Monday, October 19, 2009

my first "art show"

Last November I was invited to take part in a holiday bazaar at a local, independently-owned coffee shop, selling at an indoor Christmas farmers' market. Up until that point I had only sold my jewelry and artwork online and by consignment at an area boutique/gallery, so the idea of selling in-person was at once exciting... and a little frightening. Looking back on it, my set-up wasn't all that great and I didn't have nearly the stock that I do now. Still, I gave it a shot and was glad that I did. I loved receiving feedback from shoppers, seeing the expressions on their faces when they found the perfect pair of earrings for a gift, and discussing a custom order with another. I even learned a bit about avocados from one buyer!
My next step was to sell at the artist and artisan days the following summer at the same local farmers' market; the price was right and it is a well-known venue in the area. I definitely learned what to do/not to do and I'm working on making the necessary "improvements" like purchasing side walls for my tent and accepting credit card purchases. Likewise, I learned the obvious truth that selling during citywide festivals is a lot more lucrative than on "ordinary" Saturday mornings and I intend to adjust my schedule accordingly next year.
What's next? An actual "art show" - not a market or fair or bazaar. I think that the atmosphere will be different and I'm not quite sure what to expect, which again makes it exciting and frightening, LOL. I'll kind of miss the Italian ice guy, the jelly seller with the incredible pomegranate jelly, and the fragrance of the fresh herbs a few booths away. However, I absolutely look forward to reaching a new group of people, even if they're only lookers (well of course buyers would be better but I'm interested in hearing comments in an "art show atmosphere"). The show is less than a month away (November 14th) and there is much to do, but I'm feeling up to the task and I'm ready to inch a bit further outside of the box.

9 comments:

tattytiara said...

Oooooooooh pretty blog!

Yeah, it is a whole new amazing dimension when you get to see people interact with and react to your work personally. Art shows do have a whole other feel to them than craft shows, people explore the work on a whole different level. You'll have lots of fun, and I'm sure you'll do great.

Lonesome Road Studio said...

Thanks for the encouraging words!!

goodkarma said...

we went to an art festival last month (as visitors, not vendors). and the feel is so much different than a craft fair or market.

to me, it felt more like an exhibit - where people came to look at all the high-priced arts, but didn't buy. the exception being the jewelry makers (and a few other folks that had some lower-priced pieces). i think that folks just aren't able to spend a ton of money right now, but still like to walk away with something fabulous. and i think your stuff is perfect for that.

i can't wait to see how it goes for you!

Doris Sturm said...

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do well...maybe you can talk to Samantha of SamanthasArtStudio because she's been doing a lot of art shows lately - my gosh, pretty soon she'll be in a commercial on TV - if you look at her last comment on her blog, her posters were already on TV (more or less)...whatever you do, be sure and have fun!

Kind Regards,
Doris

p.s. if you still want to submit a photo or two of your pets in costume - be it just a hat or a special collar - my Pet Costume Contest is open till Wed. 10/21 at midnight. So far I have 11 contestants! All very cute ;-)

BeckyKay said...

Oh, I know you'll do well, Angie! Your work is amazing!

Sarah Knight said...

good luck!
: )

Samantha G said...

Oh good luck to you! I think that feeling of "Looking back, my display wasn't exactly ideal" is the same thing everyone thinks after doing their first show(s)! I'm still improving my display, it's so much money to invest. Luckily at this time of year, and after reported record lows at a lot of art shows, you may be able to find some used stuff that people are selling who are retiring or getting out of the outdoor show business. Check craigslist etc. Good luck!

Lonesome Road Studio said...

Thanks everybody! Yep, Samantha, I get a lot of pieces from Goodwill, LOL. I'm glad to hear that you're doing so well with your art, Samantha, I'm going to check out your blog...

Nishant said...

the feel is so much different than a craft fair or market.

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