More Than Sales: Reflections from the Cool Art Show
Every show starts here.
If you've been following along over the past few weeks, you know how much preparation went into this year's Cool Art Show. Countless hours in the studio, new paintings, booth planning, pricing, packing, and probably more lists than I'd care to admit.
And then...it rained.
Not just a passing Florida shower. Torrential downpours.
Loading in became an adventure, and loading out wasn't much different. Thankfully the show was indoors, and despite the weather, visitors still came through the doors. There was a steady stream of people all weekend—teenagers discovering art, families with curious toddlers, retirees, collectors, and people who simply wanted to spend a rainy weekend surrounded by creativity.
The two days flew by.
The Best Part Isn't What You Might Think
People often assume the best part of an art show is making a sale. Don't get me wrong—that's exciting. Every sale is deeply appreciated. But my favorite part is the artists.
By the end of a weekend, complete strangers somehow become friends. There is an immediate understanding between artists that is hard to explain. Everyone knows how much work happens long before the show opens. Everyone understands the vulnerability of hanging something you've poured yourself into on a wall and waiting to see if anyone connects with it.
There's also the quiet stress that every artist carries:
Will I sell enough to cover my expenses? Will anyone stop? Will people like this new work?
Those are thoughts nearly every artist has, even if we don't always say them out loud.
This year my booth neighbor was Juan, a full-time professional artist who has supported himself and his family through art shows for more than twenty years. Watching someone with that level of experience was inspiring in itself, but what I'll remember most were the conversations between customers.
He offered thoughtful compliments about my work, genuine encouragement, and practical advice that only another artist could give. Sometimes confidence comes from the most unexpected places, and his words reminded me that this new direction I'm taking is worth continuing.
The Joy of Finding Your People
One of my favorite traditions is walking the show before it opens or during a quiet moment.
Yes, sometimes it sparks a little imposter syndrome. There is so much incredible talent in one room.
But much more than that, it reminds me that I'm part of a creative community.
I run a full-time career outside of painting, so opportunities like this reconnect me with friends I may only see once a year. Somehow we pick up right where we left off. Those relationships are every bit as valuable as the artwork hanging on the walls.
The Response That Meant Everything
This show was the first time I shared my newer body of work publicly.
I'll admit...
I was nervous.
When you spend months exploring a different style, you eventually have to let people see it. That's intimidating. What if no one understands it? What if they prefer the older work?
Not everyone connected with it—and that's perfectly okay. Art isn't meant to be for everyone. But the people who did connect with it gave me something I'll carry back into the studio.
Some of the comments I'll never forget were:
"Your work drew me in."
"These paintings feel so calming."
"I feel peaceful looking at them."
"Thank you for sharing this work with the world."
"I'd be proud to have one of these in my home."
As artists, we spend so much time alone in our studios wondering if anyone will feel what we hoped they would. Sometimes, they do.
The Sales
I sold all of my smaller framed originals, several studies, and one print.
Of course I would have loved to see one of the larger paintings find a home. But after talking with many artists throughout the weekend, it was clear that larger pieces were moving slowly for almost everyone.
The economy is challenging right now. Which makes every single purchase feel even more meaningful. The fact that someone chooses to spend their hard-earned money on something I created with my own hands is something I'll never take for granted.
It is incredibly humbling.
What's Next?
By Sunday evening I was exhausted.
Happy.
Inspired.
And maybe...standing at the beginning of a brand new chapter.
And finally...the weekend may have sparked something I never expected. Nothing is official yet, so I don't want to say too much, but there is a potential opportunity that has me incredibly excited. If everything falls into place, I can't wait to share it with you.
Sometimes you show up hoping to sell a painting...
...and instead, you walk away with the beginning of an entirely new chapter.
Sometimes success doesn't arrive in the package you expected.
Sometimes it looks like new friendships.
New confidence.
New followers.
New website visitors.
A handful of paintings finding wonderful homes.
And maybe...
A door opening that you never even knew existed.
