Marking the Moment: The Significance of the Red Sticker

The thrill of placing a red sticker on a piece of artwork at a show is an unparalleled experience for any artist. The small red dot, unassuming to the casual observer, carries a profound significance—it signals that a piece has found a new home and that the emotional connection you crafted has resonated so deeply that someone decided to make it their own. For an artist, selling a piece is an affirmation that the countless hours, brushstrokes, and soul poured into the work hold meaning beyond the canvas.

In art shows, this moment is amplified. The process of creating, presenting, and witnessing a collector connect with a piece is deeply personal, made all the more profound by the public setting. When your artwork is displayed among the talents of peers and the watchful eyes of an audience, it is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Artists often speak of this vulnerability: the act of displaying a piece is like laying a part of themselves bare. To have that vulnerability met with a sale, with a red sticker, is a rush of joy and relief—a moment to be cherished, celebrated and remembered. 

The magic of the red sticker, however, goes beyond just the rush of a sale—it creates a ripple effect that can resonate throughout the show. When a piece finds a new home, it adds a layer of exclusivity and sparks the curiosity of others. It signals that only one person can own the original, creating a buzz that leads to increased interest and opportunity. People begin to wonder which pieces might still be available, and the red sticker, in its quiet way, instills a sense of urgency.

I recently experienced this excitement firsthand during the “Wish You Were Here” grand exhibition’s opening night, where two of my original pieces sold — Coco Gauff and The Stirrup Collection. As the Artist in Residence for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, the show was deeply meaningful to me. To see my work resonate with collectors and secure a place in their homes and collections was a humbling reminder of why I do what I do. It brought the journey of creation full circle.

While it is tempting to view the red sticker as a mark of success, the true power of that dot lies in the exchange that happens beyond it. Art, after all, is a conversation between the creator and the observer—a dialogue that crosses time and space. Selling a piece at a show solidifies that connection, but it is only the beginning of the work’s new journey. The buyer carries it forward, giving it new context and meaning.

For me, creating artwork is always a personal endeavor. At “Wish You Were Here,” each piece captured moments and stories tied to the rich history of Palm Beach County tourism—a labor of love that demanded detailed research and a deep emotional connection. Seeing my pieces connect with collectors validated the countless hours and emotions poured into every brushstroke.

The significance of selling a piece at a show reminds me why I continue to create—to spark connections, tell stories, and share emotions that go beyond the canvas. Each red sticker, every sale, is not only a reminder that art is alive and thriving, but that my work is respected and valued. It lives on through those who choose to give it a new home, who resonate with its essence, and who will continue the dialogue we started.