Last weekend I was excited to set up my tent and connect with folks at the Marine Mills Folk School Festival. It was actually where I learned to make my first leather bag and the whole concept of a folk school is something I get really excited about. Before I could even take the first product out of a bin, however, a heavy storm moved in and forced us all inside to seek shelter. I've certainly been at art fairs when storms have hit and have seen peers lose a tent, but up until last weekend had been spared. My number was up, I guess.
Only one box of freshly made canvas work was wet (hey, canvas dries!), but the tent and a number of merchandising pieces didn't make the trip home at the end of the day. In the moment I was bummed. I mean, I still am. But I also know that it is part of doing business at outdoor events. It wasn't a matter of if it would ever happen to my setup, it was a matter of when it would happen. Now I just have to shrug my shoulders and move on.
I suppose there is a (partial) silver lining to the timing of the tent loss; the outdoor season is nearly over for me. I officially have one more day at the Franconia Art and Farmer's Market, but that is my last outdoor show for 2024. I might be kicking it old school, you know, tent free. So if you see me there looking like I don't know what I am doing, don't judge. I mean, I may not actually know what I am doing, but I think I do an ok job of looking the part.
Best,
Ty