I said yes, again

You cannot imagine how much I dislike the idea of packing and moving.  Even packing for a minor short trip would put me in a tailspin.  So when I was asked to participate in my home town museum's Appalachian Artisans Festival, I immediately froze.  I have never had any desire to participate in a show.  That would mean selecting some of my textile art, packing it up, coming up with a reasonable display, making business cards, an artist statement, etc, etc, etc.  Yet, the wonderful staff at the 
Museum Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, TN, 
has been so supportive of my art, displaying it in their lobby and 
selling it in the gift shop for me,
 how could I say no.  So I said yes.  

MY SPACE
I came up with a display idea at the last minute, and schlepped my stuff over 
to the museum bright and early Friday morning.  

Dreading this past weekend, would be an understatement.  But today, let me just say, not only is the dread over, I had a fantastic time.  I met some wonderful artists as well as many people who came just to meet me in person.  Me?!  I  really dislike self promotion and being a braggart, but what a confidence booster to find that so many people appreciate what I love to create.  And one of the lovely people liked one of my larger pieces well enough to buy it. 

SPRING RIOT

The fact that it is not an inexpensive piece, more's the better.  As this was the most expensive piece ever to be sold from the museum gift shop and their artisan festival, 
or so I've been told.  

 I have learned a lot about myself this past weekend.  For one thing, I discovered that you are never to old to try something new.  And, now I have even more reason to spend time doing what I love to do because I must get ready for the Appalachian Artisans Festival in November, as well as preparing for my one woman show in October at the local university.  

18 comments:

  1. Congratulations! It's a beautiful piece. I love those hosta leaves.

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  2. How wonderful is this. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself......beautiful display.
    congratulations all round.

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  3. I understand you very well, Mary! But sometimes, as in this case, it is worth it. You and your art deserve all these recognition you got from the public.

    Congratulations for having accepted it!

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  4. Spring Riot is worth every penny of the asking price!! I'm so proud of you!

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  5. Congratulations times three--or four--on your shows, and on selling your piece!!! I can't imagine why you are surprised that so many are interested in your work. You are a great talent. Maybe all of this will convince you of that at last.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 17, 2011

    What a great quilt (Spring Riot) tho I like em all.

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  7. Congratulations! Your spot looks so colorful and happy. Spring Riot is beautiful, you made some one very happy!

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  8. You are a very special person with lots of talent, wisdom, great smile and a zest for life. You are professional, a tribute to all women and I find it very exciting to even know you. Way to go! Brenda

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  9. Congratulations! Spring Riot is a beautiful work of art. It should cost a lot to let that quilt leave your house without you!

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  10. It's wonderful that your art is receiving the appreciation of a wider audience,that you are appreciating the appreciation and especially that it's inspiring you to create more!

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  11. AnonymousJuly 18, 2011

    Mary, Mary. Your work is just unbelievably beautiful, creative, detailed. Fantastic! Congratulations on your sale!

    Are your hosta leaves pieced? Any chance of a tutorial?

    Maggie in AZ

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  12. If I lived closer, I'd have come just to meet you. Congratulations on the sale!

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  13. Hi Maggie in AZ. Thank you for your kind compliments. In answer to your question, the hosta leaves in this piece were appliqued. As for a tutorial on my process, take a look in my blog archive for 10/27/10 and 11/21/10. where I did a tute making a couple of samples for a guild presentation.
    Thanks again.

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  14. congrats for so many reasons. Woohoo for getting out there (I understand the terror) and going for it and wheee the sale! and the upcoming shows - fantastic!

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  15. What a gorgeous piece! The purchaser is very lucky.

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  16. You are so talented and to see your space, breathtaking. I wish I could have seen it in person! Thank u for sharing and congrats!!!! Em

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  17. Fantastic...your work looks wonderful displayed - you must have felt very proud to see it displayed and to get the feedback you did. How exciting that you sold one of your beautiful quilts too! I recently exhibited for the first time too...very scary putting your work out there, but like you, it turned out to be a very positive experience and lovely to know that others like what you are doing too.
    Love your beautiful, detailed botanical quilts. You are so talented.

    Jacky xox

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  18. what what! congrats to the most popular woman I know!

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