“I’d much rather have you in the booth, instead of helping with setup,” she said, and I felt a mild tingle of pride.

“I suppose,” I said modestly, “You want your best people people out front, interacting with the public.”

“No, it’s just that schlepping pedestals isn’t exactly your strong suite,” she replied, “I saw you working setup last time.”

That’s what I love about New Yorkers: You never have to wonder what they’re thinking.

OTOH, since I’d rather be talking to folks about art than dragging it around, anyway, I’m perfectly fine with her decision.

The show is Art in the Pearl, Portland’s big Labor Day art fair. Held smack-dab in the chichi-ish Pearl District, it boasts a hundred or so juried artist booths, Portland-style booth food (meaning it’s pretty terrific), and music.

I’ve attended a couple of times, but never as an artist. I have had work (or at least a commission) in AiP–remember that glass foot I made for a sculpture by my friend Maria Wickwire? That piece made its debut at Art in the Pearl.

But this will be the first time I have an actual, my-name-is-on-it sculpture in Art in the Pearl, which is kinda cool.

I’ll be in the Pacific Northwest Sculptors booth, and if you wanna come say hi, please stop by.