Pitching the TENT

One of the ways an Artist can sell their work is by doing "ART SHOWS". (insert dramatic music).

There are all sorts of shows, from the small church basement Craft Show to the high end Hand Made Art Affairs. All require that you pay for the space which allows you to sell your art.

I have found that the Juried Art or Artisan shows and festivals are the best fit for me and my work.  That means that I have to submit pictures of my work, a bio and pay a jury fee. If the organization or promoter likes what they see, I am then invited to participate in the show. I then send in the Show fee along with their contract and I'm am now ready to hit the road.

  Most shows require a white 10' x 10' artist tent. You want one with sides that you can close for when you do 2 and 3 day shows and have to close the tent (booth) up at night. As for how you set your booth up, there are as many different ways as there are artists. For me, it is an ever changing look, as I try to fine tune how I display my glass. I use black table cloths with teal accents, black metal grids from which I can hang my work so it shows to the best advantage.

However, the grids are heavy and bulky and I have been looking for an alternative. I recently purchased a Mesh wall that stretches across one whole side of my booth (tent) and hang my pieces using drapery hooks. This is a lighter weight option and I feel that it helps show off my work.  

As I continue to read and learn, I am sure that I will continue to fine tune the look of my booth so that it will attract buyers and show off my work to it's best advantage.

Particapating in out door Art Shows can be very challenging, you feel like a circus roustabout every time you are setting up and tearing down your space. You are at the mercy of the elements, and rain is not your friend. There is the unbearable heat and the finger numbing cold, the unexpected wind and even the critter that used your tent for shelter during the night. You have to deal with the event organizers, most of whom are wonderful, but there is always that one who is jerk. Then there is the customers. Some shows, they just walk right on by and you don't sell anything, and some shows, you never get the chance to sit down.

But through all the trials and tribulations, nothing beats how beautiful your work will look in the morning sun. Wow, I made that.