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.
Comments
No, I baled the year I got in and never applied again....I talked to a guy at a show recently who lives close by and he said it was a small show and that he does it because it's in his hometown, but that is the only reason. If you go tell me what you think.
Hi Margaret,
Did you ever go to this show a year later, in 2014?
Well Christine, I didn't do the show. I am just as curious as you are if it was any good. I was still sick and didn't feel up to it. I have to wonder though with all the rain, if the show was a success. The promoters said I could come back next year if I could not come this year which I thought was really very kind. So, back to the studio and full speed ahead.
Christine, Thanks so much for your reply. You give me hope. You are the first person I have heard from that even has any feedback about the show. Can I ask what your medium is? Did you feel that it was responsive to contemporary artwork? I have been so sick all week that I don't even know if I can drag myself out to do this show and they have been kind enough to say I could come back next year if I don't do it this year. I hate being so indecisive but I keep remembering that if I want to do shows later on... I have to pay for the booths and where that money comes from is totally up to me. Seems a dilemma that goes with this way of life. Thanks again...
Margaret, I got into that show once but had to turn it down because of a conflict. I can say that the people who run it are very nice... and that counts for something.
I DO know how you are feeling. I was in NY (we live in VA) last week for an interesting and complicated weekend involving a paintout at the home of Frederic Church, followed by a show in Westchester... I got terribly sick, stopped painting early in the paintout, pulled out of the show, and somehow, drove home (I don't remember anything from the drive, which I am finding increasingly frightening). I have a show this weekend outside of DC, where everyone has been furloughed... I STILL feel really yucky, and am sneezing and dripping and generally disgusting, and it's supposed to rain all weekend. I feel like pulling out of the show, but that would be ANOTHER booth fee lost... At any rate, I empathize. Boo hoo. Poor us.
Awe, it is difficult to press on when it feels like things are not going well. I don;t know anything about that show, however the website looks promising, great sponsorship... and as a general rule it looks like a strong art supporter community. I will say a little prayer for you for strength, courage and ultimately for the event to be prosperous, should you continue on.
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