The organizers provided pop-up tent-tops, lunch and handled all the filthy lucre.
I began the day with high expectations and much optimism.
The pop-up tent was 10’x10′ in theory. In reality, it tapered inward, so instead of fitting all 6 of my display screens, only 5 would fit. So, quite a few paintings didn’t make it. Still, I have a TON of paintings.
There were 3 or 4 blocks of these tents with umbrellas in the middle of the street, because it was hot and shade was very welcome.
After setting up, I went exploring down the street. (or was that up the street? I walked North on Garden, so I think it would be “up”) This is GORGEOUS work by my amazing friend Nikki.
This was a simple booth with 3 different books for sale. (Hi Carole and Irene!) I thought the display was EXCELLENT. I wonder who won the best booth prize??
An hour before the show was advertised as open to the public, there were VIP guests. Except there weren’t. It was a nice idea, but just meant we had an easy first hour.
Then the public began to arrive. I saw many old friends, former and current drawing students, met new people, and had my sister with me for about 2 hours.
People were nice, and many of the comments and conversations were either puzzling or funny.
“I have 2 lemon trees in my back yard.”
“Oh?” (What is an appropriate response? “Great! Want to buy a painting of a lemon?”)
Or, “Oh my gosh, I thought those were pictures!!” (usually pronounced “pitchers”)
Couldn’t really say what I thought, which was, “They are pictures. Did you mean photographs?”
“Oh my gosh, that’s $50??!”
“Uh, yes, it is an original oil painting, Doofus.”
Nope, I didn’t say that either.
In conclusion, I don’t think my work is suitable for a street fair in Visalia, no matter how well organized it is.
Visalia is the largest city in Tulare County, and it would be good to have my work in a place with a greater population than Three Rivers. However, I don’t know what would be the right venue.
More will be revealed in the fullness of time. . .