1st cutting...
July
in Minnesota means the first hay cutting of the
season. In a normal year, most farms will have two
cuttings and then leave some winter ground cover for
the critters. The first cutting will have the most
yield, but it isn't until the second cutting that the
break-even point is reached.
For a farmer, the first hay cutting is an opportunity
to reflect on the business (year-to-date), and also
project the business going forward for the rest of
the year. Stretching this metaphor to a
near-absurdist level, it isn't that much different in
the art industry.
Business is up and the industry is cautiously
optimistic. The nature of the business has changed
and the types of projects have also changed.
Anticipating what those changes will be and
responding to those changes are some of the biggest
challenges a small business owner will face.
We will continue to evolve, but we will also continue
to provide the things we enjoy most about being in
this business.
A new web based product is under development and
should be available before the end of the year (the
evolving thing). There are also discussions taking
place regarding an original art exhibit in the
November/December timeframe (the enjoyment thing).
And of course, thank you for your patronage. Art is
good.