Bob loading the cargo trailer.
Well, well, well, yesterday we had one day of sun after 13 consecutive days of hard rain and today it is raining again. Rivers in the valley are flooded, the ground is saturated and we are experiencing frequent power outages. My enthusiasm is dampened a bit for setting up our booth tomorrow at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. Nevertheless, we will spend all day erecting booth walls in the Raven Hall and hanging framed original paintings and framed art prints. I feel sorry for those who have to construct a complete booth outdoors in these muddy, wet conditions.
For many years we have used a wonderful light weight, portable wall system made by M.D. Enterprises Display Systems, Dallas, Texas. It has so many different components that we can construct a booth of just about any size or shape. I can easily carry two panels at a time without much effort. The booth is lit by high intensity halogen lamps made by Tech Lighting, Chicago, Illinois. Overall, our setup looks professional, is easy to use and has served us well.
We store the booth and all components in a small trailer made by Wells Cargo. To make loading and unloading easier the trailer fits nicely into the studio garage where framed artwork can be moved in and out of the adjacent storage room without damage from the elements. Today my husband and business partner, Bob, is checking out the contents of the trailer and making a list of the framed fine art that we plan to show in the booth. He has spent the last two weeks completing framing and shrink wrapping prints for the Fair. His framing shop is adjacent to the art storage and next to the garage. Our new studio seems to be working out as planned.
Bob in the framing room.
The hardest part of setting up and tearing down from a show is moving the artwork in and out at the venue. Sometimes we are parked in a small alley, or on a city street and have to carry everything through snow, ice or rain before we gain access to the building. At the fair we can park quite close to the Raven Hall, but still have to walk through the elements before we are safe inside. I dislike this part of doing shows the most. No matter how careful everyone is, things inevitably get damaged. It is just part of the price of doing shows.
People often ask us why we still do these kind of shows, they reason that because I am such a well known Alaska artist that I shouldn’t have to do this anymore. My answer is, these shows are why I’m so well known. I meet people that would never cross the threshold of a gallery door. We talk, I explain my work, tell the story behind an image, and we connect. Some of my collectors have become life long friends. Meeting the public is the best way for an artist to gather a following. I truly enjoy meeting new people and seeing dear old friends. After thirty years of painting Alaska these shows become a wonderful time of reunion, reminiscing, and sharing. I look forward to seeing you in our booth at the Alaska State Fair, August 24 through September 4, 2006.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
