Welcome back, my interested readers! Today, I'm thrilled to share my unforgettable experience of participating in my very first art fair – the Kensington Metropark Art Fair 2023 in Midford, Michigan. If you've ever considered applying to an art fair or are simply curious about what it's like, this blog is for you. In my previous post, I delved into the process of applying to the fair, but now I'm excited to take you on a journey through the actual event.
Before we dive in, I must confess that I originally intended to write this blog right after the event, so everything would be fresh in my mind. However, my other job (not photography-related) unexpectedly whisked me away to Asia for a while, and I couldn't pen down my thoughts as quickly as I hoped. Nevertheless, I'll do my best to recount the entire experience as vividly as possible.
Now, as the dust settles from the Kensington Metropark Art Fair weekend, it's been almost two months since Jeff and I packed up my tent, bidding farewell to the lovely park and all the incredible people I met. The results of the fair were a mixed bag – not as fruitful as I had imagined (we all hope for the best), but definitely not as disappointing as my nervous self had feared. I managed to sell some of my favorite prints, and the feedback from art enthusiasts was far more positive than I had ever anticipated. In addition, the traffic to my website reached astonishing heights, and I'm thrilled to have gained potential clients interested in other prints and even some future repeat buyers.
Now, you might be wondering, am I glad it's all over? To that, I must answer with a hesitant "yes and no." Participating in the art fair was undeniably a labor of love, but it wasn't a walk in the park, (you see what I did there?). As a first-timer, putting everything together demanded a tremendous amount of effort and time. I questioned myself repeatedly on how to best prepare my inventory – What types of prints should I take? Large or small framed prints? Acrylic, metal, canvas, or prints on backings? And the pricing dilemma! I wanted to strike the perfect balance – not underselling myself but not being exorbitant either. It was an artist's dilemma, to say the least.
To ensure my limited edition prints were well-organized, each categorized, numbered, and signed, I also had to meticulously archive them. I created cards detailing the photography technique used for each shot, along with pricing and other vital information. Additionally, I filled out all the certificates of authenticity and neatly tucked them into envelopes, paired with business cards. The last thing I wanted was to forget something crucial, so I may have gone slightly overboard and taken more office supplies than necessary – just in case.
Let's talk about setup day. Fortunately, we were informed by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows, the organizer of the fair, that we could set up the day before the event. I'm eternally grateful for that decision, as it spared us from the rush and allowed us ample time to prepare. But, as luck would have it, we forgot the drill to attach the footings to the grid walls during setup, as we watched our neighbor quickly put his up.
Before the Kensington Metropark Art Fair opened its doors, Jeff and I arrived early to ensure everything was picture-perfect. We couldn't help but notice the seasoned participants with their large canopy tents, fancy display panels, and trendy logo merchandise. Their setups were a breeze (unlike ours), and we learned a valuable lesson – never forget the drill!
Now, I must admit, I had some preconceived anxieties about my fellow artists. Spending time on social media's artists and photography pages exposed me to some dreadful attitudes and negative behaviors. I feared how other artists would perceive my booth and my work, especially since this was my first big show. Nervously, I hoped for both constructive feedback and a genuine appreciation of the hard work I put into my photography.
To my immense relief, the participants at the fair were an amazing bunch! We interacted with many wonderful artists who showed genuine support and camaraderie. Gone were my fears as I exchanged business cards, stories, and advice with my newfound art family.
Allow me to give a special shout-out to some of the incredible artists I met during the event:
Michael Cover: An artist with a unique talent for crafting beautiful stained-glass pieces, specializing in solid wood-framed glass. He's also a former police officer and author of "Beyond the Badge," a captivating book about his experiences. He and his lovely wife Evelyn, were the first people to greet us when we arrived, and it was a delight to have them as neighbors.
Carolyn Garay: A visual artist whose wild and whimsical paintings take viewers on a journey through her fantastic imagination. Some of her art has the power to make people blush and laugh simultaneously.
Catherine Adamkiewicz (Siena Becket): A talented photographer and abstract artist whose striking paintings of flowers feature bold colors, intricate patterns, and mesmerizing compositions.
Laura Higle (That Moment, Click LLC): A gifted landscape photographer who captures the earth's beauty and shares her vision through stunning images. I was delighted to bump into her again at the Wyandotte Street Fair last weekend.
Anthony R. Brass: A versatile artist who wears multiple creative hats – painter, graphic designer, musician, and friend. His nature paintings of landscapes and animals transport viewers to a magical realm.
Chris Hipple (Worker Bee Jewelry) and his bee helper, Shannon Hoy: Chris's work is unlike anything I've seen before. He's a skilled silversmith who creates jewelry cast from the remains of honeybees, honoring these magnificent creatures and preserving their memory forever.
Throughout the fair, I was fortunate to have some dear friends and family visit me, adding warmth and support to my new adventure. However, I must admit that managing interactions with visitors while attending to friends was a bit challenging. Note to self: Give everyone your undivided attention next time!
The weather during the fair was sweltering, but we had fans to help us keep cool. If you ever decide to participate in an art fair, I highly recommend bringing lots of water and staying hydrated. Kudos to Mark Loeb and the Integrity Shows team, who kindly checked on us throughout the day, providing snacks and ensuring our well-being.
Now, the highlight of the entire show for me was a touching moment with an older gentleman. He sat about 10 feet away in his walker, observing my booth while his daughter looked inside. Eventually, he decided to come in, and he spent a good 10 minutes gazing at my Pt. Reyes ship print. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched him connect with my photograph, and when he left, I mustered the courage to share that it was my first art fair, and he made the whole experience worth it. He thanked me, though his speech was limited, and I saw his daughter wiping away tears. That touching encounter made the entire event valuable, knowing that my work connected with someone on such a profound level, evoking cherished memories.
As the fair came to an end, the feeling was bittersweet. Parting ways with the amazing people I had met – customers, attendees, and fellow participants – left me wondering if our paths would ever cross again. Nevertheless, after three long days of intense heat and heartwarming connections, I felt both satisfied and eager for some well-deserved relaxation until the next fair.
A few days after the art fair, my inbox was graced with heartwarming emails from some of the attendees. One message, in particular, stood out – a kind lady who had read a couple of my blogs sent me a beautiful note of positive reinforcement. It felt like the cherry on top of the already delightful event.
Receiving such encouraging feedback from someone who appreciated my work and took the time to read my blogs filled me with immense joy and gratitude. It reinforced my belief in the power of art to connect with others on a profound level. It's moments like these that make all the effort and hard work that went into preparing for the art fair so worthwhile.
Knowing that my photography and words had touched someone's heart and left a positive impact made me even more passionate about continuing my artistic journey. This wonderful gesture from a kind stranger will forever hold a special place in my heart and serve as a constant reminder of the meaningful connections that art can create.
As I look back on my first art fair experience at the Kensington Metropark, I can't help but feel grateful for the fantastic people I met, the memories I made, and the valuable lessons I learned. It was a journey of self-discovery, courage, and creative expression, and I'm excited to see where this artistic adventure will take me next.
To all my readers and fellow artists, thank you for joining me on this incredible ride. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I can't wait to share more of my art and experiences with you in the future.
Until then, keep creating, keep inspiring, and always believe in the power of art to touch lives and create meaningful connections.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Lora Grant
Contact information of the other participants:
Michael Cover: https://www.facebook.com/MCOStainedglass/
Carolyn Garay: https://www.carolyngaray.com
Catherine Adamkiewicz (Siena Becket): https://www.sienabecket.com/about-the-artist
Laura Higle (That Moment, Click LLC): https://laurahigle.slickpic.site
Anthony R. Brass: https://www.anthonyrbrass.com
Chris Hipple (Worker Bee Jewelry): https://workerbeejewelry.com
