Artists In Nashville

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Preparing Your Own Installation

Posted by Melody Erickson on June 4, 2011 at 8:57 PM Comments comments (1)

Following are some tips for preparing for a show where you are responsible for creating and executing your own display. Consistency in Theme and Technique Collectors want to see work that is consistent. They don't want to see all the work you've ever created while experimenting with different methods and styles.

  • When preparing to present your work to a gallery or for a show where you are responsible for installing your own work, keep in mind that the body of work you present is what the gallery curator or collector is going to identify you as being expert at. If your work is all over the place in terms of style you will be labeled a "hobbyist".  
  • It is best to select several pieces of the same style and/or method, preferably in the same color scheme or in color schemes that can be easily transitioned within the scope of your display space.
Handling Your Work
It's not only important that you can speak to the value or importance of your work; you must also "show" that you value your work.
  • According to Jason Horejs at Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ, the reason curators wear white gloves is not just to preserve the art they're handling but also to convey to onlookers that they value the work they are handling. 
  • If a gallery owner or collector were to notice you tossing a painting into the back of your car they would not value that painting as much as if they had seen you carefully and thoughtfully prepare a space for the work and then kindly and gingerly place it into that space. 
Presentation - Gallery Style
The way you display your work is very important if you want to be valued as a professional artist. The most important thing I can share with you on this topic is this:
  • Displays that are cluttered with every piece of work you've ever done scream "Craft Fair!" Unless you are showing at a craft fair, that is not the message you want to send. In this case the "less is more" strategy is your best bet. 
  • Determine a focal point for your display. This should be a prized piece of art that you feel will draw collectors to your display. From there, add a few pieces that will complement that focal piece. If you really want more of your art to be seen, have a portfolio of images with you. This can be on display on a side table or tucked away in a place where it is easily retrievable. 
Presentation - Art Festivals & Other Events
Additional Tips if you are presenting at an Arts Festival or other event where you are charged with setting up your own display:
  • The "less is more" strategy is your best bet. 
  • Coordinate styles and colors in a way that will be pleasing to your audience. If the work you're planning to show is diverse in terms of style, method or color you'll want to find a way to display it so that it flows nicely from one end of the spectrum to the other. 
  • Another idea is to create separate vignettes for each type. 
Remember, you want visitors to your display to be drawn in, not scared away!

Working With Event Management

Posted by Melody Erickson on May 15, 2011 at 6:43 PM Comments comments (0)
If you want to be considered a professional artist, be professional in the way you present your art and in the way you conduct yourself in the art community. That seems like a "no brainer", but trust me when I tell you...it apparently is not to everyone.

Working With Event Management
Part of presenting yourself in a professional manner has to do with following through with commitments.  Here are some pointers:
  1. When you apply for a show, be considerate. It's not about you. It's about the show. There are lots of other artists and other things to be coordinated.
  2. Get your application in on time. 
  3. Pay your entry fee on time.
  4. Show up on time to appointments.
  5. Arrive on time for events.
  6. Have your display set up by the published deadline time.
  7. Do not tear your display down before the published tear down time.
  8. Do not try to dictate to the event management where your space should be situated because after all, you are a professional artist and have a large number of followers. 
  9. If you have to pull out of the event, provide as much notice as possible to the event management. Do not just not show up. When you do not communicate your change of plans to the event manager you do not allow them the opportunity to fill your space or rearrange the space in order to provide a better visitor experience. This reflects badly on you, and you probably will not be invited back.
  10. No Excuses! The quickest way to damage your reputation in any field of work is to practice poor follow through and hide behind excuses. If you've made a mistake, take ownership. You can lose credibility fast in this industry. Be a man or woman of your word and you will become respected by both event management and your peers! 
Bringing It Home:
While it is true that some event managers are not as organized, prepared and professional as you might like them to be, it will reflect badly on you if you do not present yourself in the most professional manner. Headaches caused by poor planning on the side of event management should not be related back to your visitors. When the event is over, the visitors will have opinions about the event as a whole, but they will also have opinions about the participating artists with whom they visited. You'll want that opinion to be a good one!