Put yourself out there

As an artist, I honestly find art shows a bit scary. Having your work out for all to see is an invitation for a response. Talk about vulnerable! I've always felt that by the time you're ready to put yourself out there, you're ready for the response, whatever it may be -- good or bad. It's easy to say but harder to pull it off.

Gallery9 hosted a wonderful group show called "The Great Frame Up" where we had to create a piece to coordinate with a frame we selected in a blind draw -- totally backwards from the norm. When I opened my frame and saw the 1" flat turquoise wood burl I'll admit I knew this wasn't going to be easy. My still life came together well and three judges awarded me 3rd place. Hurray!

My painting with the 3rd place
Golden Brush award above it
©2013 Kim Morin Weineck
BLUE JAR
original pastel, 10x8"

The very next day my work was shown in the Norwood Art Association's 35th Annual Arts in the Park event. Imagine my feeling when I walked up to my piece and saw this blue ribbon on it! The beautiful sunshine-filled day got even better! 

©2013 Kim Morin Weineck
MARSH RAIN
original pastel, 12x9"

For all the painting going on in solitude, it feels quite nice to have my work recognized, and I'm so appreciative. 

Thanks for reading! -kmw

Art festival review

Saturday was hot and humid. My booth looked good for all my anxiety about what to expect. I did learn I need a canopy should I do this next year. What a way to start my first outdoor art festival - I was melting!!

A melting me posing with my visiting girls who also are melting

My mom came early (thank you, Mom) and helped set up the booth. Interestingly enough, my mom's cousin was helping his girlfriend set up her booth right next to mine. It's such a small world, isn't it?

Pippa and my Mom. Like Pippa's wave?

Here is the display, complete with two rigged umbrellas to somewhat protect the artwork. The golf umbrella is being held in our cooler of water and ice. I dehydrated a bit for not wanting to disturb the delicate MacGuyver-like rigging of the 'umbrella stand.'

My booth. Whew! All set up.

My mother-in-law had the girls for the day and brought them by for a visit. Lucy partook of the face painting and delighted in showing off her kitty.

It really was hot. I'm not quite exaggerating about the dehydration. My mother-in-law thoughtfully had brought another cooler with water and Fresca when she visited with the girls. Everything was drank in around five minutes!

I think Pippa was melting here.

Lucy still showing me her kitty with her origami project and Pippa.

Here is the booth right before take-down. A lot of empty spaces because I had a lot of sales!

Time to pack up for the day!

What wonderful people came to this show. I enjoyed talking to everyone, met the best art collectors, and the day was a wonderful success. What relief for having the first festival behind me. Whew!

Many sales - Hurray!

And additional thanks to my mom. What a day she put in with me. We melted together and made some more happy memories. Love you!

Thanks for reading!
kmw

Nothing ventured nothing gained

Recently I had some prints made of this pastel of Bird Island Lighthouse in Marion, MA I did a while back which belongs to my mother-in-law.

©2011 Kim Morin Weineck, BIRD ISLAND , original pastel 12x9"

Click here for information on available prints!

Soon I'll be picking up the few I had framed, matted, and packaged for sale at the Marion Art Center's annual Arts in the Park festival tomorrow. The fact that the festival is tomorrow is keeping me up at night with thoughts of everything yet to do.

Having never participated in a show like this I'm not sure what to expect, so I'm taking lots of gambles. How many times can I chant, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained"? Not enough, evidently. It's become my show preparation motto!

If you're in the Marion, MA area, come to the festival! It'll be a great time!!

And if you haven't entered the giveaway yet, make sure you get on that!

Thanks for reading!
kmw