Matthews Alive Arts & Crafts Festival
This Labor Day weekend has been great fun. This is the first festival that I have ever participated in and I am happy that I did. I was in booth #97 in front of the Elementary School. The festival lasted 3 days, September 1st thru 3rd.
It was a challenge setting up our tent for the first time Friday night and taking it down on Monday night, but I was fortunate to have help from family and friends. I think that it will be easier to get up and down the next time we do this. The days were long and exhausting, but worth it. I met some wonderful and interesting people and I had the opportunity to introduce all who stopped by to my artwork.
It looks as though I will have some commissions to keep me busy in the coming months and that is a good thing. My painting “Center of the Known World” received the most attention. I had it displayed on an easel outside my tent and received many inquiries about giclees. I have received several commissions of the Charlotte signs but with the directional sign locations to read something other than “Charlotte here and there...” and to have personal meaning to those that want it painted for their home. I thought that was a neat idea to change the information on the directional signs to read something like “Uncle Tom’s, Olney, Maryland 635 miles.” That would personalize the painting and make it an interesting addition to anyone’s home.
We had fabulous weather, and although it was hot in the afternoon, it wasn’t anywherenear as hot as the week before. I was blessed to have my booth set up right under a beautiful crape myrtle tree that offered shad, and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to have the same space next year so I paid in advance and will be in the same #97 location next year - same place, new paintings! I also had a direct view of the band and enjoyed the great music! What fun!
I must admit, though, that each night when I got home I felt like I had been hit by a truck. My head and back hurt so bad that 3 Advil gave me very little relief, but when my head hit the pillow, I was out cold.
Thank you to all who stopped by and said “hello.” It has been great meeting all of you and I hope to see you again next year. I am looking forward to hearing from you and working on your commissioned work.
Also, thank you to everyone who helped me with the tent, the hanging of the paintings, running around to get me something cold to drink or something to eat and more. Thanks to my friends who stopped by to say “hello” and chat. I enjoyed your company as always and was so happy to see you!
If you are reading my blog, please sign my guestbook.
Take care, Stay Safe, and I will see you again next year!
