A Stellar Idea at Art Shows
In March
2007, Jody and I were two of 12 resident artists
at a grand opening of an art gallery. Being one of 12
artists that actually had their art hanging in the gallery was quite a
thrill. Rolling up in a limo (the gallery owner’s
idea) was truly fun. Got to know what a rock star feels like rolling up to
an event. The gallery doors opened after
we disembarked from the limo, letting the line of people that coursed down
the block in for their first peek.
I was
worried that the crush of clients, in the gallery, would prevent the clients
from knowing who the artists were.
Not to fear, all the artists were wearing either boutonniere or a corsage.
Low key but very classy. Made the artists easy to identify so the guests
did not have to feel foolish knowing if they were really talking to an
artist.
Sometimes
small items make all the difference in making a client feel comfortable.
About RSVP’s
for a Show
In a
recent show, an RSVP was requested for guests who planned to attend. Not
many guests bothered to RSVP
but lots of clients showed up. This caused some problems beforehand and
during the show.
Beforehand, since so few people had RSVPed, there were some potentially sour
moments between the gallery
owner and the artist involved.
Both the
gallery owner and the artist harbored thoughts that the other had not done
as good a job of mailing
invitations or pumping the publicity for the show. This is a problem since
the gallery/artist relationship is based on trust to a large degree.
RSVP’s
can also be used as an arms race. From the gallery owner’s viewpoint – the
last artist show had lots of RSVP’s and the current show has very few.
Means the current artist either: has no clients coming, is relying solely
on the gallery’s drawing power, or the artist ranks so low in the clients
mind that if there is nothing better to do they
will go to his/her show. All not real comforting from the gallery owner’s
view.
The
artist has similar concerns. The gallery has no clients coming, they are
relying solely on the artist’s mailing list,
or the gallery is a very low priority for the client. Problem is that
neither the gallery owner nor the artist can or should address this issue
because of it’s volatility. Not a great way to engender warm fuzzy
relations between a gallery owner and an artist.
During
the show was the other problem. The RSVP’s give the gallery owner a feel
for the logistics involved. Such
as should the band be outside because a crush of people is expected? How
much wine and cheese to order? Should there be police involved to direct
traffic? Does the gallery owner need extra sales or cash/wrap help?
So what
to do? Be kind, RSVP. Yes it does commit you to being someplace but what
better way to spend a night – seeing great art by an artist that you enjoy,
breaking out of the mold of staying home or going to the movies (doing
different things than normal), meeting new people and renewing old
friendships, and perchance buying some art.
Not a bad way to spend an evening.
Your RSVP
is a small item with larger ramifications. Just think, because of your
thoughtfulness, you have indirectly helped make a relationship stronger
(gallery owner/artist). This leads to less tension between the gallery owner
and artist ergo a better evening for the client.
Such a small gift with large benefits.
