The Beautiful, Exhausting, and Utterly Worthwhile Chaos of an Art Show
It's a dance, isn't it? The constant pivot between the pure, messy joy of creation and the often-less-glamorous, yet absolutely vital, business side of being an artist. There's always paperwork, emails, bills – the necessary hum of running a studio. But when you commit to a large art show... oh, that's where the real adventure begins. It's truly not for the faint of heart.
You're not just preparing for a day; you're bracing for lonnnnng days. My mind is already calculating the Stone Arch Bridge Festival schedule: set up starting at 7 or 8 AM, the show kicks off at 10 AM and runs until 7 PM. And when the crowds disperse? You're still there until about 8 PM, meticulously packing up and securing everything for the overnight hours. If rain or bad weather is even a whisper in the forecast, you're wrestling with tent walls, preparing for the worst, hoping for the best.
The next morning, it's déja vu, back at the crack of dawn, though thankfully the show wraps up a bit earlier, around 5 PM. Then comes the glorious, yet often grueling, exodus. It's organized chaos at a well-run show, a beautiful ballet of artists disassembling their worlds. At other shows? Well, it's just chaos. You're packing up, then lining up your vehicle, inching forward, waiting for your turn to load out and finally, finally leave.
The preparation leading up to the show is a beast all its own. There's the set up and layout to consider. A few weeks ago, I finally committed to getting shelving for my display – just one side of the tent for now, as it's a bit of an investment. But I'm so glad I did! I can already see how much better it will allow me to display some of my smaller pieces on the table, giving them the presence they deserve. (Sorry, I get sidetracked thinking about all the details!)
Then, you double-check every price, every tag – I meticulously pack them right with the piece to save precious time on set-up morning. You have to plan your social media posts, taking all those crucial pictures and videos before everything gets boxed up.
And it's not just the art; it's preparing for you. Cooler packed? Meals planned? Change of socks? (Believe me, a fresh pair of socks can be a game-changer after hours on your feet). Don't forget the meds, anything you might need for the day. And a crucial tip I've learned: always pack some emergency TP. You do not want to find yourself in a bathroom with an empty roll and not a square to spare! (Elaine would agree, lol).
Finally, the actual packing for the show. Every single piece, every display element, every single bag you might need for sales. And then, that last-minute checklist on the day you leave. You hold your breath, hoping you didn't forget anything truly vital.
You pinch yourself, a little reminder: this. This is what you've been working for. All winter, every single day, for hours on end. So when people ask – and they always will – "Did you make all of this?"... the answer is a resounding, exhausted, but incredibly proud YES. I make in some fashion every single day. Some days I'm lost in a flurry of new creations, and some days I spend hours perfecting a single piece. My process usually involves multiple little things at different stages, though I do tend to stop making during a glaze session. And the set-up and take-down of the show itself? Exhausting.
But it is all... so, so worth it. Because then you meet the people. And they are so incredibly kind. I see so much genuine happiness and joy when someone's eyes light up, when they smile because they've found a piece that speaks to them. It's truly touching, especially when you've worked with some of these pieces for so long, you get to "know" them. I make what I love to make because I know the people who are like me – who love to find fun, whimsical, and unique things – will find me. And they do. And that, truly, makes my heart sing.
Also Stone Arch Bridge Festival is June 14th and 15th. Come see me and say hi!!!!! Booth 99.
