If I only knew then what I know now.  New to the art fair biz, this is truly turning out to be a learning season for me.  I live in the sprawling suburbs of Houston,Texas and I show my work at various arts markets around the city.  I recently signed up "site unseen" to show at the City Centre Sunday Market.  It's pretty close to the area I live in which is always a plus.  With positive remarks from other artists and also knowing that City Centre is a very popular area with dining and shopping galore, I jumped feet first...into wild, uninhibited chaos!

The market takes place on Sundays from 4 to 7 pm and within a central plaza, a beautiful green space...filled with running, yelling, screaming, wrestling, soccer-playing, football-tossing kids and most of the parents are nowhere in sight!  I'm sure they were seated on one of the many restaurant patios surrounding the area but the kids had been let loose! The artists and vendors actually set up in the midst of this pandemonium!  I thought for sure one of those tykes would be smashed under my tent and/or some other equipment during my set up and I would find the little carcass after I broke down at 7pm and the parents would still be nowhere in sight. 

I'm sure many of you have had to set up on far more "unusual" conditions but this was a first for me.  I've only participated in markets that have a dedicated location where the vendors come in, set up, and then the market opens.  That was my limited view of art fairs and markets.  I was somewhat shell-shocked throughout my set up and by the end of the day, I wondered if I could get my fee that I paid for the season back!

Well, fortunately, I'm actually a glass-half-full person.  As the shock wore off and I was driving home, I began to mull over how I could turn this circumstance into a workable way to show my art given all the factors.  My artwork is primarily abstract in nature, making use of texture and bold colors.  I had visits throughout the 3-hour show from children ranging from 5 to 17 years of age.  They liked my artwork and the visits spurred interesting opportunities to talk about abstract art with young open minds.  Many of the smaller children wanted to touch the work but understood that it was a "no-no".  I truly enjoy children and where there are children there are parents (somewhere) who might become customers.  I've decided to scale down my display and to create a few art pieces that are touchable.  I work with mixed media/acrylics and the surfaces can stand up to touch if prepared properly.  If my visitors are to be primarily children, it seems logical cater to their needs and see what happens!

Wish me luck, I'm heading back into the joyful chaos with this new game plan.  I welcome and seek any suggestions or pieces of wisdom from the art fair veterans!

Artfully yours,

VLM

Vivian Leflore Mora

VivianMoraArt.com

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  • Wow, you  have a wonderful attitude.  I think it is important to get kids involved and interested in art and we know the schools aren't doing anything to help that.   I have a friend who paints things that attract children into her booth and it is wonderful to see the parents buying art for their kids.  

    The more I hear about Houston, the more I am convinced it is a totally different town compared to when I lived there 20 years ago.  It sounds way better!!

    • I've been in Houston for 14 years now and love it!  I was familiar with Houston 20+ years ago and it is vastly different.  You should visit again!

      • I really should.  I remember telling people my favorite view of Houston was through the rear-view mirror.  I miss the old Westheimer Art Festivals and what the International Festival used to be.  I have so much art and jewelry from all those shows.  I'll make it to one of the Bayou City festivals yet.

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