I began Saturday morning driving around to the appropriate intersections to place signs that would lead visitors to my studio for the tour.
What a fabulous really-and-truly small independent business tradition. You just pound into the ground a sign with an arrow. Another woman from my neighborhood was stopping at all the same intersections as I was. She was having a garage sale, about a block down the street from my home. We laughed together. I said I’d send people to her garage sale if she’d send them to my studio tour. Deal. Done.
I spray painted this old door to create a quirky sign - letting visitors know they’d found the right spot.
Take-Away #1: The Learning Component
I rediscovered that people LIKE to learn about art. Not all people are prospective buyers. They may not have wall space. They may not have the budget required. All fine. People are respectful of the work required, plus the individual spark required, for one to be an artmaker. They appreciate knowing how things are made.
(Note to artmakers: Don’t be shy about telling your story: How did you become interested in your chosen artmaking method? How many hours do you spend? What comes hardest to you? What do you like the most? Patrons and just regular folks enjoy learning this. Offer the information. Sometimes people are afraid to ask.)
“The Lord Giveth and the Interstate Taketh Away.” Displayed outdoors with good light. Lots of people asked about the story behind it. We had some great conversations.
Take-Away #2: The planning Component
Our Studio Tour is put together by a very small committee (actually one person) who handles: registering artists, collecting funds, contracting with web provider, planning the paid advertising, whipping into shape the participating artists to encourage personal social media and other advertising. In this event, as in almost any successful community event, volunteers ROCK!
Take-Away #3: Energy! (And sore Feet)
It’s hard work to be “on “ for a solid stretch from 10am – 5pm. I am grateful that I hardly had 15 minutes without visitors to look at art, shop for art, and talk about how things are made. The time passed quickly. But I’m pooped. (And my feet are tired too from standing all day. I’ll need to switch shoes tomorrow.)
Inside the studio I had set up both finished work and work-in-progress. More opportunities for conversation.
Take-Away #4: Living the Life!
Like many women aged 60+, I worked through a lot of other life experiences to get here. I feel alive and energized and grateful to have a life as a full-time artmaker at this point in my journey. It is good!
To everybody who visited today - showed interest in artwork - purchased some to take home with you - thank you! I’m writing this Saturday evening. I’m looking forward to another interesting day on Sunday.
For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com
How I keep in touch:
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