The Bitter and the Sweet

Art Fairs from the artist’s point of view, at least mine last weekend, yield the sweet gratification of a person looking you in the eye and “getting” your art. But also the bitter taste of hour after hour of not selling any art.
I was accepted into the Mt. Gretna (PA) Outdoor Art Fair this year, a prestigious, large, well attended show. I did all my homework leading up to the event: made sure I was well stocked, everything was tagged and priced, and my display was above par.
My husband helped me set up the canopy the day before the event, and I arrived Saturday morning smiling and ready.
Sure enough I made my first sale of a piece of art within the first hour. My heart soared!
But the rest of that day all I sold were smaller items: Friendship Wine Totes, Hot Spots, hand stitched greeting cards, and — lord help me — Handy Litter Bags for the car.
Yet folk seemed to be serious about returning to make purchases of the actual art pieces.
Sunday morning dawned fair and cool and I arrived full of hope that someone would indeed come back. I greeted each person with a smile and my explanation of the art form, and my artistic motivations.
But by afternoon the day had grown hot and humid,and no one returned, and no one else bought a piece of art. I didn’t let my disappointment show. I kept my expression pleasant. I made quick visits to my new art friend just a few booths away.  She is on Facebook!  We have a friend in common! She likes my work! We traded a piece of art!
A judge came by to present me with a “Judges’ Choice Award” that came with a check. Cool! I was happy.  But the big fat ribbon outside my booth didn’t attract any more art sales.
My husband arrived to give me an ice cream break at 3:30, and that is when a couple finally returned and bought a $300 piece.
My heart soared!
The day after the fair my spirits were still dampened.  I had only sold two pieces of actual art, plus the exchange with my new friend. My total for the weekend was just under $1000, which was my personal minimum goal. And of course I now have to restock all of the litter bags I sold!
But the following day I was happy again. A lot of people signed up on our e-mail list. I am still new to this area, and the exposure was great. I am going to make a sign explaining Art Quits and how to hang them. Now I’m ready to get out there again!