Tip Jar Thoughts

What do you think of tip jars?

I've been taking notice of them lately. Of course, the tip jar is a standard sight at café cash registers. A must for musicians, they usually take the form of an open instrument case. I've seen them as hats at street performances, beer steins at bars, and I especially like the clever ones that say things like, "If you fear change, leave it here." 

What I've never seen, though, is a visual artist with a tip jar. I wonder why? An art fair really is nothing more than a pop-up street performance. One would think it'd be the ideal venue for creative tip jars.

Maybe artists see them as uncouth? Or maybe they worry that their patrons will find a tip jar unsophisticated?

I don't know, but I feel like a tip jar at an art fair makes so much sense! Artists are engaging with the public all day, displaying their work for all to see and enjoy. Why shouldn't they have a tip jar? Visitors who are enjoying the art but aren't going to make a purchase may feel moved to put a dollar or two in a tip jar.

I may try it.

​In fact, I could set out a tip jar at my upcoming open studio during Art Attack. A creative container of sorts - asking for "art supply funds"? I'd love to see what happens.

A tip jar I spotted at an ice cream shop in Florida.