Benefits of being in an outdoor art festival

The Downtown Denver Arts Festival over the Memorial Day weekend had great weather and good crowds, but not enough people were reaching for their wallets. Many artists around me did not even meet their expenses. I did OK, but of course it could have been better. This does not bode well for the upcoming summer season I'm afraid.

BUT, one of the great things about spending 3 1/2 days around other artists is the camaraderie and exchange of tips and information. Two artists who stopped by my booth had amazingly artistic eyewear by Swissflex. These eyeglass frames come in a variety of colors and you can create your own color scheme with different colors on the bridge, hinge, and temple parts. I ordered a pair today in turquoise, blue and purple. I think my eyewear should be an expression of my artistic self!

An art consultant said she wants to talk to me about representation. A giclee printer, who says he's the best, wants to do a giclee for me at no charge to prove he's the best. A local arts group wants me to teach an 8 week class on acrylics for the fall. Two pages of people signed up for my newsletter. I was one of the "official tasters" for a creamy gelato vendor (only 6% butterfat) - he kept coming by my booth with trays of different flavored samples. I've already gotten one commission from people who saw my work at the show.

So, even if your sales are not up to expectations, there are many other benefits to being "out there."

On another note, my snuggies, which were custom made in a variety of sizes, worked beautifully. No nicks or scratches on frames and they folded up neatly in a bin during the show. How cool is that?!?!