What I Know Now About Art Festivals

This past weekend I was in an art festival, The Queeny Art Fair.  It's run twice each year by the local art organization, Greater St. Louis Artists Association.  I'm a juried member.  This was my fifth art fair and I'm learning a lot.  This time I was able to borrow a professional booth from my artist friend Jean McMullen. Thanks, Jean!

I think this made a huge difference in presenting my work to the public.  I did learn, however, to make better tags next time.  I printed short blurbs about each piece (with the price) and taped it to the panel.  The tape didn't stick very well, so I spent a lot of time putting them back up.  Next time I'll attach the tags with velcro (duh).  I loved this set up and wouldn't change a thing.

Talking to clients - I'm learning about that, too.  I feel much more comfortable selling myself and my work, now.  However, there were a few times I think I could have closed the deal, but I let the client walk away.

Talking to the juror - The juror was very nice and professional.  She only spent a few moments in my booth and asked me to describe my work (in a sentence or two).  Next time I'll have my "elevator speech" ready!  I don't think I did a terrible job but I can do much better and it may make the difference in winning an award (I didn't).

I'm looking forward to the next art festival!  What have you learned?

Try Having An Art Show At Home

I have an artist friend who I see a couple of times each year.  We taught at the same elementary school - I'm a retired teacher - and now we're friends in this new way.  She's a jewelery and fiber artist and she excels at both mediums.  We both juried into the The Best Of Missouri Hands, a non profit artists' organization promoting excellence in the arts.  We attended a conference together which was fun.  She has several small boutiques each year in her home and invites her artist friends to sell their work.  It's low-key and I've met some wonderful people.

Here are photos of her jewelry displays, plus fiber art on the wall.  She's been creating jewelry for quite awhile and has built a large following.

She does Nuno felting and makes scarves and wraps.  Her love of this medium has recently led her to try some wall art. We talk about our art techniques and the business side of selling art.  I've learned a lot & I hope she has learned a few things from me, too.

Here's my set up at her house.  I pulled a few original paintings as well as some prints and cards from the galleries I'm in.  Don't you think having an art show in a home is a great idea?    

Three Ways To Feel Successful At An Art Show

I participated in my third show last weekend.  It was two days of being on an emotional roller coaster!  Looking back though, I think there were several things that made it a success.

A lot of people came into my booth.  I ran out of promotional cards about my house portraits!  I talked to so many folks about my art and that felt great.  Hopefully down the road, some of those people will remember my work and commission or buy a painting.

I met a lot of wonderful artists who gave me terrific tips on selling and booth display.  They were encouraging and helpful.  It felt wonderful to be part of that community.  Many of those artists belong to the same local art organization and were glad to see me participating.

I made some money.  Not a lot, but I made my booth fee and more.  I'll definitely try it again, for the exposure, the comaraderie and sales.