Plein Air-Easton!, drawing thousands of people from all over the country, is without a doubt, one of our region’s most successful and impressive festivals. But how do you measure success of this event?
Some might say you measure success by total gross sales made. (Certainly the artists use this measure.) This year’s event sold the most ever, with 96 paintings sold in one night – totaling more than $121,000.
You could count the numbers of people who participated, and even how far they came for the event.
Some (artists) might count weather as a measure of success. Saturday’s rain, although welcome and needed, was less than helpful for Plein Air-Easton!
You might count the number of artists from around the country who competed for selection to participate (hundreds).
Or the sheer number of paintings produced (over 600 were made officially in the event, plenty more were made around the County).
You could measure success by the name recognition and reputation of the contest judges – this year’s event brought Don Demers, one of the country’s finest marine and landscape painters, and Tim Newton, founder and curator of “American Masters”, one of America’s foremost art exhibitions and sales in New York City.
Others would count the numbers of people total who came, painted or participated in any way (8,000+).
Some would look at the volume of workshops, demonstrations, and events offered (dozens) or the number of local sponsors, or how many participated in those various workshops – how much of the local community came.
You could focus on dollar amount of prizes awarded (over $21,000) or even by the number of prizes awarded (23 individual awards are given).
You might even look at how the event stretches across the community – how many other organizations, businesses and institutions partner with the Avalon Foundation in the event.
When I asked Al Bond, Executive Director of the Avalon Foundation how he measures success, he smiled and said – “when it comes to Plein Air, we have a ‘more is more’ mentality. As many ways as possible, Plein Air-Easton! engages people, – whether it’s participating in a workshop, or visiting a gallery, volunteering, watching a Quick Draw event or painting on a country road in Talbot County, there are a lot of different ways to be part of the festival.”
In typical Avalon Foundation style, success is measured in a myriad of ways, all of them surrounding community. Our local community.
No matter how you count it, or what you’re counting, Plein Air-Easton! 2012 was a big success once again.
Below is a slideshow from Sunday’s Quick Draw: The Next Generation event.
[slideshow id=116]
Carolyn Jaffe says
We had 5 Quick Draw artists in our Saturday Farmers Market – in spite of rain (which would have drowned out anyone of lesser ambition and talent), as well as a couple of photographers. Our customers were entranced and amazed watching them, and our vendors were mightily complimented to have them choose to be there amidst the Market.
Hopefully, this continues to impress our whole community with the unique character and value others find in our county – seen through artists’ eyes, and captured in permanent (valuable) views. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” cj
Cheryl Schock says
I truly enjoyed volunteering in the library for the first time at Plein Air Easton. It was wonderful to be able to show the paintings to people and even more exciting to help people choose the perfect pieces for their homes and see the look of joy on their faces when they took them home. It was great working with such a wonderful group of people who organized such an exciting event. Thank you for the opportunity to serve!