping either, come, waiting for me to be back in Utah, knowing what they wanted to buy. So, yes, I had a great day yesterday," said Seattle-based artist Dehanna Jones.
The artists tell us that this year's crowd is very interested in also meeting the people who make the art. It's that moment when a customer discovers something about the artist that makes his or her artwork even more memorable.
"I think people are more interested in having personal contacts with artist and buying things from people that they know, as compared with just buying imports," said Jim Haas, artist from Moab.
"I'll take that" is a phrase heard more and more at this year's Utah Arts Festival.
"For, I think what people have made and the time and energy they've put in to make the art, I think it's very reasonable. I think they're aware of the tight pockets," said festival visitor Brandy Bishop.
The Utah Arts Festival runs through Sunday, every day from noon to 11 p.m.
