Yea, Peddler’s Village Fine Art and Contemporary Craft Show was hot, not because of a large crowd, but because the temperatures reached mid 90′s both days. Luckily my new space had a nearby shade tree and a nice breeze at times, but otherwise it was a physical challenge. Even with constant water and/or Gatorade, breakdown Sunday evening was a drain. At 8:20 as I drove out of Peddler’s Village, it was still in the low 90′s.
Enough complaining. I did add some new folks to my collector’s list and had a purchase from devoted customers from New Jersey. Thanks to all who came out in the heat and supported me. Plus I was awarded an Honorable Mention this year in the Photography category. The monetary award almost covers the show fee.
It is of course important for me to have people purchase my work (I’m always grateful). Art is a business but being an artist is more than that. Being an artist is an identity and a way of life. Part of that life includes meeting new people, which is something I enjoy. I would like to begin to talk more about these people who purchase my work.
This past weekend I sold pieces to some wonderful folks. The couple from NJ I mentioned have come to Peddler’s Village for years and have acquired a number of my pieces for themselves and as gifts. It is always a pleasure to see them and they are always upbeat and engaging. I also met a woman who graduated from my high school who purchased a couple pieces, one for herself and another as a gift.
I benefit from people sharing their own insights and helpful information. A teacher who I’ve had several sales to came by and after finding one of my hummingbird images, suggested I read Emily Dickinson’s poem 1463. I had a nice conversation with two young ladies that purchased Wall Flowers (below). They told me a secret I can use when visiting Washington DC during cherry blossum time.
Shows are a business, but when things get slow, I can benefit from more conversation than I typically could.
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Congratulations on the Honorable Mention. I agree that peoples’ words can be just as valuable as their money. I learn a lot about the local buyers’ attitudes that way & ultimately I CAN take that to the bank.
As a deep-Southerner, I can sympathize about the heat. Unless it’s indoors (& air conditioned,) I just don’t DO shows or markets from June ’til about September. Turns out I have a tendency to faint in the heat (I never knew that when I lived in Canada…Go figure.) Ultimately NO one could pay me enough to spend 8 hours out in 120F temps (factoring in the 98% humidity,) even IF I weren’t a fainter!
Typically my biggest concern with outdoor shows is rain and wind. However, heat is a show-wrecker. I’m pretty used to the heat and actually have increased the number of outdoor shows I do. Nothing beats a nice weather outdoor show. That said, I still prefer indoor shows for peace of mind.
When I lived in California, we used to always joke that our town’s annual art fair was scheduled for the first heat wave of the year. It never failed! This one of the reasons I know that doing art fairs is not for me. I’m a Buffalo boy, and while I can deal with cold and snow, heat makes me melt!