This past weekend was the annual art show at Utica Square, an upscale shopping area in downtown Tulsa. It is always held on the first weekend of October. In October the weather is beautiful, the trees are starting their color change, if the devastating heat from the summer hasn't killed them already. After the brutal heat of the summer, the cool mornings and mild afternoons are welcomed and the month is full of outdoor activities. Since moving up here I have gone to this particular art show for the last two years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The shops are unique, the weather is lovely, and it proves to be a wonderful way to get into the fall spirit.
Well this year, I decided to throw caution to the wind and join in the festivities. This wasn't just a send in your money for a spot, you had to take in some pieces to be judged and then you were invited to join, then you sent in your money for a spot. Once I got the word I had been deemed worthy of an invite, I began my preparation. I had some ideas of doing pieces that would appeal to the Oklahoma demographic. I had done a couple of cowboy themed pieces and added a couple of football favorites to the mix. I even added a haunted house with pumpkins and a black cat to appeal to the October season. I thought about my set up and how best to display the art. I invested in a few simple easels, draped them with fabric and voila I was ready. Or so I thought...
It turned so cold. I had been watching the weather all week and knew it was not going to be the weekend of previous years. The rain chances went up, then down as well as the temp. It ended up being in the 40's with slight drizzle. I was lucky that I was placed under an overhang, as I had no canopy or tent. I had to fight the wind a few times, a couple of pieces blew off their easels. But overall, I have to admit I enjoyed it. There was a steady stream of traffic, but not having experienced actual participation, I couldn't really judge. I heard from others that it wasn't as well turned out as previous years. Over and over I heard the comments about the freakish weather, it was not like this, ever.
I didn't sell anything, but I did receive some positive feedback. One lady asked me how I managed to paint in 3D. Another lady commented that I had a beautiful touch. It felt good. It was my family and friends that made me feel the best. As cold as it was, they braved the weather and came out to show support. Benny was my biggest fan. He stuck around all day, getting me coffee and making me laugh. When we packed it all up at five o'clock, we went to dinner and tried to thaw out. We were both in bed with lights out by eight thirty trying to decide if we wanted to get up early for Mass or go later.
By morning after a good night's sleep, we ended going to the early Mass. I realized I had much to be thankful for and it was God Who deserved the Glory. By the afternoon, after a nap, I was feeling more like my old self and not completely ruling out the possibility of doing this again next year. Who knows...it should be a beautiful weekend.
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