I just have admit that in the past when I had kids coming to my booth and started touching everything would drive me a little crazy, but it is not always the case. I have learned to listen to them, pay more attention and explain them why I love to paint and do shows. Sometimes they look and after couple hours you see them coming back with their parents and their cash. I am so proud when I see them the next year, taller, more grown up, more mature and to purchase a second piece. They see the artist with respect and admiration, something that I wish some adults will do. These little guys won't try to bargain with you or tell you "I could do that" (like a woman just told me this weekend "40.00 dlls for this?? It's only a piece of wood with paint!") They just watch, listen, learn, look at you in a WOW way and can't wait to come back to see you the following year. I see a good future in art :) Cheers to kids! And cheers to their parents that teach them to love art young :)
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What a great post Carla. Thanks!
When kids come into my booth I notice that many of them are very cautious about handling and touching my carved boxes. I would imagine that their parents have taught them well. On the other hand, there are many adults that could learn from their kids when it comes to booth etiquette...I would imagine we have all run across this situation.
When these kids have a positive experience at a show it just might be a contributing factor in their future interest in being involved in shows.
Nice pics!
Young buyers can be a little nerve racking for me since I make pottery. But when I see that they are careful I relax and have some nice conversations about their experience with clay or pottery in school or at a community program. I like to encourage people to give pottery or any craft a chance. In my experience, after trying they have more of an appreciation for what I do and tend to come back and buy more. As for young buyers, I give them a discount when they use their own money.
This is so true! When so many big box stores are trying to stock "artistic" items for the home, it's so important to make sure the next generation understand and hopefully appreciate hand crafted quality items!
I LOVE this! I've had one high school girl purchase three original paintings from me in the last 2 years. We met at a festival and her parents bought her a painting she really loved for Christmas. After that I guess she got the original art bug :). When she sees a painting she wants, we set up a payment plan and each month she pays me a certain amount that we agree upon (and extra if she can) and once she pays it off I deliver the painting to her.
I think this is so great! One b/c she appreciates my art, but also b/c she is willing to work hard for something that she wants. It isnt just instant gratification. Sometimes it takes her 4 months to fully pay for a piece, but she keeps at it and has never missed a payment.
Hooray for the next gen!
Oh I found the post. :) Hooray for your darling photos! Future art connoisseurs in the making!
Tim, you are right :) I love when they leave, think about it, make a decision and come back to purchase their art. And I consider your pens art. Totally.
AMEN!! Some do not consider the pens I make as art but that's another story. I ALWAYS take time to explain to the kids the difference in the types of materials I use and the difference in the types of pens made. Most have never seen a fountain pen and are amazed at the ease of writing with one. I've had young ones ask how much a pens was, walk away and come running back with cash. So excited and proud of what they just bought. Almost makes it all worthwhile.