What fun to set up a flea market space in the lobby of the Palm Springs Art Museum! We were open for business for 9 days. Many folks thought we were just a display, but part of the art is the discussion, selling and yes some haggling, which i didn't realize Rob was encouraging people to do so it took me a minute to catch on.
A few folks could not figure out what my coat says. I made it for myself to remind myself of my lofty goal towards all. (#unconditionallove)
The original word was HOPE. I just dont like that word, maybe it's too religious or political for me. I prefer action (or surrender to what is) over sitting around HOPING. Rob suggested I remove the E and add a hopping bunny. Here is my final piece, a collaboration with Rob Pruitt. I showed it to Susan Goodman as Rob was drawing her portrait and she bought it from me for $10, my offering price. I kind of regret selling it but Susan's on the board of the Palm Springs Art Museum so it's got a great home. Rob says he likes a lot of my other works better.
Susan Goodman with her portrait by Rob, Rob Pruitt and me, Shari Elf with HOP
Susan Goodman with her husband Rodney Lubeznik with some of there newly collected Shari Elf works.
I have invented a clever new device for cell phones! It was a big hit at the flea market, shown here in the hands of the fun and friendly purchaser, Eric Shiner of Sotheby's. I have so far avoided getting a "smart" phone and refer to my little slide phone as my "brilliant" phone, it leaves me alone most of the time so I can enjoy a human life.
Lots of Shari Elf t-shirts being sported today, 2 of these are also Totally Blown.
It was super fun to get to invite some fellow artists to join the flea market, here is Heather with her beautiful jewelry and some decluttering going on.
Here's my friend Arturo (he lives near Art Queen in Joshua Tree and has been tie dying my t-shirts as well as opening and closing Art Queen for visitors). He had his space at the Flea Market with his new original art and the arts and crafts of his talented parents. This flea market was the first time he had ever sold any of his art, I'm delighted he is inspired to keep making art.
Breathe in Breathe out was created (on a thrift store painting) one morning before the Flea Market. It was such a bustling market I had to replenish my stock almost daily. I had a blast in my studio and at the flea market. Seems like I was in my true element. I'm grateful it sold and was being wanted by several people at once just hours after I brought it to the Flea Market.
Kenneth Kuchin and Bruce Anderson, philanthropists of Desert X, purchasing a vintage Shari Elf mermaid for their mermaid collecting friend. They also purchased a Shari Elf prayer flag.
Sarah in the outfit I decided I wanted back after she put it together. But I let it go. Vintage what would cher do vest found a good home. New friend modeling my scarf poncho dress.
Friends Doug Smith and Leslie Mariah Andrews doing live portraits at the Flea Market.
Lovely and Fun customers Kaye and Ben Zlataroff with 3 new Shari Elfs, 2 are from Susan Kuhlman's collection, she's reduced her collection from 110 to 100. I really enjoyed seeing Don't Blend In again after all these years.
Another original $10 piece I made for the flea market. "Can of Monkeys with Elmo"
People were so willing to be tagged with Shari Elf patches.
Rob with his Kitten's panty pillow. Me wearing an homage to Rob Pruitt's art, my panda dress.
