ARTIST'S REVIEW OF 23RD Annual FIREFLY ART FAIR - Wauwatosa, WI

KNEELAND WALKER HOUSE

Wauwatosa, WI

This past weekend, August 1 & 2, I was an exhibitor in the 23rd Annual FIREFLY ART FAIR, which was held on the beautiful grounds of the Kneeland Walker House in Wauwatosa, WI. I have been doing this show for over 7 years now, and it is absolutely one of my favorite shows!


You couldn't ask for a more exquisite setting for an art show! The Victorian garden setting gives it a wonderful ambience that you won't find at any other art show in this area.

People attending the show seem to spend the greater part of the day at the show....buying/viewing art, listening to the music, and of course....eating food. There are homemade pies, brownies, ice cream, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and more to choose from!

The artists' booths are set up througout the grounds of the Kneeland Walker house property. Some are in what used to be the grass tennis courts, bridle path, upper gardens and lawn areas.

Visitors can sit among the gardens and enjoy their food in what used to be the corral and is now filled with tables and chairs.

This photo was taken just after the show opened.

This delightful show is run by The Wauwatosa Historical Society, and they do a wonderful job. This year there were 93 exhibitors and the mediums ranged from jewelry, ceramics, photography, fiber, mixed media, acrylic and watercolor, sculpture, glass and more.

It seemed to be a "mixed bag" as far as how sales were going for the various artists. Some were selling very well (including me), others said they were doing "so, so", and some were not doing well at all. It is really hard to tell which show is going to be a good one for you, and which aren't. After exhibiting in 3 shows with low sales, I was very happy with this weekend's sales.

It has been my experience with the FIREFLY ART FAIR that it is usually pretty consistant as far as my sales. This year far exceeded even my expectations!! It was fun meeting and talking with old customers, and meeting new ones. I already can't wait until next year. My prayers were answered. no thunderstorms, and it wasn't too hot. In previous years, the temperature is usually near 90 degrees. I'm lucky to have a spot under a big tree. The only irritating factor were tiny, pesky "knats".

Below are several photos of my neighbor's booth next to me, and her colorful paintings. If you'd like to learn more about Ann and her paintings, click on the photos below.

ANN BAER

Click on either photo to visit Ann's webpage.

This show was the first opportunity I had to see how my new designs of my "butterfly flower photo" wall accents would be received. I'm happy to say that people loved them! More of these will be appearing in my Etsy shop soon.




My next show will be on September 12th in downtown Waukesha, WI. I will be posting more information regarding this show in the next few weeks.

FUN, FANTASTIC ART SHOW - FIREFLY ART SHOW - Wauwatosa - WISCONSIN

This weekend of August 2nd & 3rd, I was exhibiting in another one of my "favorite" art shows! The weather was absolutely gorgeous! No 90 degree temperatures, as is often the case when doing this show in Wisconsin! Only beautiful breezes and sunshine. I had my usual spot located under a huge tree, which provided shade, and we were told by many of the people visiting my booth that it was the best spot in the show! Sales proved to be great! Considering how the economy has been affecting most art shows for all artists, I was pleasantly surprised at the sales I had. It pays to develop a "following", as I'd say 90% of my sales were repeat customers from previous years. The booth fee for this delightful show is $125.00 for both days, and only a $5.00 jury fee.

I've been doing this show for about 7 years now, and it is sponsored by the Wauwatosa Historical Society, and held on the beautiful grounds of an historic home surrounded by beautiful Victorian gardens. The Firefly Art Fair is the major fundraiser for the Wisconsin Historical Society , which raises funds to preserve the historic Kneeland Walker home.

This show is one of my very favorites, and provides artists with help loading and unloading by having a troop of the Boy Scouts available for any artists who need help. They also provide a complimentary continental breakfast on Sunday morning, and an artist reception after the show on Saturday. Lots of good food is on sale throughout the two day event. The homemade pie alamode was my sister's and my favorite! Yummy!!

FOOD TENTS IN THE BACKGROUND

This show has the most beautiful setting in the Victorian styles gardens that surround the historic home. Below are several photos I took before the show actually opened on Saturday. LOVE THE FLOWERS!

The artists'booths wind around, and in among the beautiful Victorian gardens.

Visitors to the "fair" can buy their food, and then go sit at one of the many tables provided for their enjoyment, while eating their food, and be surrounded by flowers!

The Firefly Art Fair has a wide variety of different mediums....paintings, photography, mixed media, jewelry, wood, and more! I snapped a few photos before the show started, of some of the various artwork, as shown below:

These blown glass pieces were absolutely exquisite!
Hand-dyed Silk Scarves and more....were for sale at this booth! Very colorful!

Very unique necklaces made from nuts by artist Gorden Decker

Here is another piece by wood artist, Gordon Decker. He said this piece was created from a "pod" from Africa. Great, unique candle holder.

I'm always a little sad when this show is over, as it means I have to wait another whole year to be back there again! It is always such fun to meet with artist friends, old customers, and to meet new ones. All in all a great weekend!