Grand Cities Art Fest!!!!

What a weekend it's been!

We arrived in Grand Forks Friday afternoon, and dropped off a few things at the Town Square location where we'd be setting up. Things were already bustling - artists and food vendors setting up booths and festival volunteers were everywhere to help and answer questions.

Because of the threat of rain Friday night, I decided to wait to set up until Saturday morning...we spent the evening visiting with my brother, sister-in-law and niece and had GREAT pizza at Mike's Pizza in East Grand Forks.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny, and in the morning I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Smith in person. Ruth and I met on the Michael's message board, and it was terrific to match up her face and voice to her written words and jewelry creations! We gabbed about jewelry making, and I also met her friend Lynn...both are wonderful gals!!!!

I also got to chat with Mark Landa, who is a friend from "back in the days" when we both worked at the Target store in Grand Forks (we won't go into how many years ago that was....). Mark is a great guy, and was actually the one who encouraged me to send in an application for the show!

Sales were great - pendants, earrings and rings were big hits. Chain maille (which I really highlighted) outsold strung and wire-worked items. I had a lot of positive comments, met a lot of wonderful people (Pixie and Sheila...can't wait to see you next year!!!) and had a huge surprise and honor from the Downtown Leadership Group.

At about 11:00 on Saturday morning, I was told that I'd been chosen as "Best in Category" for jewelry, and was asked to be at the center stage for presentations and awards for "Best in Show". When my name was called to stand with the other 8 outstanding artists (I'd seen some of their work and was absolutely amazed by it!!) I proudly held my burgundy ribbon while the names of the Second Runner Up and First Runner Up were announced.

The the big announcement: "Best in Show"....and my name. I was astonished, and thrilled that the show judges had deemed my work to be "the best" out of 130 artists who had been accepted into the show.

I was presented with a nice plaque, a monetary award, and told that for the 2009 Grand Cities Art Fest, I'll be the Featured Artist - with a primo spot, photo shoot for the cover of the festival brochure, and my artwork will be used for the Art Fest t-shirts!

I'm still stunned...busy thinking about all the plans I need to put in place before June 2009...and all the jewelry I'll need to be working on!!

Thank you so much to the Grand Cities Art Fest officials, the Downtown Leadership Group, all the volunteers, and patrons of the 2008 show...I am so excited to have been recognized and had so many wonderful folks stopping by and visiting with us.

See you next year!!!!

Labels: art show, chainmaille, Grand Cities Art Festival, grand forks, juried show, outdoor show, t-shirt

posted by Beading Help Web Editorial Team at 5:40 AM |