Sunday, January 31, 2010

Happy 5th 2 me & a giveaway!

Tonight is my 5th blogiversary -- goodness, I have been at this too long!  Maybe it's time to stop before I am past my sell-by date. But that would just mean I'd have to go private because this is my think-out-loud journal and I can't NOT write it. So, there's always the opt-out button for those of you who don't like recipes or hearing that I have the sniffles, or seeing an annual picture or two of the relatives who still speak to me.

Judging by the numbers, I figure that person # 200,000 should be on by sometime late Wed. or early Thursday.  Unless, of course, there is a mob scene between now and then, vying for the exciting prize that I haven't decided on. Scarf? Grab bag of my fabrics?  Book?  Dunno.

In the meantime, today was the blockbuster GALA Small Works for a Big Cause event at Brassworks Gallery.  If you've ever been to the San Gennaro festival in NY, you know what a mob scene it was. You could not MOVE in the corridors of the gallery - it was a zoo!  The doors opened at 2:00 - there were 250 works by  artists, many of whose work sells in the thousands, all for $50.  By 2:30, I would say that 75% of the work had been sold.  By 3:30, the mob was gone and so was most of the work.  This is what it looked like by the time I was able to get my camera out of my purse.
I never saw so many red dots go up so quickly.  And the work was outstanding.   Especially wonderful was an anonymous donor who pledged to match what the show made in sales! 100% of the revenue went to one of 3 charities working in Haiti right now.

I got a really lovely note from the person who bought my piece, which frankly moved me to tears.
 and I sent a nice e-mail to the artist whose work I bought (left). It is already hanging in my house. And I love it.
The question is this: did the work sell so well because people knew these were major bargains from many well-established artists? Or because they were $50? Or because they were donating to a good cause?  Or all of the above?  A couple of us half-jokingly discussed pricing everything at our next open studios at $50.  But I don't really think that is a good idea.

What is a good idea is turning in for the night so I have enough energy to clean up this disaster area tomorrow morning.

19 comments:

Terry Grant said...

Yay! I am the first to wish you a happy blogiversary! I love your blog. It is real and authentic and perfectly you. Thanks for 5 years of good reading and wonderful photos and good food and life in Rayna world. Cheers!

queenopearls said...

Happy Blogiversary Rayna! I adore your "ramblings". May your next five, ten or fifteen years blogging be equally (or more)enjoyable.
~Christina

Mostly Turquoise said...

Hi Rayna,

Happy blogiversary! From the very first time I read your blog some years ago, it has been amusing and inspiring and for me not to be missed, so please continue for another long period. Btw: love wearing your graffiti scarf!
Best,
Regina SXM

Beverly said...

I'll join in the chorus and wish you and happy blogiversary! I can't imagine cyberspace without you- you make me laugh, and I've learned from you as well. So I'm hoping you keep at it for at least another five years!

elle said...

I discovered your blog a few weeks ago. Creativity is more than 'pretty pictures'. It is also about the creator, so I'm enjoying all that adds to your creativity. New York bagels has had me smacking my crumbless lips since I read about them. 8^)

paula said...

I love reading your blog. makes me feel more "connected". working alone in my studio is a solitary thing, & I enjoy the "company" of your blog.
by the way, I got a lovely painting by Susan Van Inwegen at the fundraiser. I'm so thrilled to have it and was happy to donate 2 small pastels.

Judy said...

Happy Fifth Dear Heart. It seems that the above comments say it all, so all I'll add is thanks for being you and for being there for us.

xo

Eva said...

Congratulations to this inspiring, clever and versatile blog which I love so much to follow, be it to the places you go to like Manhattan, Florida, Whatever, or into the depth of your studio. Participating in your creative process has taught me so much. Thank you.

GerryART said...

Happy Blog-aversary, Rayna.
I've read you on and off the past couple of years and regularly the past year.
You must be blogging something right, since there are so many of us 'regulars'.
200,000 see what I mean. Lots of interest in your world of art 'n more.

Franchi said...

Happy Blogiversary, Rayna! I look forward to your blah, blah blah every day, and often gain some major insight. Franchi

Dale Anne Potter said...

Happy blogiversary Rayna!
Yours is one I read everytime you post - even tho I don't always comment, I am here!
I feel like if we met in person, it would be like we've known each other for a long time!
KEEP UP THE GREAT BLOG!!!

Debra Dixon said...

Oh, you couldn't quit blogging if you wanted to! Glad you have stuck it out!

Sujatha said...

Happy Blog-versary!! Love your musings...I have to read them first thing in the morning...Keep them coming!!

Elizabeth Bennett said...

Happy 5th. Although I think it's we, your readers, who should be gifting you since you gift us regularly with your posts! Thanks!

Jeannie said...

I agree with all that has said, especially with Elizabeth. Your wit, art, and life have enriched us all. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I vote all of the above.

Barbara said...

I'm glad the show was a success. It certainly is a worthwhile cause.

I've been thinking a lot about the direction I want to go with Blogging. After 5-1/2 years of almost every day, something may need to change to keep it interesting.

patty a. said...

Happy blog anniversary. I have just started a blog and it is a struggle so I have a lot of respect for someone that has done it for 5 years! So nice you donated a piece for auction and then buying a piece for such a good cause.

Anonymous said...

Keep posting stuff like this i really like it

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