I would like to introduce myself to the group. I've cutting glass and making panels for about 30 years, but have just started doing shows and selling. Turning 50 had a lot to do with my motivation to stop the corporate life and do something I love. Life is so short as it is. This year, i did 3 shows with little to no success. But I count them as experience and am determined to learn from you all and keep going. My challenge at the moment is finding the right venue for my art and getting through the jury process. I just created my website, www.glassbykaren.com, and am thinking about Etsy.com.
I'm really happy for thissite and hope to learn and hopefully contribute.
Replies
Hi Karen and welcome aboard :)
Etsy could be a good venue for you but takes patience and work to keep your work in the top listings, considering there are just under 4000 sellers with stained glass.
I am sure you will pick up many hints for photos and shows here :)
Hello Karen and welcome. Whatever you need to know to really get yourself into the business is here at this site. Our members are very helpful and many topics have already been discussed. Previously discussed topics can be found by putting your topic into the search bar.
Your stain glass looks very nice. Stain glass is very popular at shows, too. I think once you have found the shows that fit your niche you will do well. Have you done any shows yet?
Hi Jacki. Thank you for the encouragement. I did a small show in Richmond, sold a few suncatchers. Then, I reworked my booth and did Arts in the park. Sold enough to cover my expenses, but then had buyers contact me afterwards and sold 2 full size panels! Last month, i did an art show on Gwynn's Island, but we had terrible storms in VA. The power was out, most people stayed home, as did many vendors. No sales at all. But each time, I refined my booth, got experience setting up, and learned as much as I could from my booth-neighbors. All 3 VA shows, but I want to hit the road soon: just need to start producing some sales. I just found out that I was declined by the Jury for my Fall Show, so I need to find another soon.
I think your work would do good at Beach venues, and also for Christmas shows. Check out some of the shows in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. The Ocean View Art Show is right on the beach in Norfolk this October. The Neptune Festival is expensive to get into, but would be good for you next year. Gosport Art Show and Seawall Art Show in Portsmouth are good events, too. I've heard the Crozet show is good too, but don't have any personal experience.
Good luck, and welcome to AFI
Thanks Dave for the suggestions.. I went to ODU and am comfortable in the Norfolk area. Crozet is a really nice art festival, but they require a booth shot, and I don't have one yet. I'm going to try for a spot in the Spring, if I have to set the booth up on my deck and take the picture myself!