Let’s Talk About Expectations How Artists Are Preparing for the Season
Find out what some of your fellow artists think 2026 has in store for them and how they are getting ready to hit the road.
Evan Reinheimer
Photography
How long have you been participating in shows?
Eighteen years.
Has your 2026 show season begun?
Yes — started in January.
What factors matter most to you when choosing a show this year?
Past sales and audience quality.
How are you preparing for this year’s season, and how does it compare to previous years’ preparation?
I find that new work almost always sells best. Even in cities that I have never exhibited in before, my new work tends to be the most popular. So, I spent the second half of 2025 creating a lot of new work to release in 2026. Additionally, I completely revamped my website at the end of 2025 to make follow-up sales a much easier and more pleasant experience for collectors. This has already proved to be a huge boost to my sales.
Compared to 2025, how many shows do you plan to do this year?
About the same.
How would you describe your confidence level going into this season?
Neutral.
What are your overall expectations for the 2026 show season?
I’m always looking to improve on my average from the previous year. That is my aim for 2026.
Compared to last year, do you expect your overall sales to be higher, lower, or about the same?
Higher.
If you think your sales will be different this year, explain why.
Having fresh, new work, and doing better follow-up with potential collectors should help boost my sales.
David Reckhouse
Sculpture
How long have you been participating in shows?
Thirty-three years.
Has your 2026 show season begun? If not, when does it begin?
April.
What factors matter most to you when choosing a show this year?
Booth fee, past sales, and audience quality.
How are you preparing for this year’s season, and how does it compare to previous years’ preparation?
I’m always changing a few shows.
Compared to 2025, how many shows do you plan to do this year?
About the same.
How would you describe your confidence level going into the season?
Concerned.
What are your overall expectations for the 2026 show season?
Smaller crowds.
Compared to last year, do you expect your overall sales to be higher, lower, or about the same?
Lower.
If you think your sales will be different this year, explain why.
People are leery about spending since the cost of living continues to rise.
Do you have other comments related to this topic?
My costs continue to rise also (materials, hotels, show fees, etc.).
Megan Lassen
Ceramics
How long have you been participating in shows?
Seven years.
Has your 2026 show season begun? If not, when does it begin?
It begins in April. I’m really hopeful.
What factors matter most to you when choosing a show this year?
Past sales, location, promoter communication, and audience quality.
How are you preparing for this year’s season, and how does it compare to previous years’ preparation?
I'm trying to get a large back stock built up, and I've got some new shows on the books — along with a few oldies.