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As I was starting off as an artist, I swore I would never be part of an outdoor festival! Well, times change because at one point in my life, I also swore that I would never live outside the city walls!

So, now that I am out in what I call “the country,” I figured I should practice what I preach...which is try everything once and don't knock it until you’ve tried it! Well, now that I have tried it, I have come to the conclusion that this festival stuff ain't so bad. I now have a better appreciation and understanding of why these events are so popular with all types of artists; especially jewelers and potters. $$$$.

However, since the economy is in the shitter, it may not have been the best time take on this new venture ...but then again it never really is when you have two young boys to take care. So away with the excuses, and off I went with the loaned EZ pop up canopy tent and newly purchased mesh walls!

Much to my surprise, I found set-up to be much easier than I had anticipated and the awesome weather made the weekend seem to go by rather fast. Although I only sold one piece, I got a great tan and, overall, had a good weekend. I knew going in that my goal was not to sell art, but to use the experience to understand the process of the festival and the behaviors of its attendees, both from a seller and buyers prespective. Pretty much, I wanted a practice run before I set up shop for the East Lakeview Arts Festival in Chicago.

All in all, I met some great people and am looking forward to getting started on some possible commissions. Although my art did stick out like a sore thumb, as most of the paintings at the festival were of boats and flowers, people did stop and comment on the originality and light hearted subject matter represent in my work!

At first I was a bit concerned as many people would walk by and snicker past my booth. And after a while, I found it ammusing to watch many golden girls walk by and giggle! Somehow, I want to think that I may have cheered their day up a bit. Anyway, after the show, things became a bit more clear after recieving this email from ...lets just call her...Sophia (Estelle Getty, may you rest in peace):

"Hi, Erik, we had so much fun at the art fair because of you. Thank you for a very enjoyable show as it reminded me of many school projects I did when I was a child. Of course, yours were not excuted in the same manner. I look forward to seeing more of your new works in the future."

Bless her heart! She baisically said I paint like a kindergartener! I'll take that as a compliment!

We have room for you here at Chez Soso-Kibby! And Happy Belated B-day!! We were so busy, I forgot to call last week!

You are the BEST!