Hello all -
I just retired from my IT job of sitting behind a computer all day and am resurrecting my artistic talents. I envisioned myself making things with my woodworking power tools, but after stumbling onto some YouTube videos from Jon Peters on how to make frames, watched more of his channel to discover him delving into encaustics. And the rest is history I guess.
Going through our recent (Houston) Bayou City Art Festival I thought that this is something I'd really like to do, and something I can do. Always up for a challenge.
I created a small inventory of encaustic work, crossed my fingers, and submitted to the First Saturday Arts Market in the Houston Heights. And got accepted! But the first good date that fits for me is September.
Then I started worrying: Houston + September + Outdoors + afternoon = potential 100 degrees. And me showing wax artwork. What was I thinking ?!??
So that's when I Googled and found a topic on this in this site's discussion forum, exchanged emails with one of the topic authors, and soon joined the club.
I am half way through reading Maria Arango's Art Festival Guide, and have made contacts with a couple artists who regularly show at the Heights event.
I will need to buy my booth/tent/panels and lay everything out, so I'll be coming here for learnings, etc.
Let the adventure begin!
Replies
Oh my, I'm retired from doing art fairs and now sit at my computer! Bet we're both happy, Joel.
Did you attend Bayou City and have you been attending art fairs? The VERY best way to learn this business, then this site with all its deep archives and helpful people. Google around on here and you'll probably find an answer to most questions.
We are happy to have you join us here and look forward to your questions and adventures. Luckily you have a long time to get ready for your September show.
Hi Joel,
Welcome aboard, so how are you going to deal with wax artwork in hot weather :-)
Lol. Well the consistent advice I've gotten is a) when on display keep them out of direct sunlight, and b) keep them out of hot cars. The main issue seems to be in the safe transport of the artwork. I'm also thinking of making one of these contraptions for the booth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSLbpAwibg
Oh, and keep seeking others' advice here.