Monday 25 July 2016

Art in the Pen -2016 Thirsk

It's been a while I wrote here in my blog... Holiday, family staying and most time and mind consuming event - my first Art in the Pen show. AITP is the well established art fair here in North. This year they expanded to a new venue in Thirsk.
It was my first exhibition as an fibre artist and I was very excited and a little bit scared. But it went well.
- I like the venue and the atmosphere. Despite being just a cattle auction market it has very light and airy feel. Some people with more experience than myself commented that it was one of the best venue of the kind. And the weather was a proper summer weather.
- Everyone was very friendly. The pen(stand) we've got at first was of a rather awkward shape not suitable to my kind of display and we were moved to another one with proper walls and corners, getting more light and located just in the centre of the action.
- I've met some people, textile artists, whom I knew by there work on Internet.
Public response was very good, I've got so many very complimentary comments from the visitors and professionals alike. I was thrilled to bits when Sheila Smith came to my stand and praised my work. We chatted with MarmaladeRose (Fiona Gill) about our professional "secrets" and she's bought my glasses case! I think I should put it in my CV :)
- What was very unexpected that some visitors (whom I've never seen in my life!) came to see my work, which were recommended by other felt artists. It was very nice to know!
 - I've sold two cushions to a lady who has already had my tea cosy. It's just great to have customers coming back.
- There were a lot of gallerists and markets organisers looking for new interesting exhibitors and I run out of my business cards by the end of the show. I've been already invited to a designer market next year!
 - And finally - I sold well.

Overall it was very good and exciting weekend and I hope to repeat it next year.
Here are some pictures to illustrate:
How everything started:


         My husband dealing with the fish display:

This side of the pen is finished:

 
"Panoramic view":

 
 
And myself in the middle:
 
 
My family came to support me at the end of the first day. Some fish and cushions have gone and a picture...
 
  
Some pictures of the other exhibitors' stands: