My goal is to be filthy rich:
Rich in knowledge,
Rich in adventure,
Rich in laughter,
Rich in health,
Rich in family,
Rich in love.
-Anonymous
I have been extremely lucky lately with getting into gallery shows. My latest was Fantastic Fibers at the Yeiser Art Center in Paducah, Kentucky (runs until June 17). More than 300 artist entered and 38 were accepted including me. My piece Gathering Stillness was my entry. It was the 30th anniversary of the show so I decided to attend the opening (April 22). It was a nearly 7 hour drive. I am thankful that I had handwork to do in the car and that my husband agreed to go with me. The weather was rainy and cold. There was not much going on since quilt festival did not begin until the 26. We arrived a little early and I identified myself as one of the artists and the person's reaction was, "Oh, then I don't need to tell you anything." Okay, not the reaction I was expecting, but I was there to see the art and hopefully meet people. I kept trying to figure out if there were any other artists present when Pat Owoc approached me. We had a delightful conversation then went looking for other artists. Pat expressed exactly what I was feeling, "Why don't we have name tags?" Once we connected with the other artists present, they too had the same thought. Marianne Williamson had traveled all the way from Miami, Anita Cooke (won an award) from New Orleans and Roxanne Lasky drove from South Carolina. Roxanne took lots of photos so do check out her website. I bought the catalog because I always feel funny about taking photos where there is one. Silly me. Anyway, I have been to five openings this year where I have had work in the show and only one (Tall Grass Gallery) has had name tags and purposely acknowledged and encouraged the people attending to interact with the artists present. I do not get it. I love talking to artists. I want to know all about the work that they created and why. I was touched when Pat said, "Please tell me about your piece." I bought the catalog so that I could read the artist statements. Most of the galleries did not even have artist statements available. So my question is, don't you want to met the artists? Would meeting the artist have any impact on your purchasing the work?
And don't get me wrong, I am thankful that I went.
Yes! Meeting artists at shows, or at least being able to tell them how much you like their work, is fantastic. I hope you gave that feedback to the shows. And congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Some took my suggestion well and others did not seem to care. I find it interesting considering many are run by artists or are nonprofits. Hugs
DeleteBig congratulations to you! And good for you for showing up at the openings. Meeting the artists is what going to the openings is all about. I hope they heard you and the other artists who had the same comment!
ReplyDeleteThank you. As far as our suggestion, guess we will have to wait and see. Hugs
DeleteUnless you are lurking around trying to hear what visitors say about the art, yes - nametags would be nice. So would artists' statements displayed with the work or available to borrow while you are there with the art. But I fear I'm not in the majority (?) who can't spare the time to read more than 150 characters or whatever fits on the phone screen. (Hmm. Sounds like I've crossed over to old fuddy-duddy.)
ReplyDeleteJanet, I have missed you! We need to talk. And I agree about artist statements I always keep mine short and sweet. Hugs
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