Before I'm off and running again, here are a few photos from the Reston show this past weekend. I was busy enough that I didn't get the time to walk the entire show. It appears well-juried, the booth sitters are constantly offering assistance, and the weather held out well. Parking for trailers and larger vehicles was provided in a secure lot a block away from the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), and food provided for breakfast both days. A lunch was also circulated, but it was darn skimpy (see below). The show takes place in an upscale urban environment, the Reston Town Center. Lots of offices, restaurants, and a few shops. Very built-up, and it can be super windy at times. The show will rent you large concrete weights, and many artists take advantage of them. They are large and bulky though, and can be a tripping hazard for unwary patrons.
We saw lots of friends and made a couple new ones, too. Ellen Marshall was just a booth away, with her lovely pastel paintings. Ginny Herzog was our neighbor on the other side, and she had a great show, with long-time collectors coming by to say hello, and bring new pieces home.
Bill Sargent was there. So were other togs, including John Hartung, John Scanlan, Jim Copeland, Doug Remien.
Sales were good for some, and spotty for others. The higher-end contemporary 2-D work seems to do very well here, especially for established artists who work their lists. I was a first-timer, and made a few sales. The show wasn't up to my expectations, though, for either size of the crowd, or the buying energy, which seemed pretty low for such a highly-rated show. I think this is one of those shows that you need to establish yourself for a year or two before the sales pick up. At $500 for a booth, plus another $100 to choose which blocks you'd like to be in, this is a steep learning curve.
Ellen Marshall, relaxing. She takes after Nels that way...
Ginny Herzog (center), with two of the show organizers.
Lunch, such as it was. Everything was miniaturized.
Bill Sargent, up to his neck in Live Alligators.
Can you identify the real John Hartung?
One of the ever-changing displays in the covered Plaza. On Sunday, we had strings and ribbons. Very cool.
John Scanlan with his lovely European work
Scott Wilson, great contemporary paintings. We were neighbors at Coconut Grove this year, but I didn't have a chance to say hi to Scott, as he was busy with customers every time I saw him.
Jim Copeland, from the Atlanta area, another photographer.
Ribbon art in the Plaza. Wassup wit dat?
Sunday afternoon, and everyone is dog-tired, including the many pets in attendance.
The ever-lovin' Karyn Kozo, sherpa and assistant to the stars.
Ibbidity ibbidity ibbidity, that's all, folks!
Comments
Thanks for making me famous!!!
Seriously, good report.
Great pictures and review Jim. It was great having dinner with you and Karen and thanks for the cake!
I had a good show, but not the great show I had last time when I exhibited in 2006. Since then they have increased the number of artists, but not the number of customers. Same size pie, more slices equals smaller slices (much like the sandwich they gave for lunch).