First Steps Under The Tent: My First Art Show
by Sandra Veillette
In 2021, I reconnected with my colored pencils, and almost immediately, my childhood dream of one day hosting an exhibition resurfaced. Since I wasn’t involved in the art world at all, the path to making that dream come true felt pretty mysterious.
First morning at the art show.
While browsing the internet, I discovered there are quite a few art shows in Quebec, Canada, mostly held during the warmer months. Most of these events last a weekend and take place outdoors under tents, either shared or individual. Right away, I thought, “This might be worth exploring!”
In 2022, I visited an art show near my home to get a feel for it. After mentally noting all the things I liked, I made a list of local events and compared them. I ended up choosing the Symposium Découvr’Arts mainly because it was nearby, and also because they offered a “big tent” format where you can hang your work on a 4x8 panel. It seemed simpler and less daunting than buying and filling a 10x10 individual tent.
“This might be worth exploring!”
I sent in my application and to my delight, I was accepted! Later on, I learned just how prestigious it is and how many artists apply. Talking to other artists, I also learned that it is normal to get turned down sometime and it isn’t the end of the world—organizers look for a diversity of styles and mediums—so don’t be afraid to get a no. In my case, working with colored pencils really set me apart.
Brotherhood, 16x12, reference photo: Dotty Weber @ Wildlife reference photo for artist.
This is the coyote cubs that were published in Color magazine.
To get ready for the art show, I assembled about a dozen pieces. I planned to hang ten of them and keep two in reserve in case I made a sale—which made me a bit anxious, since I worried about running out of artwork! I also had some business cards and greeting cards printed, and I brought along the issue of Ann Kullberg’s Color Magazine where my drawing of coyote cubs was featured. Finally, I packed up a work in progress and some pencils, thinking I’d get a bit of sketching done during quiet moments.
On the first morning, I was really nervous. Fortunately, my partner was there to help me set up. I was the last to arrive in the big tent, where around forty of the show’s one hundred artists were stationed. My booth neighbors, intrigued by the “colored pencil” sign above my display, didn’t really know what to expect.
As for me, I felt a wave of imposter syndrome, surrounded by artists who were sometimes internationally known or whose work I followed on social media. My minimalist realist style seemed so different from other creators, who struck me as far more imaginative.
In the end, the drawing I’d brought to work on stayed put—I just couldn’t concentrate amid the excitement! Attendance was high, and my section drew a lot of visitors. From a distance, many thought I was exhibiting photographs. Discovering I used colored pencils sparked a lot of curiosity. I barely sat down all weekend, too busy chatting about my passion for drawing and animals.
“You can never really predict
what people will respond to”
I made only one sale, which actually isn’t bad for a first-timer who’s relatively unknown. To replace the piece I sold, I brought out a chipmunk drawing I liked less, which I’d hidden under my table…and ironically, that ended up being the one that got everyone talking! That’s when I realized you can never really predict what people will respond to. Even now, that infamous drawing hasn’t sold, but I’ve displayed it front and center at my next two exhibitions, and it still causes a stir.
Full cheeks! 9x12, own reference photo. This is the chipmunk that I don't like much, but that people just love in the art shows.
As a first experience, the art show taught me a lot. For example, it's important not to forget some packaging for sold pieces and set up a way to take credit card payments (which is actually quite simple these days).
I’ve now participated in three art shows, and I’m still learning. My main motivation remains the joy of sharing what I do with the public. It also helps me get my name out there, even if I haven’t noticed a big jump in Facebook followers or commissions. In 2025, I’d love to do it again, as long as I have enough new pieces ready to go.
SANDRA VEILLETTE:
Sandra Veillette works as a full-time professional forester in Quebec, Canada. She is a self-taught pencil artist who draws whenever the time allows. She first discovered the potential of coloured pencils in an art class in high school, but she concentrated on acrylic painting. During pandemic, she connected again with the colored pencils, for good. Her main subject is North American animals and pets.
Facebook: Sandra Veillette - Artiste