What a YEAR this has been! Everything suddenly got flipped upside down and we all had to hang on for dear life. Suddenly it’s September. This year for so many small businesses has been quite the challenge. As many others, I made the decision to close my brick and mortar studio and work at home. Everything went virtual, sales went online and curbside. It was no small feat. I had to make the logical and financially necessary decision to move out of my studio when I never had that intention. In ONE month, I pre-recorded 5 exhibits and studio tours while I had the space, packed up and set up shop at home. I spent 3 days hanging each show I had planned for the year, taking everything off the wall, hanging up the show, video tour, taking that one down, hanging the next. Then I spent 2 days filming openers and closers for each show. That meant a different outfit, a different background, a different theme. Now, I never shot video in my life, let alone sit in front of the camera. It was awkward as heck! People passing by my door didn’t know if I was coming or going. Neither did I. Once done, I hauled ass to get out of there. I had already dumped 5 months rent into a space I couldn’t use to it’s full potential. That was NUTS! So now the dust has settled, long term stuff is in storage with materials and paintings at the ready when I need them, my essential supplies are home and I’m getting through the bulk of unpacking and setting up workspace. I feel at peace for once. To be able to just wake up and get to work without that long drive is such a relief. Not to worry about the uncertainty of what lies in the future and whether I can still do business at a studio safely… whew! So, my wish for all of out out there, not only that you remain healthy and safe, is that you continue to support small business. I’m not alone as a small business adapting to working virtually. We may have left our brick and mortar locations but we are still very much alive and doing business! Step outside of that Big Box and seek out the small businesses that you love or explore the webernet for new ones that offer something unique. Small business has adapted and we are working in ways we never expected. Life has opened up a whole new world for us and we embrace the fact that now, we are available globally where before, our main focus was bring traffic through our door. Be well, all! *** You want to see the insanity of the exhibit mania? I give an artists insight here for my talk, “Farewell Brick and Mortar. HELLO Virtual Studio!
Hangin’ on!
