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  sandhi schimmel gold January 2, 2011 at 11:47pm

  I did the show a few years ago as well.

  I can recommend bringing a HEATING PAD or electric blanket to sit on/in it can get VERY cold in the tent. Also, a big thermos. 

  There are hot springs but I don't think they're close. You don't really have to be at work all the time, and it is slower during the week days. 

  One thing that is VERY important for this show - you have to like to talk to people. The people who come out to the show buy art - but there are 100 people to choose from [and another 100 at the Celebration] so they really enjoy meeting and speaking to the artists. These shows really allow you to showcase a lot of work - not just wall space, but the space in your booth  - you'll see - some people set up furniture, slide shows, have their books to peruse, etc. I think Kelby Love is going to be there - this guy is the nicest man on earth and he has the gift of gab - watch him in action!

  Be ready for happy hour after the show closes - bring something to share [food or drink] it will help you get to know your fellow artists. Most of the artists there have been with Thunderbird for a long time, and they know each other well... you might feel like an outcast at first, but just get to know them and you'll be surprised at how nice they are - and the staff, too.

   

  Best of luck! 
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  Caroline Kwas January 2, 2011 at 6:57pm

  We are staying at Macdonald's Ranch for the time being.  Framer husband Tom would like to workamp at a true RV park to offset costs, but I think it's a little late to find those positions.  We can always try when we get there.  I am sorry to hear your husband is ill; your work looked beautiful from what I could see.  Did you choose Carefree over the Expo for any particular reason?  How did you enjoy the 3 months there?  I am looking forward to it, I hope I have not made a huge mistake!
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  Caroline Kwas January 2, 2011 at 1:16pm

  Thanks Diana...checked out the pix, they are great!  It has a very different look from the weekend shows!  Are you going to be at Celebration or the Arizona Fine Art Expo?
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  geri a. wegner January 2, 2011 at 11:28am

  Diana Ferguson who is a member here was there last year and will be there this year.  Go to her page and you will find pictures from last year.  

  Relax, have a wonderful time and let us know all about it.
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  Caroline Kwas January 2, 2011 at 10:56am

  I truly appreciate the thoughts from everyone.  One really great thing about the blogosphere is we lose the isolation, which is the downside of being an artist alone in the studio all day.  It is a relief to know you are not the only one who thinks these things and feels this way, and I hope it can be an inspiration for others as well.   I will be updating from the road about this adventure, and if you follow me, awesome!  Hop aboard my Alfa Toyhauler for a vicarious ride through the Southwest!

   

  Tom and I have done a "mini tour" once last winter, when we spent a month doing the shows in south Florida, and I have to say, my painting improved exponentially.  I am chomping at the bit to leave, and since Tom has been unemployed here in our own little special brand of redneck purgatory in Central Florida for close to 2 years, neither of us has anything to lose.

   

  The Fine Art Expo really appealed to me as an artist because it's a 2 1/2 month long show- January 20- April 3 - we won't be setting up and tearing down every weekend! ANd, we are expected to be working in our makeshift studios at least 5 days a week, so it's like a sabbatical/workshop with all my peeps!   I expect to create a lot of new work!  I applied to the Lubbock show the weekend after to hit on the way home, though we have the option to head out to Wichita to do some Midwest shows before going up to Michigan for the summer.  I better take one last soak in my bathtub before I leave...anyone know of any hotsprings out Phoenix way?

   

  And bear with me as I stumble through my first blog.  I will be posting pictures, hopefully in the right spots, and this will be linked to Facebook.  I considered Twitter, but I just don't feel that important.  Not even my husband has to (or wants to) be immersed in my stream of consciousness!
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  S. Travis Lindenbaum January 2, 2011 at 9:46am

  Best of luck on your adventure.  Let us know what you think of the shows.  How many are you doing in the three months?  Any here in Texas?
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  Gary & Maureen Shull January 2, 2011 at 5:10am

  We are full time RVers on the art show circuit for over 11 years and love the lifestyle.  We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have pertaining to this unique lifestyle.  Get ready for an experience!
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  Jobi Harris January 2, 2011 at 4:10am

  Wow - this blog really spoke to me. It is always nice to know I am not alone in my insanity. We are planning to get an RV sometime in the next year and a half. I figure it will take that long to come up with the money and a good plan. I already quit my job once, so cannot do that again for awhile and the retirement didn't last long at all. I only did three (small) shows this last year and they all bombed. Most of the artisans had the same bad experience. But, you can't just give up, so I figure I now have time to really get it organized and make it easier. (are you laughing?). Most of all I really want to wish you the best of luck!