Last month, we packed up and headed to the charming town of Waynesville, NC, to participate in the Blue Ridge Art Fair. Nestled in the Western Carolina mountains, Waynesville is the quintessential mountain town, brimming with delightful shops, cozy restaurants, and rich local culture. The stunning mountain backdrop sets the perfect tone for an art fair filled with creativity and inspiration.
As for our first art show, it was truly a memorable experience. Setting up our booth was a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was our first time showcasing Wild Myrtus in person, and we weren’t sure what to expect—but we were pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome we received. We met so many wonderful people, from locals to visitors from Florida, all of whom seem to share a deep love for the Western Carolina mountains.
One of the most interesting things I noticed during the show was how people connected with specific species in our canvas field guides. Owls, in particular, were a huge hit! So many visitors shared their own stories of spotting owls in the wild, and it was heartwarming to see how our artwork resonated with them on a personal level.
Since this was our first fair, we had to get creative with our booth setup. We didn’t have an official booth display ready, so we made do by bringing along some of our favorite home décor pieces to give it that distinct Wild Myrtus vibe. It ended up working in our favor! Our booth stood out with its unique, homey aesthetic—different from the more polished setups of seasoned vendors, but in a way that made us feel like we were bringing a little piece of our brand to life.
If I had to offer a few quick tips for anyone thinking of doing their own art fair, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Clear Product Display: Make sure your products are easy to see and understand at a glance. People should instantly know what you’re offering as they pass by.
- Zip Ties: You never know what you'll need to fasten or secure. They saved us more than once!
- Coffee and Snacks: Art fairs are long days, so having snacks and coffee on hand is essential to keep your energy up and stay on your game.
- Cash: As someone who rarely carries cash anymore, people come prepared to these fairs with cash
All in all, Waynesville was a wonderful first art fair experience for us, and we’re already looking forward to the next one! If you ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend visiting the town, grabbing a bite at one of the local eateries, and maybe even picking up some art at a local fair.