I’ve realized that indoor shows are probably not my thing, at least not at this time. In general, indoor shows tend to have more crafts (not sure why) and draws a different kind of audience. It’s not as likely that someone looking for 10-30 dollar knick knacks or have come to see a particular fine jeweler is going to be interested in my contemporary bright colorful arts. I mean, they could but not based on my recent experience.

{packing for the show in Fredericksburg}

I participated in two indoor shows back-to-back a couple of weekends ago. First, the Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire and then the famous Sugarloaf Craft Festival. The events were great and each drew a lot of people. I received wonderful feedback, made a few sales here and there and added many new newsletter subscribers to the list. Still, something felt off. I felt out of place. It probably didn’t help that I had to set up and break down all by myself, managed to get strep throat and fever during the Sugarloaf Craft Festival, and sadly, my husband’s grandfather passed away and I couldn’t be there for him.

{ready to start the day in Fredericksburg}

My show neighbor told me that during a famous show like the Sugarloaf Festivals, each artist has built up a huge following over the many years they have participated (both my neighbors were attending for the 10th year in a row), and people travel to see them. This was my first time at this show and though I have a following (THANK YOU!) I’m still working my way to having flocks of people come to see me, and me alone. Wouldn’t that be amazing!?

{my new 6 foot table and my new basket with all my prints}

So when I got home after three days at the Sugarloaf Festival, and was so sick I barely got out of bed for a week, I had a moment of “Yikes, what do I do now? Do I never want to do any shows any more? How’s this gonna work?”

{sorry for the blurry picture… my booth for 3 days at the Sugarloaf Festival in Gaithersburg}

What I came to terms with is that I still like art shows, but that I’m more of an outdoor-fine-arts-show-kind-of-girl where people come to enjoy really high quality art and where there are lots of other fine arts artists, each drawing their art loving followers. I’m very grateful for the indoor opportunities and I’m all for taking chances. It just didn’t work out as well as I had hoped.

Enough reflecting and complaining! Up next is the first outdoor show of the season! With temperatures up in the 80’s it will be nice to participate in the Arts in the Park in Richmond this Saturday and Sunday. Hope to see you there!