tent raising

As artists we’re always thinking about and exploring ways to get our art in front of the public. Whether it’s teaching at art retreats, writing books, entering our work in competitions, showing our work in galleries or having an on line presence through or websites, blogs and Etsy stores it’s important to be “out there”. This becomes even more crucial if we want to be full time artists and make our living through selling what we create.

Another venue that I haven’t tried but that I’ve been thinking about lately is the fine art/craft show…you know those street shows with the white tents all lined up. My artist/painter friend Michael does quite a few of these shows and offered to bring his tent to my house and set it up so I could see the process. My husband Gary helped while I took pictures and notes.

First the top is assembled on the ground.

 The top is covered.

Then the side supports are attached

and the tent is lifted.

Then the side panels are attached.

I have many artist friends who insist that every artist should do at least one show in their life time because it teaches so many lessons. First it forces you into the studio to make product and meet a dead line because you can’t show up and have nothing to sell. You learn how to submit your work to the show producers for entry into the show, how to price your work, how to talk about your work to prospective clients and how to make a sale. You wear every hat imaginable at your own art show and as in any situation there are pluses and minuses. However, I prefer not to label things as good or bad because everyone has their own perspective on these issues. What I see as a positive someone else may see as a negative.

Things to think about…There’s an incredible amount of freedom and autonomy; you are your own boss. It’s an incredible amount of work. While we treated the day as a fun way to send time with a friend, putting the tent up required a lot of physical activity. The shows can involve a lot of travel and since you’re trying to make money and not spend it, you may be camping or staying at low budget motels. You’re outdoors all day and the weather can be beautiful or terrible. You’re with like minded creative people. You make a lot of contacts. Many artists have told me that they were discovered by gallery owners at the shows who invited them into their galleries. You have the opportunity to have your work seen by hundreds or thousands of people. You will quickly learn if people are willing to buy what you have created. This probably has to be the most difficult thing to discover. The validation can be wonderful and the lack of it can be devastating. Can you handle rejection and keep creating? On the other hand you may sell everything.

So if you’ve done a fine art show I’d love to hear about your experience.

Sienna the wonder dog helped too.