Earlier this month, Jim and I packed up for what turned out to be one of our favorite adventures yet—a weeklong trip to Madison, Indiana. Originally, we were headed there for a workshop, with plans to stay and enjoy some much-needed time away. But when the opportunity arose to participate in the Labor Day art show, we decided to go for it. We were packed to the gills—everything but the kitchen sink, as they say. That’s not our norm, especially when traveling out of state. We usually choose to drive as it gives us room to bring the things that keep us grounded: our yoga mats, hiking shoes, and all the little comforts that support our creative rhythm and daily rituals … and of course hats!
The show turned out to be wonderful—good energy, great people, and a reminder that preparation makes all the difference. By implementing the tools and tips I’ve shared below, we created a booth that not only looked beautiful but functioned with ease. It was a memorable show, and I hope what follows helps you feel more confident and grounded in your own booth adventures.
There’s something equal parts exhilarating and exhausting about preparing for a market or art show. The car gets loaded (and reloaded), the weather gets watched like it might ruin your prom night, and every piece of lace, burlap, or handmade display prop gets scrutinized before being layered just so.
But here’s the real truth: when someone walks by your booth, it’s you — your energy, your presence, your willingness to connect—that often determines whether they stop, engage, or keep walking. Your display might catch their eye, but it’s your connection that holds their attention. Setting up a booth is far more than setting up a table—it’s creating an invitation. A little world tucked inside a 10×10 space, where passersby are gently pulled in by scent, texture, story, or a simple shared moment.
The Weather Dance
You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it. Here’s what I never leave home without:
- Tent with sidewalls or clear shower curtains (for surprise storms or sun)
- Weights (and backup weights—wind is rude)
- Clips, clamps, zip ties
- Plastic sheeting or tarps for quick coverage
- Towels and a rag bin
- Extra pair of shoes and socks
- Sunscreen, bug spray, hat, and layers (yes, all of it—especially in Georgia)
Packing List (The Non-Negotiables) for a Successful Art Show
Display & Decor
- Table(s) with cloths (layered for texture)
- Crochet or lace overlays
- Baskets, risers, busts, lamp bases (for jewelry)
- Crates, shelves, and risers for height
- Signage: business name, price tags, payment signage
- Mirror, measuring tape, scissors, pens
- Paper towels, wipes, safety pins
- Window cleaner for those mirrors!
Product Inventory
- Upcycled clothing (on hangers or folded, depending on setup)
- Jewelry (organized by type)
- Candles, paperweights, small art or keepsakes
- Refill boxes stored neatly under tables
- Packaging: tissue paper, bags, labels
Logistics
- Square reader or payment system
- Cash box/change
- Chargers, extension cords, backup power
- Receipt pad or inventory tracker
- Business cards or postcards
- Notebook for customer requests or ideas
Personal Items
- Water bottle, snacks, breath mints
- Lip balm, hand sanitizer
- Chair/stool
- Journal for quick thoughts or connections
- Positive attitude and a comfy pair of shoes!
- And a change of clothing for dinner afterwards 🙂
Art Show Setup Tips That Changed the Game
- Walk your space before setting up. Step back. Breathe. Visualize how customers will flow through.
- Keep focal points eye-level. Not everything needs to be seen at once—give the eye a place to rest.
- Use your colors, textures, and scents like a welcome mat. Let your booth feel like a little oasis.
- Create zones: a place to browse, a place to ask questions, a place to pay.
- Pack bins in reverse order of setup. What comes out first goes in last.
- Bring a helper if you can. Even if they just sit with you during a lull or grab coffee.
- Curate with intention. You don’t have to bring everything you’ve ever made. Instead, create a natural flow—sections that are distinct yet connected, with textiles and textures that reflect your style. I aim for a setup that feels like stepping into a cozy brick-and-mortar space: inviting, soulful, and thoughtfully layered, without feeling overstocked or cluttered. When your booth breathes, your work shines.
“Your work draws people in, but it’s your presence that makes them stay.”
Art Show Day Survival Tips
- Arrive early, but not frazzled. Give yourself margin to think, stretch, and center.
- Greet your neighbors. A friendly vendor community makes a world of difference.
- Pace yourself. Bring nourishing snacks and stay hydrated.
- Sit when you need to. Stand when you want to connect. Know when to do both.
- Bring something creative to do—but stay present. Slow stitching, journaling, or light sketching can invite conversation—but don’t disappear into your phone or a book.
- Don’t disengage. You are what draws people in. Your energy is part of the booth. It’s a reflection of you, and when you’re checked out, people can feel it.
- Talk to your visitors—even the browsers. Not every conversation turns into a sale, but every one of them plants a seed. I’ve had simple chats lead to custom commissions, invitations to shows in other cities, and even offers to carry my work in brick-and-mortar shops … a year later!
- Keep expectations loose. Some days are for sales. Some are for networking. Some are for simply being seen.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Booth
This work—the hauling, the setting up, the inviting in—is meaningful to me. It’s a living studio, a street-side gallery, a porch story shared in passing.
Yes, your table may be filled with candles, stitched jackets, paperweights, or artful treasures—but the true centerpiece is you.
You’re the spark, the storyteller, the soul behind the setup. People feel that. They connect with it before they even realize what they’re shopping for.
Some days, the person meant for your work won’t show up. But you still should.
Every show is marketing. Every smile is an invitation. Every hello is a door you didn’t know existed.
And even on quiet days, you’re still planting seeds—offering your creativity into the world with courage and grace. Those seeds may bloom later as commissions, collaborations, or heartfelt notes from someone who remembered your kindness. You never know who you’re inspiring just by showing up as yourself.
This isn’t just selling—it’s connecting. It’s creating little moments of beauty, recognition, and conversation in the middle of a busy world. Whether you sell out or sell one thing, your presence matters. Your work matters.
So show up, stand tall, and stay open. The possibilities? They’re as limitless as your imagination.
Read more about Porsha and her artist adventures in The Turquoise Iris Journal.
