Artists Put Best Work Forward at Fiesta

Bright, golden sculptures, abstract paintings dripping with color and thousands of art-lovers filled Pier Plaza and Hermosa Avenue over Labor Day weekend for the biannual Fiesta Hermosa. The citywide arts and crafts fair allows more than 270 local artists to showcase their work for sale. 

Artists who have participated over the years said that the event has increased sales, but setting up shop at the Fiesta comes with a price. Artists, crafters or importers interested in space at the Fiesta Hermosa pay $550 for a booth, plus a non-refundable $25 jury fee.

In comparison, arts and crafts vendors interested in setting up shop at the annual Palos Verdes Street Fair and Music Festival, similar in size to Fiesta Hermosa, pay rates starting at $325 for a booth and reaching as high as $1,900. To rent a vendor booth at the smaller Richmond Street Fair in El Segundo, artists pay $75, along with $25 to $50 for electricity.

While enjoying the Fiesta's artwork and music, Patch talked with some of the weekend's vendors about their craft, and whether or not they got what they paid for: sales.