Hi all!
I am trying to find my way around this site--it has lots of places that can be very interesting, and therefore, distracting! Kinda like a maze, but a good one!
My husband is a "master potter" who has been throwing pots for over 42 years. Although he did learn a lot getting his M.A. in college, most of what he now creates he has "discovered" on his own. I'm not the least bit artistic, but I've learned a lot from being married to an artist for 42 years. We've been doing art shows since the mid 70's--he does the art, I do the scheduling and other paperwork and help out at the shows. I have also taken over mixing his glazes as it's one of the few things I CAN do in his studio--I don't touch wet clay!!-- and since we've come into the "new tech" world filled with computers, I also control our now-computerized kilns.
When he did his pottery "full time", we did 25-30 shows every summer (May-Sept), staying in Michigan for them as we had 2 small kids and I had a full time job, so we couldn't go too far away. Things were a little easier once he got a full time job teaching art--but he never gave up his pottery. While teaching, we just did a couple shows in the summers as he didn't have much time to spend in the studio. Now that we're both "retired"--he's back to potting full time and I'm back at my end of it, not exactly how I imagined retirement, but clay is his passion--in fact, I think it runs in his veins! He couldn't NOT do it. Production potters can be very productive, Sooo...we're back on the art show circuit. He really wants to do some out-of-state shows, but I'm dragging my feet. (And since I'm the one who does the applications, I've been pretty good at keeping him "local"!) Shows aren't what they used to be and expenses are a lot higher than they used to be--I'm sure that's no news to anyone on this site! But we're also a lot older than we used to be and, for those who don't know, POTS ARE HEAVY! (Sam loves to throw BIG pieces.) I want to do "easy, close to home" shows, sell enough to give him room in the studio for the new stuff he's doing, and make enough to pay expenses and have some fun.
Which brings me to this coming weekend....The Kalamazoo Garage Sale. I'm so excited to be in this show this year. We have a lot of "old items" that need to be "moved" so he can have a fresh look to the booth this summer. But after seeing all the artists that will be there, I'm not so sure we'll be coming back with an empty truck!!! 8)
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Had a FABULOUS time at the Kalamazoo Artists Garage Sale!! Met many artists & wonderful people. It was the most "relaxed" show I've been to in YEARS. We sold well, and bought well! 8) Loved being able to buy art work from others at bargain prices. Came home with 8 new pieces from 5 new "friends". (I'm already planning on next years show so I hope we make the jurying again.) It's such a nice break in the winter to do a fun, stress free, "no date conflicts" show--and clear out some over-stock at the same time.
Hello Barb and welcome. You will love the Garage art sale. You will be surprised at how well you do. I am missing it this weekend. I went last year and that place is hopping with all kinds of activity. Let us know how things went for you there.
Welcome Barb! This site is loaded with info from other members about all aspect of doing art festivals. I know what you mean about heavy pots. I make glass which is also very heavy. Thats why we don't have to go to the gym, right? Good luck with emtying your truck at the garage sale!
Welcome, Barb. We're so glad you have joined us. I did your "job" when we were doing the shows and it seemed that the people who had that extra person dedicated to the business aspects surely had an advantage. I've always felt that potters were selling their art "by the pound". You'll have to say this though, hauling it around and putting it up on shelves every weekend and loading the van can keep you strong! You have to be healthy to be in the business and there is nothing wrong with that, especially as we get older. Go out, lift and haul and get your weekly workout!
I'll be at the Garage Sale this weekend and look forward to meeting you.
Hi Barb and welcome to AFI! I know what you mean about this site having all these interesting places... when I first found the site I couldn't get away, I just had to keep exploring, it was so addictive with all the great information!!!
Sounds like you are a great help to 'your' artist and I'm sure he couldn't do it without you! Good luck this weekend!!!