As if I didn’t have enough to do, I jumped in on two more shopping events in my area. Why? Well, the opportunity to show my work is one, and the possibility of selling work is the other.
Ok, at one event I sold some knitting, but at the last event I sold a notecard. Yes, one blank, folded notecard with a reproduction of one of my paintings.
With an envelope.
That’s it.
Knitting to have enough items, matting art so it looks nice, forgoing other stuff to be prepared, and I sold a notecard.
Back in the saddle again. Well, sort of, kind of, not in a “new painting” kind of way. To explain, I participated in another Art Show/Sale event in my area. This time it was a two day event, but I could only attend one day because the next one was Father’s Day, and I didn’t want to disappoint The Mr. I decided to say Yes to one day, rather than No to all of it.
At my table in the Federation of Hellenic Societies Art Event
This was a fun event last year and I was happy to be able to attend this time around, even for one day. The organizers are wonderful, as well as the patrons and the fellow artists.
Luckily for me I sold some work again. I brought along some smaller pieces of various Greek scenes which excited one shopper. She bought two of these paintings, one of which you can see propped up nearest myself. While we were talking she remarked that these paintings drew her in and spoke to her. Wow, was my remark!
On the off chance someone would be interested in my jewelry, I set out some bracelets and a couple of them sold as well. Even notecards sold, and I hesitated showing them, too.
The lesson here is When in Doubt, Do. I usually Do Not.
My go-to response had been No, but in the recent past I read the default answer should be Yes, and take it from there. Reluctantly, I said Yes this time.
Yes ends up being the answer when I try to go around it. My nature is to start by saying No. When No no longer works I have to move on to Yes.
The art exhibition and sale I participated in this weekend went very well, to my surprise. I really didn’t know what to expect, how many pieces to show, who might attend, and if prices would be in the range of the possible customers. Any nerves I had at the start left me after I finished setting up my space and mingled with the other artists.
My booth at the Art Event
A large part of the show was meeting different people, looking at artists’ work, finding the direction of their work, a lot of art speak and exchange. Some artists brought work just to exhibit. Others wanted to sell to make room in their studio for more artwork. I did plenty of networking.
One never really knows what kind of art the public might be interested in purchasing. Since this was a show of Greek-American artists hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, in a largely Greek community in Astoria, NY, I thought I might include some Greek inspired watercolor paintings, along with my still-life work of late. A boat and beach scene here, a Greek column there, a monastery work, a portrait of a grandfatherly man, a few breezy paintings.
Sometimes people want to see anything but heritage kind of work. They may want a fresh look at a colorful something else. I displayed a variety of work, and brought along my portfolio too. On the odd chance a viewer might be interested, I brought along some of my jewelry pieces. Just for fun.
There was a variety of mediums displayed, oils, woodcuts, acrylics, photography, and cartoonists. All very interesting work, styles, and personalities.
People wanted to know about my background, my process, the inspiration behind my work, and we enjoyed lively conversations. Another exhibitor came by my station and said “Tell me about all this!”
More about my event excitement tomorrow. Right now I’m tired and I need to paint something new.
