ART FAIRS
I was away for most of the summer and truly had no time to post. We sailed from the Chesapeake to Maine and spent 2 months on the boat. I had intended to paint while on this trip but either we were travelling or sight seeing or taking care of provisioning or laundry. The few times I had a chance to paint I just wanted to do nothing. But I am back now and will try to post more often. And Paint!
The week after I got back I exhibited my work at "Art in the Park", an outdoor art fair in a neighboring town. I love doing this particular event. It is free to exhibit and since you are not juried in there is a variety of artists from beginners to professionals. They do have jurors who award prizes at the end. I didn't win anything but I sold two paintings and had a great day.
What I find so intriguing about these types of art fairs is that you get to see which pieces people are interested in or attracted to. Usually it surprises me. Sometimes work I am not totally satisfied with is the most popular, and paintings I love so much that I am reluctant to sell hardly get any attention at all. I also love to talk about art and meet other artists. A lot of the people that come to this particular event are just enjoying a day in the park and come across the show by accident. But its amazing how much they want to talk about your process and most ask really insightful questions.
I have some tips for anyone just starting out exhibiting in these shows. First and foremost, even if it is a free event and full of amateur artists, it is essential to make your display as professional as possible. I like to have everything framed, but I did see one display where the artist had panels hanging from binder clips and that worked well too. Be sure to label all your work with the name, medium, size, and, most importantly, price. People are reluctant to ask for a price and may just assume it is out of their price range. Besides handing out business cards, I print up brochures that are two-sided and show a small image of every piece I have displayed, along with the same information as the label, and of course, my website and email. This way people have a visual to remind them of what they saw in case they need time to decide whether to purchase something that interested them. And finally, try to stay at your display as much as possible, and don't just sit and read or mess with your phone when people are actively looking at your work. Stand up, and without being intrusive, be interested in the fact that they are interested. Be ready to answer questions or ask questions yourself. Be engaged! These events can bring your work to the attention of a lot of people you probably would not reach any other way.
If you are in North Jersey anytime in the next few months come see one of my solo exhibits.
November 2019 Teaneck Library
840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ
December 2019 Ridgewood Library
125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgwood, NJ
February 2020 Paramus Library
116 East Century Road, Paramus, NJ
March & April 2020 Westwood Library
49 Park Avenue, Westwood, NJ
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| My set-up for the "Art in the Park" art fair |
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| Chinese Lanterns 12" x 16" Sold |
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| Menemsha 11" x 14" Sold |
What I find so intriguing about these types of art fairs is that you get to see which pieces people are interested in or attracted to. Usually it surprises me. Sometimes work I am not totally satisfied with is the most popular, and paintings I love so much that I am reluctant to sell hardly get any attention at all. I also love to talk about art and meet other artists. A lot of the people that come to this particular event are just enjoying a day in the park and come across the show by accident. But its amazing how much they want to talk about your process and most ask really insightful questions.
I have some tips for anyone just starting out exhibiting in these shows. First and foremost, even if it is a free event and full of amateur artists, it is essential to make your display as professional as possible. I like to have everything framed, but I did see one display where the artist had panels hanging from binder clips and that worked well too. Be sure to label all your work with the name, medium, size, and, most importantly, price. People are reluctant to ask for a price and may just assume it is out of their price range. Besides handing out business cards, I print up brochures that are two-sided and show a small image of every piece I have displayed, along with the same information as the label, and of course, my website and email. This way people have a visual to remind them of what they saw in case they need time to decide whether to purchase something that interested them. And finally, try to stay at your display as much as possible, and don't just sit and read or mess with your phone when people are actively looking at your work. Stand up, and without being intrusive, be interested in the fact that they are interested. Be ready to answer questions or ask questions yourself. Be engaged! These events can bring your work to the attention of a lot of people you probably would not reach any other way.
If you are in North Jersey anytime in the next few months come see one of my solo exhibits.
November 2019 Teaneck Library
840 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ
December 2019 Ridgewood Library
125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgwood, NJ
February 2020 Paramus Library
116 East Century Road, Paramus, NJ
March & April 2020 Westwood Library
49 Park Avenue, Westwood, NJ
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