After having the best spring and summer in ages I have had a lackluster fall. I held back on deadlines because I thought I would be out of the country for a few months and missed the good ones.
Thus, for the last two weeks I have taken a big hit and it's really my own fault. I tried some new venues that were untested and took it on the chin to say the least. 1st up was Cotton South, A show that had the best intentions and a wonderful promoter that did mostly everything right except there were hardly any customers and the ones there just were not buying. Plus, I hate to say, but a 10 dollars entry fee just about killed a small town show. High caliber of artists, many that made a donut. I was lucky enough to pay expenses and then some, but it was no TACA (which I was already juried into and I heard was fabulous this year). I just wanted to give this show a chance and I see future success due to the great positive work of the director, but it wasn't to be this year for me. I do think that this show will eventually be a force to reckon with, just not it's first year.
This past weekend I headed to Nashville to a show at the historic home of Andrew Jackson. The Fall Fest at the Hermitage promised to be a good show, unfortunately, a day of blistering heat (94) and sparse crowds and then a day of torrential rain, blew that one. The layout of the show was crazy and many didn't even get around to many of the booths and since I was in the south forty and the bulk of the show was around the food, it was a dismal show for me. Not a donut but close, that was even with winning the Best in 2D award.Go figure. Doesn't that usually bring people to a booth? Unfortunately, not this time.This show also had a great director and I believe it can become a good show but we can't control the weather.
You plan, God laughs. But here I am batting 2 for 2. So much for live and learn. So, my dilemma is this. Next weekend I'm scheduled to do a show in Newport News, Virginia, (never been there ) called the Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival. I have checked out this blog and others and I can't find out anything about this show. What I'm hoping to know is should I avoid the third strike or should I go. At this point, I'm tired, wet and broke and it's 71/2 hours away. I wonder if it isn't better to let it all go and stay home. If anyone has any advice I would be grateful, my ego is shot, the idea that I was figuring it all out is totally gone and am considering taking a break from getting back on the horse immediately. Especially if this one is going to be like the other two. Thanks in advance.
