As mentioned in yesterdays post, the weather gods were smiling down upon us in Omaha this year. We couldn’t ask for more pleasant conditions. People were out en masse but sales were a little low despite this. But then I am always hoping for more. Whats that old saying “the gap between more and enough never closes.”
I think sales were low for many two dimensional artists. This is often the case. I think jewelers and potters still did quite well. They usually do. Here’s a hint for anyone thinking about doing art fairs and who is not limited to one artistic choice. The real money is in pottery, jewelry and clothing. Jewelry is the easiest in that it requires the least hauling and toting and vehicle space. I know many a potter who makes a good living jealously eying jewelers for their still healthy backs.
Brule’
Brule’ (Brew-Lay) was once again back which made us happy. They have participated in the Omaha Summer Arts Festival for a little over 10 years (we are at 10) but they were unable to make it last year (lucky them with the weather the way it was) due to scheduling problems. Brule’ is a contemporary Native American group (kinda like a modern day Partridge Family) headed by the father and elder Paul LaRoche. We have been within 3 booth spaces of Brule’ every year and love their music. I will talk more of Brule’ in an upcoming post.
So close and yet so far.
OSAF does an on-site jury process where those with a high enough score get pre-approved for the next year. I have been blessed to have been pre-approved pretty much every year, but never high enough to win an award. This is sort of a personal goal of mine.
One juror (there are three) came and and talked with me for a bit. She loved my work and said she gave me the maximum points allowed. I’m like “Bless You!” So I’m feeling pretty good about the possibility of a big ribbon and more importantly check (it’s like free money) in my future. Then the other two judges came around and barely peeked into the tent. (Never a good sign) The clincher was no one came by at the end to make sure that I would be attending the awards breakfast.
Note to newbie’s. Not all shows, but many give the award winners a heads up. It makes the whole giving out of ribbons and such more impressive when the winner is actually there to claim it.
And alas, my name was not called the following morning at breakfast. But I enjoyed myself thoroughly.
I’d say maybe next year I’ll get that allusive award but I am seriously considering trying a different city next year. This is a hot weekend for events and nearly every major city in a 4 hour radius of us has an event going. We’ll have to see how I feel about things next year and if I’m pre-approved. They are switching to ZAPPlication next year and so they may just through all of us in the mix again to be juried.
Another Rant
Nothing much new in regards to the festival from last year. I did take advantage of the free massages for the artists this time. (it was wonderful) I do have one complaint though. Well it is really more of an annoyance. But I will talk of that in tomorrows post.