Listen to Michelle O'Neill's feature, "Goodbye, Beyond Van Gogh Quad Cities," by clicking the blue button above. The exhibit at Davenport's River Center was a resounding success aesthetically and financially.
Executive Director, Lance Sadlek, says Paquin Entertainment paid the venue a flat rental fee for the space, and the company was happy with attendance. The River Center, which is owned by the City of Davenport, also did not receive a percentage of ticket sales. But he's more than satisfied because people came.
Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for children, plus significant fees. But Sadlek says patrons told him repeatedly that it was worth the money. And it was good for the Quad Cities economy.
Patrons took lots of selfies with larger than life sunflowers at the entrance of the show. And they helped advertise it by sharing photos and videos online.
The exhibit's producers used digital projection, animation, music, and virtual reality to attract people of all ages. And Sadlek says people are willing to pay to experience the marriage of art and new technology.
