I just want to say to Connie and all who particpate on this site that while I have disappeared for a month or two I am in love with this site all over again. The content is great! I love seeing booth shots and detailed reviews of art fairs. The month of May was hectic - shows each weekend and no time to really catch up doing stock. All the fairs were in Maryland and have to say Maryland is a good state to be in as my sales are better than last years totals.
The "story" I have to share pertains to my dad. I was lucky that I didn't have any fairs for June as my dad, who has been in poor health for 9 years took a turn for the worse - the month I didn't have fairs. That month being June. He passed away two weeks ago and just have to say that despite it being a hard thing to go through I am relieved he isn't suffering and didn't happen when in the middle of doing an art fair. I was doing a great show - Wine in the Woods in Columbia, MD when I had the awful thought - what if I get "the call" in the middle of the fair". I didn't but the thought scared me to death.... My dad was an avid photographer and taught me a lot about taking photographs, framing and appreciate art in general. He, in return, was one of my biggest fans. On that note, has anyone here had to deal with running a business on top of dealing with the death of a loved one? Right now I am playing catch up as I do not have any fairs in July or August (but not ruling out August entirely) meanwhile helping my mom deal with, well paperwork and such. I am guessing I should go by the old addage - Just do it - get the work done so it is out of the way and move on to more creative fun work. So, does anyone have any stories or advice for me with regard to this topic? My next show, the Maryland Seafood Festival, is in early Sept. and going to be my biggest show ever which I think, providing the weather will be good, could be a great pay day for me. My focus is taking the time now to get my ducks in a row so I can do a good job at that show. Just an FYI in case people are wondering. I hope all are having good shows and continue to have good shows. I plan on checking in more often now. :-) - Michelle
P.S. I now have a lot of his work, would it be a good idea to do a "private show" exhibiting his work? Has anyone done anything like that before - like an open house, or showing at a library or something along that line? I have only sold my items at art fairs, so this also is new territory
