|
| The Fort Lee NJ Art and Music Festival 2007 Recently, I took part in the Fort Lee Art and Music Festival. The Festival took place from 12 to 6 o'clock on Main Street. Being a Fort Lee resident for a few years, I had been hoping to participate last year but I just didn't have enough work finished in time. This year I went with 12 pieces and a few of my pencil studies to show as possible upcoming commissions. I choose not to sell anything for my first time out. Instead I tried to focus on the public's reaction to my work. My over all hope was to sit back, watch people, and listen to what they had to say. The response to most of my work elicited comments from "exciting" to "strange" to "moving". There were a large number of very well educated patrons of the arts in attendance. I had some amazing conversations on my abstract and collage qualities, and also about my use of reclaimed materials. Some seemed fascinated and at times a little confused by the fact that everything right down to the masonite boards I paint on was found and recycled. |
|
All the pieces elicited smiles, but I think the star of the day was definitely "George Washington Bridge". I received so many accolades and offers on it. It made me really happy to see people walking the midway of the fair on their way toward my tent, then have them stop when they spotted it, then see them walk straight in and stand transfixed directly in front of it. That kind of silent contemplation of a painting that I have done a million times at a museum when something draws me in. When a piece of art effects you in some way. It meant so much to me to see my work do that for the first time. I felt people's attraction to it. A few even rushed out to go get a friend and make them see it. Following my instinct to print it as my first promotional postcard really paid off, as I handed them out constantly all day long, even as I was packing up the truck. I met so many wonderful people in the short six hours time, but I would like to single out a few and thank them for their help and encouragement. Tom Meyers of the Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce who organized the festival and helped me get in under the wire. Kay and everyone at the Fort Lee Artist Guild for showing me the ropes and making me feel welcome. Tammy of the Creskill Recreational Summer Festival for inviting me to participate this year. And of course, everyone who came into the tent. You all made my first public showing a huge success. I can't wait to do it again! Most of all Mona for helping all day, and as always being my partner, my muse, and my greatest supporter. - Scott Hill - |
  Sunday, June 3rd 2007 |
[ home ] - [ artist ] - [ gallery ] - [ media ] - [ contact ]