CFM Days
Thank you & farewell
Being a juried artist/photographer at the Charleston Farmers Market was a great adventure and a memorable time. My business grew as I received a great deal of positive feedback on my photography. Thank you to the wonderful visitors and customers from all over the country and the world who purchased my photography or stopped by to browse and express good wishes. For any visitors and customers who might be curious or wondering where I am, I decided not to return to the market for the 2016 season. I had a successful five-year run and felt it was time to move on. Although I never intended to stay as long as I did, my business grew year over year, and it became difficult to leave.
A few things I’ll miss about being at the market:
• The smell of bacon wafting through the air early in the morning, somewhat of a smelling salts for the tired, and something which I often cursed for tempting me.
• The clanging of the church bells, and the anticipation preceding the Saturday morning eight-o’clock bell.
• Early morning regulars scurrying through the market with their baskets and carts full of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables of every shape and color.
• Swelling crowds of enthusiastic visitors meandering down the market pathways towards late morning, casting their smiles and compliments my way.
• Dogs of every breed and size wagging and panting their way down Tobacco Row with their owners in tow.
• Gatherings of eager customers forming in and around my booth to chat and select photography.
• Visitors from every corner of the country and the world sharing their interests and stories.
A few things I won’t miss about being at the market:
• Staying up late every Friday preparing for the market; then having to get up at 4:30 AM on Saturday; followed by exhaustion on Sunday.
• Arriving on Saturday morning to a sea of half-drowsy, often grumpy vendors, including myself.
• Setting up and breaking down my booth, which is rather complicated and heavy.
• Trying to keep my artwork protected from the so-called pop-up showers which unexpectedly turn into torrential downpours with storm-force winds.
• The dust-permeated musty odor that hangs in the air during July and August.
• Attempting in vain to stay cool while watching throngs of melting visitors lumber by as the temperatures head towards 90-something, and the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife.
News!
Although I’m not at the market, I still have my fine art photography business, and my online portfolio is ready to be viewed at Susan DeTomi Fine Art Photography Portfolio. Please “stop by” virtually and feel free to leave comments or ask questions.