A couple weeks ago I was a participating vendor in the fall market hosted by Dallas-based boutique, Flea Style. After 5 years of doing these kinds of craft fairs and getting established in the Utah art market circuit, I took almost a solid year off after our move to Texas. I suppose the thought of breaking into a new art community was a bit daunting, but I am so glad I took the leap back into what will hopefully be many more markets to come in the Lone Star state!
Perhaps an even bigger milestone for me was that this was first time I offered my original oil paintings for sale at a market. In preparation, my husband Bret helped me refurbish my folded panel doors with a fresh coat of french blue (inspired by my recent trip) on which I hung the paintings. I also spent a lot time searching out the perfect frames for each piece. To complete the booth, Bret constructed a new A-frame display for my watercolor prints that was much more functional than my previous set up and I think it all came together quite nicely in the end.
Selling at this market was a great reminder why I do them in the first place. There’s nothing like meeting your customers face-to-face and seeing how they respond to your work, as well as forming supportive connections with other local artisans. Art can create a very strong community and that is probably my favorite part about being an artist.
I was so pleased that a couple of my original paintings sold and went to people who were excited about them and loved to hear the story and inspiration that went into each piece. The biggest star of the day though was my Dallas skyline print. I loved seeing people walk by aimlessly and then spot the print and light up about it. There’s so much pride in being a Texan and certainly Dallas carries that same kind of local esteem. Having been a part of this show, I definitely feel more like I belong in the community here and that there’s a piece of the big Texas pie for me, too. Now if I could only say the word “ya’ll” without feeling like a fraud ;).
