Manayunk Art Festival Recap

[repost from www.teresahaag.blogspot.com]

At the last minute, I was offered a table in the Emerging Artist Tent at the Manayunk Arts Festival.  I had never done a festival before...so I got some prints made and put together some plain black float frames for my originals.  We scrambled with some display ideas and packed up the car to see how things would go. 

This is the first year that they had an Emerging Artist Tent.  It was such a great idea.  My tent mates were so great and came from all different backgrounds - painters, digital artists, jewelry makers, pastel artists, and print makers.  Some had just graduated, and some had grand kids. 

I snuck out of the tent before the festival was even open
 and snapped this street shot...the streets were already packed.





Emerging Artist Tent

Table Setup

I did a live demo painting during my two days at the festival.  It was pretty busy so I was in and out of working on it.  It's of the Manayunk Bridge.  A local couple has called dibs on it.  I should be finished up this week. 

Some of my tent mates.

The festival organizers stopped by the booth at the end of the first day with a ribbon for me.
 I won the Best Emerging Artist award. 

The festival was an amazing experience.  People were streaming through all day stopping by to talk about my art and tell stories about places that my art reminded them of.  I met a woman who is also from upstate NY, and although I didn't have any work that depicted that region, she purchased a one of my 8x10 original paintings of Paris. 

I sold 7 originals, including my Shoreline Motel.  I am slightly sad to see the Shorline go, but I know that it is going to a good home.  I also sold some art prints.  Based on the crowds feedback, next year, I'll have more original paintings of local artwork available. 

Up next...I was accepted into the Corn Hill Art Festival in Rochester, NY July 7-8.  So, I've got to get back to work!

Gallery Update

Last month was the Phoenix Village Art Center's members show.  There were about 40 artists who submitted work.  It was a great show. 

I submitted 2 paintings...

It was a juried show and the awards night was this week.  I am so excited to share that "Powell Street" won Best In Show!

Here is the really amazing part...the winner of Best in Show gets a solo exhibition in 2013.  I am still in shock as I didn't even consider this a possibility.  So...lots of work to do to get ready.  40 pieces is the goal.