That was the inescapable fact Saturday for many of the 60 artists selling their wares at the Spring Hill Art League's 35th annual Fall Harvest of Art. There was beauty aplenty, and more than a little optimism — but not many open wallets.
"It's slow, very slow," said 78-year-old Fred Mannarino, who had sold just a couple of pen-and-ink drawings by afternoon.
"When money is tight, the last thing you want to do is buy another piece of art," he added. "It's rough."
Once an art director for big-time advertising agencies in New York City, Mannarino is happy now to create his cubist oil paintings on the quieter canvas of Spring Hill. But he doesn't depend on it, teaching adult classes at Nature Coast Technical High to pay the bills.
"I have a couple of collectors who keep me afloat," he said.
Fellow artist Peter Gerbert of Ridge Manor was having trouble moving his smaller nature prints, but sold a larger one for $300. He took that as a positive sign. Some people go home to measure their walls and return later to buy, he reasoned.
Isabelle Papazian, president of the art league, said the festival saw good crowds at the community association's Lake House, despite the threat of rain.
But she said even residents of affluent communities like Naples are scaling back their art purchases these days as the economy falters. "People are worried," she added.
Customer Tom Kirwan did come with a purchase in mind — something to cover a gap on his art-covered walls. He settled for a still life of wildflowers from Hernando Beach photographer Sandy McRanie.
"It was the right price for me," Kirwan said. "Thirteen dollars."
McRanie, a former licensed practical nurse, was happy to make the sale. And she did well at another show last weekend in Homosassa.
But she needs to sell more to make it as a full-time artist.
"This is what I want to do," McRanie said. "But I'll probably have to go out and find a job soon."
Tom Marshall can be reached at tmarshall@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1431.
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