My time at Artscape this year was a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. Days two and three were completely different from the first day, and I learned a lot about resilience, community, and the power of vulnerability.
The first day at Artscape was challenging. People walked by, looked through my art, and left. I’ve been in spaces like this before, but the sheer number of people doing it this time threw me off. It was disheartening and left me questioning my work and my place in the art community. Feeling overwhelmed, I shared a vulnerable moment on social media about how I was feeling. Read more about Why I Failed at Artscape 2024: A Niche Artist in the Rain.
The response from my community was overwhelming. So many amazing people reached out to me with words of encouragement and support. It felt like I was being doula’d through the experience, with people guiding and supporting me emotionally.
Determined to make the most of the weekend, I made several changes to my setup:
Optimized My Setup: I pulled my table all the way forward and minimized my space by taking down extra tables. We let our neighboring vendor use one of the extra tables, which reduced clutter and created a more inviting space for visitors.
Brought a Portable AC Unit: Given the intense heat, we brought our portable AC unit that had been sitting in our enclosed carport for years. This was a lifesaver. Fortunately, Artscape provided electricity outside, and having the AC unit made a huge difference.
Engaged with Live Painting: To attract more visitors and make the experience less awkward, I decided to paint live. This drew many people in, sparking conversations and interest in my work. I put some cards in front for them to grab, and next time, I might bring a tip jar. I even got professionally photographed by a local media vendor, which was very exciting!
By the third day, I felt more grounded and ready to engage with the festival-goers. Despite the early rain, we decided to stay, and it turned out to be my best day at Artscape. I managed to sell three paintings over the weekend, one of them at Artscape. I also sold some flat note cards, 8×10 prints, and 11×14 prints. Seeing my art find new homes was incredibly rewarding.
So How did I do!?
A painting, several flat note cards, 8×10 prints, and 11×14 prints. It wasn’t my worst turn out. I also sold two paintings that weekend and got 15+ orders! I have so many ideas for next year. The outpouring of love and encouragement from my community was invaluable. Their support reminded me of the importance of being seen and appreciated as an artist.
I met so many wonderful people, including fellow artists and members of my birth worker community. Additionally, there were a few people who have followed my journey for years and came to my booth to introduce themselves. One of them was Nicole, a mother, writer, painter, and photographer. Meeting her was a highlight, as we shared our experiences and passion for art.
Sharing my vulnerability brought unexpected support and connections that made the entire experience transformative. It reinforced the importance of community and the value of being seen and appreciated as an artist. The excitement and connections made, even during the rain, are invaluable. We all supported each other, which meant the most.
While driving home, I thanked my partner for his efforts. He looked at me and said, “I’m happy we could help. It was something to do.” His support was invaluable and made the experience even more rewarding.