Opening night at Craft Boston

I had spent the entire day packing up and then unloading and setting up our space with a few other students. The perk to all the hard work was being able to attend the preview party. Officially as booth workers but we had so many people for our booth that several of us were able to wander around and check out our (future) peers work. The quality and target audience of the work varied greatly. Whether that's a flaw or purposeful in the show I have no idea. I definately found some fantastic jewelry and pottery I'd love to own!

Our booth! Grace's steel backpack, Allie's showbox, James' pottery and Coral's tapestry

Zac's felted wool piece, my piglet, Emma, and Jo Anna's piece on the wall

Overall, the event was pretty fun. I was working with all grad students from our various departments (wood, textiles, metals and ceramics) last night and it was really nice to chat with them. I've never really had the opportunity to and typically in the ceramics department the grads tend to ignore the undergrads. But the grads from the other departments treated me like their equal and seemed to respect the work I was doing.

Jo Anna's textile piece on the left and Allie's wall piece

Avery's copper plates, and jewelry (L to R) by Danielle, Jaclyn and Kelly

I had a wonderful chat with Grace, one of the metals grads, who approachs art in a similar fashion to me. She is very interested in social change and while it's not animal rights related, still very applicable to what I do. She just got an interview for a public policy job and has no college degree for that kind of work. So naturally I was very interested in how she did that. Basically, stay active in the other field, the direct action field, that is. She had some great advice on pursuing BOTH studio art and activism. She was also very encouraging and said she saw a lot of potential in my work. She also complimented me on the show in Gallery 244. It was really an immense morale booster for me.

The egde of Ge's wooden coat hanger and Allie's figure

Me and my calf, Laura

I have my doubts that I'll actually sell any thing but it's a great experience and my work is out there. My work was definitely getting a reaction yesterday. Mostly "awwwws" over cuteness and sad faces. They're provoking something! I regret not signing up to booth sit again until Sunday. I'd like to be there to talk about my work if anyone has questions. No one asked me anything last night and there weren't as many people as I expected there to be for the preview party. It was mostly other exhibitors walking around. Second chance on Sunday! My parents will be coming by and I get to work with my friend Lacy. Should be fun! More pictures to come, I'm sure!