Why I’m Not at Every Art Market (and What I’m Doing Instead)
Because standing in a hot tent isn’t always the dream
As a Buffalo-based coastal artist, I get asked all the time why I’m not at every art market or summer show in the area. From the Allentown Art Festival to East Aurora pop-ups, Buffalo has an incredible artisan scene and I’ve loved being a part of it. But my work is inspired by driftwood, sea glass, and slow days on the lake. I’ve had to make intentional choices about when and where I show up. This post shares the why behind those choices and what I’m doing instead to grow Second Shore in a way that feels right for me, my art, and my season of life.
Why I’m Skipping Some Markets
People assume that because I’m an artist, I want to be at every art show and artisan market out there. Truth is, I feel that pressure too. I want to show up, get my name out there, and feel like a “real” artist. I’ve definitely had moments where I thought I needed to do markets just to prove to myself and others that this thing is legit.
But here’s the thing. My art is inspired by the coast. Think sun, salt, driftwood, and seashells. I live for the lake and love the beach. Many markets in my area happen during colder months or around the holidays. That’s not when people are craving sea glass and shoreline vibes. And the biggest art shows in Buffalo are all in the summer. I’ve done some summer markets where my work fits beautifully and they’ve gone really well. But the truth is, I kind of don’t want to be there.
Summer Is Sacred
Summer is sacred to me. I have a young daughter. My family has a lake house. I want to be swimming, exploring, traveling, and soaking up every ounce of warm weather I can. Our summers are short here and I want to spend mine barefoot by the water, not sweating through setup at 7 a.m.
Last summer, my dad passed away suddenly. I had a handful of shows I had already committed to and some I even had to back out of. That time was chaotic and heartbreaking and it reminded me how precious these summers with my young family really are.
The Reality of Art Markets
Markets are also a massive lift. They’re expensive, time-consuming, and physically exhausting. If you’ve ever helped an artist load up for a show, you know it’s basically a full-body workout and a logistical puzzle rolled into one. That’s not even counting the breakdown and unpacking after the show. I admire the artists who do markets constantly. But for me, it just doesn’t align with this season of life.
Right now, I’m focusing more on commissions, partnerships with local shops, and sharing my work online. I paint after bedtime, while traveling, or in quiet pockets of time that don’t pull me away from family weekends. And guess what? That’s working just fine.
A Note to Fellow Creatives
If you’re a creative who feels like you “should” be doing more, consider this your permission slip to do what works for you. Your business gets to look different and it can still be beautiful.
Where to Find Me This Year
That being said, you can at the Hometown Market in East Aurora in August and I might considering doing one holiday event. Other than that, I’ll happily be attending the other shows as a spectator if I’m not cruising around the lake, that is. To stay up to date on when and where to find me, be sure to sign up for my email list. I always send a note announcing where I’ll be.
🩵 J
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