This was my first time with all new art and a new booth in over 25 years plus I’d taken a break from all art shows for over a year so this was a really big deal for me on so many levels. Before this I’d been showing my silk art LuLu in Laguna Series at fairs so I was EXCITED and nervous.

When I pulled a Lefty Oracle card, the “Liar at the Crossroads” appeared and I was WORRIED! OMGoddess, was I lying? (or being lied to?)

As the two day show wound down I noticed that the response and connection I’d made to folks who pulled cards from my two oracle card decks was profoundly moving and soulful - that made me sooo happy!

I’d prepared for the show by writing down a few tips:

If Things Are Slow Remember to have HOPE because:
1. Sales can come later at another show, privately, or online.
2. New folks can be added to my newsletter list.
3. Shows are a feedback mechanism.
4. Connect with other artists, new retail clients, new people, friends, return clients.
5. I am a leader connecting community. As my good buddy Laura Ryan, San Jacinto artist says: “It takes courage to do this and for that I’m grateful.”

Be adventurous, allow sales and celebrate! Stand strong, smile, be welcoming, present, enjoy the day, quietly confident, glad to be here, positive, natural. Connect people with their passion. And one last tip from my ancestor, Grandad Simpkins (a Canadian cartoonist): “It’ll all work out (no big deal).” And a secret tip: “nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”

HIGH POINTS of the Show

Dancing with Darla! I mentioned that DANCE was on my art show tips list and my booth neighbour, Darla and I did just that, in the aisles!

Meeting Oogie Boogie, the Iguana and Quincy, the Rabbit.

My dear friend Lori who booth sat for me and boosted all our spirits with her healing, positive, high energy (and lovely snacks: chocolate covered strawberries, yum!)

Meeting fellow soul-travelers and customers seeking a heart felt, mystical, magical connection.

The Wind! WOW! Luckily the city of Temecula provided us with lunch AND tents tied down to 500 pound containers filled with water - we needed them!

The next day I realized why the oracle card “Liar at the Crossroads” had appeared. I was scared to show my magical, spiritual side, but it turned out that’s what my customers WANTED! They wanted moons and stars and owls and Leftys after all. I won’t be so afraid next time. Hope you can join me. I’ve listed my June events below.

About Kathy Crabbe

I am a bridge between this world and Faerie. Art is in my blood going back generations. I paint to survive guided by talismans: a white feather, being ‘on-the-road’, the Czech folk art of my mother’s family and my cartoonist grandfather who speaks to me from Beyond inspiring me to keep it light.

June Art Events

Celebrate the Arts at Dorland Art Colony
Sunday, June 23: 12 - 6pm
Dorland Mountain Arts Colony (map) and Website

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve Art Show & Fundraiser
Sat, Jun 29: 5:30pm (opening night)
Ends Sun, Aug 11: 6:30pm
(map) and Website 1 & Website 2

Subscribe to the Museletter