PAULA J. BARRY

  6 Days left before set-up  for the League of NH Craftsmen Fair, Aug 7-15.  I have been preparing to packup the two vehicles with booth display items, pottery, bags, a chair, flooring, tools,  lighting and the list goes on.  My sleep has been distrubed as I mull over my to -do list in my head (even though I do have a list written down).  I also have to pack clothing and food for myself.  Even though this is just  for a week considerations for all sorts of weather must be made.  Will the brutal 90 degree and humid days of July, continue into August?  Will it be chilly?  Will it  rain the majority of the time, as it did several years ago?  Frequent fair goers know just what the rain can mean being on the side of the mountain….very wet feet.  Personally I would prefer 72-76 degrees and dry.

  There are other things to consider as well.  I worry about my family.  I will create numerous lists.  Pet care lists, husband care lists, how to keep the house cool and comfortable list.  I know they can think for themselves, but this is something I do and worry about.  Will my husband choose cheese and crackers every night or will he eat something prepared or that has been frozen for him.  Will the dog get what she needs?  Though she certainly will clue the guys in if she has been neglected.  Will the poor dog sit by the door waiting for me, or will she settle down on the couch watching for my return with one eye opened…. I feel really bad about this.  It’s a mom thing.

  Back to me…. I cant wait!  It has been my working vacation for several years.  The energy at the fair is contagious and there is so much to see and do.  Demonstrations are set up by numerous craftsmen.  I do love the demonstrations, seeing and learning to appreciate what goes into the craft.  A lot of years and love go into what each and everyone does.  You can see in the demonstrators faces and hands how much they care about their art.

 Please come by and say hello.  I will be in tent 5, booth 517.

  Attached is a photo of my booth, pottery, and assorted gear waiting to be placed in the truck and car.  It is hard to imagine all of this, and more (still in the garage) will fit in a 10 x 10 booth space.!  I envy jewelers.

  2009 was a great year.  I spent time working on a so-called  business plan.  Part of this plan was the creation of a web site that I would be capable of maintaining.    Honestly, there are times that I feel as if I hadnt used my brain for much of anything since high school…. a very long time ago.  So, figuring out this website/blog was very good for me…..lol.

  In 2002 I jumped into the art/craft world with both feet.  I joined a local art group, the Dunstable Artisans.  This changed my life in so many ways.  I was now, for the first time in ages, connected with artists.  At this time my family had just gotten a computer, and my children patiently tried to explain email, windows, and the internet to me.  They were incredibly patient……  For those that know me well, know how diffficult it is to teach me something new.  My kids take after my husband when it comes to patience.  It took a great deal of patience to teach me anything about the computer. 

  Since joining the Dunstable Artisans, with their support, my pottery skills improved and continue to improve. I became president of the organization and am now on the jury and standards committee (good grief) .  My work continues to improve and I am so excited about my latest discovery.   I became courageous enough to apply to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.  This organization is the oldest craft organization in the country and I am thrilled to be part of it.  It did take a few attempts to jury in all of my work, but it was such a thrill to be accepted.  It had been my top goal since discovery pottery as an art form…..  there is another story here, for  another day.

  With out my customers,  friends and family, I would not be as successful as I am today without the support….thank you all.

  Currently I am working on some new ideas.  With great anticipation, these pieces will make their debut at the League of New Hampshire Craftsment Fair, in August of this year.   I plan only on doing three shows in 2010.  The League show, the Dunstable Artisans Show, and the New Hampshire Potters Guild show.   I am currently teaching workshops at my studio in Townsend and in Nashua NH. My children are grown and do not require the attention they once did… So why not!  I can find balance between exercise classes, art and a part time job….why not!  I am an artist, and always will be, first and foremost.

  Thank you all, my support, my heart.   2010 will be great, my art will be great!!!  Why not!