Friday night was the reception for my first gallery show. In a previous post I talked about my upcoming show at the Red Raven Gallery in Lancaster, PA, and the big day was yesterday. For a small city, Lancaster really knows how to do a First Friday. They had a band playing in the square, lots of galleries open to show new art, and tons of people walking around having a good time.
Being at my first opening was a mixed bag. Of course, it was thrilling to walk into a gallery and see a wall of my paintings hanging there. It was exciting to see people filing past and stop to comment on pieces that they like and compliment me on what they found interesting in my work. And I had a chance to meet some other artists who were a lot of fun to spend time with. Two in particular are Regina Martin and Roberta Little.
But there was a harder side. For one, it meant 3-1/2 hours of standing near my art in the gallery with a smile, waiting for someone to ask me a question or respond when I greeted them. And there was the man asked me if I was one of the artists, then pointed to another wall and said "I like that stuff." And, of course, I heard some unkind comments (they came later, after the wine had been flowing a bit.)
So now I know why more experienced artists have told me that they often don't attend these openings.
They are hard.
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9 comments:
Big Congratulations to YOU, you survivior! That "standing and delivering" IS difficult...I am not sure there is any other way, but slowly, slowly, slowly you get a bit more used to it.
I am always somewhat taken aback by people's loud voiced opinions, too, especially the less than kind ones....to/about any artist in an exhibit. Save that for later!
Anyhow, I don't know if you read back in my blog enough to find this post, but I think you will resonate, so I will link it up!
http://lizcrainsoulceramics.blogspot.com/2009/06/art-reception-food.html
Again, congratulations...you look great and so does your work!
Hi, Liz.
Your entry rang so true; especially the part about the art being the ignored visitor. My opening was on a First Friday, and it was so crowded that my best bet was to stay out of the way as the lines shuffled through, like they were queued up for a Disney ride.
But it was great in the beginning when people were
wandering around and asking about the pictures.
Deb
Deb, enjoyed reading your blog! Maybe we'll get to meet next May, my husband and I always go to the ASE, our son is an alumni. What a great school!
Your work is pretty darn terrific, too. I'll enjoy watching your progress!
Hi, Robin.
Thanks for checking out the blog, and for your compliments on my work. As you know, PAFA is a terrific school that really focuses on skill building. It is a great opportunity to be there.
It would be great to see you at the ASE. That is such a wonderful show; it is the reason I applied to the school. I was trying to decide where to go next, and when I saw that student show I realized, "this is a place that knows how to teach excellence!"
What comes next is anyone's guess!
Deb
Hey Deb...remember me from printmaking? Congratulations on your first show..from what I can see, your work is fresh, unique, and beautiful. I've been keeping up with you, reading your painting-a-day or blog thing occasionally. My husband and I are coming to Philly for our anniversary in October (24/25). I plan on visiting as many galleries/studios as I can while we're there. How can I get news on art events that will occur that weekend? Any suggestions? Where should we eat? We'll be downtown...Congratulations again on your show. I really am envious of your getting to attend such a fine art school.
Lori Simmerman Goll
Congratulations on your show! Red Raven is one of my favorite galleries in Lancaster and it's great that you were able to show there.
Hi, Wendy.
You are right, Red Raven is a great place to have a first show...Lee the manager is so helpful and encouraging. Friendly people, nice setting, it is hard to beat that!
Thanks for the congrats!
Deb
Hi, Lori.
Sure, I remember printmaking together. Nice to hear that you are checking out my blog.
Thanks for the compliments on my work. I am really flattered by the words you use to describe it.
I sent a message to your facebook account.
Deb
Hi Deb,
Great to see your Red Raven show via your blog. Thanks for posting such an honest account of your experience.
I know you can't make our first Art Marketing Support Group at the Oxford Arts Alliance, but I'll keep you in the loop. Let me know when you're next out this way. Paula
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