Etsy Team Columbus' Holiday Art Show SUCCESS

Today as I sat down to write a retrospective of our group’s holiday Art event, it struck me that many of you might appreciate knowing a bit more about all the behind-the-scenes work which goes into pulling off a well-attended and publicized show.

First, a dedicated individual agrees to spear-head the entire process, becoming the main “point person” and logging hours of planning, communicating and errand-running. Our much-valued coordinator for this year’s show was Kellie Gedert of Blue girl Ink and Blue raccoon girl. (You may find her links on this blog or go to etsy.com and search for her by seller)

Kellie first considered which venue might be most appropriate and compatible with our needs. Columbus has several wonderful locations, galleries, small businesses and spaces we might have approached. Our group has built strong relationships with a select few, one of which is Wild Goose Creative. They are a multi-disciplinary arts company originally formed by college pals…and they are all about community partnerships and artistic collaboration. If you’d like to know more about them…please visit this link: http://www.wildgoosecreative.com/Wild_Goose_Creative___Home.html

Next, we determined which of our members were officially interested in participating. Those names included Kellie of course, as well as: Jan Dennison of Indiefinable, Jamie Hevener of HevVin Designs, Kristin Ellis of Silverflame, Kathryn Gorney of Arteest, Amy Ressa of Distinct Signs & Aressa, Shauna Roush of Designs by Shauna, Andrea & Carroll Baker of Ancar Photography, Kerri Mackey of Louie’s Hardware, Megan Corwin of Cram, Robyn Skowronski of From My Eye Photography (and Taylor Baskin Designs), Anna Moran of Felt Here, Martina Morton of Pottery Heaven and myself, Karla Ross of Adornments by Karla.

We applied to Etsy.com for grant monies to aid us in advertising. They kindly agreed to extend those funds (for which we are undyingly grateful). We marketed our show via Facebook, Columbus Underground (an online site with its finger on the pulse of our city), and Columbus Alive (a local weekly newspaper for which the same can also be said). The next thing you know, and to our pleasant surprise, our city’s daily paper, The Columbus Dispatch featured our event as one of their weekly “staff picks” and we also received mention in 614 magazine’s event calendar! Wow…what a great beginning we were off to. I don’t mind saying this particular member suddenly develop a swagger in her step Ha Ha!

Our hardworking Kellie ordered promotional postcards and contacted a local caterer for some fancy eats (Baked brie anyone? Holiday cookies?) Oh, and how could I forget the fabulous SANGRIA our wise lady concocted??? The rest of us conspired to add some munchie and snack contributions in hopes of keeping our guests sated. Christmas tunes were selected to play unobtrusively in the background.

Our fellow teammates assisted us in building momentum by using their personal blogs, twitter and FB pages to continue spreading the word.

Two days before the big day arrived, Kellie and Wild Goose’s fabulous intern Katie were on-hand to accept hanging artwork for inclusion in a gallery-style curated wall arrangement. One half of Wild Goose has exposed red-brick walls, while the other half was perfectly white and ready to display our best works. It always seems as if a million random, last second issues and questions come into play at this point before a show. Kellie dashed here and there, picking up supplies and reminding us that we would also be accepting food pantry donations during our holiday show.

Finally, the moment was upon us as each artist began setting up their table displays just hours before guests were due to arrive. We joked and laughed…spirits were high and not only did the excitement of sharing our work motivate us, but also the joy of being able to socialize with our fellow teammates in a relaxed atmosphere.

I was tasked with flitting about to help Kellie and snap photos as our evening transpired. The doors opened, and before we knew it…many local supporters and fans were stopping in with smiles, gift lists and pals in tow. Our talented artists proudly discussed their wares, process/techniques, inspiration and more with as many individuals as would allow. We bragged on one another too since we truly are friends in this group

Allow me to mention some of the items you’d have found available for purchase had you been with us that evening: Buckeye Christmas ornaments, Screen-printed tees, aromatherapy shower tablets, glazed pottery, felted sculptures, plush animals, notecards featuring original photographic images, glass pendants with same, clutches and handbags designed from vintage and recycled fabrics, glass/ceramic mosaics, graphic prints, knitted/crocheted hats, acrylic paintings, hand-cut stone & sterling jewelry, spoon rings, vinyl wall decals, bridal themed hangers, multi-media artwork, magnets and wood ornaments, Swarovski crystal beaded baubles, hand sewn hair accessories, brooches, recycled cork memo boards, decorated frames and much more.

Time seemed to fly past. A yawn or two might even have escaped us. I looked around at the subtle lighting, the glazed grins, impressive art displays, the many individual conversations, and the flurry of wrapping and packaging going on. The feeling I got was unmistakable. It was sentimental, happy and warm. Without a doubt I knew…THIS was what the holidays are about…SHARING. It may sound simple, but in the hustle and bustle of our drive-thru, want-it-yesterday, internet-based lives, so often a personal touch is lacking. THIS evening involved slowing down, meeting someone new, discussing a topic meaningful to them and “smelling the roses” so to speak.

Once the guests were gone we began packing away our goods. (The hanging artwork gallery will remain at Wild Goose through Jan 4th ) Chairs were stacked and tables torn down. Still, I couldn’t shake the mood, nor would I have wanted to. It was peaceful. Promise and anticipation filled the room and the brisk night air. Without a doubt, every single one of us was ready to do it all over again and will look back on the night fondly.

The members of Etsy Team Columbus wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers, and also our peers and community for the outpouring of acceptance and support we have received, particularly over the past year. We appreciate how you’ve chosen to spend your hard-earned money locally and in support of small businesses/artists. Our wish to you and yours this holiday season is for an infinite supply of those moments just described…the slow, warm, relaxing, personal, and unmistakably happiest of interactions. We look forward to sharing a fabulous 2011 with you all. Namaste!