January 27-February 4 found me in Rapid City at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo as part of the Western Art Show. Twelve other fine artist and I set up in the Fine Arts Theatre Lobby for the nine days of the Stock Show. 

It was a long but enjoyable week. I was able to reconnect with several people I haven’t seen in a long time, meet many new faces, and see clients who keep added to their Cristen Joy Photography collection (apparently if you own three pieces from an artist, you have a collection!). 

The interactions and networking with the fellow artists was a highlight of the week as well.

How my booth was set up allowed for me to have a little space out of the way but still be available for questions anyone had who came into my booth. As primarily an introvert, this was huge for me and helped me to be with people all day. I do love people, but I’m more charged when alone and this gave me the best of both worlds. 

The final Friday of the Stock Show Western Art Show was the Quick Draw. Each artist had an hour to complete a piece, enter it in the auction and receive half of the final bid. 
Obviously, this was not a competition I was able to participate in so I took photos of the event. 

These are three of my favorite pieces from the evening: 

Lisa’s buffalo won People’s Choice and sold for $1,000. 
 

Teri’s Longhorn cow and calf took third.

David won People’s Choice last year but I think I was more drawn to his horses this year. 

I spent a bit of time shooting from the second level of the lobby. It proved to be a great vantage point to watch some of the artists working on their pieces, as well as see who was in my booth without me being there.

A good friend from high school kept on eye on my photography while I was busy capturing the event. 
If you would like to see more photos from the Quick Draw, click on this link from the Black Hills Stock Show Western Artists Facebook page.