Art
Gallery Show
Etiquette Or the Do’s
and Don’ts of attending a show
With the advent of Jody’s and my
show at Ed Chasen Fine Art coming up, it occurs to me that we have not
covered what it is like for an artist to be at their very own show. Believe
me it is somewhat nerve-wracking. Even more so
for the gallery owner.
Do you remember long ago when
you had to stand up in grade school in front of strangers and perform? Or
better yet, still in school and throwing a party? Yep that is similar to
what an art opening is like. The nervousness and anticipation. The gallery
owner asks him/herself questions like: Will anybody come? If they do come
will they buy anything? Did I advertise enough? Did I forget someone?
The artist(s) asks all those
questions plus: Did I take to long talking to that person? Am I missing an
opportunity by not talking to that person? Who is that person? Have I
already talked to them? Am I sounding like a recording of myself – just
push the “play” button and the elevator pitch comes out? Why did I not just
become an office worker
with a steady income, lots of free time, company benefits, paid vacation,
and always an abundance of work to do – like my parents encouraged me to?
Now both the gallery owner and
the artist(s) have all that in common, in addition they have to smile and
act like it
does not matter. Think of the Dial commercial – “Never let them see you
sweat” is very appropriate. What a recipe for being or having some kind of
psychological “ism” wrong with you.
What to do?
As an appreciative and
supportive person of the artist (presumably you would not be there if you
were not), be nice and gracious to the artist and the gallery owner. Even
if you know the artist, come up and introduce yourself
casually along with your date. Believe me the artist will be somewhat
relieved. You have just taken off some of the pressure of a social
encounter.
Talk with the artist for a
minute or two or maybe a little longer if you have a question. Then mingle
with the crowd. There are probably a lot of other people that want to talk
to the artist that evening, but are too bashful to cut in. This
is a selling event for the artist and gallery owner. Their job is to get
people interested in buying art tonight and in the days ahead. Not just
talk politics.
If you are interested in getting
a custom artwork from the artist – make an appointment to see them a day or
two
after the show. An appointment after the show is a kindness. Just write
your name and phone on a business card and possible times that would work
for you. It allows time for the client (you) and the artist to discuss
custom work
in a less pressurized environment. Better art results from this.
If another question occurs to
you that you would like to ask the artist – go ahead. That is what they are
there for.
Just remember that the artist may have forgotten that he(she) talked to
you. You are not forgettable at all. Just reintroduce yourself and ask
your question. Opening receptions are hard work for artists. A lot of them
do not get
out much – their solitary work environment gets in the way. For a lot of
artists it is rather like a reception line that
you shake hands at. The politician shakes your hand and moves you to the
next person. You are important; there
are just a lot of important people to see. Politicians also have an
advantage – they have a political minder who reminds them of all the
people’s names wanting to shake hands. Most artists do not have that
advantage.
Enjoy the opening reception.
Have some wine. Talk to the artist and also the gallery owner. The gallery
owner
does get lonely. Ask questions. If possible – buy some art. Have the
artist personalize the art for you with an inscription. Above all have
fun. It is a great night for a show and to meet people. You just might
meet someone interesting or better yet find a ravishing piece of art that
you just have to have now.
