Art show preparation

 Tent set up in backyard - with a 2 x 4 frame and pegboard display area built by my husband.

Since I hardly ever participate in outdoor art shows I haven't yet invested in a heavy duty "art show tent" and professional display boards.  My tent is an "Easy-Up" purchased years ago at BJ's and while it's rather easy to get up, it also goes down rather easily in a heavy duty rainstorm.  Trust me, it's no fun trying to protect your paintings as wind driven rain seeps in through the sides and top of your tent!  Therefore I'm thrilled that the weather forecast for this weekend calls for clear skies and sunshine, perfect for an outdoor art show.

Wet Paint

 

Surfing Triptychs

A few surfing triptychs created for the show include a favorite, "Board Meeting", which was inspired by a photograph of my son and his two good friends taken during a surf trip.  The orange van looks just like the one my husband had in high school - which he was driving on our very first date!  Fortunately, years later my husband and I are still together - unfortunately, he got rid of the orange van way before we got married :(

Pre-Show Display Organization

 

 Triptychs on view.

Hopefully thinking through and planning display areas ahead of time will be helpful when setting up at the show.  I was delighted to see how easy it is to create shelving areas with just a few pieces of wood board and wire hooks found in our garage!  The shelves are perfect for my triptychs and a couple of shells.

My "Swimming and Surfing" themed display showcases paintings and small prints hanging from surfboard clothespins.  The shelf makes it easy to set up my small canvas paintings mounted on mat board.

A few paintings from my "City Scenes" theme period.  Some of which have been made into small prints for those looking for less expensive art purchases.

Open for Business

 If you can make it out to the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival in Norfolk, Va. this weekend, look for a tent that looks similar to this image.  I'd love to have company and the weather should be perfect!!