A Good Time Was Had By All

 I will be at the ArtSpace Gallery here in Angel Fire tomorrow, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  I will be taking care of the gallery for Katherine McDermott.  I will be painting with pastels.  Stop in and visit if you have time.  There are paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more for you to peruse.  You can start your art collection or add to the one you have.  Hope to see you there.

It was a good Labor Day weekend. Arts About Town, sponsored by the Moreno Valley Arts Council, was fun. Outdoor shows are difficult and not something I usually do. The artists were able to set up under the roof on the porch of the Centro Plaza. I had my small paintings,  Jo's Notions and three other paintings with me.  I put the small ones on a table. I put the two large ones on my metal easel.  We used the table from the deck here and my folding table I use for my computer when we travel. I cannot believe that I did not take one photo, what was I thinking? Maybe someone will post some and I can make a link.

It was beautiful weather which added to the enjoyment for the day.  I was able to meet many of the artists, buy some stocking stuffers and have fun talking with the art enthusiasts.  I sold a painting and some of my tiles.  Not bad.  I did notice that small items and useful items were selling the best.

I really admire the folks that do the outdoor show circuits on a regular basis. Weather can sometimes put a damper on shows and exhibits.   Some of the things you have to do:

• Blog, sent a newsletter and advertise as much as you can before the event.  Most local papers will put in a story and photo if you provide it -- at no charge.  (If you don't have a mailing list, get started.  Friends and relatives are a starting point.)
• Have your artwork priced and ready to hang or set up.
• Signs, brochures and business cards.
• Have your display racks, tables, tent and equipment ready, including table cloths, rugs or whatever you can do to have your space clean and stand out.  I put out candy because I lacked some of this equipment.
• Sales receipts, tax number, credit card machine or phone service.
• Wrapping paper and bags 
• Tool kit, with extra tape, clamps, pens.
• Guest book to have folks sign up for your newsletter and blog.
• Water, snacks, maybe sunscreen if you are not in the shade like we were.
• Chair
• I had my pastels and easel to paint.  People like to see how I work and it gives me something to do at slow times.
• Have friendly welcoming attitude, introduce yourself and start a conversation.  Ask where they are from or something to get them talking.  Let them look but be close by to answer questions. 
• Be on time and get your booth ready.  Stay until the show is over.  (Even though I didn't have much, it took almost an hour to set up and an hour to take down.)
• If you are as lucky as me, you have a spouse to help you with all the work before and after.  Thanks, Gene!

Art is really a luxury in times like this where everyone is wondering what will happen in this economy.  It is a great time to put in that quality practice time, try new techniques or media.  It is also good to produce work and be sure it is the best you do and use the best equipment you can afford.  You can also update your bio, website and work on new marketing ideas.  Just have fun and paint!

This is the pastel, 8 x 10 inches that I worked on at the event.  I painted the ski runs across the road from us.  It is not finished but does represent the view.

My niece and her friend came up from Albuquerque on Friday.  We did get in some sightseeing and they helped with taking down my booth.  Thanks Mary and Ruth.