Did I Really Just Quit My Job

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

A quote from Henry David Thoreau in answer to questions about why he decided to live in the woods for 2 years (which several years later, in 1854, he wrote about in the book Walden).

In a strange way I feel little bit of Thoreau in my blood. I’m now 8 months into my journey of leaving the “real world” and I've learned quite a bit more about life and myself.

Since my last post in November, I've made enough progress to keep the dream alive, yet by no means am I out of the woods – haha I had to throw that line in there!!

I finished 2014 with a strong showing at the St. Greg’s and Heim crafts shows and kept the momentum going as I headed into the new year. The hymnbook holder project I spoke of previously, turned out great and it looks like it may lead to more business this year.

On-line sales improved through December, but I realized that if I want to make a big difference I need to really upgrade my game in that area. With that in mind I sought the insight of EurekaGuides, an ETSY store, specializing in very thorough and direct critiques of Etsy stores.

I highly recommend this service to anyone who is looking for more insight than is possible, or sometimes helpful, through the forums or teams. I learned quite a bit from this critique.

Every single facet of the store is analyzed. 

The cost ($75) was well worth it to me and the increase in traffic was immediate after I started implementing some of the suggestions.

My retail molding endeavor, located on my DIY pictureframing website, went live a couple of weeks ago and I had my first sale after only 6 days! I’m hoping to turn that into a consistent revenue stream.

I’m still edgy about money, I still don’t have health insurance, and I've cut back on quite a few things. I wouldn't quite compare it to Thoreau's living off the land, but it's certainly a lot different than I was used to.

Luckily for me, my family and my girlfriend are very supportive and understanding.

I see progress though and can actually feel momentum building. Each day I wake up with a feeling of anticipation. Wondering what new opportunity will present itself. Spring always brings hope and re-birth and I'm sure that is some of what I'm feeling now, but not all of it. 

So, I’ll just keep planting the seeds of hard work, faith and a positive attitude and see what grows from that. 

If its not enough to live on, I can always come out the woods….

Until next time, stay positive and good luck to all!!

Al

www.harvestwoods.com

www.picture-frame-it-yourself.com

Did I really just quit my job?

I’m now two months into my journey and the world hasn't ended.  The initial fear that used to pulse through me every now and then seems to have been more hype than anything else.

That’s how fear works though. It paralyzes the mind and body. 

In this installment I wanted to touch on some things I did prior to turning in my notice and walking away from a steady paycheck and benefits.  Doing these things have helped me overcome the fear and have, without a doubt, helped me focus on the work at hand instead of waiting for the end of the world.

About 2 years prior to turning in my notice I:

1.       Took a long hard look at my current position, the state of the field I worked in (Higher Ed) and what the future was starting to look like.  I saw more downside than upside. I began to think about changing careers.

2.       Tracked my spending for 6 months to get a better sense of where my money was actually going. I kept a daily journal and logged EVERY dollar I spent and what I spent it on. I broke it down into categories each month. This really opened my eyes to some careless spending.

Attributed to Abe Lincoln
(but there is no actual proof he ever said this!)

3.       I began to pay more attention to saving money, in case I decided to leave.

About 18 months prior I:

1.  Started to cut back from the things I identified through my spending exercise

2.   Began paying my credit cards down aggressively.

3.   Adjusted the contribution I was making to my 401k plan by dropping to the minimum percentage that secured my employers contribution and directed the rest into my savings account. I did this to save as much “ready cash” as possible should  I decide to leave.

4.   I took what I learned from the spending exercise and figured out what I actually spent on necessities (home, food, bills etc…) in a year. 

      It’s a very interesting exercise. If you've never done it – do it. I found out that the number is much smaller than I thought. You may be surprised too. It made me feel more confident in taking the risk of working for myself.  It helped me zero in on the exact amount of money I needed to save to give myself a year (if I didn't earn another penny during that year) to go on living close to how I was currently living.

About 6 months prior I:

1.       Decided that unless something drastic changed at my current job, I would leave and start working for myself full-time.

2.       Started planning for my departure and putting things in order (to help my co-workers as well as visualizing what my life would look like how to best approach it).

I am not one to recommend just quitting a job without really thinking things through. I do think anyone can leave a job they are unhappy with though – I just recommend having a plan in place. Most people lock themselves into situations without even trying to take a long hard look at what’s actually possible.

You can read the 3 previous posts in this series here: 

#1              #2             #3

Next month,  I will update you on my progress since starting off on my own and some of the early hiccups, lessons and small victories.

Did I really just quit my job?

As I wind down the last few days of June and my “old life”, I thought it would be a good time for another update. 

Since I wrote last month about my resignation, my mind has been very active.

Initially, it was filled with excitement and feelings of being empowered. I felt like I was on a mission and couldn't be stopped. I kept thinking about the future and all of the possibilities that are surely lying before me.

 After a few days though, I experienced the first jolt of fear. It took me by surprise.

I was getting ready to go to bed, my mind was wandering a bit and all of a sudden my stomach dropped and I thought what am I doing? I’m giving up a steady paycheck, benefits, a sense of security and certainty??? 

What if this doesn't work out?? What will I do then??  It was a pretty powerful jolt.

I've had a few more of them since then, but not nearly as powerful as that first one.

Each time though, I was able to quiet the noise with 2 words that are more powerful than the fear - 

total faith. Simply saying those two words, a couple of times, helped calm me down and remind me of the bigger picture.

What if it doesn't work out?  Well, I’ll just try something else. One way or another I’ll end up doing something, somewhere.

I actually did this once before, believe it or not.  I was in retail management for about 8 years when I decided I wanted more. At that time I was in my late 20’s, I had nothing saved, I didn't have a college degree nor did I have a plan. I left and never looked back. I’m so grateful I did. A story for another time….

This time around I’m in my late 40s and bettered prepared. I've saved, I've earned 2 degrees since then and I have a plan.

I also have a lot more to lose, however. That must be what produces the jolts!

So, the past month has been a roller coaster of emotions. My mind is actually more active than ever. The difference now is that it’s focused and clear about what I need to do. I've sketched out a vision of what my work day will look like now. I’m currently working on a “map” that will lead me to the goals I've set. I also made a list of all of the reasons I’m making this change – just to remind me what it’s all about and what I stand to gain by taking this risk.

I’m ready now, at least as ready as I can be, to turn my keys in to my boss and unlock my future without them...

Al

ART SHOWS 101: Survival Tips for Show Artists and Crafters Vol.13: ....with a little help from my friends.....

It may seem like I’m backtracking. Just a few weeks ago I wrote a rant against unsolicited advice:

Volume 10: Some Advice about.........Advice :-)

I’ll stand by what I wrote. The world IS full of clueless, bad-advice givers. But sometimes, if we’re lucky, we run across someone who offers GOOD advice. Someone who truly has our best interests at heart.

That happened to me just this past weekend. I “hired” a friend to help me with the Allentown Art Festival. I’ve put “hired” in quotes because the pay was low for the number of hours involved -- but what I got in return for my small investment was invaluable information about how the public views my work. I was so impressed by what I learned that I made a video about it:

                               Studio Talk with Mixed Media Artist Alison E. Kurek, June 12, 2013

So.....what’s my point here.....other than shameless self-promotion of my blog post and video? :-) 

It’s this: we have to recognize our strengths and weaknesses. My strengths lie in creating new work. And while I may not be terribly bad at sales and product placement within my display, it’s not my strong suit. Turning over a bit of control to someone I knew I could trust, someone without a hidden agenda, allowed me to see things from a different perspective. Furthermore, paying for that assistance took away any feeling that I was imposing upon my friend. She was no longer doing me a favor -- she was doing a job.

So ask yourself - what are your strengths and weaknesses? Sit down with a pen and paper and make a list. Once you’ve made that list -- tear it up! Don’t beat yourself up for being imperfect!  Build on your strengths and seek out people who can assist you in overcoming your weaknesses. Learn from them and compensate them for their time and assistance. You don’t necessarily have to “pay” in a monetary sense, but you can barter, trade goods and services, and acknowledge that you value and appreciate their time and efforts.

As for determining exactly who may have the right advice for you -- that'll take some trial and error. Hopefully not too much error :-)

Until next time -- keep creating!

Alison

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilentMyloStudio

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistAlisonEKurek

Following YOUR Path...Sarah Trumpp 6/6/13

Summer is getting closer and it seems we are

all busier than ever. Families, craft shows,

jobs, book clubs, Etsy teams and treasuries;

not to mention, gardens, golf, graduation parties

and of course making the things we all make!

With that as a back drop, Sarah Trumpp of

WonderStrumpet was still kind enough to give us 

a quick update on how she is doing.

Feel free to wish her luck as she heads into the nerve-wracking craft show season.

Have you participated in any shows

since the May update? What shows do you have coming up? I don't think I have had any shows since the last time we talked. I have Lockport coming up at the end of June, Corn Hill in July, and Elmwood in August.

Since you started working full-time, can you share 1 hurdle that you have encountered that you never saw coming?  My biggest hurdle has been ME, which has been a little annoying. I'm following a dream and should probably not be getting in my own way. Irritating.

Compared to your initial fear or anxiety, has there been something that turned out to be much easier or smoother than you had expected?  I can't think of anything. How doom-gloom Eeyore of me!

How about the reverse of that - something you thought would be easy that turned out to be a headache? Show applications - so much paperwork!!! There was a lot of stuff that I didn't even think about, like business license (luckily I already had it) and tax IDs and whatnot, so I'm glad that's all out of the way.

Free format time - share whatever you feel like sharing  These past few months sales-wise have been pretty slim to none, so I'm a little nervous about all of that. I haven't updated my shop in way too long, though, since I've been hoarding stuff for shows, but I'm going to change that this upcoming week, so hopefully I'll start selling again. Right now I have all of my chips on summer show season, so I'm hoping things go well. Nervous!

Al Pilato
harvestwoods
picture-frame-it-yourself.com

ART SHOWS 101,Vol.11: An Odd Ball List of items to Take to Your Next Outdoor Show

Outdoor show season has arrived! As you’re rushing to finish up and pack your items for sale, keep in mind that outdoor shows are a bit like camping. You will be outside for a long day or two -- or three. A quick stop at a hardware store and a discount variety store (think Big Lots) can help make those long days more comfortable. Here’s a list of odd ball items you might want to take with you:

Towels: bath towels, kitchen towels, or absorbent shop rags:

Like it or not, rain happens. Dry, absorbent towels can quickly dry off your product after a rain shower, clean up that beverage a would-be customer spilled on your table, and help to prevent mold and mildew growth on canopy walls if you dry them off before packing them at breakdown. 

Bungie cords, Electrical Zip Ties and/or clamps:

Good weights and stakes help hold your canopy in place, but even light breezes can topple signs and shelves if they are not anchored well.  Carrying a mixed bag of the above items can help you focus on sales rather than that wobbly rack or would-be airborne sign.

Clear Plastic sheeting and/or tarps: 

Not all shows will allow exhibitors to drive up to their allotted spaces. Having a tarp to throw over your work before your canopy is up will reduce your stress level on a misty morning. Tarps also come in handy as cover-ups if you plan on leaving your product in your tent overnight. 

Depending upon how watertight your tent is, clear plastic sheeting draped over your work will help you stay open through a rain shower.

Sun Umbrella and/or a sunhat:

Depending upon the location of your space, you may have morning, afternoon or early evening sun beating down on you - for hours and hours at a time

Rain coat, rain poncho, and/or umbrella:

For obvious reasons :-) Also, a change of clothes, or at least an extra pair of shoes and socks can make you more comfortable after a soggy set-up. Also keep in mind that the early morning cool temps you set up in may skyrocket during the day. Changing into lighter clothes as the  day heats up is so much better than stripping down to your underwear :-)

Tape Measure:

Some customers want to know the exact size of a framed larger work or sculpture. They may even walk into your display with written notes about their wall space. Don't lose a sale to a customers who LOVES a piece but thinks it might be an inch too big even if it's not.

Shims:

To even out wobbly tables, panels and shelves.

Camera and/or smart phone camera:

Don’t forget to take a few booth shoots to use for next year’s applications -- and snapping a photo with your smart phone is great for Facebook posts and tweets about the show.

Cart: 

http://rocknroller-multicart.myshopify.com/ - or a similar product. I use the smallest one offered by this company and don’t know how I did shows without it. It’s small and compact and makes a huge difference if you are unable to pull up to your display for set-up and break-down.

Best of luck to everyone doing shows this summer! Wishing you clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and many, many sales!

Until next time -- keep creating!

Alison

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilentMyloStudio

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistAlisonEKurek

ART SHOWS 101: Survival Tips for Show Artists and Crafters, Vol.10, Some Advice about...Advice :-)

ART SHOWS 101: Survival Tips for Show Artists and Crafters

             

     Volume 10: Some Advice about......Advice :-)

“Artists should appear mysterious. Don’t wear that hippie dress of yours and “chat” with your customers! Dress in black and act superior.......”

“Your work is SO expensive! If you cut your prices in half you’d probably sell twice as much....”

“Your prices are too low! Triple them and NEVER offer a discount! It devalues your work......”

“You should put up a big sign that says “Super Blowout Sale”. That’ll bring in more quality customers......”

“Wholesale? Don’t give someone a 50% wholesale discount?! Why GIVE your work away when you can SO EASILY sell it at shows?”

“If I were you I’d.....(fill in the blank).......”

Ughh!! Advice! So, so, so much unsolicited advice! Sometimes it seems that everyone and their brother knows how to run your business better than you do; and they just can’t keep themselves from sharing their fabulous ideas.

Listen to their advice, throw in a few educational seminars and workshops on marketing, attend a few networking events, read a few articles online (especially this one :-), and you’ll know everything you need to know to increase your business threefold -- right?!?

Well -- maybe not :-) 

In an attempt to increase sales and free myself from the need of side jobs, not to mention financial worry, I’ve been seeking “professional” advice. I overbooked myself this week; three seminars within a day and a half; the quality of which ranged from very good, to forgettable, to really pretty bad.

And maybe because I’ve made no secret of my current seminar attending spree, I’ve been treated to more than the average amount of unsolicited advice from friends and acquaintances.

After a week of listening to “professional advice” and “You shoulds....” I was nearly catatonic! Not only did I fail to find “the answer” to all of my current questions, I started doubting everything that already works!

After taking a giant step back and smoothing down my very ruffled feathers, I realized there comes a time when we have to stop seeking the advice of others and just go with our guts. Because, when it comes right down to it, no one knows our businesses better than we do. Professional speakers are, well....professional speakers. They may have the education and work experience to speak wisely (or not) on topics that may affect our businesses, but they don’t know the day to day reality of what we do. Go to some of these events. Listen carefully to what the speakers have to say, and then separate the wheat from chaff. It is our job to find what works for us, not to conform to the model set forth by a speaker or advisor.

When seeking answers to pressing questions about our businesses we shouldn’t forget to look within. Deep down inside, we know our strengths and weaknesses. We know where we excel -- and we also know the boundary lines we are not willing to cross.

And for all that unsolicited advice offered by our friends, families and peers? Keep in mind that most, if not all of it, is offered in good faith. Listen to some of it, change the subject when it gets to be too much and, if all else fails, smile and nod as you drift off to your happy place.

Until next time -- keep creating!

Alison

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilentMyloStudio

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistAlisonEKurek

ART SHOWS 101: Survival Tips for Show Artists and Crafters

                                                         

                                           Volume 6: I’m What?!! WAIT LISTED?

So, once you’ve applied to a show the results are clear -- right? You’re either accepted or rejected. It’s Yes or No, Yea or Nay. Well -- not always. Here’s a bit of information about being chosen as a Alternate; a.k.a. being Wait Listed.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Being Wait Listed for a show means that you were “almost” chosen to be one of the first pick exhibitors. You’re On Call in case an exhibitor cancels -- and they do cancel, more often than you’d think. Wait Lists are usually set up by categories -- so if a painter cancels a wait-listed painter will be called, if a photographer cancels another photographer will be called to take his place, and so on. 

WHY DO SHOWS HAVE WAIT LISTS?

Show promoters DO NOT like empty spaces at shows! Other than looking bad and messing up the flow of a show, empty spaces often mean lost revenue. Show promoters have a laundry list of expenses including advertising, municipal permits, security, entertainment, port-a-johns, etc. Their costs for putting on the show are set whether artists show up or not. Many shows have a sliding refund policy. For example, if you cancel 90 days before the show you might get 80% of your fee back, 60 days before - 40%, 30 days before - 20%, down to 0% if you cancel within a week or two of the event. 

The reason for this is obvious. While it might be pretty easy to fill a vacant space a couple months before a show, a cancellation a couple days before the event will be much harder to fill. The wait-listed artists may have found other shows to exhibit at, they may not want to travel last minute, or they may not have built up enough stock to do the show last minute.

DO ALL SHOWS HAVE WAIT LISTS?

No, and you’ll see empty spaces at these shows more often than not. These shows usually have much less flexible refund policy.

DO YOU HAVE TO EXHIBIT IF CALLED?

No, and you won’t be charged an exhibit fee either. I was once called off a wait-list for the 3 Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh 24 hours before the show. I didn’t have hotel reservations, I hadn’t made travel arrangements, and it was just too short of notice to pick up and go.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES YOU’LL BE CALLED TO DO THE SHOW?

It varies. 

The number of artists on the wait-list varies from show to show, so it’s hard to say what the odds are that you’ll be called. 

If memory serves, I think I’ve been called to exhibit about 1/3 of the times I’ve been wait-listed -- but I know others who almost always get into shows they’re wait listed for. 

Wishing you all the best for your upcoming shows!

Until next time -- keep creating!

Alison

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilentMyloStudio

Art Shows 101: Sales Tax and Credit Card Processing

                                                               Volume 3: Sales Tax and Credit Cards

So you’ve chosen your shows, submitted your images, gotten your acceptances and you’re completely ready to go -- right? 

Ha ha! This is when the real panic can set in. That summer show that seemed to be eons away when you applied in January is inching closer day by day. While I can’t give you any advice on what to make, how much to stock up, or what your perfect price point may be, I can point you in the right direction on some very basic necessities.

Sales Tax

As New York State Etsy sellers we are required to remit sales tax to New York State for all taxable in-state sales - so it’s likely you already have your Certificate of Authority a.k.a. Sales Tax ID number. If you don’t, here are a couple of links to get your started:

Online Permit Assistance and Licensing:

http://www.nys-permits.org/

New York State Department of Taxation (main website):

http://www.tax.ny.gov/

Be sure to display your Certificate of Authority at the shows you participate in. State Tax Examiners often visit large, outdoor shows to make sure that exhibitors are in compliance.

And while this goes without saying, I'm going to say it anyway. New York State Sales Tax permits are valid in New York State only! If you are traveling to a show in another state be sure to contact the tax department of that state and obtain the proper permits.

Credit Card Processing

As Etsy sellers, we have the convenience of PayPal or Direct Check out at our finger tips. But what about face to face sales? Should you accept credit cards? Here are a few things to consider:

• the price range of your products may determine whether or not you should accept credit cards. If your average sale is under $20 you may find that many of your customers are more than happy to cash -- so why bother paying extra fees if you don’t have to? If your average sale is above $20, or $50, or $100, accepting credit cards may increase your overall sales.

• If you have a smart phone or an iPad or Android tablet with mobile service AND a checking account, there is no good reason for you to not accept credit cards. Square, a credit card processing company, offers free processing equipment and fair rates for mobile credit card processing. Here’s a link to their site:

https://squareup.com/

While some people question the security offered by Square and dislike the fact that ALL of their customer service is handled via email, I personally have not heard of one actual complaint about their service. And as for the question of security, Starbucks has signed with Square and even sells their card readers in their stores. If Square is secure enough for Starbucks it’s probably secure enough for show vendors.

Here are a couple of links for further reading: 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/09/starbucks-square-mobile-payment_n_2101791.html

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/starbucks-square-mobile-credit-card-reader/

• if you’d prefer, PayPal, ProPay, Intuit, and many other companies offer mobile credit card processing services too

• if you have a PayPal or ProPay account, or a different merchant account,  you can manually process a credit card sale after a show. Be sure to collect all the information needed from your customer along with a contact phone number. 

• if you are dead-set against accepting credit cards, don’t want the extra hassle, or are just selling at a couple of small shows this season, fear not! Most buyers still bring cash to shows, and their check books as well. If you loose sales by not accepting credit credit cards your can always get yourself set up for your next show.

Here's wishing some warmer Spring like temperatures before we dive into the summer show season!

Until next time -- keep creating!

Alison

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilentMyloStudio

ART SHOWS 101: Survival Tips for Show Artists and Crafters

                               ART SHOWS 101: Survival Tips for Show Artists and Crafters

                                                                        Volume 1: DO YOUR RESEARCH!

So you’ve decided to sell your work at art and craft festivals? Good for you! Making that decision is step one of a long, sometimes crazy, journey :-)

But where do you start? 

This is the first of many posts aimed at offering a bit of insight into shows and festivals; it's NOT meant to be an all inclusive HOW TO guide. There are as many show experiences, opinions, and suggestions out there as there are exhibitors. I encourage experienced show artists to share their knowledge and experiences by commenting and adding on to this and future posts.

Okay -- here are some of the basics:

Getting Your Feet Wet: Shows come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re just starting out you may want to visit a show or two before committing to exhibit. Fees for shows range from $5 to $10 for some local markets, to hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of dollars. Your set up can be as simple as laying down a table cloth and your product on a table that is provided for you -- to setting up a fully stocked street corner boutique! I suggest starting out small before investing large sums of money on a canopy, display walls, shelves, and expensive lighting systems. 

Juried vs. Non- juried Shows: Many people are surprised to find out that show vendors compete for a limited number of spaces at shows. Whether you are applying to a Juried or a Non-Juried show, be sure to read all of the rules and regulations put forth in the application. In most cases you will have to apply under a particular category (ex. painting, ceramics, glass....) and show/sell ONLY that type of work.

A Juried show requires prospective exhibitors to submit images of their work along with a non-refundable application fee. You may be asked to mail in actual photographs or photos burned to a CD; or you may be able to apply online.  More and more shows are switching to online, digital applications that allow you to upload your images directly to their websites.

In contrast, Non-juried shows do not ask for samples or images of your work. Simply filling out an application and sending in your exhibitor's fee will hold your space if you apply by the deadline, or until the show is full.

DEADLINES!!!!! Setting up a show is a LOT of work! Application Deadlines are often several months before an event takes place. Don't get discouraged if you find out you've missed the deadline for a show! Mark it on your calendar for next year and go find a show that's still accepting applications!

Beware of New and “Add-on” shows: Truth be told, there are probably too many shows and festivals out there. While I wouldn’t outright discourage anyone from applying to a “first-year” show, keep in mind that a new show will have to build an audience and attendance may be low. 

I WILL suggest that you think long and hard before jumping into an “Add-On” show. You won’t find the words “Add-On” in any show description or application. It’s my term for shows that are added onto existing events. For example, a show in conjunction with a concert, parade, football game, runners marathon, etc. While these events may have attendance in the tens of thousands, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have tens of thousands of customers. In my experience, most people go to an event with a certain mindset. When they go to a concert or a sporting event,  their minds and wallets are usually set on the main event, not on buying your art or craft work, regardless of how fabulous it is :-)  I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule.  If you've had a good experience selling at this type of event please share!

Finding shows: Help! Please!!  If you know of a show, are promoting a show, or have a good source for reliable show information, PLEASE let us know!!

Here’s a list of a few places you can look for show listings:

• Artists Friends and Buffalo Etsy Team members 
• ArtVoice, Buffalo’s free, weekly newspaper dedicated to the arts

• Zapplication: https://www.zapplication.org/ An online source for shows from cost to coast (These are big, expensive shows!)
• Sunshine Artist: http://www.sunshineartist.com/, another online show guide,  (Again, big, expensive shows!)
• Your local Chamber of Commerce

• Exhibitors at Shows, show "neighbors" can be a great source of reliable information

Upcoming Deadlines for Local Shows:

• Buffalo Saturday Artisans Market at the Central Wharf. DEADLINE: April 5th, 2013

http://www.buffalosaturdayartmarket.com/

• The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts DEADLINE: April 1st, 2013

http://eafa.techriver.net/

• The Lewiston Art Festival DEADLINE: May 10th, 2013

http://www.artcouncil.org/events/artfestival.php

Until next time -- keep creating!

Alison

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilentMyloStudio

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