A huge thank you to all participants of the 2009 Tour!!! This is the first year that the day did not dawn sunny & bright! We usually have spectacular weather, but this year we just had great sales instead. I even sold things!!!! There is an abundance of Lemonade at Minnie's, but despite the cold it seems we all had a great day. Lots of visitors. Today @ the "critique" several points were made. The majority felt that the books should be increased to $15.00 to admit 2 visitors. Clients at "a la carte" were amazed at the $10.00 price. Several comments about the banners. The prototype did not match the results, we expected some color variation, but not the "unreadable" aspects. We will make alterations to the current banners & hopefully correct the issue. There is no way to correct the late arrival of the banners, but next year they will be up earlier. We are not certain about using the same preparer for the banners. If you wish to lend your artistry to correction of the banners, just let me know. We had lots of free advertising. The Times, Sun & Newspress came through as well as the Chamber. I have yet to see the Pioneer information. I missed my last two editions. We have yet to complete a full "book Sale" accounting. Jean ran ragged last week keeping the stores stocked! She will pick up any leftovers on Tuesday. We did have hosts who felt that another date might be preferable due to the competition we faced. Granted, but we have to compete with Graduations earlier, weddings all the time, festivals,parades & car shows. There is some point to being able to hold our own on the "SATURDAY BEFORE FATHER'S " Day date. It is the same issue we face on Thanksgiving weekend, but changes have never out weighed the viability of either date. We just have to be the best & hope the public will respond.

I would like to especially thank the Hosts of the event. All of the Tour venues were gorgeous! I did take an hour or so to visit homes I had done the descriptions for & made a note that each should receive higher accolades than I wrote about them site unseen. I know what a terrific commitment it is to host. Special Thank you to Diane for her patience & response to update & illustrate the website. Contact her to say Hi & let her know you appreciate the care & time it takes to tout all of our art & artists. Lori will be taking down the banners & she has done a great job with their placement, super thanks to Lori.

It was noted that the tents take up a lot of space & obscure & darken the area for the art displayed. Each host artist may determine whether or not they would like them in their venue. Marilyn Dover Benson has volunteered to take up to 15 artists in her fantastic garden. I failed to get the right person at the New Times & we missed that market, I had also planned the Lompoc Record, but never got that info, so my apologies. There is a planner in process for next year's Tour Chair, it may take me a while, but I am never at a loss for words. I will forward an email regarding the position points, we will need a new Chair next year. I over stepped getting involved in the Tour , Autumn Arts & the Christmas Show, I really need to give someone else the opportunity to work on this level with the Hosts & participating artists. I am so lucky to be able to communicate & work with every one of you. I will go over the critique notes & send another email. Thank you all for your help & patience. Please feel free to email or call me with any & all comments. These should be part of the record. I think that it is important to have your opinion, pro or con. That is how we learn. We can only keep getting better, we have unbelievable artists & such good spirit.

If you had a good experience with the Tour, please remember that the Christmas Show is longer & better. We have Maldonado again & we will have a Christmas in July meeting.  For the exposure offered, the Christmas Show is a bargain!!! Start thinking about it now, please.

Thanks to all,

Toodles