2021 by the Numbers
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36 Shows
42,761 Miles
11 States
6 Trips to the Mechanic's
274 Metals prints sold
851 Matted prints sold
1450+ Photos Taken
Record Attendance
Record Sales
1 Award won
2 Article Appearances

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And now for the details:
 

  2021 was a phenomenal and record-breaking year for Left Behind Photography! After the Dumpster Fire that was 2020 I did not know what to expect, but 2021 blew away any Great Expectations I may have had.

  Since I had forty three (43!) shows cancel in 2020 (I only did 14) I applied to a lot more shows in 2021, just in case some of those shows canceled. While there were still 18 cancelations in 2021, I was able to fill those holes in my schedule with other shows easily. Thus I was able to do 36 shows in 2021, the most shows I have ever done. Not only that, but the average sales per show was way above my average!

  Rainbows after the storm at my fist show of 2021          Great crowds at all of my Florida shows

  Show attendance was incredible at nearly every show I did! Even some indoor shows had people packed in from opening until closing. There were a few shows that blew me away; Sunfest, Frankfort Fall Festival, VA Beach Boardwalk Show, Neptune Festival, and the Craftsmen Christmas Classic in Richmond.
Sunfest was my best selling show of 2021, while this is always a top show for me, 2021 was record-setting. People at Sunfest were there to buy. At Frankfort Fall Festival I saw the most people I have ever seen at any art show\festival. There were probably +300,000 there over the 3-day show. Both of the shows on the Virginia Beach boardwalk were incredible, as my art was flying off the walls. Literally and figuratively! There were some high winds at both shows and 3 pieces did fly off and get damaged, but I was even able to sell a large damaged metal there. The customer said the bent corner ‘added character’ to the piece. And then at Craftsmen Christmas Classic in Richmond I witnessed the most people I have ever seen at an indoor show! They were shoulder to should all three days and they were buying!

   Father and Son at Sunfest 2021

         
 
SUNFEST 2021

Another memorable show this year was Milford Memories in Milford, MI.
It was the best Milford Memories yet — over the last four years — with the weather perfect and the crowds large. The management really cares about us artists and will do whatever it takes to ensure a successful show. Load in and load out was a breeze and well or­ganized. Parking was a long, half-mile walk, but it was a free and large parking lot. Milford Memories has a fan in me for life and this is why: my car (with trailer) broke down 6.5 miles from the show on the evening of setup. After calling a tow truck, I called Joe Rork from the show to tell him that I was going to be there, but that I was going to be late. I explained my situation, and he asked where I broke down, how big my trailer was, and the size of the hitch. His assistant, Mitch, with a big SUV was sent to help me. The trailer was hooked up to the SUV, and I climbed into the passenger seat. When I got into line for setup, Mitch let me drive his vehicle so he could help direct traffic into the show. I was able to do the show and earn enough to pay for the car re­pair. Joe even drove me to the garage to pick up my car when it was ready! 


  Car broke down on way to Milford Memories!            Rescued by the show management!

  These were some of the shows that stick out in my mind. Almost every show was fantastic in 2021, but more importantly I made so many positive connections through my art and art shows. I met so many great people and talented artists that I smile when I think about it. I made so many new friends in 2021, this year was a blast! Thank you everyone who walking in my booth, chatted with me, bought my art, or just picked up a business card! I deeply appreciate you all. 

Me photo-bombing another artist's booth shot


I was fortunate to be near a ton of talent this year! 

Also I was fortunate enough to win the Commissioner’s Choice Award at the NC State Fair this year and also to be featured in a couple of articles....




And then here are just some random photos from my 2021 shows:


Old Island Days in Key West, FL

4:00AM (!) set up in downtown Naples, FL

Small traffic jam at Artigras in Jupiter, FL

A gale during Springfest blew over the Port-A-Johns! 

Strong crowds at both the the VA beach boardwalk shows

Colorfest is such a lovely setting


ART SHOWS WERE BACK IN 2021! And I look forward to keeping that momentum going in 2022.


                                              Cheers! Here is to 2022 !!