“Through the Window”- Setting Up for the Festival

I just got back from setting up my booth for the Annapolis Arts & Crafts Festival this weekend, Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12. The weather is supposed to be cooler, so if you’re in the area, please stop by–I’m in booth B-17, right near the food court!

I had an interesting afternoon–usually the setup process for an outdoor show is fairly straightforward–find your spot, put up the tent and the screens, then decide where the art will go so each piece shows its best. Things didn’t quite go that way today.

I had no problem finding the venue–it’s at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium right on Rowe Blvd. off of Route 50 in Annapolis. And I had no problem finding my spot–the event staff was very organized. And I even had a generous artist nearby offer to help me put up the tent. So far, so good. But when I got the tent out of the car and tried to set it up, it was completely broken! And it wasn’t even mine–I had borrowed it, so my options were limited. Time for Plan B.

Fortunately I had gotten there in plenty of time around noon today. And the grounds were open until dark for setup. A kind staff person at the show gave me directions to a local merchant where I could get another tent, they had them in stock, and my kind husband came over to help me get it back to the venue, since my car was stuffed to the gills. So we got the new tent up, and it’s better than the old one I had borrowed, plus I now I have my own tent when I want to do these shows in the future. It all worked out for the best. Flexibility is the key!

At top is “Through the Window,” the newest piece finished for the festival. I had this one up on my wall for more than six months while I worked out how to quilt it. Sometimes I just have to live with the work for a while before the next step becomes clear. I’m very pleased with the quilting on this one–I’ve been experimenting with some new motifs. Come by the festival to see it!

For more information, including hours, directions and admissions, visit www.annapolisartsandcrafts festival.com