The Church Bazaar and Other Natural Wonders

For years, I tried to "peddle my wares" at various church events, art and crafts shows and local events all in the hopes of that inevitable and often illusive gift known as: profit.

Now, before anyone starts throwing hymnals and spoonfuls of Aunt Edith's Chicken and Dumplings, let me clarify.

There are two places for art work; the studio and in your home or place of business. This causes a huge problem during those crazy "in between times."

How do we show our things?
How do we get people to take our craft seriously?
How can I really make money doing what I love?

Alas, I do know the answer to those questions in some regard. You have to spend money to make money as the adage goes; but notice this. It does not say: You have to spend money on a booth to be squeezed between Fred's train whistles, and Jolene's prize winning gooseberry preserves, to make money.

That being said, here is my take on the average bazaars, arts and crafts shows, and local events.

1) Church events: I love them. I grew up going to them and participating in them. It's where I heard my first: "I can make that," by women who obviously hadn't. It's where the house wine of the south ( Sweet tea for you lay people ) flowed like the tall tales and the stories of tent revivals with no air conditioning. They are not made for artwork. My last one, was two years ago where the only thing that seemed to sell, were the crocheted hats some girl had made, to help pay for her missions trips. That is wonderful. You go girl. I didn't sell a single thing.

2) Arts and Crafts shows: Okay, again the title is a giveaway. Notice the "crafts" not the "craftsman" emphasis. There is  a distinct difference. That painting that took you two weeks to finish? Yeah...you could be set up next to a couple who make those heinous "bent over" garden cut outs. If you have those in your yard/garden, well...you do you I guess. I don't however consider that artwork. It's like grandpa has a jigsaw and mamaw has left over paint from the last church bazaar signs. Also, let me just say, I love Pinterest as much as anyone. I could move right now, into one or several of my boards, but artwork and a painted ladybug stone paperweight don't really work well together. And, here's the most important part: EVERYONE EXPECTS YOUR HEART AND SOUL TO SELL FOR NOTHING. Thus...haggling and "is that the best you can do?" begins.

3) Big local events, like 4thof July parades, festivals, etc. : Okay, I have marched in parades and so have my daughters, but the average parade goer? Um, he/she isn't looking for something fabulous to go over his/her entryway. He/she is looking for a cooling tent, a lemonade or that guy with the train whistles. I mean, who isn't? So, that intricate landscape, bird study, still life, piece of pottery? If it doesn't fit in the back of junior's stroller and still leave room for the goldfish crackers and sippy cups? Sorry, Leonardo it ain't happening.

WARNING: At all these events there is a false sense of hope.

"Do you have a card?"
Yes, yes I do. In close to 10 years of this, I have only received a handful of those: "I picked up your card, and wanted to order something."

"This is beautiful! I've never seen anything like it."
Yes, yes it is. And then they walk away.

"How much is this?"
You tell them. ( exeunt stage left )
You tell them a different price ( exeunt stage right )

Now, after reading this, my fellow artists it may seem there is no point.
But, I tried that too...and the thing is. We just can't stop. That creative spark just can't be extinguished. ( Even if that last batch of Maybelle's potato salad didn't set too well...if you know what I mean. I know, another church bazaar reference. I'm sorry )

We have to create, but we also have to support each other. So when we hear about a friend attending showing at an art show, or we know someone that paints beautifully, or sews incredibly, or does fantastic lettering, we have to support them. Go to their shows. Order their items. Do something besides the mall, and shop local small business.

There may not be a fiddling competition or face painting, but if you buy art, you are buying a little chunk of hope from these crazy creative souls.
And, hopefully for some of us that elusive "big break" will also come.

So, artists? Support each other and hang in there.
Art lovers? Support us and hang in there. There will be enough festivals and events for Trevor to have his pony ride and for you to have something great hanging over your sofa.

Now I'm craving gooseberry preserves.

Keep creating,
Noel

Why yes, I am an artist.

I don't know what it is.

Maybe it's that idea that an artist is somehow "less than," by society's standards.
Or when we think of "artists," we associate some grubby, paint covered introvert, intent on making a name for himself/herself. ( without lopping off an ear, thank you very much )

Why should an artist, cower at the notion of really owning that title?

It took me a long time to refer to myself as such. I remember doing a local art show, several years ago, and when people would ask: "Are you the artist?" I would evade the question or remark with statements like, " I guess you could say that," or "Well, sort of..."

Really?

Oh how I've changed. It doesn't matter the medium, the event, or the cost, my work is my passion, and what is my title? Artist. Yes, yes I am.

For so many of us, art was a hobby, or something we "just used to do in school." When we think of the "ludicrous" idea of actually doing this for a living, we are instantly met with fear and uncertainty powerful enough to compare with the "Jr. High Cafeteria" anxiety.

"What if they don't like it?"
"What if it's not good enough?"

"What if I don't ever sell anything?"

I know, the list could go on and on. For years, I never did anything more creative than draw for my children. Then, when life fell apart, with divorce and abandonment, I was facing so much uncertainty as well as insomnia, I bought that $5.00 watercolor set. That first brush stroke became the beginning of breaking free from so much insecurity.

I first sold my cards and prints at a farmer's market. It was grueling. I had to be there on Saturday mornings, no later than 5:15 a.m. The farmers hated the artisans. But, I would leave straight from there every time and go to the grocery store. Our needs would be met, because this "artist" chose to do the hard things, and eventually it paid off. ( no more Farmer's Market thank you )

Recently, a friend with whom I collaborate delivered a bench he had made, complete with my custom artwork, to its buyers. He recorded the reaction of the recipient as her children gave the early Christmas gift, and the significance of the art work. As the children were describing the bench, one said: "See momma? That artwork was done by a real local artist, not in a store."

Why yes, I am the artist.

My dear creative souls, whether you have a fabulous studio and great licensing projects, or you are like me and are regularly creating at "kitchen table studios," own your title. Own your gifts. Own the incredible creativity that God gave us and let the "What ifs" go. "They" may never like your work, or even accept you as an artist, but your "artistry" isn't defined by "them." It's ultimately defined by the One who gave the gifts; the greatest creator of all.


Be the sculptor.
Be the carpenter.
Be the painter.

Be the artist.