December was about adventures in vending at many Xmas holiday bazaars. Art makes the best gift. When someone buys a piece of art as a holiday gift they are getting a something unique, something made locally, and something from the heart.
In anticipation of the sales created new small items to sell. Baby canvases were created from scrap canvas I had, some cardboard for the base and a magnet on the back. These were fairly easy to make and were quick to paint. The size made it easier to paint what I wanted, like red trees, toast and bacon, ducks and crab. They were such a hit at the events that I made a second batch. I also made prints of my paintings from Forbidden Forest.
In studio
The first art sale I participated in was the nXmas Art Sale at the nX CoffeeClub ArtHouse. That day I was able to listen to every Christmas/Holiday song Ever Made including my favorites, Donde Esta Santa Clause, the Charlie Brown Christmas song, and Mr. Grinch.
nX CoffeeClub ArtHouse
There were about seven artists in this event who brought a wide variety of things. The art was placed in every open nook and cranny. Even ornaments on the tree were for sale.
SANTA!
Santa showed up for the middle part and there was So Much Coffee!
The next event I took my art to was First Friday. It has always been near and dear to me since I had first started showing my art in 2009. The connections I've made from that single corner in the Arts District have been highly influential to my career as an artist. It has been a major reason for me to strive to be a better artist and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.
First Friday, too, has grown. More artists art participating in the street vending, the galleries are taking on better and better exhibits and it's being publicized loads more. I can't wait to see the future of Bakersfield's First Friday holds.
First Friday December
The next place I took my art to was Santa's Sweat Shoppe Art Bazaar a the Empty Space. Every December The Empty Space has a holiday art sale to help raise funds to keep the place going. Inside the lobby they have Art gifts for sale and along with that they have a Bazaar with many artists / vendors. There were nineteen vendors at the Bazaar. I was lucky enough to setup next to some girls selling fudge. I had seen them at the Empty Space Bazaar last year and was glad to see they had grown as a business.
Santa's Sweat Shoppe Bazaar
My last stop on the holiday sale binge was The Foundry's Christmas Art Bazaar. This happened along with the art exhibit Whimsy and Wanting by Rusty Hatfield, as well as the member art display in the windows. I've been a member of The Foundry since 2010. Since then they have changed locations twice from growth and now have made it to 19th and Eye next door to The Metro. They currently have 84 members of artists and art lovers. A dozen member artists brought tables of small art items. The Foundry did free gift wrapping all day. Artist Mickey Percy won the contest for best table display.
The Foundry: Give the Gift of Art!
What I love about the Arts District if the closeness of the community. Right next door The Metro Gallery had the AIDS Quilts, a collection of quilts made in memory of those who passed from AIDS, on display for the public. People who were there for the Foundry were able to see the quilts and people who were there for the quilts were able to see the some art.
A Major Award
Also, during the Foundry Member Christmas Party, I received the award for Most Improved Artist of 2012. It did so much work, so many studies, this year and winning this award makes it all worth it.
Other winning Foundry Members were Joel Arvallo was awarded Highest Sales In a Solo Show. Diana Cambel Rice was awarded Most Valuable Member. And Jason Stewart was awarded Highest Sales Outside a Solo Show.
I consider these events a great success. I able to talk to so many great people. The holiday spirit was everywhere. I got an award and I even got a commission. There was so much art!
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