Dear Artist Colony Artists, and Quiet Shore daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Quiet Shore, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Dear Artist Colony Artists

Some of you greeted me with skepticism years ago when I came to the Alyson Stanfield Art Marketing salon meeting with the idea of sharing vacant retail space. Once the structure and facts were in place you jumped in, so did other artists and the rest is history! We had three wonderful years as an Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco Island.
 

When the new owners took over last spring, change was in the air. They aren't local, didn't have the same attitude of support for the arts, didn't understand our structure, and didn't seem to care. It was clear our days at the Esplanade were numbered.  At each of our meetings we discussed "being ready" and "having a plan" even though we had no idea when the ax would fall. Having potential tenants tour the spaces reinforced those feelings.

I considered what my personal plan might be. Moving with the other artists, back to street shows, try to find a gallery, sell more on line, work the Farmers market? None were as attractive to me as staying at the Esplanade, even my dear Bob and I spoke about it. Could I work out the finances? I decided to investigate the possibility by talking with the rental agent. I only needed a small space, but the rental agent was discouraging, not sure the owners wanted an artist tenant.

Last Monday, an email arrived offering me a place at the Esplanade, and urging me to act quickly with an October 1 deadline.  Since I wasn't about to displace the other artists, a quick call with questions about the Artist Colony made it clear that yes, we were all to be out, and by Oct 1.  New tenants will be moving in.  The sky had fallen, and without warning!

I will make a break with the Colony and independently stay at the Esplanade, providing the lease, which I haven't seen yet, is acceptable.  I'm excited to be staying at that location, but the move will be bittersweet with the other artists searching for new space. 

As we all move on, each with our own plan and to our own arts future, let's not lose sight of the fact that the Artist Colony at the Esplanade was a unique and a special moment in time and place. Working together wasn't always easy, but learning to work out our differences made us better people. And it worked!

Each one of you brought something special to the table. You helped to define Marco Island as a place friendly to the arts.  You gave citizens and visitors alike a wide variety of art to enjoy and to purchase.  You brought your creativity to a wide range of Marco Island activities, and you supported a myriad of causes and organizations.  You enriched lives of the people who came in contact with the Colony and the very fabric of the island. 

Laughing, working, growing, helping, sharing, we were at our best.  I will miss the close contact with your energy and your support.  You are each very dear to me.  It was a good and wonderful adventure, and wherever your artistic journey takes you next, I thank you for your part in the Artist Colony at the Esplanade, and wish you the very best.  

Art Marketing, Almost Home daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Almost Home
acrylic on canvas, 5"x7

Two days ago we had the most glorious sunset, and it prompted fond memories of sailing years ago. I loved the quiet time, once the boat has come to anchor at the end of the day, when you're out of the wind, slightly sunburned and tired, and happy to be at rest. Yes, it was cocktail time, too!

I've learned so much about art marketing from Alyson Stanfield's book I'd rather be in the Studio that I've become an affiliate and want to tell you about it. This means that I'll get a small return if you decided to buy the book or take a class by clicking on one of the links in this post or in the sidebar.

The information you'll get from Alyson is timely, relevant, and always spot-on! If you are interested in building a better relationship with the people who collect your art, her class
Cultivating your Collectors is coming up in early October.

Her newsletter is helpful, her tweets are relevant, and her art marketing knowledge is unparalleled. I've become a fan, and hope you do, too. In this dismal economy we painters need all the help we can get. Thanks, Alyson!

Art Show, Happy Hour Daily Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

There's a spot off to the left coming into Marco Island that has beautiful sunset reflections if you happen to be passing by just at the right time. We were fortunate enough to enjoy this beautiful sunset recently. It's a good place because you're just going over a bridge so you're a little higher up than usual and can view the distance as well as the gorgeous reflections in the water closer to you. Great spot, so don't miss the magic if you're passing by at sunset.

The art show on Saturday was very enjoyable. There were just 25 artists since this is a revival of a show not held for years and will probably get larger in years to come, but the public came in enough numbers that no one complained and everyone really enjoyed the day. It was hot, hot, hot, so the Art League made lots of money selling their ice cold water. A couple of my daily paintings were adopted into new homes, and I was delighted to meet and greet a number of my collectors. Several of us were trying on new ideas or methods considered at our local Alyson Stanfield's Free Art Marketing Plan seminar, and were pleased with the results. I'm sure it will be the subject of much conversation at our bi-weekly meeting later today!

If the iguana post intrigued you, go back one post and look at the Comments. One of my friends has posted a link to a short movie of an iguana on her dock! You may have to cut and paste the link but he's worth it. His colors are fabulous!

Happy Hour
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US