Art Star
The Art Star Craft Bazaar that took place from May 10-May 11 at Penn’s Landing officially marked my homecoming, my first show since my trip to Florida! Breathing in the life and history of Philly’s streets is an experience that always seems fresh and exciting, no matter how familiar.
The bazaar was stunning. Countless vendors were located on the waterfront of the Delaware River, including Matt Eyer – designer of Wear Liberty and a fellow contestant in the 2013 RAWards for the fashion designer category, where he competed against Project Runway Season 12 winner Dom Streater. My vendor was placed directly in front of the Independence Seaport Museum. I was greeted by a row of international flags, reminding me of all the cultures and people thriving in Philadelphia. It’s so good to be back. At first I was a bit hesitant since it was on the outer edge, but it turned out OK. Sometimes with outer tent locations, you do better off, but almost always it’s best to be located in the middle of it all.
Saturday was hot and muggy. The sun attempted to break through the thick gray clouds throughout the afternoon. The air within the vendor was heavier and hotter than the air outside. It’s funny how something as small and simple as a single step can completely transport you to a destination you haven’t previously visited or even anticipated.
The heat certainly didn’t stop guests from venturing inside to browse through my work. I was thrilled to introduce myself and my art to some new faces! Unfortunately, rainstorms cut our first day short. It was a very Florida sort of day, almost as if I hadn’t ever left the Sunshine State.
The following weekend I traveled to Scarsdale, NY for the Westchester Festival of the Arts. The event ran on May 17-18. It was a smaller fair, with more boutique vendors. The event was rather slow for me, which makes me add “boutique vendors” to my list of things to look out for when applying for art festivals. No regrets about it though! Everything is a learning experience.
Just three weeks ago I was in Florida, then I began to work my way up the coast to Maryland, back to Pennsylvania and then to New York. It’s exhausting, but I’m very excited to be wandering the northeast again.
The fairs really fry my brain. It’s challenging having such a sporadic schedule, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. While attending art festivals, I’m also attempting to make prints available for purchase on my website and making commission requests more accessible to the public. So stay tuned!
