A Customer's Perspective on Art Festivals

Yesterday I spent a few hours attending the Bellevue Festival of the Arts which is held once every summer in Bellevue, Washington.  Essentially, it’s paradise on earth for art lovers!

While I was there I visited with Julie Simpson, a fabulous artist who works with textiles and mixed media.  We talked for quite a bit and she recommended that I visit another booth run by a fellow grad of RISD (the Rhode Island School of Design).  Julie’s referral resulted in us purchasing beautiful earrings from the gal she directed us to, Seung-Hea Lee.  What I realized in retrospect was that without Julie’s recommendation, we probably would have kept on walking right past Seung-Hea’s booth.

When you’re attending a show that is bursting at the seams with phenomenal talent, it’s really easy to overlook great stuff!

This experience and the art festival in general led me to reflect on two things:

1. If you love someone else’s work or you’re passionate about something that you have in common, pass that enthusiasm along to others (you may be helping your fellow artist out without even realizing it).
2. Engage with your customers (or potential customers).  I experienced both sides of the coin yesterday in terms of engagement.  Some artists were thrilled to see your interest in their work and some didn’t even respond when I said “Hello!”  (Take a wild guess who I purchased from!) Trust me, it makes a huge difference.

I like giving my business to artists who support others within the art/handmade community.  I also appreciate artists and businesses with nice, friendly people.  It’s obviously not rocket science, but I’d much prefer purchasing from people who are thankful for my business and passionate about what they do than people who aren't.

So with that, I’ll leave you with the websites of some nice, friendly, and uber talented folks that I came across at the show today… people that I’d gladly give my business and referrals to:

Mistura:  Phenomenal one of a kind watches.

Nzalamba Art Works: Amazing paintings reflecting the artist’s African heritage and personal experienced.

Jon Kaplan: Fine Art Photographer capturing images and people from all over the world.

Flavour Design: Buddha bowls and greeting cards.

Lemon Park: Totally unique and fun, funky jewelry.

Main image courtesy of Paul Nzalamba.