Art in the Park Greenwich at Binney Park 2026

The long-awaited moment finally arrived–my first art fair!

My husband and I had our noses to the grindstone for the last three weeks–we flew right into work after visiting Houston for my now-adult son’s high school graduation. He put in WERK building a ton of frames from poplar planks. I believed that cohesive framing would add value to all of the works–they would complement each other all the more. He agreed, and he got to work. Here’s my spare room the night before.

My First Art Fair Booth

Though the thrifting Gods blessed me with both a second-hand trimline canopy tent (value new before tax: $1860–purchased for $500) AND propanels (value new before tax: $2376–purchased for $600), I looked back at photos from Art in the Park in previous years and only saw pop-up tents. I worried my propanels would be too hot, and ultimately I took the advice of Krystle Cole Art to purchase a low-cost version of mesh walls that are surprisingly sturdy to create a cross breeze while keeping the propanels in the back for heavier artwork. I also took Krystle’s advice regarding art fair booth signage and used her affiliate link-filled recommendation list to prepare, I recommend it!

Binney Park original oil painting raffle

I have a hard time avoiding hopping on my soap box about social media marketing (as a former professional in that industry) so I’ll just leave it at this: my email marketing campaign is essential.

While visiting Binney Park on a perfect spring day in April, I took tons of reference photos of the park in full bloom. With all of my shows coming up, my teen’s graduation & booth prep, it wasn’t in the cards to make the paintings I’ve been dreaming up, but I whipped up this little 8×10 study after another Mother’s Day visit to the park:

I liked the simplicity of this little painting and was really proud of it once it was in its frame. But if it sold quickly then no one else would see it! My solution: give it away. Seriously! I created a raffle for new email newsletter subscribers.

My sign up sheet was right at the front so if someone had a conversation with me and spoke highly of my work with or without a purchase, I could offer the free painting in exchange for their email. Someone that walked into my tent and liked my work could become a customer of mine with any budget: large originals between $1,000 and $2,500, originals in the $400-$800 range, studies in the $200-$250 range, prints for $35, mini prints for $15, or an email address.

At the end of the day I had SIXTY TWO new email subscribers. That’s a big deal!

Notable Sales

my first sale

My first sale was like a lightening strike. It was 10:03, the event has scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.. I was still shoving things under the table I set up when some kid around twelve years old rolls up on an electric bike. He hops off, throws the kickstand down, takes off his helmet and walks over toward my mini print carousel like he’s the Fonz.

“Cool, mini prints. Pretty. I’ll take this one.” He hands over a mini giclee of Where the Wild Things Are.

I’m stunned. I hadn’t even figured out the Shopify hardware yet. But it’s happening, three minutes in. There’s a braces-filled smile on this cute kid with sparkling brown eyes as I fumble with my phone, but the transaction goes through. He tucks his dark hair back into his helmet, and he rides back off.

I think to myself: “If I don’t make a single other sale today, I’ll be alright. That. was. awesome.”

but I did make more

I sold SIX original paintings.

On the Lookout – 24″ x 36″ – $1000

Made in the Shade – 16″ x 20″ – $1000

Friday Night Lights – 16″ x 20″ – $700

Nor’Easter Snow – 16″ x 20″ – $700

Monarch on Blazing Star Study – 9″x12″ – $250

Pollinator Study – 9″ x 12″ $200

I also sold most of the prints I had made and a ton of mini prints.

the jar

A small, shy boy looked through the mini print carousel and quietly told his mom that he wanted one. I overheard her kindly tell him, “Are you sure? You want to spend your jar money on this? This might be all you have.” He nodded assuredly, she pulled out his jar, and helped him count out, then handed me the only bills.

Wow. Kids loving my work and bringing a man to tears–that’s the ultimate payment for a dream pursued.

my last sale

I waited a few minutes after my booth neighbors began breaking down their tents–I was on a roll all day and running on pure adrenaline and little sleep. But even as I was breaking down, I purposely left my mini print carousel fully stocked to leave potential for one last sale…and I got one! A young couple and their daughter had stopped by the park after a long drive from New Jersey to stretch their legs before continuing their journey and had no plans of attending an art fair that was now over. Yet I still made a little sale, and a big final win!

in conclusion

My first art fair confirmed my assumption that direct-to-consumer, in-person sales alongside a large collection of my work would be my most successful means of sales. I’m really pleased with all that I received from this first show between new customers and sales. One of these days I’ll make a profit–starting a business takes a lot of upfront costs!!

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

Writing prompt 1963

Goals! And this fair was one I’ve had my sights set on for a while. It’s the beginning of a new era, check my events page for future fairs.