by Kelli Pope
With September comes shorter days, the anticipation of turning leaves, hope of cooler days, and Art Shows, Art Shows, Art Shows! This time of year, my wonderful husband knows that after work, on days off, and sometimes into the wee hours of the morning, I can only be found in my studio, preparing for shows. This weekend I will be at the Mellwood Art Center in Louisville, Ky. Next weekend I'll be in Rising Sun, Indiana. Do I have enough inventory? THAT is a very good question. I'll be working on it until I can't keep my eyes open tonight, and all day tomorrow (except for the show set up in the morning), and likely every non-working, non-sleeping moment until early December.
I have a permanent "to pack" list in my head for the set up; tent, tables, table leg risers, shelving, displays, table coverings, mirrors, weights for tent, chair. After set up, I'll be back to making jewelry until late into the evening, at which time the next packing list kicks in; beads/tools/components, finished jewelry, mailing list, money box, cell phone, business cards, organza bags, receipt book, handouts listing future shows.
And hopefully, all this leads to lots of sales, and happy customers. :)
Does all this make me tired just talking about it? Yep. Do I still enjoy it? SO very much!!! Plus my beautiful and charming sister will be assisting me with sales, which makes the whole show experience that much more fun.
Do you do shows? What are your tips of the trade?
9 comments:
I have everything for my shows packed and stored in the basement so I know I'm not fogetting anything. I've done a lot of shows but lately they have been bummers. I'm still, after five years, trying to find the right ones. There are not many around here.
Kelli, best of luck at Mellwood this weekend! I'm doing a one-day show in IN tomorrow, but hope to get by Mellwood on Sunday. Do you know where you'll be (inside, outside?) I'll try to get by and say hi!
Bobbie
Ah art shows...I want to, need to...am scared to. I was all revved up to get started, then came to that sticking point...oh yeah...inventory! So I'm in the building up to phase now. Your booth is cute!
Our shows start next weekend and last for the next five weekends and one show in November. The best thing to have is a list and check things off as you pack them. That is best advice - lists!!!!
8:30pm Sat night. Finally finishing the last piece before packing up and hopefully getting some sleep before tomorrow. Praying my tent and displays, set up this morning, don't get blown away in the big storm coming through tonight!!! Bobbie I'm set up outside, end booth, closest to the building, across from the ice cream booth. Good luck in IN!
I love Mellwood...and personally, I will be getting back into doing shows this holiday season...have a great season!!
That makes me tired just thinking about what you will be doing ;o) Good luck!
MaryAnn
Yours art jewelery showcase is awesome.Specially Crossvine Necklace design is really nice.Loking frward for more design....good luck
Kelli, I'm SO sorry I didn't get over yesterday -- Saturday kicked my butt, and I spent Sunday recovering and catching up on family responsiblities. Hope your tent made it through the storm, and that the weekend was a screaming success for you!
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