This past two weekends I had my studio open to visitors, as did 53 other artists in the greater Ithaca, New York region. We had perfect weather, which brought people in from Canada, New York City, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as from our local communities.
I sold several prints of my most popular painting, Culmination:
Culmination is the image I put in the Art Trail brochure, and many visitors commented on it.
I wasn't sure how sales would be, since the country (and the world) are facing scary economic times, but I had my best Art Trail season ever.
One of the original paintings I sold was a floral design on paper:
I also offer this image, Abstract Flower Six, in limited edition giclee prints on canvas.
Some things I learned from this year's Art Trail:
- Always mark items clearly with pricing so visitors don't have to ask.
- Offer inexpensive items such as cards, calendars and prints, as well as original art, so that everyone can afford to purchase something.
- Introduce yourself to everyone who comes and ask them something about themselves.
- Be sure to have biographical material about yourself available for those who want to view it.
- Provide a mailing-list sign-up sheet.
- Offer a simple snack like cookies or chocolate.
- Have help if possible. At times I was a bit overwhelmed handling everything by myself. Luckily my daughter arrived just as I was trying to wrap two original paintings I'd sold.
All in all, I am very pleased. In addition to sales and possible new clients, I also got to meet other artists and was invited to participate in a group show next year.
