I thought you might like to see my little set up at these holiday art fairs. After two in one weekend, I've sort of got this down to a science now. And I'm really having fun! I love talking to people about my art, and hearing what they have to say about it. (I've even jotted some of the sweeter compliments down in my journal, so that I can go back to them when that niggling starts to tickle at the back of my mind, telling me I'm not good enough.) Mostly people say things like, "You can't help but smile when you see this booth", and "Your art is so happy", and "Oh, fabulous colors!" Makes.Me.Smile.
I have also loved meeting and visiting with other artists. We have so much in common! I know, seems obvious, but still. Sometimes I think I spend so much time in my studio that I get a little tunnel-visioned. It's somehow comforting to know that I'm not the only one who struggles with things like where to find packaging for notecards that won't increase the cost of said notecards by ten-fold, what company offers the most reasonable credit card processing services, how to get the word out about your art. You know how big companies have sales meetings for their sales and marketing people? I think there should be a big Art Meeting for artists on how to run their creative business. We all know how to create our art, but the other part, the business part feels harder, trickier. And I love the idea of artists getting together to collaborate and share. If there is one of these out there, will someone kindly direct me?
I was very happy with the response to my fine art prints. They really did come out beautifully. Managing an art gallery has its benefits. I took my original paintings to a professional archiving service in the same building as the gallery, to have them digitally archived. When I had those in hand (or, more accurately, in-thumb drive) I took them to our fine art printer. They do beautiful work, and we recommend them to all of our gallery artists for fine art prints, giclees, etc. When I picked up my prints, and she showed them to me, I almost started crying. (Such a sap.) They're on a heavy, heavy artist paper that feels like velvet. I bought ready-made mats that are archival, and the prints really look lovely in them. (When I got the first one put together, I ran downstairs with it and said to My Beloved, "Look! I look like a real artist now!" I know. Silly.) One woman who bought my "Breathe" print said that she was going to put it in her "very grey cubicle" at work. Made my heart happy.
This Sunday is the GIVE Handmade sale. It's a big one, and I'm really excited about it! The first 100 people in the door get a box chockfull of goodies from artists (like me) who have donated little treats (like collaged pins from me) to put inside. I feel really fortunate to be a part of this one. Artists are donating a portion of their sales to the Oregon Food Bank, which I love. If you do come, be sure to bring a few canned goods to donate. It'll do your heart good. There's a link on my sidebar where you can get all of the details.
I'll be loading my Etsy shop with goodies very soon for those of you who are not local. It's been on my list for three weeks! (Note to self: Must figure out how to add more hours to the day.) In the meantime, if you haven't already, be sure to sign up for my e-newsletter (there's a little "sign me up!" box in my sidebar). My e-newsletter subscribers will be the first to hear about new goodies in my Etsy shop, upcoming classes and events, AND will get coupon codes to use for savings, savings, savings! And who can't save a few bucks here and there. So, what are you waiting for? Get over there and sign up!
Hope to see you at GIVE Handmade this weekend. If you're at the show, be sure to stop by and say hello. I'd love to see you!
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