Find The Show. Find The Talent.

How will we find the talent?

Years ago, 2 of my friends and I sat at a table on top of a mountain over beers and decided to produce a 1-day music festival. With less than two months till showtime, we printed handbills, built a bandstand, lined up bands, and invited artists to the field in Southern Vermont.  

It rained! 

But the music went on, the people danced, and the vendors sold their wares. 

That night, My youngest daughter was born weeks early, the very next day and my life was upturned a bit. I closed my photo studio and did what I needed to do.  

To be close to my daughter, a friend offered me an opportunity to vend his jewelry. And just like that. I had home parties and street vending to sell from. I was a street vendor in a New Hampshire town near my daughter. Each day I would grab my wares and my card table, and off I would go.  

Art leads you many places

Soon after, I opened my first store, selling jewelry, arts, crafts, and more. I met lots of artisans and creators. Each month I would produce events that would showcase creators (jewelers, crafters, and more) working on their jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and art. (To this day, some of those folks are still friends.) 

One of my favorite shows was a balloon festival. I would be there at 5 AM on Saturday and Sunday as the first balloons were readying to rise.

It was easy for me to love art and love the artisans. I was asked by a large company in Connecticut to represent their collections of wares, and I would travel to major cities, meeting artists and creators. Some things changed, and I switched gears for a time. Our family moved, and things were different. But, I opened a small art gallery and a craft store. Each move brought change. Each change endeared me to the world of art and creators. 

Even when I helped with community productions and festivals, I found myself in the world of art. I started a news company and sought talent; our company even offered a regional talent show. (Some of those folks follow us on Facebook.) 

Shows take time. They take planning. They take courage. And to those who produce shows and events, kudos. You are the reason that so many folks can show their wares. You took an idea, found folks (Often family!) to help, put yourself out there, and made it happen. (When I did our talent show, I walked into the building, counted the 600 seats, and panicked! Thankfully, we made so much money we were able to increase the prizes!) 

Go to a show!

Let me encourage people to get out and support these shows. To consider the value of supporting local shows and local vendors. To purchase from the vendors. 

Shows bring joy, new goals, and a fresh perspective. That alone ought to make them worth visiting. If art is a way of conveying emotions uniquely, the visitors will benefit from the various exhibitions. I read this in a blog. “Buying art or knowing a thing about it is not required.” Ironically, one of the best ways to learn is to be at a show. 

If you are the producer of a show(s), please take the time to use our FREE listings to get your show out there. (Our number one most visited “page” here is a show!)