The kindness of others . . .
I did it! My first two-day outdoor art show was a huge success on many levels, and I learned far more than I expected. Beyond the logistics, sales, and setup, the biggest lesson was simple but powerful: trust that others want to help. Artists truly show up for one another.
I drove my Toyota RAV4, packed to the brim, right up to my spot (a huge plus for the venue—and kudos to the coordinators of the Brandywine Festival of the Arts). As soon as I began to unfurl my tent, people seemed to appear out of nowhere. Within minutes, several artists and volunteers were helping me raise it, and the whole thing was standing in less than five minutes. One major fear conquered.
That spirit of generosity continued all weekend. My neighbor, an art fair veteran, kept checking in with practical tips and even loaned me a much sturdier step stool than the one I had brought. Later, when my across-the-row neighbor arrived, I was able to jump in and help her with her tent, along with several others. There was an easy rhythm of giving and receiving support. It felt like being held by a caring community.
The weather couldn’t have been better, and there was a steady flow of people interested in my work. Of course, sales are always exciting, but what filled me up most was something deeper: watching people pause in front of my art, lean in closer, ask thoughtful questions about my process, and share stories about the role art plays in their own lives. There was kindness there, too, in their curiosity, in encouragement, in genuine connection.
At the end of the first day, everyone zipped up their tents and the grounds grew quiet. White tents dotted the green grass as the sun set beneath a brilliant sky. But my favorite moment may have been arriving the next morning, coffee in hand, as the artists slowly stirred awake and prepared for another day. It felt a little like summer camp. Familiar, communal, and full of possibility. I wandered, visited other booths, admired beautiful work, and offered encouragement for the day ahead.
Was it exhausting? Absolutely. Were there lulls and moments of boredom? Of course. Was Sunday incredibly hot? Yes. But there was also delicious ice cream, adorable dogs, even cuter children, and endless opportunities for people-watching and conversation about the thing that excites me most, art.
It was a weekend of listening to touching stories, meeting future collectors, making new friends, and facing my own fears. Most importantly, it reminded me that kindness is everywhere if we allow ourselves to receive it.
Sometimes, the lesson is not about doing it all alone. Sometimes, it’s learning to trust that when you show up, others will too. I think I’ll trust that a little more next time around. I can't wait for my next outdoor show!