We have done festivals and various types of street shows using a very good Flourish Tent furnished with shelving to display the work. As anyone who has ever done this with ceramic items knows, this is a lot of work. One poster said she was not a spring chicken, neither am I. I am trying to figure out how to go to shows in a less physically demanding way.

What I'm kicking around now is the idea of setting up a nice cargo trailer as a traveling showroom. I'm imagining lining the walls with shelves, a "U" shaped arrangement. Shelves would have sufficient removable guards both side to side and of course on the front edge to keep items from damage/shifting during transport. The items could also be wrapped for additional protection. This is much easier than all the prep and tear-down needed to set up a tent.

The trailer could be painted on the outside with the artist's logo or some other attractive design. The inside could be decorated and lighted. An atmosphere could be created inside that would enhance the artist's work. Additional displays could be set up around the entrance to the rolling showroom to attract attention. I'm picturing the type of trailer that has a drop-down ramp for a door on the backside so there would be an open feeling to the room.

I realize that most current shows are not going to allow someone to pull up a trailer like this next to the other art huts in the show so this would be a new venue, a side of the road, in the park, on private property with owner's permission etc. sort of thing.

I'd like to get some feedback from others here.

Mala

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I've toyed with a similar idea, but was thinking of the trailer with hinged-up doors for shade and having the customers stay outside, freeing more of the interior for storage space.  Obviously this would have to be a custom trailer.

Mala, I just saw something like this.  It was using a used 20 ft. shipping container that was on a trailer base.  The sides lifted up and the back end swung open.  The pics I saw showed it being used as kiosk type shop and also as a bistro/cafe.  Very snappy looking.  I was thinking the same thing, that this would be great for selling your pottery out of.

-chantay

Chantay, that is so neat! Living along the Gulf Coast we are always thinking about hurricanes and this would make it through a storm, an added bonus. I think you can get shipping containers that are smaller too. Another idea that's come up is to use one of those really CUTE little storage sheds that look like little cottages. It would be more inviting than a cargo trailer. Some have porches, which would be great for display. Thanks for this great idea!

Hi Mala, Your idea of a traveling gallery sounds interesting. Can you do an update on you decision. Perhaps your vision will one day create new venue for potters.

Renee Matthews

Since the first posting my thinking is moving in the direction George mentioned, having the display areas on the outside of the trailer with some sort of removable sides to reveal the work. His idea of the hinges on the top would be good for shade too. Perhaps shutters that open would also work. Shelving on the outside would open the display to more people. Everyone walking by could see the wares whereas an inside the box sort of set up would limit viewing to only those who would venture inside. Of course stray pieces could be set up outside to give people an idea of the rest of the collection.

Any such arrangement naturally involves a vehicle with which to tow it, another consideration. I have been deep into another renovation project for over a year now so I have not had the time or money to invest in my traveling display ideas. After we get settled in the new place & the studio is set up I can take another look at this. I look at the cute storage sheds I see from time to time but that's as far as it goes right now.

One artist, who does tile work mentioned the need for some good shock absorbers in any trailer set up. He used a utility trailer that was not fitted with shock absorbers and lost a few pieces due to breakage; that's something else to consider.

Have you come across any new idea? Marla

Hi Marla,

Have you seen a movable lunch truck.  The sides swing up to create a counter for customers to walk up to.  You could do this on one side and the back.  What a cool idea.  Have you seen the air stream pottery gallery?  I think it went to NECCA.

I am looking at buying a new vehicle.  Probably a four cylinder for good gas millage.  After speaking with someone who uses a lot of trailers he said a smaller trailer would be no problem.  It is mostly about the weight.  Good luck with your plans.

C'est une superbe idée !! malheureusement les marchés artisanaux ne le permet pas, mais pourquoi pas un jour lancer l'idée d'un marché de la demande moitié roulottes et moitié tentes solaires.

Les premiers ont eu cette idée, ce sont les marchands de frites en Belgique, par exemple la fameuse baraque à frites des chtis. Avez-vous vu ce film en Amérique? Il est hilarant !!!

 t's a wonderful idea, unfortunately the craft markets don't allow it, but why not one day to float an idea of a presented market half caravans and half solar tents.

The first ones to have had this idea are the traders of french chips in Belgium, example the famous chip shop of the chtis . Did you see this hilarious movies in America?

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