We will be trying to get into some of the more prestigious shows like La Quinta, Bayou City and Fort Worth. Are the show promoters accommodating to artists who have to bring their families with them? Are there other artist-families out there who are likely to do these shows that we can connect with?
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Clive
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It's so great to hear all the stories about doing the art shows with children. I feel very fortunate.
I photographed the booth on the lawn today; first spring show application deadline is Thursday. Let the mystery unfold.
Thanks
Clive
Art show kids know where the families money is made and all the work it takes to create it. Allie had many money making opportunities, for shows that were not bothered by it she sold her own watercolors, tiny kites that really could fly, Halloween fimo jewelry. She booth sat, worked at food stands and also entertained and babysat other artist little ones. Over the years she had "artshow" friends and looked forward until the next show when they would be together again. Allie was not home schooled, but went to a Montessori school where they believed much learning is absorbed outside the school walls, so it was never a hassle to take her out for a week or 2 at a time. Never did we think about giving up our work and life as "art fair artist".There are still shows where past customers will stop and ask how our daughter is and how they remember her in a playpen behind the booth! (Louisville, St James CT)
So Clive, pack up the family and enjoy a artist life on the road!
Moral: don't leave the kids at home!
I am another one that brings their kid to shows. I have a 10 year old daughter(who is also homeschooled). She is pretty mature for her age and is a big help to me in setting up my booth. She knows how I like to present my greeting cards etc. so I give her that job. She also helps me wrap customer items. She goes gets food for us. I also pay her according to how long the show is. I also tell her if we sell "x" amount of dollars she gets a commission! LOL!
With that said, a day at the art festival is not always fun for her so she brings some things along. Her ipod, Ninetendo Ds(hate that thing!) and a book to read. I also have to remind her on occasion not to interrupt me when I am talking to a customer unless it's an emergency. An emergency is not asking me what Chic-Fil-A puts on their sandwiches! She did that this weekend when I was trying to close a sale!
With that said, we had a blast at the hotel and driving home. A lot of fun memories and conversations to share. Good luck!
My son helped me with a show and actually brought people into the booth whilst blowing bubbles when he was younger! He showed the kids where they could get bubbles while their parents shopped the booth! (eyesight range of parents...)
It helps if they learn the art and many shoppers are captivated by this! Good luck in Texas. Hope you get all of the friendly folk that I have come across.
Regards,
Boomer Houston!
On a another note I have also had a young lady stay in my booth for two hours wanting to talk about how to do art. It was hard to talk to costumers and also eat my lunch. Her father wanted her to go around and talk to the other artists and get a feel for what art was about (which I think is a good thing) but I would also advise that you teach them how long and when to talk to other artists. I certainly wouldn't want my daughters stuck in my booth all day but I wouldn't want them hindering the work of other artists.
I think it's neat that your letting your daughter in on your life. I'm sure it's so much more fulfilling to see your family around you and for them to see they are a part of it, not seperate from it.
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