More Than the Canvas: Redefining a "Successful" Show

If you follow the world of art shows, the conversation usually revolves around a few specific metrics: foot traffic, booth placement, and, most importantly, sales.

In the industry, we often judge the "strength" of an outing by the revenue generated. Some shows are strictly about the business of art—and that’s okay. It’s how we keep the lights on and the brushes moving. But this past weekend at the Palm Beach Gardens art show, I was reminded that there is another kind of "mending" that happens at these events—one that has nothing to do with a price tag.

Truthfully, it wasn’t my strongest weekend for sales. In the past, that might have felt like a loss. But this time, it was one of the most important outings of my career, because it became about something far better: family, friendship, and the joy of feeling held.

The Real Highlight

The highlight of the entire weekend had nothing to do with a transaction. We arranged transportation so my mom and her aide, Arlene, could come to the show. My mom has only ever seen my paintings digitally, on a screen. Watching her see me in my element—to have her standing there among the colors and the canvas, simply smiling—was worth more than anything I could have sold.

My Florida Family!

My sister and I hugged each other so tight in those moments. As we’ve gotten older, we’ve stopped taking these instances for granted. They are the quiet "repair threads" that keep the fabric of a family whole, even as things like dementia try to fray the edges.

A Different Kind of Wealth

Then there was the sheer joy of the "gathering." My sister and brother-in-law (who are truly the best), my amazing Aunt Lillian and her cousin Lynne, and a wonderful visit from my dear first cousins. It really doesn’t get better than that.

The Takeaway

Art shows are often a grind. They are long hours on your feet, hoping the right collector walks through the flap of your tent. But this weekend reminded me that the "business" of art is also the business of connection.

Sometimes we paint to make a living; sometimes we show up to remember that we belong to one another. I’m heading home with a full heart, reminded that while sales are great, being "held" by your community is the ultimate success.