'Low on the totem pole' is an American idiom that suggests the lowest figure is of the least importance, holding up the entire cast of characters.  Not surprisingly, popular culture has it all wrong.  The best carvers often did the lower portion of the pole, while apprentice workers tackled the higher figures. Therefore the bottom of all totem pole is sometimes the best carved part of the whole pole. I only reference this because as an artist I can really relate to that lowest figure.

When customers visit their local summer festival they are overwhelmed by all the artists, hawking their works from neat white rows of tents.  We reside in our outdoor galleries, surrounded by artwork, print bins, walls or shelving, and we smile at you from our folding chairs. Having done art festivals throughout the USA I can confidently say that most people are unaware of several things.  First, we artists...