By Rachel Rayburn - July 18, 2025
This past weekend, both Winter Park and Grand Lake were buzzing with creativity. Winter Park hosted its beloved Alpine Art Affair—an event I used to look forward to every year—and Grand Lake had a charming craft show set up in Town Center. It was the kind of weekend that brings people out to stroll, shop, and enjoy the unique talent of artists from all over.
It also stirred up something that’s been on my heart for a while now: the complicated feelings I have about art shows—especially now that I have permanent storefronts in both of these mountain towns.
You see, I started at craft shows. That’s where it all began for me. Folding tables, pop-up tents, hauling displays from my car, hoping for good weather, and connecting directly with customers—it was hard work, but it was also an important and beautiful chapter in my journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that experience.
But now, as someone with brick-and-mortar stores—stores that are open year-round and part of these communities day in and day out—I see a different side. What I never understood as a traveling artist is how much those art shows can impact the businesses that call these towns home 365 days a year.
The reality is, on some of our busiest weekends of the summer—when we rely on strong sales to carry us through slower seasons—our numbers drop dramatically because so many of those dollars go to the temporary shows. Visitors often spend their time and money at the booths, sometimes without ever stepping into the storefronts that are part of the heartbeat of these towns.
It’s a strange place to be—torn between supporting the community of artists I once belonged to and advocating for the sustainability of the small businesses that anchor these towns. I know how important it is for emerging artists to have access to those shows. They’re a launchpad, just like they were for me. And yet, I also know how hard it is to pay rent, payroll, inventory, and everything else that comes with running a full-time retail space.
So where’s the balance?
I don’t have a clear answer yet. Maybe it’s about better collaboration between towns, art show organizers, and local businesses. Maybe it's about limiting show sizes or setting thoughtful boundaries. Maybe it’s just about continuing to have this conversation openly and respectfully.
I still support art. I still support artists. And I’ll always be grateful for the path that brought me here. But I also believe in nurturing the businesses that are part of the everyday fabric of these communities.
To all the fellow makers, artists, shop owners, and customers out there—I see you. And I’m so glad we’re in this together.