New Website Alert!

This is a super-quick note to announce our all-new website, SugarIsArtGallery.com! The site is now live, and will be updated regularly. We'll soon have Gallery details posted, so check it out often. Be sure to update and saved pages and bookmarks that you have in place, so you don't miss out on anything.

If you haven't had a chance to stop by the new Sugar Social Lounge, please do so- and while you're there, sign up for a free membership so you can participate, post events and pictures, and more. We have a membership goal of 100 by the end of March- sure it's ambitious, but very do-able. Let's see how close we can get... we'll see you there...

Rick at Elm Tree Web Design did the fresh new site for the Gallery, and we can't thank him enough! When you're ready for a new site (what are you waiting for?! lol), contact him and tell him that the Gallery sent you.

Enjoy dessert tonite... and then more tomorrow for Valentine's Day... :)

The Latest News

The time continues to fly by, even though I beg it to stop! It's been longer than I intended since updates and information have posted, but please know that Aleia and I are working nonstop to make sure the Gallery debut on March 8 is a fabulous time for all, and that the groundwork is laid for an awesome new series of culinary celebrations in Nashville.

I had occasion to spend a few days in Orlando this week, and though the change of scenery and mini-break from Nashville was great, the weather was a bit... well, not the image your mind generates when you think Florida. It rained- and I mean rained!- all day Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday were bright and sunny, though a bit chilly. I always attempt to locate cool eating spots and bakeries when I travel, but am disappointed to say that I didn't stumble upon a single non-chain or non-grocery dessert establishment. My internet connection was spotty while there, and we were barely able to check email, let alone search for area bakeries. I will, however, be able to devote more time to that quest this spring, and I'll share all the sweet stuff I'm able to find in Orlando. :) Of course, any suggestions and links relating to where to find fabulous sweet treats in Orlando are always appreciated!

March 8 is quickly approaching, and I can't wait to see everything and everyone at what is basically "the ultimate dessert party". This unique event will be fun, enlightening, casual, stress-free, low-key... and delicious. :) The cold, "convention center" feel of bright, loud, and random will not be a part of the Gabe's Gurl Event Production experience, as we strive to create an intimate, unique, and quality environment for enjoying, exploring, celebrating, and indulging in top-notch beautiful foods and sweets, one that you will come to expect and appreciate.

On to the news... It's not news that our Official Website has not been updated, and I am very, extremely unhappy about that. Turns out that the company selected to handle this extremely important task was not up to the challenge, and GGEP has parted ways with that incapable crew. A fresh, new website with a brand new company is in the works, and will be introduced shortly. The situation is being resolved, and it will be viewed as one of those learning experience things that supposedly make us better and wiser. :) In the meantime, if you have difficulty emailing Melissa@sugarisart.com, please use this link. The new site and emails will be posted as soon as it's ready.

We have just established Sugar Social, a new member-based online group for socializing, shooting the breeze, and networking within the sugar art and pastry industry. Membership is completely free, and signing up takes just a minute. You will then have your own page and profile, plus the ability to chat, list and promote sugar and pastry related events, share information, sites, and links that would be of interest to the network, post pics, and more. You will also be able to mingle with others who share your interests, be a part of meetups, read about others in the industry, and more. Get involved, check out the site, and offer feedback on how to improve the network as well as any glitches encountered. The site was created by "sugarists" for "sugarists", so let's grow our network!

Our confirmed special guests will be announced- be sure to check the Gallery Newsletter that will be hitting inboxes this week!

Though I have much more to share, now would probably be a good time to end since this post has become fairly large. I guess that's what happens when a week or two slips by. :) I'll end by reminding that there is still time to get involved, and don't let your budget- or lack of- stop you from participating. Contact us anytime, for any reason- we always enjoy hearing from you!

Enjoy dessert tonite.... with someone sweet... :)

Exhibit Space, Sponsor Tables, and Displays, Oh My...

I really appreciate all of the positive comments and feedback that come in on most everything related to the Gallery and GGEP's purpose in life. It shows that our efforts do not go unnoticed, and you possibly love the sweet stuff (and food in general) as much as we do. Though organizing this event- any event- is hard and expensive work, it's so worth it in the end because of the people that enjoy and benefit from these efforts. Suggestions, ideas, and comments are ALWAYS welcome- as a matter of fact, we love hearing from guests, attendees, foodies, and vendors. There's always an open door (make that inbox!) when it comes to sincere and constructive input. We want to provide events, excursions, and classes that you will enjoy, be a part of and get excited about, and that will bring something fabulous to your life. If none of those things happen, then we've totally wasted our time and money- and yours. We wish to give you what you want, but we can't possibly know what that is if you don't connect with us and get involved.

The economy is a mess right now, we all know that, though I refuse to use the "R" word. We all are feeling the effects in one way or another. The situation is what we make it, and sitting around waiting for things to happen, improve, get better, whatever, on its own is useless. Still going to live life, invest in and grow my business, spend money (as wisely as always, of course), and still find ways to get wants and needs. Cut out completely? Never. Change some habits? Well, duh! lol The internet bargain shopping for shoes and serious markdowns may stop for a while if that means an occasional ribeye the size of a human head, with all the mushrooms and onions that'll fit on the plate is an option, or a splurge on a gourmet sweet every now and then is in the cards! Probably MITN (mo' info than needed- made that up!), but, hey... :)

Let's talk pricing for just a moment. If I could afford to feed anyone and everyone, I would do so just because. Same thing with the Gallery. Right now, though, not an option (see previous paragraph). The original plan for the Gallery, developed last spring-ish before the bottom completely fell out, involved 3 days, national and local advertising, big names, $$$$ booths, and all the bells and whistles. Nashville needs some focus on food, we thought. Economy crashes, financing dries up, corps cut back and/or fail, Gallery and GGEP gets caught in the crossfire. For a while, it was 'do we, or don't we?' Should we go forward with plans or wait until things improve? Hmmmm... but when will THAT be? Well... we opted to move forward, but downscale. Start local, establish our brand, make it super affordable, and get people interested.

Now, realizing that everyone's finances are different, and knowing that we really wanted locals to take advantage of this unique event, we drastically dropped the exhibit investment. We also realize that we still need to be more creative in making the Gallery accessible to everyone who wants to exhibit. I am always about negotiating and compromise. I like to find creative ways to meet a goal, and make a situation beneficial for everyone involved and make it possible for more participation. But on the flip side, exhibitors need to remember that we have lots and lots of costs to cover. Venue, advertising, rentals, labor, equipment, special guests- none of this stuff is free, and in order to offer a product (event) that hits the mark and serves its purpose and people, it has to be done all the way or not at all. My grandmother always told us as kids "If you're gonna do it, do it right the first time". I swear I apply that principle to every single day in my life.

So, with that said, here's a unique offer. We're applying the Priceline name-your-own-price theory here, to see if this will make your life easier. Exhibit investments are currently discounted at $250, but are going to increase to $350. Now through Wednesday night, Jan 21, exhibitors have the chance to "Name Your Price" for your exhibit at the Gallery. Reasonable offers will be accepted, no questions asked. Keep in mind that you'll be expected to confirm your offer with reservation and payment in full within 24hrs of your offer (online via PayPal or Google checkout or check mailed) being accepted. A reasonable offer will include a dollar amount that you can afford plus a donation of goods or services to the Gallery (please explain in detail), quantity, and its approximate value each. This is for exhibits (booths) only. Your communication will be 100% confidential. Just be reasonable and fair, please- we really do want to work with you and do what's best for the Gallery, so if you don't respond and get involved NOW, it's your loss! lol Send email to Melissa@sugarisart.com and you'll get a response within a few hours, possibly sooner.

Finally, a couple of cool links... Cakewrecks is too funny- and the name says it all! These pics are really great- this parent loves being a parent!

Enjoy dessert tonite... then have the leftovers for breakfast... :)