Building the Niebrugge Studio Booth at the Alaska State Fair
Our pile of stuff for the booth at the Alaska State Fair
Mother nature was kind to us yesterday as we set up our booth in Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fair. The rain stopped and sun shined on soggy ground, lifting our spirits and making the job fun. Each year the same vendors set up shop in the same places and we find ourselves falling into a familiar routine. Most of us have become friends and are happy to lend each other a hand, tools or equipment during booth construction. Of course their is always the ongoing exchange of humorous banter, storytelling and, more importantly, the sharing of news about our lives.
Gail hangs framed artwork in the booth
No matter how many times we’ve set up our booth their is always a time about midway during construction that we begin to feel overwhelmed and don’t think we will have enough room for everything or finish in time. When that happens we find it best to take a break, take a walk or eat a snack. After a short rest, clear minds prevail and the project usually moves toward swift completion. It is easier to do a show close to home because replacing things or retrieving forgotten items is simple. When we do a show away from home we have to be much more organized and carry a great deal more inventory.
Bob adjusting the booth lighting
Today the Fair opens at noon and Bob will be bringing extra shrink wrapped artwork and a couple of extra framed art prints to have on hand to replace inventory as it is sold. I will be in the booth every day from 4pm to 7pm to sign prints and talk to collectors. Arriving midday allows me to become the emergency back up delivery person to fill unexpected inventory shortages. We advertise that we will ship purchases anywhere and it is easy to do because our booth is handily located next to the UPS Store booth that is owned by one of our best friends.
Working at the Alaska State Fair is fun and comfortable, like attending an annual reunion with one big, extended family. And, how we look forward to those barbecued turkey legs and chocolate cream puffs! Yummy! So much for our healthy diet. See you at the Fair!
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
