I had the good fortune to spend a gorgeous Sunday at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. This is my favorite local show. Okay, there were some "sofa art"-type pieces. Fortunately they were sprinkled around. Mostly there was a fun variety of styles, mediums, and price ranges. Pretty much something for everyone.
This show gives away almost $75,ooo.oo in prizes, so a good number of artists apply. This really contributes to the diversity. There is also an emerging artists section, which I think is brilliant. It adds some new blood to the mix and gives a chance to someone who might not otherwise be unable to afford the show. Emerging artists are provided with a tent & $250 stipend. Plus fees are waved. They can not compete for most of the prizes, but they can try for a $1,ooo award. For more details on the emerging artist program, click here.
Acrylic paintings on wood by Suzi ScarboroughThe fair was packed with folks enjoying the beautiful weather, redesigned riverfront and of course the art. I had a fantastic time searching out old favorites & finding new ones. Ended up buying 4 pieces and talked to some fascinating people. This week I will share my favorites (with lots of images & links). Click on any of the art in this post to visit the artists' websites.
I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've ever attended an art show - as a buyer, browser or seller. Please leave a comment or drop me an email (address in my profile). I'll post all contributions on Saturday. Today I'll kick start us with (what should be) a couple of "gimmies":
Sellers, please display your business cards.
Yes, many folks that take 1 will not contact you in the future. But some might.
Or they may pass it on to a friend.
Or they may want to write your booth number on the back so they can find you 2 hours (& maybe 2 beers) later. While your amazing work may stick in that potential customer's mind, your booth location may not.
And if you shared the card in your pocket when I asked, Thank You.
Yes, the artwork is amazing and you may have made a mystical connection. And I am sure that you are fascinating. But please remember the artist is here to make money; he is trying to focus on everything going on in his booth.
On the other hand, please do acknowledge the artist if you want to.
Many people do like feedback on their work. And some even like to chat if their booth is empty.
Underwater photo by my 6 yr old.
No, this was not in the show. Just messing with you.
Maybe you (or your 6 yr old or your blind dog) could have made it ... But you didn't and the artist did. No, this was not in the show. Just messing with you.
And now he needs to sell it! So please move out of the way; there is a potential customer behind you.
Also, didn't your mother ever tell you that If you have nothing nice to say, please say nothing at all? Or at least save it for when you've left the booth.
Yes, this should be obvious. And yes we are all human. Maybe you are hungry, thirsty, hot, hungover, tired, broke, jealous, recently rejected or just want to go home. (1) I am sure you are not the only one. (2) This day isn't about only you so please don't spoil it for others. (3) Lighten up. Leave if you can and if you can't... just be patient - I promise it will be over soon.
I have a few more thoughts on this topic and would love to hear yours. Please send me your art fair do's & dont's and I will happily post them all on Saturday.
Disclaimer: I have never had a booth at an art show. I love to attend them. And to be honest, I enjoy the people-watching almost as much as the art. I do work trade & consumer shows for the day job and see similar faux pas there as well.
These are simply 1 humble gal's observations. Please add your own - educate me.
