Still Waiting

Well I had hoped to have some more show information for everyone but it looks like this is going to be the year of flexibility. I am now waitlisted for three shows, Maitland, Winter Park Autumn, and Art in the Gardens in Jupiter. Disappointingly I received a rejection from Disney this year. Most likely I will not get into Maitland. I am 15th on the wait list and there are only 150 artists. I have an advantage of being very close and able to do the show at the drop of a hat so there is a chance for a last minute acceptance if someone cancels at the last minute. Winter Park Autumn is more promising. I spoke to them on the phone and while they didn’t tell me my position on the waitlist they said that I will most likely get in. Art in the Gardens is actually the best possible situation. Art in the Gardens is the same weekend as Deland and all things being equal I’d rather do Deland since it is only five miles from my home. Hopefully I won’t have to make a decision on Art in the Gardens until I hear from Deland. But so far I am looking at a very iffy season and I’m scrambling to find backup shows for the empty weekends. I’m very bummed about it all because I have finished the design of my new display and it is great! I have quite a few new photographs and I’ve found a way to display more of them. I can’t wait to test drive it and see if people like it.

I did get into Winter Springs and if everything else falls through that will be my first show of the season. I’m really glad I got into Winter Springs. It was a great show last year and very enjoyable to do. There is still one outstanding the weekend before, in Jacksonville, but I won’t hear from them until the middle of September.

I’ve also had one piece selected for the annual 100% Pure Florida exhibit at the 5th Avenue Gallery in Melbourne. The show runs for the month of September and the opening is on Sept 4th from 5:30 – 8:30.

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.