Student Show

Congratulations on the fine work displayed by the artists at the Chicago Botanic Garden! I am inspired by your dedication to representing botanical subjects. Many of your works made some not- so- beautiful plants have a definite beauty to them.

A Really Big Show

The Reed Turner Botanical Artists (a group of which I'm a member) are planning to hold a group show at Brushwood, at Ryerson Forest Preserve, in February and March of 2008. It's the same place I held my exhibit in April. Since there are at least 10 of us who plan to participate, we'll have the entire building to hang our work. An opening reception is planned as well. We can dress up, hold wine goblets, and discuss various arty subjects. We will also have a group exhibit at the Ela Library in July. I'm already looking forward to these shows. After Arts and Riverwoods next month, the paintings otherwise would be stashed in their containers for 6 months.

Six Down, One to Go

Here's the post- Wilmette Arts Festival report: The weather was ideal, the crowds were smaller than I would have liked, the location was good, and the Wilmette Arts Guild, who organized the event, were tireless. They are generous, too. I didn't win an award, but the dollar amounts of the awards are not small! Maybe next time!

I'm assuming that the community wasn't yet aware of the new location and time of year. Being in a visible commercial area has potential, though it seemed that there was an invisible barrier between the Saturday morning farmer's market (very popular and well-established event) and our show. Produce shopping and art shopping are not necessarily compatible, I guess.

All in all, I enjoyed the weekend, though sales could have been better. It's a relief to setup and take down in cool weather for a change. Oh, and a certain coffee chain has just moved into the vicinity, always convenient!

All's Well That Ends Well

I'm in the process of reorganizing my stuff after the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Artisan Guild show, as I do after every show. Here's how it went: NO RAIN!!!! Besides that fact, I enjoyed it, and had my best sales of the season so far. We were very close geographically to the Deer Path show, which confused some customers, but allowed my regular customers to find me when they couldn't find me at the other show. This happened a number of times, though I tried to make it clear in my mass e-blast, many people either don't get my e-mails, or just forgot.

I do believe our much smaller group siphoned off a small bit of sales from the very well-known (and quite excellent) Deer Path show. At first, I was still annoyed that I wasn't in it, especially since I was informed that there was a space available for me there a few days before the show, but I declined the offer due to having made the commitment to the Artisan Guild earlier. On Sunday, though the weather was great, the crowds were small, and it was discouraging. Monday, also with perfect weather, brought more people, many of whom were existing customers, and more sales.

We had live music, which was very enjoyable and conducive to enjoying the art, and a food vendor. I believe they helped attract attention to our location. The organizers were diligent and welcoming. All in all, like every show, it was exhausting, but, unlike every show, I feel this was a worthwhile experience!

Nobody Puts AG on the Wait List

Well, maybe they do. But, if one show isn't convinced it wants me, another one does. I've accepted an invitation to exhibit at the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Artisan Guild art show, only one block away from the square. Just go north, to the Lake Forest Bank. I'll notify all of my regular customers, occasional customers, and everyone else on my e-mail and snail mail lists of the slight change in location. This show has been organized by some very dedicated people, I'm looking forward to participating.

The heavy lifter and I visited the Art in the Park show in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin last weekend. It has been many years since I have been to Lake Geneva, and I was favorably impressed with the town. It doesn't have that ticky-tacky look some resort towns have. The lake, parks, and businesses look clean. Everyone looked happy and relaxed.

Oh, and the art show. I knew many of the artists from the local shows. All that I spoke with were happy with their sales! This show may have potential for me. Something to consider in the future.

Best In Category!

I was awarded first place in watercolor at the Evanston Lake Shore art fair, one of the many good things about last weekend. Other positive things:

• I sold one of my favorite paintings, 'Gold and Silver' a goldfinch perched on silverfeather grass.

Though it was hot and humid Sunday, Saturday was cooler than average and cloudy. Also, the heavy rain was only at night. By the way, the Trimline was watertight during a night's worth of rain. I will never overcome my fixation on weather.

My neighbors were nice. That's rarely a problem, but our booths were shoulder to shoulder, and we made the best of it.

The prints sold well, cards did okay, too.

Not positive things:

The volunteers never actually volunteered when I needed a break. After one came around early to offer assistance if needed, I never saw him or any others again.

Biting flies.

I got a parking ticket. It's Evanston.

Since the booths were in close contact during many hours of rain, mildew formed on the top and sides, which I will battle with Windex.

Good weather at Glenview

The Glenview art fair went well! Both days had good weather - cloudy with no rain the first day, completely clear but not too hot the second day. The setup of the Trimline and mesh panels was time consuming, but the finished look is a great improvement. Print and notecard sales were good, and I saw a lot of repeat customers.

Next weekend, Evanston Lake Shore. . . I'm hearing reports of 90s predicted ( am I paranoid about weather, or what?) but of course, nothing I can do about it now, or then, for that matter.

I've been on the wait list for the Deer Path show, and they won't give me any clue about my position on the list. There's not much chance I'm going to be in that show, but there may be an alternative. More on that later.