How a Glass Artist Prepares for the Whyte Avenue Art Walk

When you visit a vibrant Edmonton art festival, you are greeted by beautiful displays, colorful artwork, and local artists eager to share their passion. But what visitors don't often see is the weeks of intense preparation that happen behind the scenes.

In just a few days, I’ll be setting up my booth for my first three-day Whyte Avenue Art Walk in Edmonton, Alberta.

This event is no small undertaking. Every July, more than 400 local creators transform Old Strathcona into Alberta’s largest outdoor art festival. For three full days, the streets become a massive open-air gallery where visitors can meet artists, watch live art demonstrations, and buy handmade art directly from the makers. It’s an incredible opportunity—but surviving a three-day outdoor art market requires a foolproof checklist.

Here is a look at how I prepare my glass art business for a major outdoor market.

Because this is an outdoor art market, the very first thing on my checklist isn't actually my artwork. It’s my shelter.

My 10x10 canopy tent acts as my temporary storefront. Before every event, I do a full maintenance check on my gear:

• The Frame: Making sure every leg extends properly and all joints lock securely.
• The Canopy: Checking the fabric for small tears or worn stitching that could leak during a sudden Alberta rain shower.

Pro Tip: It’s much easier to repair a tent in the studio than it is to discover a broken bracket while setting up at 7:00 AM on festival morning!

Anyone who has exhibited at an outdoor art festival knows that weather can change in a heartbeat. Even on a seemingly calm day, sudden gusts of wind can catch a canopy like a sail. Heavy tent weights on each corner are non-negotiable to keep my glass art, myself, and my fellow festival-goers safe.

Once the structure is secure, I pivot to booth layout and visual merchandising.

I clean my tables, inspect my risers, and ask myself a few critical questions about the customer flow:

• Can people easily see my work from the street?
• Is there enough room for visitors to browse without feeling crowded?
• Does the layout highlight my signature handmade glass flowers while making my fused glass jewelry easy to shop?

Since every market space varies, I always do a practice setup in my studio or driveway. It takes extra time, but finding layout flaws at home saves me from scrambling when the crowds arrive.

It's easy to forget the tiny essentials when you're focused on big displays. Here is the exact packing list I check off before loading the vehicle:

• Business Essentials: Business cards, price tags, a notebook, and a fully charged payment terminal.
• Packaging: Tape, shopping bags, and tissue paper to protect fragile glass art.
• Booth Utility: Extension cords, charging cables, and zip ties.
• Personal Care: Water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Of course, the biggest piece of preparation is creating enough inventory.

Glass shaping and kiln-forming cannot be rushed. Every single glass flower, pair of earrings, and botanical piece must be shaped one at a time before being carefully annealed in the kiln and inspected for quality.

In the weeks leading up to the Whyte Avenue Art Walk, my focus shifts entirely to production. I want to ensure a diverse selection so every visitor can find something that resonates with them—whether they are looking for an affordable keepsake or a statement piece of local Edmonton art for their home.

It’s always a balancing act:

• How many glass flowers will people be looking for this year?
• Will my handmade earrings be the top seller?
• Should I bring more framed botanical glass art?

There is never a perfect formula. It takes a mix of past market data, intuition, and a healthy dose of optimism.

Preparing for a massive event like this reminds me that running a creative business involves so much more than making beautiful things. It’s a masterclass in planning, logistics, equipment maintenance, and problem-solving.

When you stop by my booth this weekend, I hope you feel welcomed into a space that has been thoughtfully crafted just for you. While the artwork is what catches your eye, it's the behind-the-scenes prep that makes the experience seamless.

If you’re planning to explore Old Strathcona this weekend, please come by and say hello! I can’t wait to spend three days surrounded by incredible talent, meeting local art lovers, and sharing the brand-new glass creations I've been working on.

See you at the Art Walk!