Show Buzz!

I'm on a roll now doing fall shows. Some have been very good and one in particular was very bad. The weekend didn't start out promising as the weather people were forecasting rainy, windy, cold weather. In other words, a Nor'easter! And this was an outdoor show! Saturday was actually a nice day, a little cold but the sun was visible for most of the day. However, sales were not good. Sunday turned out to be a miserable day. Remember that rain, wind and cold! Well add snow to the mix! The event coordinator would not let exhibitors leave or close the show despite the fact that very few people came through the gate and those who did, I discovered, thought it was an indoor show! They too were not happy to be trudging around in such horrible conditions. So my question is where do you draw the line between keeping a show open and risking the health and well being of not only your exhibitors but also your paying guests? When threatened by a promoter that if you leave you will not be invited back to a show, do you suffer and risk inventory, display equipment, and health being ruined or compromised in order to be invited back?! Where is the concern and respect from the promoter for the artist and their work? After all, we are the ones who are bringing in the gate fee!

When telling my banker about my horrible weekend, she asked if they had paid me to be there or did I pay for the space to sell my work. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! A light bulb went on when I said, I paid for the space! What's wrong with this picture!

I have more respect for myself and my work than to be subjected to the "power control" driven promoter who has little regard for the artists who make the event a success. If you want to know what show it was, write your e-mail in the comment section and I will e-mail you privately. I cannot recommend this show because of the way we were all treated when the weather and going got rough. A little understanding and appreciation would have gone a looooooooooong way.

I tried to take a picture of the snow coming down as we packed up the car. The video was on accidentally and I must have turned the camera sideways. I can't figure out how to rotate it. The rotate buttons don't work for the video clip. If anyone knows how to do this let me know. In the mean time, just rotate your neck!!!!!!

The snow flakes were silver dollar size (remember silver dollars?!)


My next show is indoors! Yeah! It's in Cambridge, MA at St Peter's Episcopal Church. The show is called "ART on the PEWS"! I love that!!! I'm looking forward to being there. Stop by and see me if you are in the area.

Show mania!

This time of year is always stressful as most of my shows happen now. This year I've taken on a very agressive show schedule. I have a show every 2 weeks from now until the first weekend in December. I have never done that many shows before. I usually only do one a month from September to December. So am I crazy or what!!!!? Trying to keep up with inventory is a real challenge. In one month's time I sold 33 items. It takes me a whole lot longer than one month to replace 33 items! Weaving is not a fast craft! Anyway, I am so happy that show sales have been up but I only wish now that there were more hours in the day or I didn't need so much sleep.

So, if I don't write on the blog very much it's because I'm glued to my loom or sewing machine or have fallen asleep at them, one or the other!

My show at Wheaton Arts in NJ last weekend was very good. I love doing that show. I get to sell my work in a great place (Wheaton is a working glass blowing village) and I get to visit with artist friends and family. The only thing I don't like is the long drive down and back. My husband does not go with me as he has to work but I am very grateful for friends who help me set up and break down and provide my night's shelter and food. Their cat, Tripper, seems to look after me too! He's more like a dog than a cat!

I am so happy to see that show sales are picking up again. I had one of my better years at Wheaton this year. However that presents a dilemma as this week I needed to send items to the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen's Homemade Holiday Show in Lancaster, PA. I also have a show next weekend in Woodstock, CT. I am frantically trying to replace those 33 items and have more to send off to PA!

Check out my show scehedule on my website, http://www.judyconnorjones.com/. You'll see why I am working night and day in the studio.

Till I can write again.................................................................................................................