Tag: Federation of Hellenic Societies Art Event

A Successful Art Event

The Greek Artists Guild Art Show/Sale was a success, for me at least. It’s been helpful to break the ice, so to speak, getting my work in front of people. I get a chance to talk to people about my process, get feedback, socialize a little with people I don’t know, and become more experienced at showing my artwork.

Here I am!
Here I am!

Participating in these low-key events is great. There’s no pressure, everyone is relaxed, the artists get a chance to met each other and discuss our work.

Another great thing is that it’s sponsored by the Federation of Hellenic Societies, a community organization in Astoria, New York, so there is no fee to show.

My table at the event with art and jewelry
My table at the event with art and jewelry

I brought plenty of work, too. Whenever I attend these events I never know what to bring as everyone has different tastes. One person may like landscape, another is drawn to still life work. So I bring everything!

Some work I matted, others I left flat. Nothing is framed. If I did that I wouldn’t be able to carry much with me. Like this I manage to fit it all in my portfolio case. Nice and easy.

It’s even more fun if a browser becomes a collector! I’m proud to say I sold a couple of works to some lovely shoppers.

Next post I’ll show you the works I sold and the stories behind them. A lot of fun for sure!

Results of Saying Yes – Another Art Event

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
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.

Yes takes work. Yes takes time. Yes takes energy. Yes causes anxiety.

No does all those same things, but creates other issues that cause much more anxiety. Maybe I’m better off saying Yes first, and think about it later.