Artist Setup
Whether it's your first time at an Art Walk or you're a seasoned artist, creating a booth that showcases your work is key to a successful day. Here are some materials and tips to help you get set up at the Leduc Art Walk:
Essential Booth Materials:
Pop-up Canopy Tent: A 10x10 tent provides shade and protection for both you and your artwork. Just make sure it’s sturdy, and don’t forget to weigh it down! If you’re using a tent, it must be secured with at least 20 lbs of weight on each leg, but more is always better. If you're crafty, you can DIY your own weights with sandbags or rocks.
Gridwall Display: This modular system is popular for displaying art. It offers flexibility but can be bulky, so make sure you have enough transport space — they can be heavy, so you might need a buddy to help out.
Signage: A sign with your name and contact details (website, social media) is essential. This can range from professionally printed signs to handmade ones, as long as it is clear and visible.
Table and Chair: You’ll need a surface for your materials and a seat for yourself.
Flooring: Standing on pavement all day isn’t fun. A mat or rug can make your space more comfortable for both you and your guests.
Payment Options: Thinking of taking card payments? Square Readers are the way to go! It’s easy to set up and lets you take credit cards with your phone. If you’re accepting cash, keep a little float handy and store it safely on your person. Banks and ATMs are on-site if needed.
Business Cards & Promo Materials: Have some business cards, brochures, or an email sign-up sheet. Many visitors make their purchases after the event, so it’s smart to leave them with a way to reach you.
Easels: If you plan to display work on easels, make sure they’re weighed down (just like your tent). We don’t want any flying paintings!
David Luhoway, 2017/2018/2019 artisan
Brandy Balasz, artist, 2018
Handy Extras:
Zip ties (you’ll thank us later)
Scissors, duct tape, pens, and markers
Cling wrap for protection against sudden rain
Paper towels, a spray bottle for cleaning
Snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer
Battery packs for your device if you’re processing transactions
Jani Galarneau, 2017/2018/2019 artist
Grey Ghost Nature Photography, 2017/2018/2019 artists
And remember—at the end of the day, it’s your art that matters most.
Bring your best pieces, and they’ll do the talking!
Artist Etiquette
Setting up your booth is just the first step. Here’s how you can enhance your experience and make the most of the event:
Check-In and Setup: Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to set up. Even though the event officially starts at 11:00 a.m., patrons often begin to arrive as early as 10:00.
Meet Your Neighbours: The Art Walk is a great place to make connections. Get to know the other artists around you—you never know what kind of cool collaborations could come from it!
Practice Your Pitch: Be prepared to talk about your work. Engaging with visitors can help build a connection with potential buyers. The more you talk about your art, the more comfortable you'll become.
Art in Action: If possible, create art live in your booth. It’s a fun way to engage people and get them talking. If your medium isn’t suitable for demos, no worries—just being there and interacting is what counts.
Make it clear that you’re demonstrating your process, not just killing time in your tent!
Stick Around: The event runs until 6:00 p.m., so try not to pack up early. We want visitors who come late to still enjoy a full experience!
Photo Policy: Pictures of you and your work might be taken for promotion during or after the event. If you prefer that people don’t take close-up shots of your art, feel free to put up a polite sign to let them know.
Foreground: Bruce Whaley, 2017/2018/2019 artist. Background: Barry Kostiuk, 2017/2018/2019 artist
Artist Promotion
Let’s make this event a success! While we promote the Art Walk, a little help from you can make all the difference. Here’s how you can join in:
Facebook: Mark yourself as “Going” to our Facebook event page, and invite your friends. Share it on your personal profile or your artist page to spread the word.
Instagram: Follow us at @leducartsfoundry and use #leducartwalk2024 to create some buzz. Tag us in your posts and stories so we can share them, too!
Social Media Tips: Need help with Instagram? Check out this great article we found to step up your social media game.
By working together and promoting the event, we’ll make sure it’s a fun, successful day for everyone!
