Why would an artist participate in this crazy show? Because it’s fun; however, fun doesn’t always pay the bills. Some say it’s a crime to charge only $20 for original handmade art. This stems from their personal frustration and does not represent the whole of participants. Just because they can’t make it work for them, doesn’t mean they should dissuade everyone else from having a blast.

I too, hope the show increases its price point (oh no, hypocrisy!); however, if the show no longer makes sense for me to partake in, then that’s okay (albeit sad! 😢). I am happy knowing that as long as the show continues, there will be artists benefitting greatly from it. On the surface, the artist gets $20 for a piece of art they made. But what did they gain beyond that? How much did they grow in the process? And what relationship are they cultivating with their collectors?

I have strived to overshoot the value I pour into this show, meaning for every piece I have gone all out with the time that I have. Yes, they’re worth more than $20 and I’m giving 200%. Perhaps it’s naïve of me, but my genuine hope is that patrons will see and recognize the tremendous effort and dedication it takes to pull this off.

Will I participate next year? This is a question I must revisit every year. It’s difficult to make sense of it looking at the numbers on paper. However, the skills and work ethic I have gained are irreplaceable. My progression as an artist has seen considerable jumps from show to show. It’s not easy to pass up the challenge knowing how much better I will be on the other side of it. However, the numbers need to add up at some point. This is where commissions following the show have to make up for the losses. Yes, losses, because I can make more money from painting commissions than I can via show prepping. The difference is that this show has pushed me creatively in new ways and has the potential to connect me with new people. If I can paint more for those people beyond the show, then it will have been worthwhile for the success of my art career. I wish it was all art and less business, but to fulfill my dream of inspiring others, this is a necessary part of the process.

I hope the show continues and that it’s in the cards for me to participate again. I am especially looking forward to sharing more art with all of you!

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