Report after Day One of the Boston Mills (OH) Artfest.

Disappointing crowds, I’m told, by those who have exhibited here the last few years. The forecast was for Sunny and 76 degrees. In real life it was 64 degrees and overcast. Throw in a little mist now and then.

Sales matched the crowd. If compliments were five-dollar bills it would have been a great day. But as I’ve said, I’m still trying to figure it out.

For instance, my booth is the second one you see when you come in the main entrance. Last night it was opposite the wine tent. Primo spot, right? But then I got to thinking that what was happening was that as people came in, they stopped by mine almost first. But with 148 more artists to view and despite their best intentions of coming back for a purchase (because you don’t want to lug it around the whole time), the memory was gone … or, they had already spent their target amount. I don’t know, just a theory.

But what did seem to sell, was anything on a stick. So I’m working on the “photo on a stick” idea.

I in no way mean to disparage any artist who produces utilitarian garden items. I have some in my yard. They are lovely. I wish I could do that.

The couple next to me produces extraordinary pottery. They are from New Mexico. This is the fourth out of five weekends they have been out, heading to Colorado next weekend, then home. They are veterans of the national circuit. His advice, “hang in there, dude.”

But seriously, it was very well run, good music, great people, interesting conversations and more notes on how to make this better.