The Almost Perfect Show

I did not know quite what to expect from Winter Springs. I almost didn’t apply. But it was an empty weekend until Maitland moved into that slot. I’m glad I did apply. It was almost the perfect art show. Considering this was the first year for the show, an almost insurmountable feat. Sure there was a little confusion but that is to be expected for a first year show. They did the big things right though and a lot of little things as well. I was told that the promoters did extensive research and it showed.

Booth space was ample. My booth looks so much nicer when I can have a table in back for all those necessary but not particularly aesthetic items. I did pay extra for some extra space but even the standard booth had plenty of space.

They provided breakfast and lunch both days. They also went around during the day handing out cold water. The breakfast and lunch is a “nice to have” but the water is so important.

They juried well. I don’t get to get out much during an art show but I didn’t see any “questionable” items. Everyone around me had high quality work. No Nerf arrows or clay flowers.

They arranged parking near the booth. What an incredible gift especially when the skies started threatening rain. It made breakdown so nice too. A record-breaking 50 minutes for me.

A general feeling of respect for the artists. A lot of shows seem to forget that without us they can’t have a show. This one didn’t.

I’m off to Ocala this weekend, then Lake Mary, and then Disney.

Ocala

Well here I am sitting in Ocala on Saturday night. This is the lonely part of doing art shows. The show is going well, sold a few pieces, one piece selected for judging which is an honor considering the number of excellent artists present. The show is very nicely done, with nice, organized people and possibly the best artist dinner I have ever had. I used to dry chicken and potato salad not chicken marsala and red potatoes. But the show is over for the day, my husband just called to tell me he is feeling very sick, sounds like the flu, and I miss him more than usual this trip.

I came up a day early hoping to get some photo time in on Friday morning. Friday morning was drizzly and grey, not necessarily a bad thing for photos but not good traveling weather particularly in a fully loaded van. I found myself on a two lane dark road with no shoulders in the rain looking at the speed limit sign thinking “I do not feel safe at that speed”. Of course there is a long line of people behind me by the time I finally find somewhere to pull over. There was no sunrise to speak of, just a slowly growing lighter, grey sky. I did find a lovely place to take pictures but then the rain started again.

It’s hard sometimes to juggle this life with family time. I realized this morning that I have forgotten to send the Halloween cards I bought for my grandchildren two weeks ago. So much to do, so much I want to do, so little time. I did buy that lottery ticket though J

Anyway, tomorrow will be a better day. The weather report has changed from 60% chance of rain to 30% and it’s Sunday and Sundays are always the best days at a show. Then break down, go home, and give Clif an extra hug for putting up with the everyday hassles of my dream.