Showing posts with label art show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art show. Show all posts
Aug 6, 2011
Jun 12, 2011
Fun times at the Garden City Festival Fete
We had a damp, rainy day for our Garden City Festival Fete yesterday. Despite the weather, we had great crowds, great entertainment, and overall a great day. The highlights: awesome and thoughtful show organizers, Big Nazo and Ten31, and getting to see friends and family members.
It being my first show of the 2011 season, I did forget a few things... like tablecloths and shopping bags... but I improvised, and despite a few hiccups, it was a success.
Damp, but happy...
(photograph courtesy of Lisa Calabro of Crooked Moon Mosaics)
I'm looking forward to my next show - July 16 at the Providence Open Market - I hope to see you there!
It being my first show of the 2011 season, I did forget a few things... like tablecloths and shopping bags... but I improvised, and despite a few hiccups, it was a success.
Damp, but happy...
(photograph courtesy of Lisa Calabro of Crooked Moon Mosaics)
I'm looking forward to my next show - July 16 at the Providence Open Market - I hope to see you there!
Dec 6, 2010
A Pause
I unexpectedly got the day "off", since the coaster creation process (I need to restock for next weekend's Foundry Show) was delayed until tomorrow. I spent the morning shipping out Etsy orders, writing guest blog posts, and tying up some other loose ends. But the afternoon was all mine. Glorious. I cleaned a bit, wrapped gifts, listened to Christmas music, and made a nice dinner (which I will be enjoying soon).
Change of Season
How is your week going? Do you treasure up the little lulls in this busy holiday season?
Change of Season
How is your week going? Do you treasure up the little lulls in this busy holiday season?
May 21, 2010
A Springtime Ramble
We had a very pleasant walk last weekend with a few family members, including the water-loving Willow.
This weekend is opening day of the Providence Open Market! Very different than a quiet walk in the woods, but just as fun.
This weekend is opening day of the Providence Open Market! Very different than a quiet walk in the woods, but just as fun.
Jan 25, 2010
Good News!
I'm excited to announce that my piece has been accepted for the "Virginia Woolf and the Natural World" exhibition at Georgetown College!
The exhibition will be held in conjunction with the 20th Annual International Conference on Virginia Woolf. The conference itself is June 3-6, and the art exhibition runs from May 13 - June 10. You can learn more here.
Yay!
The exhibition will be held in conjunction with the 20th Annual International Conference on Virginia Woolf. The conference itself is June 3-6, and the art exhibition runs from May 13 - June 10. You can learn more here.
Yay!
Jan 18, 2010
Memories of July
Summer 2009
During the Narragansett Art Festival, the beach was suddenly overcome by fog and haze and these amazing clouds appeared. I briefly abandoned my booth to capture the moment.
During the Narragansett Art Festival, the beach was suddenly overcome by fog and haze and these amazing clouds appeared. I briefly abandoned my booth to capture the moment.
Dec 17, 2009
Aaaaahh - So Long Holiday Art Show Season '09
It's official. I'm finished with art shows for the season, since the Arts in RI holiday show at Waterplace in Providence finished up last night. It's been a wild ride. Of course, Craftland will be open until December 31, but there'll be no more setting up and breaking down of booth displays. No more careful unpacking and repacking. No more wrestling with gridwalls and 6-foot tables...
Waterplace Show
It has been such fun spending time with my fellow artists and getting to meet art lovers from all over Rhode Island and beyond. It was actually a bit of a shock to my system today when I went back to my day job after taking two weeks off to do art shows and fulfill holiday orders. Where did that creative milieu go?? But, I am glad the frenzy is finished. I'm enjoying spending some quiet time recovering. I've been positively channeling The Weepies all day. Just soaking in their soothing melodies and soul-satisfying lyrics.
The song that just won't get out of my head today is "Simple Life". So, I'm going to share it with you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have today!
Waterplace Show
It has been such fun spending time with my fellow artists and getting to meet art lovers from all over Rhode Island and beyond. It was actually a bit of a shock to my system today when I went back to my day job after taking two weeks off to do art shows and fulfill holiday orders. Where did that creative milieu go?? But, I am glad the frenzy is finished. I'm enjoying spending some quiet time recovering. I've been positively channeling The Weepies all day. Just soaking in their soothing melodies and soul-satisfying lyrics.
The song that just won't get out of my head today is "Simple Life". So, I'm going to share it with you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have today!
Dec 15, 2009
Happy Holidays, and a Recap
Happy Holidays! Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa, Christmas, something else entirely, or nothing at all, I wish you joy and peace in this winter season. I hope you're finding (or taking) a few minutes every day to relax and connect with your inner quiet. I think it's something we all need to do more regularly, especially during this busy time of year.
I also promised a recap of the Foundry Holiday Show, so I figured I'd better deliver. I spent Monday and most of this morning recovering... aka cleaning and decorating my house! But now I need to buckle down to business.
Opening night at the show was lovely. I was on duty manning the silent auction. Luckily, my post was right by the table with the wine, fruit, and cookies! So, I was able to enjoy some refreshments, listen to the band, and even dance around a bit. The mood was great - very festive and fun. Both shoppers and sellers looked like they were having a good time.
Overall, I think the show was a success. I don't have final numbers yet, but the first weekend's earnings were about what they were last year - so that's good. I also went through three boxes of business cards! That was pretty unprecedented for me. So I'm hoping that folks will come find me again later in the year, maybe to get something for their own home.
As always, I met some wonderful folks and really enjoyed spending time with my fellow artists. I think I even managed not to spend more than I made! I did come home with some gifts, a gorgeous mobile (one I plan to show you once we put it up), and a beautiful blown glass vase.
Here are some of the folks whose work came home with me:
WB Sculpture
Tanner Glass
LBK Studio
Artgirlz
Hijacked Ceramics
I think you'll enjoy them!
I also promised a recap of the Foundry Holiday Show, so I figured I'd better deliver. I spent Monday and most of this morning recovering... aka cleaning and decorating my house! But now I need to buckle down to business.
Opening night at the show was lovely. I was on duty manning the silent auction. Luckily, my post was right by the table with the wine, fruit, and cookies! So, I was able to enjoy some refreshments, listen to the band, and even dance around a bit. The mood was great - very festive and fun. Both shoppers and sellers looked like they were having a good time.
Overall, I think the show was a success. I don't have final numbers yet, but the first weekend's earnings were about what they were last year - so that's good. I also went through three boxes of business cards! That was pretty unprecedented for me. So I'm hoping that folks will come find me again later in the year, maybe to get something for their own home.
As always, I met some wonderful folks and really enjoyed spending time with my fellow artists. I think I even managed not to spend more than I made! I did come home with some gifts, a gorgeous mobile (one I plan to show you once we put it up), and a beautiful blown glass vase.
Here are some of the folks whose work came home with me:
WB Sculpture
Tanner Glass
LBK Studio
Artgirlz
Hijacked Ceramics
I think you'll enjoy them!
Dec 14, 2009
Arts in RI heads Downcity
Happy Monday everyone! I plan to be back later with a little recap of the Foundry show and such, but first I wanted to tell you about the Arts in RI show happening this Wednesday in Providence! It'll be a great place to get some last-minute gifts without battling the crowds at the Providence Place Mall. Plus we're goofy and fun so at the very least we're sure to entertain!
Here's a map of the location for your reference.
Here's a map of the location for your reference.
Dec 10, 2009
I'm 'Fessing Up.
The dark truth about the state of my house at this time of year...
At least it's.... festive? What can I say, holiday art show preparation lends it's own element to my decor. It could be so much worse. :-)
At least it's.... festive? What can I say, holiday art show preparation lends it's own element to my decor. It could be so much worse. :-)
Dec 9, 2009
Selling at Art Shows - Costs
C. Wade left a comment on my last blog post about the start up costs of an art booth. It's really quite a comprehensive topic and I could spend weeks on it, but I do want to share some basics about what's involved with selling at art shows. Since I purchased my things a while back, and have since made tweaks, I'm not sure I'll be able to give you an exact dollar amount. I can, however, give you some things to think about and some resources where you can learn more.
There are two main categories of costs - your booth setup, which is basically a one-time cost, and your inventory, which hopefully will be a recurring cost as you replace what you sell.
I'll talk about inventory first.
For my inventory I have a range of price points, ranging from cards to framed or mounted prints. To figure out costs I have to include the price of prints, the cost of the matboard, and the cost of frames or mounting. I cut the mats myself, which saves some money but spends a lot of time. If you go this route, the equipment to do this needs to be factored into your one-time costs.
Then there's packaging and labeling. Plastic sleeves for prints or matted prints, padding or boxes for framed pieces, shopping bags, price labels, branding... All of these have costs.
Keep in mind that many if not all of these items - from prints to price labels - are much cheaper per piece if you buy in bulk. So you have to consider that as well. I personally would buy in smaller quantities if you're just starting out. If you aren't sure you will sell 2000 notecards, you may not want to pay for 2000 plastic sleeves to put them in.
(By the way, pricing is a whole different animal and I don't feel comfortable getting into it as there are far too many variables, some personal, some business.)
Onto booth setup costs...
Booths can be fairly simple or very complex. They can cost around $100 but can easily cost thousands. It all depends on what type of shows you're doing and what you think will work best for you.
When I started selling at art shows, I jumped right into outdoor fine art shows. This meant I needed: a tent, walls to display my art, tables, flip bins, tablecloths, tent weights, display baskets, signage, sunblock, a comfortable chair, a cash box, credit card processing, receipts, business cards... I could go on and on. And for each item, there are various options. Not knowing if the art show circuit would work for me, I went with more affordable options. I got an EZ Up tent at a good price, rather than a higher end canopy. I chose to buy one wall's worth (4) gridwall panels (about $30 each or $120 total) from a local business supplier rather than getting what are now my dream walls - Flourish's mesh panels ($640 for three walls). I use a lot of items from home in my booth setup - TV tray tables, camping chairs... Without looking up all of my receipts, I would guess that my booth setup cost me $500-$700, not including inventory.
If you start selling at smaller, indoor art shows, costs drop dramatically. Often you only need a 6-foot table, a nice tablecloth, display bins, lighting, and maybe some easels or shelves to give your booth height and increase your display area. These shows generally have smaller booth fees. Keep in mind, the vibe, clientele, and attendance will be different at these types of shows than at a large fine art show. That said, this might be a good way to test the waters. The holiday shopping season brings many opportunities at this scale.
You can't forget about costs like sales tax permits, credit card processing options, food, etc. Also, almost all shows charge a booth fee - the ones I've done have ranged from $30 to $375, and they go up from there. Also - you have to be able to get your booth to the site and set it up. Does this mean buying a bigger vehicle, or renting a trailer? Can you set it up by yourself or will you need to have an assistant? Will you need to pay your assistant? There can be many "hidden" costs, so be sure to think through everything carefully.
Like I said, I could spend weeks on this topic. However, others have already done so for me! Here are some great resources:
There are many more sites out there, but these were the ones I personally found the most helpful. Good luck!
There are two main categories of costs - your booth setup, which is basically a one-time cost, and your inventory, which hopefully will be a recurring cost as you replace what you sell.
I'll talk about inventory first.
For my inventory I have a range of price points, ranging from cards to framed or mounted prints. To figure out costs I have to include the price of prints, the cost of the matboard, and the cost of frames or mounting. I cut the mats myself, which saves some money but spends a lot of time. If you go this route, the equipment to do this needs to be factored into your one-time costs.
Then there's packaging and labeling. Plastic sleeves for prints or matted prints, padding or boxes for framed pieces, shopping bags, price labels, branding... All of these have costs.
Keep in mind that many if not all of these items - from prints to price labels - are much cheaper per piece if you buy in bulk. So you have to consider that as well. I personally would buy in smaller quantities if you're just starting out. If you aren't sure you will sell 2000 notecards, you may not want to pay for 2000 plastic sleeves to put them in.
(By the way, pricing is a whole different animal and I don't feel comfortable getting into it as there are far too many variables, some personal, some business.)
Onto booth setup costs...
Booths can be fairly simple or very complex. They can cost around $100 but can easily cost thousands. It all depends on what type of shows you're doing and what you think will work best for you.
When I started selling at art shows, I jumped right into outdoor fine art shows. This meant I needed: a tent, walls to display my art, tables, flip bins, tablecloths, tent weights, display baskets, signage, sunblock, a comfortable chair, a cash box, credit card processing, receipts, business cards... I could go on and on. And for each item, there are various options. Not knowing if the art show circuit would work for me, I went with more affordable options. I got an EZ Up tent at a good price, rather than a higher end canopy. I chose to buy one wall's worth (4) gridwall panels (about $30 each or $120 total) from a local business supplier rather than getting what are now my dream walls - Flourish's mesh panels ($640 for three walls). I use a lot of items from home in my booth setup - TV tray tables, camping chairs... Without looking up all of my receipts, I would guess that my booth setup cost me $500-$700, not including inventory.
If you start selling at smaller, indoor art shows, costs drop dramatically. Often you only need a 6-foot table, a nice tablecloth, display bins, lighting, and maybe some easels or shelves to give your booth height and increase your display area. These shows generally have smaller booth fees. Keep in mind, the vibe, clientele, and attendance will be different at these types of shows than at a large fine art show. That said, this might be a good way to test the waters. The holiday shopping season brings many opportunities at this scale.
You can't forget about costs like sales tax permits, credit card processing options, food, etc. Also, almost all shows charge a booth fee - the ones I've done have ranged from $30 to $375, and they go up from there. Also - you have to be able to get your booth to the site and set it up. Does this mean buying a bigger vehicle, or renting a trailer? Can you set it up by yourself or will you need to have an assistant? Will you need to pay your assistant? There can be many "hidden" costs, so be sure to think through everything carefully.
Like I said, I could spend weeks on this topic. However, others have already done so for me! Here are some great resources:
There are many more sites out there, but these were the ones I personally found the most helpful. Good luck!
Dec 5, 2009
Miss Me? I've been Keeping Busy
Hi all! Long time no see, right? I've been keeping myself busy as the Foundry Show and Craftland are now in full swing. I thought I'd pop online and give you a glimpse. Here's my booth at the Foundry Show this year...
(One of my favorite pieces - the small black and white mounted photograph in the middle of the wall there - has been sold. Ah, so bittersweet, seeing it go.)
And something lovely I bought for myself from a fellow Foundry artist... a festive holiday banner. I LOVE it. Right now it's at home in our (under construction) kitchen, but it may move, we shall see.
And now I am off to order up more cards and get some gifts wrapped. Never a dull moment!
Hope you're enjoying December!
YXZDZKWUMTMH
(One of my favorite pieces - the small black and white mounted photograph in the middle of the wall there - has been sold. Ah, so bittersweet, seeing it go.)
And something lovely I bought for myself from a fellow Foundry artist... a festive holiday banner. I LOVE it. Right now it's at home in our (under construction) kitchen, but it may move, we shall see.
And now I am off to order up more cards and get some gifts wrapped. Never a dull moment!
Hope you're enjoying December!
YXZDZKWUMTMH
Nov 25, 2009
Festooning Things with Ribbons, or What I've Been Up To
I'm sure you've noticed my sparser-than-usual blog posts this past week. Tis the season for holiday shows and holiday show preparation, both of which have been keeping me very busy. I have a few moments of respite today, so I thought I'd share some of the things I've been up to since I last posted.
On Friday I dropped my goodies off at Craftland for their holiday shop. I got to peek at some of the pretty things in their year-round store - awesome stuff. They do a really good job of curating a unique and high-quality shop.
Saturday, I was a vendor at a church bazaar organized by some of my best friends. Not my usual venue, but it was a lot of fun to spend time with them and chat. And the booth fee was much cheaper than going out for dinner and drinks!
Orchard Church Bazaar
Sunday we had dinner guests and I took a very welcome break from work!
Since then I've been pretty much full-out on preparations for the Foundry Show. Packaging prints, labeling with prices, deciding on my booth layout... I'm offering something new this year - stationery sets of blank notecards. I love, love, love how the packaging looks. Cute, colorful, with a hint of elegance. The best part - all of those spools of festive fabric ribbon were on sale.
Ribbons!
I'd best get back to it - I've got more packaging to do (it can seem endless at this time of year), a notecard order to place, and calendars to put together. Luckily, most of those tasks go very well with a mug of tea and a good movie.
See you later today for Hump Day Happiness!
On Friday I dropped my goodies off at Craftland for their holiday shop. I got to peek at some of the pretty things in their year-round store - awesome stuff. They do a really good job of curating a unique and high-quality shop.
Saturday, I was a vendor at a church bazaar organized by some of my best friends. Not my usual venue, but it was a lot of fun to spend time with them and chat. And the booth fee was much cheaper than going out for dinner and drinks!
Orchard Church Bazaar
Sunday we had dinner guests and I took a very welcome break from work!
Since then I've been pretty much full-out on preparations for the Foundry Show. Packaging prints, labeling with prices, deciding on my booth layout... I'm offering something new this year - stationery sets of blank notecards. I love, love, love how the packaging looks. Cute, colorful, with a hint of elegance. The best part - all of those spools of festive fabric ribbon were on sale.
Ribbons!
I'd best get back to it - I've got more packaging to do (it can seem endless at this time of year), a notecard order to place, and calendars to put together. Luckily, most of those tasks go very well with a mug of tea and a good movie.
See you later today for Hump Day Happiness!
Nov 16, 2009
Gettin' Things Done
Happy Monday! I've been busy today. My office is now nice and neat, and I've made myself a little working corner to package prints for my upcoming art shows. Wheee! While I work I'm listening to this peppy playlist.
What shows are on the docket? Well, the two biggies are The Foundry Artists Association Holiday Show and Craftland. As both will require a lot of work, I'm going to make the most of my current high energy level and get some stuff done! Hope you're having a wonderful day!
What shows are on the docket? Well, the two biggies are The Foundry Artists Association Holiday Show and Craftland. As both will require a lot of work, I'm going to make the most of my current high energy level and get some stuff done! Hope you're having a wonderful day!
Oct 9, 2009
Weekend Time!
Ahhh, the weekend - so chock full of goodness this week! Here's what's on my docket:
Saturday:
Sunday: An Arts in RI yART Sale!
And on Monday, I'll take a break and visit my fellow hardworking artists at...
What are you up to?
Saturday:
Sunday: An Arts in RI yART Sale!
And on Monday, I'll take a break and visit my fellow hardworking artists at...
What are you up to?
Jul 30, 2009
Save the Bay - Free & Open to the Public
Want to enjoy some cool bay breezes on a hot summer evening, sipping wine and nibbling cheese while enjoying some of Rhode Island's best ocean-inspired artwork? For free?
Well, Save the Bay is hosting a mid-way viewing of the annual Artists for Save the Bay exhibit and you should head to Providence and check it out. Artists from throughout the state (myself included) have work on display for you to enjoy. A portion of the proceeds any sales goes to support Save the Bay and the great work they do protecting, enhancing, and restoring Narragansett Bay. (So going not only ensures a good time, but also good karma.) You can get a preview here.
Here are the details:
Extended Gallery Hours Thursday, August 6th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. There will be wet paint, wine and cheese, and a few new pieces. The event is open to the public at no charge to attendees. The show ends August 28th.
Save the Bay
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, Rhode Island 02905
(map)
Well, Save the Bay is hosting a mid-way viewing of the annual Artists for Save the Bay exhibit and you should head to Providence and check it out. Artists from throughout the state (myself included) have work on display for you to enjoy. A portion of the proceeds any sales goes to support Save the Bay and the great work they do protecting, enhancing, and restoring Narragansett Bay. (So going not only ensures a good time, but also good karma.) You can get a preview here.
Here are the details:
Extended Gallery Hours Thursday, August 6th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. There will be wet paint, wine and cheese, and a few new pieces. The event is open to the public at no charge to attendees. The show ends August 28th.
Save the Bay
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, Rhode Island 02905
(map)
Jul 1, 2009
Back to Business
Hello all - my apologies for taking a few extra days of hiatus. Sometimes you just need that time, you know? Here's what I've been up to since returning from the funeral services last week...
The Narragansett Art Festival was this weekend - we luckily had fantastic weather. It was a bit slow, but nice to sit and relax. My neighbor won Best in Show and I couldn't be more thrilled for him. I wish I had grabbed one of his cards so I could share a website with you! If I can find some information I will let you know.
My booth...
So far this week I have worked the day job, started preparing for my upcoming trip to Montana, and broken down/set up some displays at local libraries for the Arts in RI team. (They look good, if I do say so myself). I also ran down to the recently renovated Warwick Museum of Art to enter their "Exposures" photography competition - wish me luck! The show will run July 7-August 1, 2009 if you're interested in checking it out.
So, that's what's been going on with me! How have things been going in your life? Any special news to share?
The Narragansett Art Festival was this weekend - we luckily had fantastic weather. It was a bit slow, but nice to sit and relax. My neighbor won Best in Show and I couldn't be more thrilled for him. I wish I had grabbed one of his cards so I could share a website with you! If I can find some information I will let you know.
My booth...
So far this week I have worked the day job, started preparing for my upcoming trip to Montana, and broken down/set up some displays at local libraries for the Arts in RI team. (They look good, if I do say so myself). I also ran down to the recently renovated Warwick Museum of Art to enter their "Exposures" photography competition - wish me luck! The show will run July 7-August 1, 2009 if you're interested in checking it out.
So, that's what's been going on with me! How have things been going in your life? Any special news to share?
Jun 5, 2009
Ready for the Weekend
Ahhh - packed up for the show, with a few hours left of Friday to enjoy. What a wild ride this week has been. I'm looking forward to Sunday and getting to relax, just me and the hubby. I'm excited for the Providence Open Market tomorrow, but showcasing my wares to a bunch of (albeit very nice) strangers is exhausting as well as fun. I'm an introvert to the core.
Speaking of tomorrow... here's a glimpse of my fellow Arts in RI peeps who will be there with me!
Suzanne of Tanner Glass
and
Kristin of kristin crane
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll see you Monday!
Speaking of tomorrow... here's a glimpse of my fellow Arts in RI peeps who will be there with me!
Suzanne of Tanner Glass
and
Kristin of kristin crane
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll see you Monday!
May 23, 2009
Today at the Providence Open Market
Hi all! How's the long weekend going? I spent most of my day at the Providence Open Market, hawking my wares. As always, I met some great people, like the folks from Tina's Jamaican Carribean Restaurant. (I "met" their jerk chicken too - yum!) I was also lucky enough to be across the way from fellow Arts in RI teammate Suzanne Tanner of Tanner Glass - had a great time chatting and it was nice to have someone right there who could keep an eye on the booth while I ran to get a coffee or something.
It was a decent crowd, lots of adorable kids and friendly dogs. After a very wet setup we ended up with a gorgeous day - sunny and high 60s/low 70s. Ahhhh. Of course my feet never did dry out, but oh well. I brought my huge mounted print of "Specimen 652" - he got a lot of attention. All and all, it was a pretty fun day.
It was a decent crowd, lots of adorable kids and friendly dogs. After a very wet setup we ended up with a gorgeous day - sunny and high 60s/low 70s. Ahhhh. Of course my feet never did dry out, but oh well. I brought my huge mounted print of "Specimen 652" - he got a lot of attention. All and all, it was a pretty fun day.
Apr 3, 2009
Spring is in the AIR!
Hey all - looking for something to do this weekend? Don't forget, Arts in RI is holding its "Spring is in the AIR" show this Saturday at West Side Arts Gallery in Providence! This is such a talented group of artists, well worth checking out!
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