Jewelry At The Gardens
October 7 – 9, 2011
Denver Botanic Gardens

Jewelry At The Gardens.  This will be my last BIG show of 2011.  Even though it’s only the second year for this event, it is my favorite.

How many shows and or events do you do?  I have yet to come up with the right number for me.  Yet this year, because of the uncertainty of knowing whether or not I would be juried into the shows I applied for, well, I ended up with a very hectic September and October.

Thankfully, I have been able to reach a conclusion about doing the outdoor fine art festivals.  At this point in my career, they are not a good fit.  I have a full time day job that supports all the habits….food, shelter, clothing and materials used in my work.  Doing the outdoor shows/events, I give up my normal weekend and more.  From a financial perspective, they are not a wise investment of my time.

I’ve just started reading “Mystery of Making It” by Jack White.  It’s a bit early to make a full assessment of Jack’s recommendations for artists, but I must admit that right now I find his insights, on Making It in the world as an artist, to be extremely helpful.  My plan is to try other approaches for marketing my work in 2012, outside of shows.  I think I would like to do one show like Jewelry at the Gardens or the Open Studios Tour, but the outside shows have been physically hard for me.

I don’t think there is any right answer about how to approach marketing ones work.  It is my belief that it just takes time and effort with a variety of trials to see what works for the individual artist.  There isn’t an overnight success, as many have told me, it comes after years of hard work.  Very true.

All of that being said, I am excited to be doing Jewelry At the Gardens again this year.  We have some familiar faces from last year and some new ones.  The venue is fantastic.  Last year’s show was such a success that the show has been extended by one day.  Friday evening’s opening will have live entertainment, a little food, wine and the works of some of the best jewelers in the country….even a few who are known internationally.  I am honored to be among them.

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments….I’d enjoy knowing your approach to marketing your work.

Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.