I did it.  I took my first steps.  I loaded my display panels, a table,  my print cradles, 12 framed pieces  and almost three dozen 17x22 and 17x24 inch prints with mattes in sleeves into my truck.  I had my Venmo, Square and PayPal accounts ready to go.  Shortly after 7AM I dropped off my displays and photos on Park City’s Main Street at my assigned space  and then went about setting up.  The Park City Arts Council, whose booth space I was using, had dropped off a tent, sandbags and two chairs.  The chairs I could figure out.  The tent was another matter.  There were no instructions.  After struggling with it, a neighbor took pity on me and explained how to raise the tent.  After  raising the tent and weighting the corners with the sand bags I went about arranging my panels and photographs. 

I am so glad I staged it in my garage…it made it so much easier to make it all work.  I was happy with the booth using the limited resources I applied.

The market is supposed to open at 10am, but at about 9:30 people started wandering by and into the booth.  I was not quite set up, but what can you do.  The market was busy and I had a fair amount of traffic.  I received many compliments from the people that stopped in, they seemed appreciative of my work and I enjoyed engaging with them.  I had a number of people tell me they would return (I think I knew better, but I was hopeful) and gave away dozens of my new business cards.  I had a family that actually started picking out prints, so I pulled them to the front of the print cradle.  Then, when we started talking about prices (I even offered a three for two deal) they said they had to look at something else and never returned.  Many people asked if I would be there the following week.  Nope.   This opportunity was a one shot chance that the Arts Council give to new artist that have never been on Main Street.   If I want to display at this market again, I have to pay to play.

I did manage to sell two boxes of gift cards and since I had no entrance fee, the day ended up a net positive.  Woo Hoo.

I had friends stop by, they were also positive in their feedback so I think I did not totally screw up.  I had good images that presented well and drew people into the booth.

Discouraged, Yes.  Giving up?  Nope.  I have another local show at the end of August.  Hopefully it will go better for me.  It is strictly an art show, so I am not competing with the vendors selling food, t-shirts, sandals and other non-arty things.  My next show is three days long over the holiday weekend. 

I will let you know if I am successful.  There will be a  “Part III” if I am.

Thanks for stopping by.