A New Season for SOFA: Staying Home, Creating More, and Lowering Prices
- Sara N. O'Connor
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Sara O’Connor Fine Art (SOFA), and with that milestone comes a new chapter. For the first time since COVID lockdowns, I’ve decided not to travel for art shows for 2026—and I want to share why, what that means for my collectors, and how you can help make this season just as successful (if not more!) than years past.
The Reality of Traveling for Shows
Art shows are magical places to meet collectors, connect with fellow artists, and share my work with new audiences. But behind the scenes, they’re also physically demanding, weather-dependent, and financially risky.
First and foremost, my husband—my best friend and greatest supporter—works full-time in a demanding job. Every time I do a show, he uses vacation days to travel with me, helping me set up my booth the day before or, sometimes, at 4:00 AM the morning of. These weekends are exhausting for both of us.
Then there’s the weather. Much like the post office, shows go on rain or shine. I’ll never forget one Tennessee show where it was over 90°F… until it suddenly started hailing giant chunks of ice. Another time, I fainted from the heat due to my sensitivity. Artists regularly face flooded booths, flipped tents, and windstorms that can destroy months of work in minutes. Outdoor shows are not for the faint of heart and they seem to be getting more volatile and risky in recent years.
The Cost of Hitting the Road
On average, it costs me around at least $2,000 to do a single show—once you factor in booth fees, lodging, gas, food, pet sitters, and insurance, not to mention the raw materials and business equipment expenses. Some shows are phenomenal, occasionally reaching five figures once you include follow-up commissions. But I’ve also had shows where I sold nothing. It’s a huge financial and emotional gamble every time, though I have gotten better about finding and connecting with my audience and collectors.
After many conversations, my husband and I decided that this year, to celebrate SOFA’s tenth anniversary, I’d give him the well-deserved break he’s earned and skip traveling for shows.
What This Means for You
Because I won’t be building travel costs into my pricing, I’ll be slightly lowering my artwork prices this year for non-commissioned work. In a time when it seems like everyone is raising prices, I want to do the opposite: pass my savings directly on to my collectors. I truly believe that original artwork matters now more than ever, and I want to make it as accessible as I can.
Here’s where you come in: if we work together—if you, dear collector and art lover, share my work with your community—I can focus on creating rather than shouldering the risk and financial burden of the road. Your word of mouth has always been my greatest asset.
And, on a personal note: today happens to be my birthday! If you’ve been considering adding a piece to your collection, ordering one of my poker books, or commissioning a custom work, today’s the perfect day to do it. Your support is the best birthday gift I could ask for.
What’s Next
I’m still happily accepting custom commissions and creating new collections, which I plan to release this November—including my first-ever poker mixed media pieces.
I’m also diving into some exciting new creative projects:
Experimenting with National Geographic magazines to make vibrant collages.
Creating with 210 pounds of glitter I recently purchased from a retiring artist (yes, 210 pounds!).
Continuing my writing and poker adventures. I have two books available—$20 on Amazon or $25 signed through my website.
Putting on private and group classes, including an upcoming Acrylic Quilt class with Pop of Confetti on November 8th from 3 - 5 PM.
Thank You for a Decade of Support
Reaching ten years in business is a milestone I hold with immense gratitude and pride. Thank you for helping Sara O’Connor Fine Art not just survive, but thrive. I can’t wait to share what’s next—with you, from right here at home.
With love and glitter,
Sara O’Connor
Sara O’Connor Fine Art
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