ArtsFest was a very worthwhile and positive experience for me this year. A few weeks ago, I had nearly nothing I could have shown, but I spent a good bit of time in the studio and ended up with several new pieces that I thought were serviceable enough.
My booth at ArtsFest. Thats artist Nathan Beatty to the right.
I had been thinking mostly of doing pieces that could sell (always need sales) and had not given any thought at all to the competitive aspect of the festival, though I was aware it was a juried show with awards. With almost all my pieces being 8"x10" or smaller, I didn't figure on my stuff having the sort of impact that might impress the judges. I just hoped to survive the heat and have a nice time greeting the public and hanging out with some fellow artists, while making a little cash.
The booth of painter friend Dan McWilliams.
I was very happily surprised, then, when I was awarded "Best of 2D (2 dimensional) Art" by the festival judges, Alissa Walls Mazow (art history prof. at the University of Arkansas) and David Houston (Director of Curatorial for the soon to be opened Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art).
I was pleased, also, to sell a few pieces, which - trust me - is nice.
The show was, I thought, the best ArtsFest yet. Well run, a nice leisurely atmosphere (almost like walking around a little village market), with a good variety of art booths, food and excellent live music.
This was the booth of Chris Nogy, founder and proprieter of Instruments of Antiquity. It was a joy being located next to this amazing, creative family. The whole family indeed takes part, with demonstrations and helpful answers about these handmade instruments from mom and all the kids.
That's fellow Poor Richard's artist, potter David Stephens.
More photos from Downtown Bentonville ArtsFest 2011!
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